The suspension system in your car is made up of several different components – but shock absorbers are perhaps one of the most vital. Designed to absorb the impact from bumps and potholes in the road, shock absorbers are cylindrical pump-like devices which convert the kinetic energy of your suspension into thermal energy.
What Do Shock Absorbers Do?
In simple terms, shock absorbers help to make driving your car a smoother and more comfortable experience. Fully functioning shocks will improve everything from the handling of your vehicle to how responsive it is to braking. While it is possible to drive with broken shock absorbers, it can be extremely dangerous for both you and other drivers on the road – especially at high speeds – so we recommend replacing them as soon as it becomes necessary.
How Long Do Shock Absorbers Last?
There are several key factors which directly impact the lifespan of your shock absorbers, including your mileage, what kind of roads and terrain you drive on, and even your driving style. With this in mind, it’s hard to reliably state how long shock absorbers should last on average, but according to most manufacturers, they can function well for anywhere between 5 to 10 years before a replacement is required.
What Are The Symptoms Of Faulty Shock Absorbers?
If you suspect your shock absorbers might be on their last legs, there’s a handful of different symptoms to look out for, all of which indicate that they’re no longer working properly. Here are the key signs of faulty shock absorbers:
- Uneven tyres – your tyres should wear down fairly evenly, but worn shock absorbers can cause certain patches to bald sooner than others.
- The nose dips when you break – this is usually caused by old shocks letting fluid out, so that the pistons move more.
- Vibrating steering wheel – it’s normal for your steering wheel to judder on an uneven road, but if this occurs all the time, your shock absorbers aren’t doing their job.
- Swerving or swaying – they’re also responsible for stabilising your vehicle, so you might find your car sways more in the wind.
- Rattling – usually your shocks would absorb any jostling from bumps in the road, so if they’re malfunctioning, you may notice a rattling noise.
- Increased stopping distance – without working shock absorbers, your tyres won’t be as responsive to braking.
How To Find The Right Shock Absorbers
If you’re not an automotive expert or enthusiast, finding the right shock absorbers for your car can seem tricky – but Euro Car Parts offers a quick and easy solution. Put your registration number into our convenient Fast Finder tool, and we’ll only show you parts which are compatible with your exact make and model, so there’s no risk of buying the wrong product. We also offer complimentary click and collect from your local branch, or home delivery to UK addresses.
