Shock absorbers, as they are also known, ensure that your wheels remain in contact with the ground by causing your wheels to rebound back to keep your wheels planted even over humps. Shocks are typically oil-filled and contain components that limit the flow of oil. Seals can leak and oil can leak out over time, causing the oil to degrade.
Over time and even if you've been taking care of your vehicle's maintenance schedule and having regular check-ups during a routine car service in Reading, you may notice that your car becomes less and less comfortable as you drive over bump after bump and pothole after pothole. The shocks in your car's suspension take a lot of abuse and are one of the key wear components that need to be replaced after a while.
But
how can you tell? Here are a few tell-tale signs that your car's shock
absorbers need to be replaced:
1. Excessive motion or movement
A damper's primary function is to control the compression and rebound of the
spring. If your shock is worn out, your car will feel as if it is only
supported by springs. You do not need to go out on the road to check this.
Open the hood and place weight on the car to test the front
shocks. Push down on the chassis with some force and then watch how the front
reacts. You'd want the car to spring back up and settle after you've pushed it
down. If your shock is blown, your car will move up and down multiple times.
More factors will come into play as the componentry becomes more complex, so it
is best to have those types checked by a certified mechanic. Repeat for the
back by opening the boot or rear door and pushing down. Observe how the
car's rear reacts in the same way as the front. You want the car to spring back
up and settle down once more.
2. The ride is bouncy
When driving on normal
roads, faulty shocks will make your ride extremely uncomfortable. You will
notice that there is a lot of body movement when going over bumps, whether they
are fast or slow. Driving slowly over roads should be smooth and controlled,
with no excessive up and down motion. If you notice yourself bouncing off your
seat, it's a sign that your shocks need to be replaced.
3. There is an oil leak
As previously stated,
most shocks are oil-filled, and if the seals on your damper have failed, you
may need to rebuild or replace the shock absorber. Without the suspension oil,
the shock will be under-damped, resulting in a bouncy ride.
You can also visually inspect the suspension of your vehicle.
If you notice any oil on your springs or suspension shocks on a dry day,
you should replace them.
4. Unusual tread wear on tyres
Another
visual indicator that your shocks need to be replaced is if your tyres have
unusual tread wear. If your suspension is out of alignment, your tyres will
have uneven tread wear and will appear different from normal wear and tear.
When shocks wear out, scalloped dips form along the edge of the tread, which
can be extremely dangerous if left alone.
So, what should I do?
When
you've determined that your suspension isn't performing optimally, replace
it. In any case, you should take your car to a certified mechanic to have it
serviced and repaired properly. It is also critical to have your car's
suspension aligned after the repair after your suspension has been reassembled.
When
compared to replacement, rebuilding your suspension is the more cost-effective
option. Unless you have a bespoke suspension system with rarer-than-gold
suspension shocks and springs, you can have your car rebuilt by a suspension
specialist. If the repair is minor, you may be able to save money by
rebuilding. Expect the performance to return to, or very close to, stock.
If
you select the replacement option, the only thing you must ensure is that you
are replacing your shock with a replacement-quality part or directly from an
OEM part supplier.
After
you've replaced your parts, make sure to have your suspension adjusted and
aligned so your car handles properly.
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