SHOCK ABSORBERS
It’s never pleasant to feel you are bouncing along in the car, either for the driver or the passengers. And nor is it safe. If this happens, go at once to one of our centres because your shock absorbers are likely to broken or worn.
Shock absorbers take up irregularities in the ground and ensure your car stays in contact with the surface. If you do not replace a damaged shock absorber, your safety at the wheel will be compromised: you will need a longer braking distance, it increases the chance of skidding or aquaplaning, and you may lose control on a bendy road. Driving under these circumstances will increase your tiredness at the wheel and reduce your response times.
Also if you continue to drive, you could damage other parts of the car's chassis, cause excess wear on the tyres and increase fuel consumption.
When do I have to service the shock absorbers?
Shock absorbers wear gradually, and sometimes we do not realise it, nor the danger this poses. So they should be serviced every 12,000 - 18,000m.
Also if you notice that your car is making unusual noises at potholes or bends, tilts to one side, or is down more at the front or back, or the lights vibrate when driving at night, you are likely to have a problem with the shock absorbers. Book in for a checkup.
When you change the shock absorbers, it will be necessary to balance and realign your vehicle in order not to cause abnormal wear on other parts. This means you will enjoy the most comfortable, safe driving conditions.
Why overhaul shock absorbers?
- Keeps the tyres in contact with the road at all times
- Provides safer, more comfortable driving
- Maximises tyres life
- Avoids wear and tear of other parts of the car
SHOCK ABSORBERS FAQs
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SHOCK ABSORBERS ARE IN POOR CONDITION?
If you notice the car is swinging when you brake sharply, or if you find it leans over too much on bends, or when you hit a pothole, and the car takes too long to stabilise.
IS IT NORMAL FOR ME NOT TO REALISE THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBERS ARE LESS EFFECTIVE?
Yes, because it is a part we use every day, and you get used to the poor performance of your vehicle.
COULD THE CAR BRAKE LESS EFFECTIVELY IF THE SHOCK ABSORBERS ARE IN POOR CONDITION?
Yes, the shock absorber ensures contact between the tyre and road, and the less contact there is, the longer the braking distance.