EdupradaIs it better to choose gas or hydraulic shock absorbers? Each with their own properties, gas and oil shock absorbers are not suitable for the same vehicles and the same types of driving.
They don’t have the same price either. We explain how to choose between gas or oil shock absorbers!
What is the difference between a gas or oil shock absorber?
Shock absorbers are a part of your vehicle’s suspension. Their role is to absorb and therefore weaken shocks by dampening vibrations. Shock absorbers have both a role of comfort but also a role of safety, because they contribute to the good handling of your vehicle. For this reason, they must be changed every 80 to 100,000 kilometers.
There are different types of shock absorbers , the most common being the hydraulic shock absorber . It is composed of a cylinder with two different chambers, the first filled with oil, the other with air.
When your car moves, a piston pushes out the oil which then moves into the inner tube. The air is thus compressed. The displacement of oil slows down the suspension and thus dampens vibrations in the passenger compartment.
Today, a new, more recent type of shock absorber has appeared: the gas shock absorber . Pressurized nitrogen then replaces the air. The gas shock absorber has several advantages:
- The gas allows a more vigorous reaction of the whole;
- Good handling ;
- Less sensitivity to overheating ;
- The adjustable gas pressure makes it a good shock absorber for competition.
However, the gas shock absorber is also more expensive than a hydraulic shock absorber. It is also harder and can therefore be more uncomfortable.
What are the best shock absorbers?
The best shock absorbers for your car are the ones that are best suited to it. The majority of city cars are equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers, but a 4×4 for example needs strong shock absorbers to withstand the shocks of irregular roads. Likewise, competition cars are not equipped with the same shock absorbers.
There are several types of shock absorbers:
- The hydraulic spring shock absorber , the most common;
- The hydropneumatic shock absorber ;
- The pneumatic shock absorber , which is used in particular for trucks and transport vehicles;
- The inertia shock absorber , found for example on the famous 2CV;
- The hydraulic vane shock absorber .
In principle, a classic driver does not really have to choose his shock absorbers. He uses those that are fitted to his production vehicle. However, if you are looking to have the best shock absorbers for your car, make sure that they guarantee you:
- The best possible grip, on the ground but also in turns;
- Good resistance to wind, particularly lateral and at high speed;
- Reduced wear and tear on other parts of your vehicle;
- A reduction in aquaplaning ;
- Better braking distance .
Choose quality shock absorbers to ensure longer resistance to time and wear, because changing shock absorbers is a costly intervention. In addition, good shock absorbers also guarantee you better safety.
Which shock absorber to choose: gas or oil?
Gas or oil, which are the best shock absorbers? It all depends on what you’re looking for! The choice of gas or oil shock absorbers is based on different criteria:
- Your vehicle and how you use it ;
- The price ;
- The handling you need;
- The comfort you want in the cabin.
Each of these two types of shock absorbers has its advantages and disadvantages. To help you compare the two, we have created a summary table of the characteristics of gas and oil shock absorbers.
| Benefits | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
| Gas shock absorbers | – Better handling – Limitation of vertical movements – Reduction in braking distance – Less overheating | – Higher price – Less longevity – Less comfort |
| Oil shock absorbers | – Lower price – Greater longevity – Superior comfort – Wide selection of models | – Not very suitable for racing cars – Greater braking distance – Inferior handling |
For comfort, gas or oil shock absorber?
If you drive a city car in the city and comfort is your first criterion, the hydraulic shock absorbers most likely installed on your car will do the job very well. There really isn’t a good or bad shock absorber, just shock absorbers that suit your riding and needs.
So a classic family car or a vehicle that only drives in town does not need gas shock absorbers. If you don’t have a sports car and don’t drive on bad roads, hydraulic shock absorbers provide you with good suspension at a reasonable price.
For a 4×4 or a utility vehicle, would you rather have a gas or oil shock absorber?
But it all depends on your vehicle. The shock absorbers of a 4×4 or utility vehicle are under greater strain. The suspensions of a 4×4 must absorb more shock, while those of a utility vehicle or a truck must support more weight. In this case, gas shock absorbers can guarantee better handling.
If you drive a race car, you will definitely look into gas shock absorbers. With a shorter braking distance and lower heating, they are almost essential in competition.
Our opinion on gas or oil shock absorbers is therefore very simple: choosing good shock absorbers requires above all a definition of your driving style and your needs. Gas shock absorbers are suitable for sporty driving; hydraulic shock absorbers guarantee greater comfort. If you want to change your shock absorbers, entrust your vehicle to a trusted mechanic!