EdupradaYour car’s shock absorbers not only improve your driving comfort, they also largely ensure your safety when driving. It is therefore important for you to know the signs of wear on your shock absorbers to anticipate any danger! In this article, we explain to you when to change your shock absorbers and what to do if your shock absorbers are worn or broken!
When to change your shock absorbers?
Unlike an alternator, starter or battery problem, no light will come on on the dashboard to warn you of an out of order shock absorber. Wear on shock absorbers is gradual, unlike other parts which can fail overnight. It is estimated that they need to be changed every 80,000 kilometers on average.
However, we advise you to be extra vigilant and pay attention to the following symptoms:
Reduced comfort when driving
If you feel your driving comfort dropping, it may be a sign of a shock absorber problem . More specifically if you notice that:
- Shocks are less well absorbed .
- The car bounces a lot at every speed bump or pothole.
- The handling loses quality .
- The brakes seem less effective .
A progressive loss of control of the vehicle
The rear of the car deflects in tight turns and becomes unusually sensitive to gusts of wind ? If the vehicle is harder to control than usual, this likely indicates a broken shock absorber.
Oil is visible on the shock absorbers and the tires are wearing prematurely
The oil circulating inside the shock absorber is supposed to stay there: if you see it on your shock absorbers, it’s generally a bad sign.
Also pay attention to your shock absorbers if your tires are wearing down too quickly : this may mean that the shock absorbers are no longer doing their job and the car may be unbalanced. In this case, it is possible that the tires absorb shocks instead of the shock absorbers.
The car makes an unusual noise
Among these noises, all have a different meaning:
- A knocking sound when turning or slowing down indicates worn shock absorbers that are causing the coil springs on the chassis to vibrate.
- A sort of groaning noise indicates advanced wear of the steering mechanism.
- A squeaking or rattling sound indicates a problem with the ball joints.
All these noises can, however, be linked to worn shock absorbers and should alert you.
What are the causes of wear or breakage of shock absorbers?
It is basically the type of driving that is responsible for the wear of the shock absorbers. Here are some driving tips to avoid premature wear or even breakage of your shock absorbers :
- Brake for speed bumps and road impacts : When you encounter speed bumps or bumps in the road, it is important to brake lightly to reduce the impact on the shock absorbers. A smoother ride helps preserve the life of the shock absorbers;
- Do not overload your car : excess weight can put excessive pressure on the shock absorbers, which can lead to premature wear. Respect the load capacity recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle ( GVWR );
- Adopt smooth, smooth driving : avoid sudden acceleration, sudden braking and excessively sharp turns. Smoother, more consistent driving reduces stress on the shock absorbers;
- Regularly check the condition of the roads you use : if you frequently drive on roads in poor condition, with many potholes or damaged surfaces, your shock absorbers may wear out more quickly. In this case, more frequent checking of their condition is recommended;
- Carry out regular maintenance : have the condition of your shock absorbers checked regularly during periodic inspections of your vehicle. Qualified technicians will be able to detect signs of wear and advise you on the actions to take.
By driving carefully and following these tips, you can extend the life of your shock absorbers and reduce the risk of premature wear or breakage.