What is affected by faulty car shock absorbers

Shock absorbers are devices designed to dampen vibrations. They absorb shocks from the wheels and suspension and prevent the wheels from detaching from the road surface. They work together with springs and torsions. From their condition depends on the safety of driving. This means the smoothness of the car, the handling of the car and stability on broken roads.

There are different types of devices fitted to vehicles. They differ in their operating principle and design features. For example, one-way shock absorbers absorb energy during rebound. But in double-sided shock absorbers, vibrations are absorbed when the shock absorber rod moves. It is difficult to give a definite answer to the question, which shock absorbers are better. Each type of mechanism has its own peculiarities. In modern business and premium class cars equipped with the so-called adaptive chassis control system, gas-hydraulic shock absorbers with variable elastic properties are used.

Basic principles of shock absorber failure

How do shock absorbers work? The devices consist of several elements. They are a cylinder, a rod and a piston. The cylinder contains a special fluid. The piston moves inside it. It is attached to the rod. The rod is connected to the body of the vehicle. The principle of operation of the vibration dampening device is based on the conversion of mechanical energy into thermal energy.

During prolonged use and without proper maintenance, shock absorbers wear out. This has a negative effect on many things:

The shock absorbers wear out.

• increased braking distances by 20 per cent - so road safety is significantly reduced. This affects the driver and other road users
• cornering skids - increases the risk of losing control of the car;
• poor grip of the wheels with the surface - the behaviour of the car deteriorates. The trajectory of movement is confused even on a smooth track;
• timely tyre wear - one of the reasons for reduced safety on the road.

Squeak when the car sways

Shock absorber failure occurs frequently. It can be loss of tightness, corrosion on the stem, worn O-rings, damage to the rebound and compression dampers. To find out whether the shock absorbers are serviceable, you should pay attention to the sway of the car when driving. If on bends and bumps the swaying increases and a squeak is heard, it is necessary to address to a service station. Besides, yawing of the car at speeds above 70 km/h is also a sure sign that the condition of elastic elements of suspension should be checked. Specialists will check the condition of the main elements of the shock absorbers and eliminate the malfunction.

You can also check the shock absorbers when the car is at rest. To do this, press the front of the car with a certain force. If the body smoothly returns to the original position, everything is normal. If there are sharp vibrations, the shock absorbers are defective. Unfortunately, this method of checking is suitable mainly for shock absorbers of old car models. It is impossible to make serious conclusions about the condition of shock absorbers in this way, but to determine «dry» amort, from which the working fluid has leaked – is quite suitable.

Car tyre wear

Considering the causes of wear and tear of car tyres, it is impossible not to mention shock absorbers. When these devices are not in proper condition, the load on the wheels increases. This has a devastating effect on the tyres. They wear out much faster. This is a direct threat to safety on the road. Worn tyres have poor contact with the road surface. The wheels slip on wet and icy surfaces. This causes the vehicle to skid and lead to an accident.

The effect of shock absorbers on increased braking distance

Faulty shock absorbers are a frequent cause of road accidents. If there is no damping, the braking distance increases by 20 – 40 per cent. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the centre of gravity is shifted to the front wheels. At the same time, the rear of the car is unloaded. In most cases, this situation results in a loss of vehicle stability on the road.

Faulty shock absorbers are a serious problem directly related to occupant safety. That's why you need to go straight to a workshop when it happens. This way you can avoid an accident and save your life and the lives of others.