Like many car parts, shock absorbers tend to wear out over time, and knowing when that will happen is crucial for you to maintain the performance of your car. Replacing the shocks at the right time ensures that your car is safe to drive.
Shock absorbers are part of your car's suspension system and act as a buffer between your car and any vibrations that it picks up on the road. They can be found on the rear wheels.
There are essentially three different types of car shocks, including the conventional twin tube variant, a mono-tube type, and a spool valve. The twin-tube type is perhaps the most common one.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Car Shock Absorber?
On average, car shocks last for 4-5 years at the very least. However, they can deteriorate more quickly if you drive on rough roads frequently. This lifespan can extend to as long as ten years if you mostly drive on a smooth surface.
Generally, your car’s shocks may need replacement much earlier than the abovementioned timeframes, depending on how you use your car. For this reason, a better measure of its useful life is the distance that your car has clicked. A good rule of thumb is to have your car shocks replaced every 80,000 kilometres. As emphasised, this will not apply to all cases, as multiple factors like road quality impact the lifespan of shock absorbers.
What Are the Symptoms of a Failing Car Shock Absorber?
Just like the human body, car shocks also have a way of informing you when they’re not in their optimum health. Look out for the following signs:
1. The car bounces more than usual.
2. The rear suspension produces a knocking sound.
3. The car performs poorly on a rough surface.
4. Brake distances have become longer.
If your vehicle takes around 20% more distance to come to a full stop when you push the brakes, that’s one way to tell that you need the car shocks checked. It needs no further stressing that a faulty shock and a compromised braking system endanger your safety as well as other drivers' safety on the road.
Faulty shock absorbers can also make your car dive when you push the brakes, and this should also be a warning sign that your shock absorbers need replacing. The hazard it poses can double if you're driving on a wet road, which can cause your car to get out of control.
A milder symptom is an increase in the vibration you experience while driving your car. Since a major function performed by shock absorbers is that they filter out vibrations picked up from the road, failure to deliver this benefit should immediately warn you of worn shocks.
A less pronounced, but noticeable nonetheless, sign is when your car starts to tilt towards one side as you drive. This can mean an underperforming shock absorber, although this may also occur if your wheels are unbalanced. In either case, get your vehicle checked out by a professional.
Bouncier rides also happen as an offshoot of shocks that are no longer doing their job. This is easy to notice, and there is usually no other reason for your car to perform in this manner. Such bouncing can become unbearable if you drive on a rough road and can potentially damage other car parts as well.
Apart from these symptoms, there are visual indications that your car needs new shock absorbers. The first one is the presence of oil stains on the top surface of the shocks. If it's a unit that is liquid-based, then there would be moisture present on the top surface or dripping on the sides.
Replacing Car Shock Absorbers
While you may be a pro at replacing many other car parts in your vehicle, it is best to seek the help of a professional mechanic when it comes to car shock absorbers. It is not only more feasible, since replacing car shocks requires specialised tools like spring compressors, but also safer since doing an imperfect job can cause more damage to your car's suspension system and lead to problems on the road.
You have to replace your car's shock absorber as soon as you start noticing imperfections in its performance. Doing so can prolong the life of other car parts and ensure your safety.
For more information on maintaining your car, visit www.carpart.com.au to access how-to guides and expert advice on car maintenance. Also, our online auto parts buying and selling platform is the best place to start your search for car parts and professional assistance.