The critical importance of shock absorber replacement for driving safety | YorkMix

Oct 22, 2024

Tue 22 Oct

Tue 22 Oct 2024 @ 12:27pmYorkMixLifestyle

The focus on road safety has increased a lot in the past years, as more than a million people die on road every year. This has intensified the global road safety efforts, which includes keeping vehicles up to date on maintenance.

In York, where local winter weather conditions can be harsh on drivers, a vital component which is often overlooked are shock absorbers, which are vital for ensuring safe driving. For more information, you can visit the AUTODOC website where you can read a lot of information about shock absorbers. With recent statistics from York showing a growing number of road-related injuries, fatalities, and accidents, it is more crucial than ever to be aware of these components. Many accidents in York and beyond can be avoided by mitigating vehicle malfunctions or underperformance due to delayed maintenance. Shock absorber replacement is particularly crucial for comfort and for controlling the stability of a vehicle and its response on the road.

Shock absorbers, also referred to as shocks, is a part of the suspension system of a vehicle. It is designed to manage the impact and rebound of driving on uneven surfaces. The main purpose is to keep the tired grounded by ensuring optimal contact with the road. On the flip side, if shocks fail, then a car will experience excessive bouncing, poor handling, and a reduction of braking efficiency. As a result, the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle increases.

According to the World Health Organization, 1.19 million people died from road accidents in 2023. In York, there was on average 286 auto accidents occurring daily in 2020, with three fatalities and 168 injured persons per day. There are many of these fatalities that could have bene avoided through proper vehicle maintenance, which also include suspension system upkeep. It is especially faulty shocks, struts, or springs which compromises a vehicle’s stability, which is making it difficult to handle the vehicle in adverse conditions. Poor shock absorbers are not the sole cause, but it does contribute to the risk of accidents, as it reduces the effectiveness of essential safety systems.

It is within your responsibility as a car owner to address shock absorber issues promptly and in time. This will prevent you from costly repairs, while also ensure vehicle safety. To handle replacements in a timely manner, you should ensure to have routine inspections of your vehicle. This will always include check of the suspension system. If your car’s shocks have not been replaced after 50,000 miles, you should have them checked by a professional. In addition, you should watch out for the symptoms listed below.

When needing to replace your shock absorbers, you should always consult a mechanic. It is a task for professionals, as a qualified mechanic will ensure proper installation and adjustment, which includes alignment checks, which is very important for suspension work. You should also consider high-quality parts. Not all shock absorbers are created equal, so investing in higher-quality parts can extend the lifespan of your shocks. It can also provide better performance. You can for example get more information about shock absorber for BMW 1 series from AUTODOC website, as these shock absorbers are one of high-quality if you are driving a BMW 1.

A rule of thumb is that shock absorbers should be replaced after about 50,000 miles, but this number does vary depending on the vehicle model, road conditions, and driving habits. Shock degrades slowly over time, and this gradual decline in performance can be hard to detect. But there are significant consequences of worn-out shocks. Firstly, it results in reduced vehicle control- Failing shocks can make it harder to steer, especially when turning and manoeuvring. This can be especially dangerous on wet and icy roads. Secondly, it results in longer braking distances. Worn shock increase braking distances since they cannot absorb the energy from sudden stops. This leads to excessive weight transfer, which can result in the vehicle to nosedive.

Thirdly, it can result in uneven tire wear. Bad shocks can lead to uneven tire wear, which can result in additional costs for premature tire replacement. It can also increase the risk of a blowout while driving. Lastly, it can result in increased risk of accidents. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has revealed that many accidents are linked to vehicle performance issues. A significant contributing factor are worn suspension parts such as shocks.

Being able to identify when shock absorbers are failing is critical. Some of the common symptoms which you can keep an eye out for include:

In addition to these symptoms, you should also be on the lookout for unusual noises such as clunking and squeaking.

Even though it might seem like a minor concern, replacing work shock absorbers is an essential component. If not done, it can lead to major safety risks on the road. This is why you should take responsibility as a car owner and check up on your shock absorbers.