What Shock Absorbers do and when to replace them

Shock absorbers – unless you're in the field of auto mechanics – are just foreign terms that have something to do with a car.  As with most things, you just drive your car around and hope that it'll be okay until you take her in to the shop again.  But, shock absorbers are critical to the comfort, drivability and safety of our cars.  So, understanding how shock absorbers work,as in, what they do, and signs that they need to be replaced is critical to understand.  You don't need to be an expert in the field by any stretch, but you should know the basics so that you can best protect yourself and your car.

What are shock absorbers and what do they do?

            Shock absorbers, in their simplest form, are the parts of your car that keep your tyres on the roadway.  Think about it in terms of movement.  When you drive over bumps, your shock absorbers smooth out the terrain as much as possible, and in doing that, they make sure that you wheels keep in full, steady contact with the pavement below you.

            When your shocks are not working as they should, the tyres are not making contact with the ground as they should (not reliably, anyway) and that means that you'll find differences in your stopping distance, your overall comfort, your tyre wear and more. 

Signs they need replacement:

            If you're concerned about your shock absorbers, there are some helpful signs to watch for that will tell you that your shock absorbers should be addressed in terms of being replaced or, at the very least, looked at by a professional.

• Lots of bumps and clangs as you drive: If you notice that even the smallest bumps or cracks feel like you just ran over a boulder (and sounded the part), it's a good sign that your shock absorbers are not doing the job they should and need to be addressed.

• Vibrating in the steering wheel: If your wheel is vibrating when you’re driving (particularly at high speeds), it could mean that your shock absorbers are not making proper contract (via the tyres) with the road beneath you.  The faster you go, the more pronounced this will become. These vibrations mean that you don't have the same control over your stopping distance or you’re steering, so it's an important sign to watch for.

• Car sliding all over the road:  With a gentle breeze, your car should stand strong on its lane. If you find it hard to keep driving in a straight line, however, especially in a light breeze, it's another sign that your shock absorbers need work.

Whether you've recognized these signs of you just want peace of mind in your comfort, getting an your car's shock absorbers an once-over in Coffs Harbour is as simple as bringing it to us to ensure it is in ship-shape condition.