If your shock absorbers are leaking, then it is time to change them. File Photo
In Summary
I am sure you have heard this before. “Your shocks are blown and need replacing.” You are quoted some astronomical price and you immediately ask yourself, “How important are these things … do I really need to replace them?” These are good questions that deserve attention, Joseph Kato explains.
Many people have at one point or another wondered what role is played by shock absorbers on a vehicle. This is especially true for new drivers.
Bruhan Mukisa, the director of Banapo Auto Garage, on Kiwempe Road in Kansanga explains.
He defines shock absorbers as hydraulic devices that help to control the impact and reverberation of vehicle’s springs and suspensions.
The role of shock absorbers is to ensure that the vehicle’s tyres remain in interaction with the road surface at all times which ensure control and braking components of the car.
Mukisa summarises the common problems of shock absorbers as follows; “rear shock absorbers can leak causing the rear end of the car to feel ‘loose’ and bouncy on bumps. leakage, noise and unsteadiness on the road.
“The car shocks have a problem once you see some oil or grease leaking. Damaged shock absorbers produce a lot of noise especially when the car hits a bumpy road. The car can become unstable and will veer off the road,” Mukisa explains.
Some of the factors that cause damage to shock absorbers include overloading, reckless driving and bad roads.
Geoffrey Wanjala, a senior mechanic at Good Life Motor Garage in Namuwongo, says shock absorbers will enhance or break your driving experience.
There are three major types of shock absorbers; electrical shock absorbers, coiled and uncoiled shock absorbers. Electrical shock absorbers are found in vehicles such as Prados, BMWs and Range Rovers. Electrical shock absorbers elevate the vehicle in potholed roads. The driver simply presses a button to lift the vehicle high when driving through bad roads.
The coiled and uncoiled help to keep the vehicle firm on the road.
Shock absorbers are as vital as the vehicle steering system, tyres and brakes, all of which do not function properly when driving with worn shock absorbers.
Shock absorbers control the up and down motion of the vehicle’s wheels. When the wheels pass over bumps or dips, it is handled mostly by the springs.
Tell-tale sign for worn-out shocks
The significant sign for worn-out shock absorbers include; increased wear of tyres and other suspension components, increased risk of sliding, less control when cornering or when caught in a cross wind, reduced efficiency of anti-lock, reduced braking efficiency resulting in longer stopping distances and increased passenger discomfort.
He says that damaged shock absorbers make a lot of unpleasant noise especially when the tyres hit potholes.
Coiled and uncoiled shock absorbers produce oil and gas respectively.
“Non-electric shock absorbers are filled with oil, which hydraulically dampen the suspension and prevent the wheels from bouncing. Due to this component, tyre to road contact is upheld over bumps and waves. This in turn allows control of the vehicle to be maintained,” he explains.
Did you know?
The shock absorbers in your car aid in ride control by keeping the car manageable during regular driving. They do this by keeping the tyres down on the road and not allowing them to bounce after hitting a bump. This allows for ease of making turns and handling. An oil leak through damage or wear can affect the performance of a shock absorber.
According to Auto Zone vehicle website, other symptoms of damaged shock absorbers may involve vibration of the steering wheel which is usually caused by extra movement of the suspension.
Other signs of damaged shocks may include difficulty in controlling the car’s movements especially on bridges, cliffs and narrow roads which puts you and passengers at risk.
This can make the car swerve uncontrollably, and especially at higher speeds.
Considerations for replacing shocks
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