Learn About Shock Absorbers

At the beginning of August 2023, the Department of Transport launched a war-against-potholes campaign. This is in response to the national pothole crises which compromises motorists’ safety as well as costs them financially.

Struts and shocks both make up parts of what we call a suspension system. However, they play very different roles while still contributing to the overall safety and handling of your ride. Of course, they also work to maintain tyre-to-road contact.

Shocks (and struts) are safety-critical components. Because they generally wear out gradually over time, the negative effects on safety and performance are not easily noticeable. How long they last depends on a number of factors, such as vehicle load, road and environmental conditions, as well as your driving style.

Whether on our daily commute or going on a drive trip, navigating South African roads come with its challenges. More than having to deal with distracted drivers on their cell phones or non-operational traffic lights, there is also the issue of South Africa’s “national flower”.

It's common knowledge that tyres play a major role in vehicle safety, but few people consider the role of shocks or struts and how they affect the safe operation of a vehicle. These have a direct effect on your vehicle’s components and performance, which in turn affects the safety of your car on the road.

Aside from helping you maintain control of your vehicle and provide a smooth and comfortable ride, shock absorbers help keep a car’s tyres in contact with the road. The suspension system absorbs sudden shocks and dampens shock vibrations.

Your shock absorbers are critical safety components on your car and can be classified into two basic types – standalone shocks that attach to the vehicle suspension and frame, and shock-absorber cartridges that are integrated into a suspension strut.

What are shock absorbers on a car and what do they do? By absorbing vibrations and jolts they help maintain a comfortable ride, and they also serve to keep your tyres in contact with the road surface. There are also different shocks for different types of vehicles that serve specific functions.

Worn shocks on a vehicle are due to a number of reasons such as the terrain a car is driven on, environmental conditions, and the handling style of the driver. By understanding what causes your shock absorbers to wear, you can take measures to extend their lifespan and avoid premature replacement.