The importance of shock absorbers

Shock absorbers, along with tires and brakes, are essential for the safety of your vehicle when in motion, as they represent the difference between stopping in time and taking a good turn, or failing to do so and suffering an accident.

Speaking of the importance of shock absorbers, here are some of the functions they perform in the vehicle:

• They maintain stability on the road when passing over a pothole or uneven surface.

• They keep the tires in contact with the ground at all times.

• They help prevent excessive tire wear.

• They absorb impacts and bumps on the road, providing comfort to the passengers inside the vehicle.

Shock absorbers in poor condition will minimize all of the above functions, putting our safety at risk when the car is in motion. The vehicle will be less stable, less agile when performing quick maneuvers, and will require a longer distance to stop and prevent an accident. This will also affect safety systems such as ABS or traction control (if your car is equipped with them), as they will be less effective.

It’s important to periodically check your car’s shock absorbers, along with the shock absorber mounts and springs, to prevent malfunction. It is recommended that the inspection be done every 20,000 to 30,000 km (an average of 1 to 2 years depending on vehicle usage), and that they be replaced approximately every 80,000 km, based on usage conditions.

Every car is different, but safety should be equally prioritized to prevent issues that can be solved with an inspection.