SHOCK ABSORBER SAFETY
Shocks and struts are key components of the suspension system. Replacing worn or inadequate shocks and struts and thoroughly inspecting the entire suspension system will help to maintain good vehicle safety and control.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF WORN SHOCK ABSORBERS?
Although the best way to test your shock absorbers is through a workshop and road test by a qualified technician, there are some very distinctive signs of excessive shock absorber wear and tear you can keep an eye out for. Depending on the type of shock absorber fitted to your vehicle, they may need replacing or repairing.
Stopping
At 50kmh, just one worn shock absorber can increase your stopping distance by up to 2 metres!
Steering
Worn shock absorbers can cause your tyres to lose contact with the road, dramatically affecting steering.
Stability
Worn shock absorbers cause excessive sway around corners, making the car a lot less stable.
TROUBLE STOPPING
Worn shock absorbers can add as much as 20% to your stopping distance! That’s the sort of fault that can be fatal and requires immediate attention.
NOSE-DIVING AND SWERVING
If the bonnet of your car dips when you brake or slow down, or your vehicle swerves under brakes, you may have a shock absorber problem.
BAD VIBES
Uncomfortable steering wheel vibration could be shock absorbers.
SIDE SLIDE
If your car veers in side winds, particularly when the wind isn’t so strong, you could have shock absorber problems.
SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL
Notice that your car ‘rocks and rolls’ over bumps, railway tracks or uneven surfaces? Not hugging the bends? Time to get those shock absorbers checked then!
UNEVEN TYRE WEAR
If your tyres are wearing unevenly, particularly if there are bald patches, odds are it’s your shock absorbers.
HOW LONG DO SHOCK ABSORBERS LAST?
The way you drive, where you drive, what you drive, the loads you carry, the weather many things can impact on shock absorber life – so there is no hard and fast answer to this question. However, Monroe and other leading automotive experts recommend that you have a trained specialist inspect your shock absorbers for signs of wear every 20,000 km.
Many Monroe shock absorbers are covered by a three-year/60,000km warranty so there’s a benchmark to start from!
