How Do Shock Absorbers Work?

The shock absorber is an essential suspension component that supports the bounce of the vehicle’s wheels. Their primary role is to dampen the vehicle’s motion whenever it goes over bumps in the road. In other words, it prevents your car from bouncing uncontrollably. 

How Do They Work?

Each shock absorber has hydraulic fluid that makes the pressure dampen the bouncy wheels. A valve found on the top of the piston and at the bottom of the cylinder allows the fluid to go through the shock absorber as it expands and compresses. Not only does the shocks’ movement help to make your car rides smoother, but they also help with vehicle handling. 

As you can guess, shocks can wear out over time due to their constant usage. You can tell when it’s time for a shock replacement if your starts displaying the following signs:

• Veering left or right
• Uneven tire wear
• Fluid leaks near the shock
• Random car vibrations
• Bouncy rides

Test Your Suspension with the Bounce Test

To test your shock absorbers’ effectiveness, you can simply push down on each corner of your car and observe its bounce. The corner of the vehicle should bounce and return to its initial resting position. If it continues to bounce multiple times, the shock absorber is worn and should be replaced.

If you have concerns regarding your vehicle’s shock absorbers, please feel free to bring your car to Red Rock Repair for an inspection. Our trained technicians would gladly replace your suspension if necessary.