The ABCs of Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers portray a significant role in each and every vehicle. More than anything else, these car parts ensure safety and convenience. This is most especially true for off-roading enthusiasts. The unexpected bumps along the road are enough to produce a fatal accident. Setting aside safety and precaution, another importance of shock absorbers stems from the fact that it prolongs the vehicle’s life—ensuring durability and easy driving experience.


Given such importance at hand, the demand for high quality shock absorbers continue to increase. Consumers have become more selective in patronizing car products. Quality and practicality are two (2) of major factors considered in purchasing shock absorbers.


Shock absorber: a look through history


Shock absorbers embody a long history. During the earlier days, major roads and highways are characterized by their poor conditions, thus preventing drivers from achieving balance and stability. In addition, such road qualities contribute to driving difficulty, not to mention the hazards and danger that they may bring if maximum speed is employed. The early carriages were unable to control their velocity for they merely depend on simple machines to generate friction, which, of course, may not withstand frequent road abuse.


Nevertheless, better road constructions and at the same time, technology paved way for the development of more sophisticated shock absorbers. Hydraulics and more improved
suspension systems were added, thus, delivering better drivability.


How shock absorbers work


There is a common belief that shock absorbers are responsible for absorbing shocks. This is of course, not true. The truth is it is the springs that perform the absorption. The shock absorber simply controls the springs’ movements.


From a technical perspective, a shock absorber is a machine that even out or dampens the shock and equally distributes the kinetic energy. Under this context, dampening becomes the operative word. Dampening is the process of decreasing the spring’s oscillations or its repetitive movement. When a vehicle encounters a sudden bump, the springs tend to oscillate; shock absorbers are therefore in charge in controlling these springs to achieve a stable state.


Shock absorbers categories




Consumers may choose from a variety of shock absorbers offered in the market. Each shock absorber is designed to address specific needs. The first category pertains to standard shocks. Standard shocks are mostly used by light vehicles or automobiles that are less likely to carry heavy luggage.

In the meantime, there are also heavy duty shocks. Evidently, these types are suited for heavy duty vehicles such as trucks and jeeps since these vehicles are more prone to rough surface and challenging routes.


There are also automatic level controls. These are shock absorbers that can be adjusted accordingly based on the luggage’s size.


Meanwhile, if the vehicle is suffering from understeering or suspension dilemmas, using overload shocks is highly recommended.


The last category of shock absorbers refers to air shocks. These car parts can be filled with air and is perfect for cargo trucks or ten-wheelers.


Replacements


Like tires, shock absorbers are the ones that easily wear out. Constant checking should be made to determine whether these car parts should be replaced.

Posted in: Fabtech shocks, Shock Absorbers, Shocks