When should I change my car's shock absorbers

The shock absorbers not only provide comfort in driving, but also represent a guarantee of safety, since they help to control the vehicle, especially at high speeds and in situations of risk. In fact, it is considered one of the three essential components of the so-called "safety triangle", along with tires and brakes. In this article we will explain what are the symptoms that indicate that the shock absorbers should be revised or changed .

Aquaplanning

Likewise, the Aquaplanning, whose cause is the bad adherence to the road in situations of rain or wet pavement, can be corrected since it avoids that a film of water forms between the tire and the road.

Rolling and lateral sliding

The curves and sharp turns are other situations in which you have to have some shock absorbers in perfect state of maintenance, as they provide greater safety. In critical situations, it is essential to maintain control of the vehicle and ensure grip on the asphalt. The rolling, lateral displacement and loss of course of the vehicle are effects that can be corrected if you have shock absorbers in perfect conditions.

Steering wheel vibration

Being the shock absorbers responsible for a good grip to the road, if they are defective, produce a constant wobble of the steering wheel, because the wheels bounce constantly, can even take off from the road. In these cases, the vehicle behaves imprecisely and unstably. Likewise, worn-out shock absorbers cause deterioration of the other elements of the suspension (spring and stabilizer bar) and ball joints.

Errors in Security Systems

Currently, the use of security systems such as the TSC and ESP has been generalized, whose function is to act automatically in cases of instability, lack of control of the vehicle, etc. If the shock absorbers are not in optimal conditions, the vehicle does not act correctly, so these systems misinterpret the signals issued by the car.

Tire wear and increased braking distance

The tires are other elements that are harmed by its malfunction, getting to wear down to reduce its life by 20%. If worn tires are attached with shock absorbers in poor condition at the time of braking of a vehicle traveling at 100 km / h, the distance can increase by 3 meters. It is even more dangerous if the vehicle has the ABS braking system, increasing the braking distance up to 5 meters. This is because in these cases, the tire bounces and jumps, losing contact with the asphalt.

Change shock absorbers every 60, 000 kilometers

Experts advise replacing the shock absorbers and suspension legs of a car every 60, 000 kilometers. Tests have shown that shock absorbers and suspension legs of the original equipment deteriorate perceptibly at 60, 000 kilometers. In many common vehicles the replacement of these worn parts can improve handling and comfort characteristics.

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