Control shock absorbers

Only fully serviceable and high-quality shock absorbers are able to ensure the correct operation of the ABS or ESP electronic systems.

The more technically perfect the car, the more carefully you have to take care of it and the more carefully you have to select spare parts. For example.

ABS is almost standard in mid-range cars, and more and more often it is accompanied by an ESP stabilization system. All this extremely useful electronics, however, only work when the car's suspension, mainly the shock absorbers, is fully functional. If something is wrong with him, electronic systems, instead of help, simply harm.

Prolonged braking

Studies conducted in Germany have shown that with a 50% reduction in the damping force of shock absorbers, the braking distance from 100 km / h in an average car without ABS is extended by 4,3%, and in cars with ABS - by as much as 14,1%. This means that in the first case the car will stop 1,6 m further, in the second - 5,4 m, which may not be felt by the driver if there is an obstacle in the path of the vehicle.

The tests were carried out on typical for Germany, i.e. flat surfaces. According to the unanimous opinion of experts, on a rough road, which we deal with mainly in Poland, the difference in the braking distance of cars with worn shock absorbers, and especially cars with ABS, would be at least twice as large.

It is also necessary to remember that not only the distance at which a racing car stops, but also driving comfort, driving confidence, and its stability on the road depend on shock absorbers. And the clearer, the faster the car and the uneven road surface.

This is bad

Unfortunately, faulty shock absorbers can be found on many cars. Even in Germany, which is considered a country where cars are carefully maintained, the average is 15 percent. vehicles raise doubts in this regard.

It is not known how this figure looks in Poland, but it is definitely much higher. Firstly, we drive old cars with high mileage, and even on much worse roads. That is why it is recommended to visit the shock absorber service every 20 thousand kilometers and conduct a test on the appropriate devices. This should also be done by every buyer of a used car, including a car imported from abroad.

Price or security

Shock absorbers should always be replaced in pairs. In order to properly perform their task, guaranteeing, in particular, the full effectiveness of the ABS, they must not only be in good condition, but the difference in the damping force of the right and left wheels should not exceed 10%. Therefore, it is necessary to install new shock absorbers, since the damping force of the used ones is usually different. It's also best to avoid lesser-known brands, even if they lure you in with a lower price. Their wear resistance varies greatly and can differ in performance from factory shock absorbers. This affects the behavior of the car, especially the effectiveness of the anti-skid, stabilization and traction control systems.

Effortlessly and with difficulty

So are we doomed to only shock absorbers signed by automakers? Not necessary. Also at stake are products from reputable companies known to supply not only the aftermarket but also suppliers for first assembly. Therefore, the choice is quite significant, and when making it, it is worth checking not only the price of the shock absorbers themselves, but also the cost of their assembly. For example, at one of the Opel dealers in Warsaw factory front shock absorbers for Astra II 1.6 cost PLN 317 each, and each replacement costs PLN 180. In the Carman service network, the shock absorber costs PLN 403, but if we solve this labor cost, we will be charged only PLN 15. The situation is different even in a private garage, which is part of the AutoCrew network organized by InterCars. There, the shock absorber costs 350 zł, the work is free. To make it more interesting, in the InterCars store the price of the same shock absorber for an individual customer is PLN 403.

So you have to get used to the fact that shock absorbers also require periodic inspection.