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Understanding the Function of Shock Absorber in a Car

28 March, 2024

One important component in supporting the comfort and safety of a car when driving is the shock absorber. When driving, if this component is not working properly, the car will feel shaken and vibrate violently when maneuvering.

Driving a car and feeling strong shocks when passing through roads that are not smooth will certainly be very tiring. Moreover, you have to go slowly so that the shocks don’t feel harsh.

If this happens, the driving experience will certainly be uncomfortable and draining. Therefore, it is important to understand the function of the shock absorber, as well as how to care for it so that your car always feels comfortable when used.

What is Shock Absorber?

A shock absorber is a mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic device that functions to absorb shock and increase the height of the vehicle. If you pass a hole or speed bump on the road, this component functions as a shock absorber so that your car doesn’t vibrate too much when passing over them.

Unfortunately, not many people know the function of the main components of this car. This component functions to maintain car safety, especially on uneven roads.

As we know, traveling on uneven roads is very dangerous, especially for unprepared drivers. Therefore, this part must always be in good condition; otherwise, it will be dangerous.

A shock absorber usually consists of two main parts, namely a cylinder tube and a piston. The cylinder tube is filled with oil or special oil to reduce friction between the piston and the cylinder tube, and the piston functions to control the flow of oil in the cylinder tube.

Function of Shock Absorber in Cars

The shock absorber functions to reduce shocks when the car is running on an uneven surface. Of course, these components make driving more comfortable. They also increase the tire’s grip on the road surface.

How this shock absorber functions can actually be seen from its name. This component has two functions, namely absorbing shocks and reducing vibrations produced by tires when passing uneven roads. As a result, the shock absorber creates fewer shocks in the cabin.

Apart from that, the function of the shock absorber is closely related to braking the car. If it can work optimally, the braking ability of the car will be much more comfortable without strong shocks.

In cars that are equipped with advanced features, this part usually gets a lot of attention. Such as the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature on the Wuling New Almaz RS, which is an intelligent safety system that involves the latest technology. Part of this system is the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) feature, which functions when the driver does not respond to warnings of the danger of a collision, thereby automatically carrying out emergency braking.

The New Almaz RS also uses a Macpherson strut-type front suspension, which is a light-weight suspension that makes the Almaz SUV a comfortable SUV to drive. At the rear, the New Almaz RS uses a torsion beam rear suspension. The advantage of this new system is that it can absorb shocks better when facing strong impacts.

How a Shock Absorber Works

Shock absorbers have a simple basic principle, but these components are very effective. The shock absorber converts kinetic energy into heat energy, which is then released into the air when the car moves or experiences shocks.

The shock absorber works by moving a piston in a cylinder filled with special oil. When the vehicle sways, the piston moves up and down in the cylinder, forcing oil through small passages. This process creates resistance, which dampens rapid movements and reduces vibrations felt by passengers.

Vehicle owners who understand this working principle will understand how important shock absorber maintenance is to ensure the best performance and safety while driving. This article will explain the main function of a shock absorber and how it plays a role in increasing driving stability and comfort.

Signs that Shock Absorber Must Be Replaced

It is important to understand the signs that indicate that a vehicle’s shock absorber needs to be replaced. One important sign is a change in driving comfort.

If you experience stronger shaking or vibration than usual, it could be a sign that the shock absorber is no longer working properly. See if there is oil leaking from the shock absorber. These leaks can indicate internal damage and indicate that the part lacks the ability to absorb shock.

If this oil fluid appears around the shock absorber, carry out an inspection immediately. Changes that occur in vehicle control, especially when maneuvering or turning, are another sign. If your vehicle feels swaying or is difficult to control, the shock absorber may need further inspection.

Carefully analyzing these signs can help you determine the right time to replace your vehicle’s shock absorber to improve your performance and safety while driving.

Tips for Caring for Shock Absorbers

As an important component, this shock absorber needs to be maintained and controlled in use so that it lasts. Caring for it yourself is quite easy, namely by:

• Perform Periodic Inspections

So that the shock absorber works optimally, carry out regular checks. This activity can be done when your car is being serviced, and you can ask a mechanic to check it at the same time.

• Always Clean the Shock Absorber Parts

After driving through puddles and heavy rain, make sure to wash your car thoroughly. Moreover, the part of the car’s undercarriage that contains the shock absorber is intended to prevent dirt and crust from sticking to this part, causing it to become damaged quickly.

• Avoid Excessive Loads

Every car and shock absorber manufacturer has determined the maximum load for use. Therefore, don’t overload the car so that the shock absorber doesn’t work too much.

• Pay Attention When Driving

Every time you drive a car, sometimes you will feel a change in comfort when maneuvering. Usually if a change like this occurs it is because there is a problem with the shock absorber which must be checked immediately.

After listening to the explanation above, hopefully you now understand more about the importance of shock absorbers in cars. Make sure to always maintain this component so that it continues to support car comfort when driving on the road in various conditions. Perform regular servicing and clean the shock absorber parts, especially after passing through puddles of water, mud, or heavy rain.