One of the important parts of the car is the suspension, and the main component of the suspension is the shockbreaker or often called the shock absorber. When should the shockbreaker be replaced? What are the signs that it’s time to replace the shockbreaker? Find out the answer by reading this article to the end. Shockbreaker functions as its name implies, namely shock absorbers, so this part plays an important role in driving comfort. This shock absorber is what makes the car feel safe and comfortable when going through bumpy roads. In addition, this suspension component also plays a role in driving safety, so that its condition needs special attention and care.

Function and Type of Shockbreaker

There are two types of shockbreakers, namely shock absorbers and struts. In modern cars, usually the shock absorber is on the rear wheel and the strut type is on the front wheel. However, there are some cars that use a strut on each wheel. The difference between a shock absorber and a strut is the design where the strut combines the spring and the shock absorber, while the shock absorber is only a shock absorber.

Many have misunderstood the function of this shock aborber, especially among the layman. Not a few people think it functions to make the car swing when it passes through uneven roads or holes. Even though this function is played by springs or springs which can be in the form of a coil or a plate. Meanwhile, the task of the shock breaker is to reduce the effects of excessive swing or shock generated by the spring. The result is that the car swings but in the right amount, so as to make car passengers feel comfortable.

The shock absorber and strut work continuously whether the car is moving or stationary. This section will only rest when the car is lifted by a jack or lift in a garage or car wash. Because of the continuous function of supporting the car, the shock breaker has a limited service life. So, inevitably, at a certain age and mileage, it must be replaced with a new one.

How long is the life of a Shockbreaker?

In normal conditions where the car is often used daily, the life of the shockbreaker is 4 to 5 years. However, if the car is rarely used or only goes through smooth roads, the shockbreaker age can reach 10 years. If the car often passes through potholes, let alone often driven at high speed on uneven roads, the life of the shockbreaker can be shorter. For example, only 3 years have to be replaced. So the service life cannot be used as a fixed standard to determine whether the shockbreaker should be replaced or not. What is more decisive is its performance in providing driving comfort.

What is the Mileage to Replace Shockbreaker?

Some experts use the mileage parameter to determine the health of shockbreakers and struts, which is 50,000 miles or about 80,000 km. This may be determined by the general condition of most cars that are driven more frequently on good roads. As with service life, mileage is not a definite parameter. But at least it can be a reference for the schedule to check the shockbreaker with an expert technician if it has reached the age and mileage.

Does Shockbreaker ask to be replaced?

Symptoms of reduced shockbreaker performance are characteristics that are more appropriate as standards for determining when shockbreakers should be replaced. Here are the conditions that tell us, to check and replace the shockbreaker:

Excessive Swing – The car swing feels softer than usual, reducing self-confidence when driving, especially when cornering. When traveling on bumpy or potholes, the car swings left and right until it takes longer to stabilize.
Noise – Noises from the rear suspension can also be a sign that the shock absorber is no longer functioning properly.
Unbalanced Car Level – When placed on a flat floor, the car becomes tilted, the distance between the tires and the fender of each wheel is different. That is a sign that a shockbreaker has asked to be replaced.
Shockbreaker oil comes out or seeps out – In a shockbreaker with liquid fluid, it is easier to identify the condition of the damage by the presence of oil seepage that comes out, which means that there is already a leak.
Uneven Wear Tires – If one tire has a dead tire, while another tire is not. It is a sign that the shockbreaker has been broken for a long time.

Suggestions

After knowing the importance of the role of the shockbreaker in driving comfort and safety, we should pay attention to the health of this section. Here are some suggestions that might be useful in maintaining the health of your car shockbreaker:

1. Avoid potholes as much as possible.
2. Drive at low speed on potholes.
3. Check the condition of the car feet regularly to qualified technicians.
4. Put shockbreaker checks on the routine service agenda, especially every 10,000 km.
5. Use shockbreaker according to manufacturer’s standards and recommendations.