Shock absorbers play an important role in the vehicle suspension system. Their main task is to keep the vehicle moving smoothly and steadily, absorbing shocks and vibrations that occur when driving on uneven roads. When the shock absorbers are in good condition, they ensure that the vehicle’s tyres are in firm contact with the road surface, providing optimum control and safety. But what happens if the shock absorbers are faulty? In this article, we take a closer look at how defective shock absorbers can affect your car’s driving dynamics and safety.

Deterioration of vehicle handling

The first thing that suffers with faulty shock absorbers is the car’s handling. Shock absorbers help the car to remain stable on the road, especially when making sharp turns or on uneven surfaces. If the shock absorbers are worn or damaged, they lose their ability to effectively control the movements of the car body. This causes the car to become less predictable in corners and less stable on the road. During sudden manoeuvres, the driver may feel the car ‘floating’, which creates dangerous situations, especially at high speeds.

According to research, cars with faulty shock absorbers lose up to 20% of their cornering stability. This significantly increases the risk of skidding and loss of vehicle control, especially on wet or slippery roads.

Increased braking distance

One of the most critical aspects of vehicle safety is the braking system. Faulty shock absorbers directly affect a car’s ability to brake effectively. When the shock absorbers are in good condition, they keep the tyres on the road surface, providing a firm grip when braking. However, if the shock absorbers are faulty, the wheels can pull away from the road surface, especially on uneven terrain. This results in longer braking distances, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in emergency braking situations.

Statistics show that cars with faulty shock absorbers can increase braking distances by up to 15-20%. This is especially dangerous at speeds above 80km/h, where every second counts. For example, if you have leaking shock absorbers, they can lose their effectiveness, which is especially critical when braking hard.

Danger of cornering

Without serviceable shock absorbers, the vehicle loses its stability when cornering. Under normal conditions, the shock absorbers control the movement of the body, preventing excessive body roll when cornering. However, if the shock absorbers are worn or broken, the car body can lean more, which reduces tyre grip and increases the likelihood of skidding. The driver will feel that the car is ‘out of control’, which is particularly dangerous on slippery roads or in poor visibility.

According to the Motor Safety Association, faulty shock absorbers can increase the risk of skidding by 30 per cent, especially on slippery roads. This is because the vehicle loses the ability to properly distribute loads when cornering. This can be particularly dangerous on cars that require repairs, such as if the VW Polo rear shock absorber should be changed.

.Loss of stability on rough roads

Another aspect that is greatly affected by faulty shock absorbers is the stability of the vehicle on uneven stretches of road. Shock absorbers are supposed to absorb the impact of potholes, potholes, and other bumps, providing a smooth ride. When shock absorbers fail, the car starts to ‘bounce’ on the road, losing contact with the surface. This not only reduces driving comfort, but also creates dangerous situations, as the car can become unpredictable in its movements, especially at high speeds.

Studies show that on rough roads, cars with faulty shock absorbers can lose control at speeds over 50 km/h in 25% of cases, increasing the likelihood of accidents on poorly surfaced roads. Using gas shock absorbers can help improve stability and reduce vibrations on rough terrain as they provide better shock absorption.

Increased tyre wear

Faulty shock absorbers can also lead to uneven tyre wear. Under normal conditions, shock absorbers help to keep the tyres in stable contact with the road, which helps to evenly distribute the load and therefore evenly wear the tread. If the shock absorbers malfunction, the tyres can lose grip, causing them to wear unevenly. This shortens the life of the tyres and impairs their ability to provide reliable grip, again affecting the safety of the vehicle.

Statistics show that cars with faulty shock absorbers can increase tyre wear by 10-15%, which not only reduces safety but also results in additional tyre replacement costs.

Impact on other vehicle systems

Faulty shock absorbers have a negative impact not only on handling and safety, but also on other vehicle systems. For example, the suspension system starts to experience increased loads, which can lead to premature wear of other components such as springs, arms and bushings. The body of the car also suffers, with an increased risk of cracks and damage to the suspension mounting points. This can ultimately require costly repairs.

Signs of faulty shock absorbers

It’s important to be able to recognise the signs of faulty shock absorbers in order to seek repairs in a timely manner. Here are some of the main signs to look out for:

• The car ‘bites its nose’ when braking.
• Increased vibration in the steering wheel on rough roads.
• Excessive body roll when cornering.
• Bumps in the road are felt much more strongly than before.
• Uneven tyre wear.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it is recommended to contact a car service centre as soon as possible to check the condition of the shock absorbers. It is important to remember that ignoring the fault can lead to the need for costly repairs, for example, if you need to replace the rear shock absorber of your VW Polo.

Conclusion

Shock absorbers are one of the key elements responsible for driving dynamics and vehicle safety. Their malfunction can lead to poor handling, longer braking distances and dangerous situations on the road. Regular inspection and replacement of shock absorbers when necessary is the key to safe and comfortable driving. You should not ignore signs of malfunction, as this can lead to serious consequences for both your car and your safety.

Using modern solutions such as shocks are gas charged can significantly improve handling and comfort, especially when driving on rough roads.