What Are Shock Absorbers?

Shock Absorbers
A shock absorber is a part of a vehicle's suspension that controls the up-down movement of the wheel, ensuring the safest control and quicker braking response. It also helps the car to avoid slipping when going over bumps and prevents excessive body roll.

Shock absorbers work by converting the kinetic energy of the shock into heat, dissipating this heat in the viscous fluid contained in the pressure tube. Typical shock absorbers are either hydraulic or air-filled and can vary in design to match the needs of different driving conditions.

Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
In a standard shock absorber, a piston moves up and down through a pressure tube in the vehicle's suspension. This up and down motion forces a small amount of hydraulic fluid through holes in the piston head, slowing down the spring and suspension movement.

Oil Shock Absorbers
If you drive an old vehicle that has oil shock absorbers, there's a good chance you're happy with its ride quality and handling. However, if you're not satisfied with the way your car drives or if you want "more" from it, then it may be time to upgrade to gas shock absorbers.

Adaptive Shock Absorbers
Another way of improving the performance of shock absorbers is to use a new technology known as acceleration sensitive damping (ASD). This technology enables the shock absorber to react immediately to bumps on the road, eliminating the usual tradeoff between comfort and safety.

It is essential that you replace worn shocks on your truck when they're due to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of your suspension system. Keeping your shocks in good working order can help you to prolong the life of your tires, reduce operating expenses and protect your investment.