The Hidden Danger Of Worn Out Shock Absorbers

Posted by barkha on March 26th, 2021

Shock absorbers aren\'t the most entertaining aspect of a car, but they are essential elements of a vehicle\'s protection, along with tires and braking. They are concealed under the wheel arches of a vehicle, but unlike tires, apparent corrosion and wear can not be checked periodically.

The job of the shock absorber supplied by shock absorber bracket suppliers is to maintain the tyres, which provide optimal control during cornering and braking, in permanent contact with the road. Shock absorbers are used in the chassis, thus the travel and comfort of the car are affected if the shocks are worn.

The Risks Of Worn Shock Absorbers
Most people don\'t even realize the possible hazards posed by worn shock absorber brackets, or that even though all other safety elements perform properly their vehicles, their drivers and other road users are severely impaired. Two recent polls show an indication of the magnitude of the challenge. In Britain, it has been found that more than 6 million out of 25 million vehicles on the road have at least one worn-out shock absorber, while 20-25 per cent of drivers in Belgium drive cars with worn-out shocks.

Monroe also found out that the Ótop Ten\' risks synonymous with worn shock absorbers are the world\'s leading brand of shock absorbers:


● Lower braking efficiency leads to longer stop distances.
● Reduced efficiency of Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP)
● Increased chance of skidding in the wet
● Lower-speed aquaplaning takes place
● Less stability in a crosswind Less control
● Enhanced driver fatigue and decreased reaction or speed
● Increased wear of pneumatic and additional parts
● Different headlight level that causes the drivers to come blindness
● Improved travel malaise
● Increased Êsnaking risk while travelling


A series of comparison studies between vehicles equipped with 50% shock and 100% successful Monroe Sensa-Trac with safety-tech shock absorbers was carried out in order to demonstrate the risk of driving with worn-out shock absorbers. The first studies have shown that a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) such as a Renault Space with worn shocks can have a stopping distance of up to four meters more than the same vehicle with new shocks, having been partnered with TÜV, one of the European leading safety institutes.

In the second test of the new Volkswagen Beetle, the vehicles have a stopping distance that is up to 6 meters longer than when equipped with new shocks, even when they are provided with the current automotive protection system, such as Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (EBS). The final series of experiments aimed at showing the impact of ice and snow, when mixed with worn shocks, on car braking and snow-resistant structures. The braking test showed that an emergency braking distance of 1,8 meters was 1.8 meters longer than that of the same vehicle equipped with a 100% effective shock, equipped with ABS but also with a 50% worn shock.

It took an additional 1.2 meters to avoid the same measure for a Peugeot 206 with ABS and 50 per cent worn shocks. The findings of the braking test show that the ABS mechanism of a car does not work correctly against shocks that are worn. In conclusion, measuring acceleration for cars on ice and snow, it was found that in seven seconds a car such as the Mercedes-Benz C250 with an ASR anti-spin mechanism and 100% effective shocks accelerated to a speed of 35.6 km/h (22.1 mph) while only 34.2 km/h (21.2 mph) could boost 16% for the first car with 50% worn shocks The lost traction interval was also 37% shorter with 100% effective shocks compared with 50% worn parts.

This test shows the need to ensure that even when fitted with ASR, the shocks of a car are in good shape.


Final Words
The output of a shock absorber is steadily and imperceptibly deteriorating with time, during which the driver adjusts his driving unintentionally in order to offset wear and deterioration. Shaking absorbers are naturally worn and tear, as in other components of a vehicle in continual operation.