Kia Motors Port Qasim

Best Shock Absorbers, Whatever your vehicle, lifestyle, or budget, we’re confident there’s something on our list to meet your needs. To help you find the perfect shocks for you – and get the most out of them – we’ve put together this brief guide. Below, we run through how to spot a quality shock absorber, the different types available, and how to tell if yours should be replaced.

When Buying a Shock Absorber

When it’s time to choose new shock absorbers for your vehicle, it’s a good idea to watch out for the following features:

• Appropriate Type.
• Good Service Life.
• Smooth Operation.
• Quality Materials.

Appropriate Type

First and foremost, be sure to select the appropriate type of shock absorber for your vehicle and your needs. Many manufacturers produce components with a specific type of vehicle in mind, so be sure to carefully check that the shock you purchase is compatible with your car. We’ll talk about the types of shock you’ll have to choose from in more detail below.

Good Service Life

Whatever we buy, we all want to get our money’s worth, and selecting a shock absorber with a long service life is highly cost-effective. It can be difficult to tell how long a shock will last through specifications alone, but checking out customer feedback can be a big help. Besides this, look out for relatively thick pistons, strong materials, and a well-protected shaft. Many shocks use a rubber boot to achieve this level of protection.

Smooth Operation

A shock absorber’s job is to bear the brunt of vibrations and bumps from the road, helping to ensure constant road contact, and a smooth ride. To make sure your potential shock is up to the task, look out for low friction all-weather fluid, and self-lubrication.

Quality Materials

A component is only as good as the materials it’s made from, so be sure to check that your new shock absorbers have been built from high-quality metals. You can expect most shocks to be made from strong and durable steel, which is often preserved through a chrome or zinc coating. Look out for these materials, and you can rest assured the shock was built to last.

Why you should change your shock absorbers

Even if your vehicle’s original shocks are functional, you might want to upgrade them for a few reasons, including:

• Upgrading your shocks makes for a smoother ride – great for long journeys.
• Changing shock can absorb can better equip your vehicle for off-road driving.
• Reliable shock can improve your vehicle’s handling.
• Upgrading your shock absorbers is a cost-effective way to improve performance.
• Some new shocks allow your vehicle to better tow trailers and carry heavy loads.
• High-quality shock absorbers help protect your car from potholes.
• Some shock absorbers heighten your vehicle’s ride for improved visibility.
• Switching out shock absorbers can improve your vehicle’s appearance.

Types of shock absorbers

Shock absorbers typically fall into one of the following categories

Gas Shock

The gas in gas shocks refers to the inert nitrogen with which this type of shock absorber is filled. They’re ideal for smaller vehicles, as they’re tough enough to handle plenty of bouncing around – typical for many passenger cars. Most new cars are fitted with this type of shock: they’re affordable, versatile, and lasts for around 100,000 miles.

Heavy-duty

As the name implies, this type of shock absorber is designed for heavy-duty use, such as towing, off-roading, and carrying heavy cargo. Most of the shocks on our list fall into this category. Heavy-duty shocks typically feature a larger center shaft than their standard cousins, and deliver a stiffer overall ride – great for heavy loads and trucks, but not so well for sedans or coupes.

Automatic Level-Control

These sophisticated shocks feature an air pump which activates to even out the vehicle’s weight distribution automatically. This helps to ensure a smooth ride, even when you’re carrying unusual loads. Unsurprisingly, these shocks don’t come cheap, and they’re typically found on luxury vehicles only.

Air Shock 

Air shocks can also be used to achieve even weight distribution in your vehicle, but they must be adjusted manually. If you haul often and are familiar with the adjustment process, air shocks could be ideal, otherwise, they may be more hassle than they’re worth.

Overload 

Sometimes called ‘coil-over shocks’, this type of shock absorber features a spring coil fitted around the shock cylinder. This type of shock is best for off-road vehicles, such as dune buggies.

 Best Shock Absorbers FAQ:

Q: How can I test for bad shock absorbers?

A: if one or more of your vehicles shock absorbers are failing, you’ll usually notice the following symptoms:

• Unusual vibrations while driving.
• Unpredictable handling when you brake.
• Increased stopping distance.
• Uneven tire tread wear.
• Fluid leaking from the shock.
• Cracks in the shock.

Q: How do I change a shock absorber?

A: The installation process will vary depending on the type of shock you choose, and your vehicle.

Generally, you can expect to work through the following steps:

• On a level surface, jack up your vehicle using a designated jacking point.
• Remove the wheels, and locate the current shock absorbers – generally fixed in place with a vertical bolt.
• Spray the old shocks with metal cleaner – this will make them easier to remove.
• Remove the old shocks using a ratchet and socket to remove the shock tower bolts.
• Disconnect the shock from the vehicle’s suspension with a socket set or nut splitter.
• Remove the shock absorber all together by wiggling it off its bolts.
• Fit the new shock onto the suspension control arm.
• Screw the nuts tightly for a snug connection.
• Check the torque specs for your vehicle (listed in its service manual) to ensure everything is secure.