What Is a Shock Absorber?

Shock absorbers are a great way to give your car a smoother ride, whether or not you go off-road. Read on to see what goes into getting and maintaining shock absorbers.
Written by Hannah DeWitt
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Every car owner wants to enjoy a quality ride, regardless of the surface they drive on. While car manufacturers build vehicles with suspension systems to enhance handling and control, aftermarket
car parts
, such as shock absorbers, take the handling a notch higher. And you can fully appreciate the performance of these car components when driving on off-the-beaten-path tracks. 
Whether you’re considering going off-road or simply want a smoother commute to work, shock absorbers might be something to consider.

What are shock absorbers?

As explained on
Monroe
, shock absorbers are hydraulic pump-like devices designed to control the impact and vigorous rebound of a car's springs and suspension. Unlike the common notion, shock absorbers don't absorb shock. They instead dampen the springs' oscillations. 
Here's the science behind shock absorbers. They work through energy conversion, taking in the kinetic energy (movement) of the springs and suspension and converting it into thermal energy, which is then dissipated into the atmosphere through heat exchange. They adjust road conditions automatically because the faster the suspension and springs move (up and down), the more resistance they offer. 
Shock absorbers are used for two functions. First, they dampen the impact and rebound motion of a vehicle's suspension system, smoothening road ruggedness, and neutralizing vibrations. Second, they maintain constant contact between the tires and the road, providing improved handling and control and ensuring a high braking response from your vehicle. 
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Importance of shock absorbers and their price

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Modern cars come with front struts and shock absorbers at the front and rear, respectively. The struts comprise the entire suspension assembly, while the shock absorbers are added as part of the suspension system. The suspension system literally stands between you and the road. That means the struts, shock absorbers, and coils beneath the vehicle play a critical role in the overall car performance.
When replacing shock absorbers, it makes sense to have them in pairs lest you have serious suspension and handling issues. According to
IMTS
, the cost of a single shock absorber is about $50 to $140, so having a pair sets you back $100 to $280. Including the labor costs ($150 to $300), the total cost of having a pair of shock absorbers mounted averages around $250 to $580.
Because shock absorbers keep your car's tires in constant contact with the road, they not only enhance braking response, but also alleviate body rolling when turning a corner. In general, they improve road safety. They also ensure a quality and comfortable ride by minimizing vibrations, shocks, and noise. 

How to know if your shock absorbers need replacing

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Faulty shocks can make it challenging to maintain proper car control when driving. As a result, when steering over a rugged road, it becomes easy to lose control, presenting safety risks to you and the passengers in the car. Not to mention it presents higher risks of causing a crash. Therefore, it's critical to always ensure that the shocks are in a healthy working condition.
Before they fail, the shocks and struts will exhibit some signs and symptoms that they need replacing. Some of these red flags include the car veering on one side, rocking and rattling when driving, the car lurching forward when braking, excessive steering wheel vibration, and delayed or extended braking distance. 
It is essential to read your car manufacturer's manual to know when you need to get the shocks replaced. Generally, it's recommended that you replace them every 50,000 miles, although that varies based on the vehicle's brand and model. Using a professional auto repair shop gives you access to technicians who can guide you on a proper maintenance routine. 

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