Shocks
 Everyone
understands that a vehicle needs springs to cushion the bumps in
the road, but very few understand the role of the shock-absorbers.
Shock Absorbers (or Dampers)
When a spring is compressed and then released, the energy within
the spring causes it to continue to flex up and down before it settles
to its original shape. Going over a bump in your car compresses
the springs, so the car would also continue to bounce up and down
making the car difficult to control. The effect of the shock absorber
is to dampen the spring’s natural reaction to bounce.
How Shock Absorbers work
Shock absorbers are filled with hydraulic fluid. When the ‘shocker’
is compressed, this fluid is forced by a piston through a small 
hole in the shock absorber cylinder and into the other end of the
unit. The design prevents this action happening quickly, so the
spring is restricted from continuing to bounce, helping to keep
all four tyres in good contact with the road surface.
Trouble Shooting
Try this simple ‘bounce’ test. Press down on one corner of your
car and let go. Count the number of bounces before the car comes
to rest. If the car bounces even twice, your shock absorbers are
faulty and should be checked straight away at National Tyres and Autocare.
Don’t put this check off, it could save your life!
|
