The Major Functions of Shock Absorbers in Car Suspension System

Shock absorbersShock absorbers work by taking thework by taking the kinetic energy of your suspension and converting it to heat that is then dissipated into the atmosphere through the mechanism kinetic energy of your suspension and converting it to heat that is then dissipated into the atmosphere through the mechanism of heat exchange.of heat exchange.

The shock absorbers are basically oil pumps in which a piston is attached to the end of a piston rod and works against hydraulic fluid in the pressure tube.

As the suspension travels up and down, the hydraulic fluid is forced through orifices (tiny holes) inside the piston.

Because the orifices only allow a small amount of fluid through the piston, the piston is slowed which in turn slows down spring and suspension movement.

Shock absorbers automatically adjust to road conditions because the faster the suspension moves, the more resistance they provide.

Here are some of the major functions of Here are some of the major functions of shock absorbers in the car suspension system. Stabilize the ride Stabilize car tires Minimize tire wear Control car body movement Reduce suspension wear

Control car body movementcar body movement

The main purpose of shock absorbers is to limit overall car body movement, or sway and these types of movements are held in check by the shock absorbers. As a vehicle is driven, the body will move up and down or side to side to various degrees in response to driving and road conditions.

Stabilize the rideStabilize the ride

Shock absorbers stabilize the overall vehicle ride, preventing an excess of vehicle body lean or roll in any one direction, especially when cornering or navigating sharp turns. Depending on road conditions or driving style, a car can go from smooth and controlled to bumpy and erratic and the shock absorbers allow for greater vehicle control and stability.

Stabilize car tiresStabilize car tires

Most vehicles have one shock Most vehicles have one shock absorber per tire and these shock absorber, in addition to controlling vehicle body movement and ride,vehicle body movement and ride, exerts a tremendous stabilizingexerts a tremendous stabilizing force on each tire. force on each tire. A shock absorber prevents a vehicle’s tire from hopping or bouncing in uneven or choppy terrain and helps to a vehicle tire planted firmly on the ground or road surface.

Minimize tire wearMinimize tire wear

By helping to stabilize and control the movements of a vehicle tire, a shock absorber helps to minimize tire tread wear. Tires that are held firmly against the ground and held in position by a firm shock absorber last longer and experience much less tread wear.

Reduce suspension wearsuspension wear

Shock absorbers are a part of a car’s overall suspension system and most vehicles utilize a combination of various leaf springs, coil springs, and struts to stabilize and controland struts to stabilize and control the vehicle’s movement.. the vehicle’s movement.. Shock absorbers basically absorb and deflect a lot of initial road impacts and body movements and severe impacts get passed on to other parts of a vehicle’s suspension system.