Driving a car feels nothing like it used to when cars were first invented. While riding on a smooth road used to involve a lot of jumps, nowadays some cars are able to climb mountains without the passengers feeling a bump in the road. This is due to the advent of shock absorbers. 

What Are Shock Absorbers?

Also known as dampers, these are the parts of the vehicle responsible for reducing the effects of bumpy roads to give the passengers a smoother, more pleasurable ride. Keep in mind that although all shock absorbers serve the same function, they can differ greatly. For example, shocks for trucks are meant to handle a lot more rough terrain because trucking often involves driving on roads that aren’t paved at all. In fact, some models are capable of dampening the shock impulses of very rocky terrain or even muddy roads. 

Without shocks, driving can be an unpleasurable experience, even on paved roads. Think of how many types you’ve sped over a pothole and barely acknowledged it had you not seen it. That’s a sign you have very strong shock absorbers working to give you a smooth ride. 

How Often Do Shocks Need To Be Changed?

There is no perfect answer to this question, but the general recommendation is that you should change your shocks every 50 to 100 thousand miles. That range is quite large, but there is a reason for that. The more you drive, the more your shocks wear out. However, it isn’t solely dependent on the number of miles you’ve driven. If a higher proportion of those miles is on rough terrain and off-roads, then your shock absorbers have done more work and thus need to be replaced sooner. Generally speaking, you will be able to feel when your shocks need replacing because you will feel more bumps in the road when it isn’t expected. 

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Shocks?

As you would expect, the first thing that you would notice if you ignore replacing your shocks is that your rides will be less smooth and more bumpy. While that feels like a small sacrifice when you’re procrastinating and convince yourself not to take your car to a service centre, there is more to shock absorbers than a few bumps in the road. When your shocks aren’t performing properly, you won’t be able to control the vehicle as effectively. Also, worn-out shocks can cause damage to other parts of your vehicle and cost you more in repairs and put you at risk for more accidents.  

Final Notes

Shock absorbers are an essential part of modern-day vehicles of any kind. They allow us to enjoy smoother driving, and protect the internal parts of a car from damages. Change your shocks as soon as you notice that familiar roads are bumpier than usual, or as per the recommendations of the manufacturer. There are different types of shock absorbers that are designed for rougher terrain, which you may want to opt for if you tend to drive through off-road paths more often.