Shock Absorber Service
 An important service to improve the handling of your vehicle.
- Examine front and rear shock absorbers and mountings
- Renew/replace front and rear shock absorbers as necessary
- Road-test vehicle for correct operation
Why Shocks are a Vital Part of the Safety Triangle
With winter upon us, roads are now wet and therefore, more dangerous, increasing the importance of vehicle safety.
That’s why Monroe – Australia’s leading shock absorber brand – is urging car owners to have their shock absorbers checked this winter season.
Research commissioned by Monroe has found that a car fitted with effective shock absorbers will stop 20% faster than the same car fitted with just one worn shock absorber.
And, tests show that the difference between good and bad shock absorbers is even more pronounced when the car is fitted with safety systems such as anti-lock braking.
The German vehicle inspection agency TUV found that, in a simulated emergency braking test, a car fitted with four effective shock absorbers travelling at 50 km/h along a straight, dry, uneven road stopped 20% faster than a vehicle with just one worn shock absorber.
Further tests were carried out to assess the effects of worn shock absorbers on safety systems such as anti-lock braking (ABS).
A new VW Beetle with ABS and ESP (Electronic Stability Control) was put through an emergency braking test, firstly with 100% effective shock absorbers and then with shock absorbers that were 50% worn. The test was carried out at 80 km/h on a straight road where a lane was blocked to simulate an obstacle.
The difference was a staggering 6 metres – more than 20% - with the worn shock absorbers severely affecting the car’s safety systems.
Peter Small, Product Manager for Monroe Australia, said the tests proved the importance of good shock absorbers.
“Shock absorbers dampen the oscillations of the car’s springs to maximise tyre contact with the road, maintaining the link between a comfortable ride and safe road-holding,” said Peter.
“When shock absorbers begin to show excessive wear, they lose their ability to effectively stop the tyre from bouncing as it encounters different road conditions. A bouncing tyre won’t offer anywhere near the same level of braking grip and handling capability as one that is maintaining constant contact with the road,” he said.
“These tests show that, no matter how sophisticated the other safety systems are on your car, fully efficient shock absorbers are an essential component of the road safety package.”
With the onset of school holidays and more difficult driving conditions approaching, Monroe is urging motorists to have their shock absorbers checked.
"Being 'out of sight and out of mind', motorists simply don't think about their shock absorbers, particularly if they drive a late model vehicle fitted with safety systems such as ABS and airbags,” said Peter.
"Just like tyres and brakes, shock absorbers wear out gradually and become, imperceptibly, less effective. A regular shock absorber check can be a life-saver and these tests show that even drivers of cars fitted with the latest technology need to be aware of the dangers that worn shocks represent”.
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