Get to grips with how shocks and struts keep you safe on the road

Keeping your car firmly on the tar to ensure you always have control is greatly dependent on reliable suspension. If shocks and struts are compromised your car can launch into pogo-stick mode and it won’t end well, warns TEPA (Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association), a proud associate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).

TEPA national vice chairman Dylan Petzer says worn shocks or struts allow the wheel to bounce off the road surface, even if just for a millisecond. This is called tyre hop. In that split second your tyre is in the air - you have zero braking, zero steering and zero grip. “Expensive performance tyres and advanced ABS won’t do a thing to help you in this scenario. A weak suspension system undermines every other safety feature on your car,” Petzer warns.

He adds that tyres and brakes are just two legs of the "safety triangle." The third - equally critical - leg is the suspension, with shocks and struts as the star players.

So, what’s the difference between the two?• A shock absorber is a component that controls the vehicle’s spring movement (damping).• A strut is a more complex assembly that does the same damping job but is also a structural part of the suspension and steering system.

“Inside shock absorbers, a piston moves through hydraulic oil, forcing it through tiny valves. This process, called damping, creates resistance that converts the bouncing (kinetic energy) into heat, instantly steadying the car,” Petzer explains.

“Their primary job isn't comfort; it's to ensure your tyres remain in constant contact with the road. Struts go a step further by providing structural support for the suspension and they are a pivot point for your steering. If a strut is worn, it affects both your car's stability and alignment.”

Here’s why worn shocks or struts are a serious safety issue: * Braking distance: When you brake hard, the car's weight shifts forward in a motion called pitch. Worn front shocks or struts allow the nose to dive excessively, lifting the rear of the car and reducing the grip of the back tyres. This can increase your emergency stopping distance by up to 20% - that's a full car length when you need it most.

* Cornering and control: In turns, your car experiences body roll. Worn shocks and struts allow for excessive swaying, which alters the suspension geometry and reduces the grip your tyres have on the road. Worn struts can also cause changes in your wheel alignment, making steering feel vague or unresponsive.

* Emergency manoeuvres: If you need to swerve suddenly, a car with a worn suspension can become dangerously unstable. The unpredictable weight transfer can easily lead to a skid or spin.Petzer says if you notice any warning signs, like your car feeling floaty, nose-diving when you brake or making unusual clunking noises, act immediately – don’t wait for the problem to get worse!

Take your vehicle to a reputable, TEPA-accredited professional fitment centre for an inspection and always ask for quality, recognised brands.

“Quality shocks and struts are engineered with vehicle-specific valving tuned to your car's weight and handling. Cheap parts lack this precision. It's like buying a ‘one-size-fits-all’ suit - it might cover you, but it won't perform when you need it to,” Petzer says.

“Motorists can help their suspension by adopting good driving habits - avoid potholes, slow down for speed bumps, don't overload your vehicle, maintain your tyres and have your suspension checked during your regular vehicle services.

“Shocks and struts are what keep your tyres planted firmly on the road. This connection to the tar is where all your steering, braking and stability come from, which is why you can never compromise on the parts that give you control over the vehicle. Shocks and struts are critical for control, stability and safety.”

ENDS/