Suspension System, Shock Absorber
Shock Absorber Lifespan and the Pros and Cons of Upgrading Shocks: Can it Solve Motion Sickness?
Oct
Before buying a used car, most people thoroughly check all the essential systems and components. However, shock absorbers are often overlooked during this pre-purchase inspection.
Although shock absorbers are crucial for vehicle handling and can be considered the "soul" of the entire suspension system, they are not typically included in the checklist of parts to inspect.
Additionally, when problems arise, should you repair the old components or purchase new ones?
- Shock Absorbers: Lifespan and Factors Affecting Performance
- Advantages of Upgrading Shock Absorbers
- Disadvantages of Upgrading Shock Absorbers
- Can Upgrading Shock Absorbers Alleviate Motion Sickness?
Shock Absorbers: Lifespan and Factors Affecting Performance
Some people believe that if the road conditions are good, shock absorbers won’t have any significant issues. However, this belief isn’t entirely accurate. The condition of shock absorbers primarily depends on their quality, particularly the quality of the rubber components. Other factors such as the driver's habits and the environment also play a role. Rubber components wear out over time and eventually lose their ability to withstand mechanical stress.
Oil degradation can lead to a decrease in the damping performance of the shock absorbers. The aging of valves and springs can result in their failure. Although shock absorbers are reliable and durable devices, their lifespan typically does not exceed 100,000 kilometers, after which they need to be replaced.
Advantages of Upgrading Shock Absorbers
✅ Lower Repair Costs:
Repairing shock absorbers can cost 30-50% less than purchasing new ones. Considering that shock absorbers, like brake pads, are replaced in pairs, opting for repairs can significantly reduce costs.
✅ Enhanced Reliability:
Upgraded shock absorbers can be even more reliable than new ones. Improvements to the guiding mechanism and sealing components can increase their ability to withstand mechanical and environmental impacts. If you want to make a significant change in the chassis characteristics and ride comfort, upgrading to a set of modified shock absorbers is the ultimate solution.
✅ Better Serviceability:
Repaired shock absorbers are often more easily disassembled, enhancing their serviceability in the future. From a long-term perspective, repairing shock absorbers is cost-effective, as any subsequent repairs will be less expensive.
✅ Adjustable Performance:
Repairs can alter the performance of the shock absorbers, allowing the suspension system to become softer or firmer, depending on your preference.
✅ Time Efficiency:
In some cases, repairing shock absorbers can take less time than purchasing new ones.
Disadvantages of Upgrading Shock Absorbers
❎ Not All Shock Absorbers Are Worth Repairing: Some shock absorbers have high spare parts costs, making repairs relatively expensive. In such cases, if budget is a concern, it may be more economical to purchase new shock absorbers.
❎ High-Quality Repairs Require Specialized Service: High-quality repairs can typically only be carried out at certified repair shops, as they require specialized equipment and qualified automotive inspectors and technicians.
However, finding such top-notch service centers can be challenging. While repairing shock absorbers might offer a better cost-performance ratio than purchasing new ones, it’s crucial to ensure the repair shop can provide quality service. To evaluate this, consider the following:
⭕ Does the shop have specialized equipment for diagnosing shock absorbers?
⭕ Can they provide records of previous inspection results?
⭕ Are the technicians qualified to repair shock absorbers, and do they have the necessary certifications?
Can Upgrading Shock Absorbers Alleviate Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness is caused by a conflict between the sense of balance and visual perception. To maintain bodily balance, the brain continuously gathers and integrates information from visual input, proprioception (body awareness), and the inner ear's sense of balance. When these different sensory inputs cannot be coordinated, dizziness is likely to occur. This is especially true when sudden and intense movements happen, which can exacerbate the symptoms.
So, can upgrading shock absorbers help reduce such intense shaking? By reducing vehicle bumpiness and modifying shock absorbers to lessen jolts and swaying movements, the impact on the vestibular system in the inner ear can be reduced, potentially easing the sensation of motion sickness. The dampers in a suspension system, which provide resistance to movement and dissipate kinetic energy, can be instrumental in preventing motion sickness.
Can Modifying Shock Absorbers Improve Motion Sickness?
The answer is yes. Modified shock absorbers generally come in two designs: adjustable damping (soft-hard) and single-tube or twin-tube. Choosing a twin-tube ✅design provides better comfort and durability, as all original factory shock absorbers use this structure. On the other hand, a single-tube design ✅offers better handling .
Modern domestic single-tube modified shock absorbers are no longer as bouncy as they used to be. If you want to avoid motion sickness while driving, the most direct and effective solution is to install a set of modified shock absorbers. Afterward, remember to have the vehicle height change inspected to avoid any issues with law enforcement.
As for adjustable damping shock absorbers, more advanced models allow adjustments based on different drivers’ needs. However, the range of adjustment has limitations; you can’t turn a soft ride into a rock-hard one. The hardness of the ride is mainly determined by the spring rate, not by the damping adjustment of the shock absorber. So, if you don't want the ride to be too stiff, you can consider choosing a spring rate slightly lower than the standard value provided by the manufacturer.
CARICO
CARICO's shock absorbers use various technologies to enhance strength and durability, extend service life, and improve ease of installation. Now, CARICO offers online shopping services. If you can't find the model you need, please feel free to contact Chin Hong Mall customer service.
