Shock absorbers (and struts, which combine the shock with a structural role) do more than smooth out bumps. They keep your tyres pressed to the road so the car can steer and brake properly. As they wear, that control fades slowly enough that many drivers simply adapt to it without noticing.
Seven signs your shock absorbers are worn
- A bouncy, floaty ride. After a bump the car keeps rocking instead of settling.
- Nose-dive when braking. The front dips sharply, which can also lengthen stopping distance.
- Rear squat when accelerating. The back sinks noticeably as you pull away.
- Excess body roll in corners or a feeling of instability at speed and in crosswinds.
- Clunks and rattles over rough patches, which can also come from worn mounts or bushes.
- Oil leaking on the outside of the shock body. A light film can be normal dust; wet, dripping oil is not.
- Uneven, cupped tyre wear. Scalloped patches on the tread can be a sign that the tyre is bouncing rather than rolling smoothly.
A simple at-home check
With the car parked on level ground, press down firmly on one corner of the bonnet and release. A healthy shock lets the car rise and settle within about a cycle or so. If it bounces several times, the shock is likely worn. It is only a rough indication, so have a mechanic inspect the suspension properly before deciding.
How long do shock absorbers last?
There is no fixed figure. Bad roads, heavy loads and frequent speed breakers shorten their life, while gentle highway use extends it. Many owners find that noticeable wear appears somewhere after several tens of thousands of kilometres, but rely on symptoms and inspection rather than a mileage number.
What to replace together
- Both sides of the axle. A new shock beside an old one makes the car handle unevenly.
- Strut mounts and bearings where fitted. Worn mounts cause noise and steering vagueness.
- Bump stops and dust boots. They protect the new shock and are inexpensive to renew with it.
- Coil springs if they are sagging, cracked or noticeably lower than the other side.
After the replacement
Have the wheel alignment checked, since suspension work can shift the geometry. Then confirm the car tracks straight and feels planted over bumps.
Getting the right ones
Front and rear units, petrol and diesel variants and different trim levels can all use different shock absorbers. Use your car's exact details as described in our guide to finding the right spare part, and decide between original and alternatives with the help of our OEM vs aftermarket comparison. Suspension wear often shows up alongside brake wear, so it makes sense to inspect both at the same visit.
