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Their function is to absorb vibrations, ensuring the stability and driving comfort of the vehicle. But they also have the task of limiting movement during steering and braking, thus increasing driving safety.

The proper functioning of the suspension depends on the condition of all the components in the system. Damage to a single element can compromise the efficiency of other components. In fact, if a shock absorber becomes discharged, it can pose various dangers, some of them even severe, to the vehicle and the driver. Therefore, it is important to understand when to replace shock absorbers.

Consequences of driving with worn shocks
It can be difficult to notice when a shock absorber starts to lose its effectiveness because the wear occurs gradually, and the driver becomes accustomed to the reduced damping capacity. Although it may not initially have a noticeable impact on driving comfort, it can compromise the vehicle's performance and passenger safety.

How to understand when shock absorbers are worn out?
There are several signs that indicate when a shock absorber has reached the end of its lifespan.
Steering vibration is one of the first signs that manifest when a shock absorber is worn out, as reduced tire grip on the road can cause vibrations.
An increased braking distance, which is extremely dangerous for safety, indicates that at least one of the shock absorbers is not functioning properly. Even if only one shock absorber is worn out, it can increase the braking distance by up to two meters.
If the vehicle seems to bounce after hitting a bump, it is a sign that the shock absorbers are not functioning effectively. Under normal conditions, the vehicle should stabilize after hitting a bump and not continue to bounce.
During a turn, if the vehicle tends to sway, it is important to pay attention because discharged shock absorbers reduce tire contact with the road and can compromise the control of weight transfer during the turn.

Irregular tire wear may indicate that the vehicle's struts are worn out, which can result in a reduction of the vehicle's grip on the road.
Rear instability during acceleration is a symptom of malfunctioning shock absorbers and struts. Excessive hydraulic fluid loss from the shock absorbers may indicate that they are wearing out.

It is worth noting that the degree of wear of shock absorbers can also depend on environmental conditions, the driver's driving style, and the weight of the machine.

It is advisable to always consult a trusted auto repairer for questions regarding the use and wear of shock absorbers. The presented text provides a general overview of possible signs of shock absorber wear, but they should not be considered exhaustive.

Visit the OP catalog for detailed information on OP Shock Absorbers and the technical info page for specific documentation.