Cover image for 'Shock absorber replacement near you'

Shock absorber replacement near you

Shock Absorber Replacement Near You

The shock absorbers are designed to help prevent your car from bouncing excessively along uneven roads. They are a key part of the suspension and protect it by making sure that the springs don’t compress or rebound too quickly. The springs ensure the wheels are kept on the road and that they don’t lose grip when hitting a bump, whereas the shock absorbers dampen the spring’s movement making the ride feel softer and smoother, helping the car to become stable faster.

If any part of your suspension is broken (e.g. shock absorbers or springs), you cannot drive your vehicle without causing long term damage and reducing the overall safety of your car significantly. 

What is the life expectancy of Shock Absorbers?

The average life expectancy of shock absorbers is 4 - 5 years, however the road conditions will affect this. If generally you drive on smooth roads, this could extend your shock absorbers life by as much as 5 years, whereas if you are driving primarily on rough roads this can seriously decrease their lifespan.

What are the causes of Shock Absorber problems?

  • If you hit a curb or pothole at speed this could damage your shock absorbers
  • Driving on dusty and muddy roads could mean damage to the seals and cause leaks in your shock absorbers.
  • If you have recently been in an accident there could be residual damage

You should get your shock absorbers checked annually and regularly clean your car hubs to ensure no dirt or mud is making its way into your shock absorbers.

Should you replace or have shock absorbers repaired?

Depending on what the problem is with your shock absorbers, they could be repaired instead of replaced; this should only be considered if they have done less than 35,000 miles. Repairing will usually be your cheaper option however this will depend on what the issue is as fixing shock absorbers can be very time consuming and may come out at a similar cost to replacing them. Fixing worn shock absorbers also does not provide a lasting solution, so you will likely still have to replace your shock absorbers at some point. It is helpful to get your shock absorbers checked by a specialist to get an understanding on where you stand with replacing or repairing. Our network of garages can help you find a qualified mechanic in your area.

When should you book a Shock Absorber replacement?

You should book a shock absorber replacement or check-up if you notice any of the following:

  • Steering wheel vibrating
  • Tyres worn unevenly 
  • Hearing knocking or squeaking sounds when going over rough terrain
  • Braking is taking longer than usual - longer stopping time

If you do notice any of the above, then we recommend booking in with your qualified local mechanic through our site so you can compare prices and find your nearest garage in seconds.

How much does it cost to repair or replace Shock Absorbers?

The cost of new shock absorbers ranges from £150 to £600 depending on whether the front or rear absorber needs to be replaced. Often it may be recommended that you get your shock absorbers repaired in pairs, however keep in mind that this may add to the cost. If you are having your shock absorbers repaired, this price will vary depending on what problem is diagnosed. To get a better idea of what the overall cost will be with labour charge, enter your car details on our site and we can compare pricing in your local area.

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