MUNICH: A rougher ride and higher risk of a crash is the outcome if you let your car's shocks wear down too much, experts say, as this can interfere with some of the most important safety features in cars.
The problem is: Worn-out old shocks aren't something most drivers will notice, as the change tends to creep in gradually. That's why safety experts call on all drivers to have their car's shocks tested during inspections or trips to the garage.
Worn shock absorbers can impair the workings of electronic assistance systems such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), ASR (anti-slip control) or ESC (electronic stability control), which are tuned to an intact chassis, according to the safety specialists from inpection agency Tüv.
These systems enable a safer grip on the road in as many situations as possible. The electronic stability control (ESC), for example, has been saving lives for years by stabilising vehicles in extreme situations and prevent crashes.
It does this by making sure individual wheels automatically break to prevent the vehicle from over-steering or under-steering. However bad shocks can severely impair the function of driving aids like ESC.
The risk of an accident with bad shocks also increases the more load you're carrying on board, such as when you take luggage with you on a road trip.
The Tüv safety experts advise regular checks because shock absorbers only gradually lose their effectiveness, meaning you're unlikely to notice any sudden changes.
If there's been lots of wear and tear, the car will be less pleasant to drive and will tend to lurch in curves or during evasive manoeuvres. The braking distance is also often longer, while the tyres wear faster and unevenly.
