How to choose the right shock absorbers?
The shock absorber plays a significant role in the vehicle's suspension system and shock absorbers in your car do more than just make the ride more comfortable. The ideal shock absorber will accomplish critical damping (a perfect balance), will offer precisely the right amount of control and will be suitable for any driving condition.
As any other part, they fail to function overtime and you will ultimately need a replacement. Choosing the right shock absorbers for your car is just as vital as choosing any other vehicle part and it can also be challenging, now that there are so many variants in the market.
Fret not; We are here to guide you in picking the right shock that best suits your car!
Shock absorbers available in the market currently are either non-adjustable, single or double adjustable. Bilstein and ST Suspensions are some of the brands that offer various shock absorbers options for your car according to your preference.
Non-adjustable shocks
A shock typically has their valving pre-set from the factory; they are referred to as non-adjustable. The piston and internal shock design will determine how the shock operates and there are no external shock adjusters to tune the rebound or compression settings of the shock (these adjustments have been built into the shock by the factory). Most automobiles are equipped with non-adjustable shocks as they roll off the line. An example of non-adjustable shocks is the Bilstein 24-120395 BMW E90 E91 E92 E93 B6 Performance Rear Shock Absorber.
Single Adjustable Shocks
Single adjustable shocks like the ST Suspensions 18210058 Audi B6 B7 A4 COILOVER KIT XA are height and single adjustable damping. They are simple to set up as they can be used to fine-tune the settings for the compression or rebound shock; once your external adjustment is at your preferred setting, you're ready to go. Street performance automobiles that want a superior ride quality than factory or basic, users will most frequently choose single adjustable shocks.
Double Adjustable shocks
With double-adjustable shocks, you can adjust your rebound and compression adjustments for even better performance and control of your vehicle on the track or on the road. As a vehicle travels down the road or track, power is transferred from the motor to the suspension, then to the wheels, and this is controlled by adjusting the shock's compression and rebound rates. The BILSTEIN BMW E90 E92 E93 B16 PSS10 Coilover allows you to control the shock's entire speed range and is also flexible for road use or track.
Bilstein PSS10 Coilover for BMW E90 E92 E93 B16
Quick Tip!
- Understand your driving style. Do you prioritize comfort or performance? Think about what you value most: a smooth ride, sporty handling, off-road ability, or a combination of these things. This will help you narrow down your options.
- Examine the suspension system: Recognise whether your car has an independent front and rear suspension or a solid axle. This will assist in deciding whether twin-tube or monotube shock absorbers are best, as well as if you need separate front and rear shocks or a full set.
- Installation and warranty: Ensure you have the necessary tools and expertise to install the shock absorbers properly. If you're unsure, it's best to have a qualified mechanic handle the installation. Additionally, check the warranty offered by the manufacturer to protect your investment.
As passionate car enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the importance of finding the right suspension upgrades for your car. That's why we offer a wide range of high-quality absorbers specifically designed for almost every vehicle and racing application. To make your selection process easier, we also provide a suspension recommender here to help you shortlist the suspensions compatible with your car.
For more 101 tips and advice, be sure to come back to the ML Performance blog soon.