Parts specialist OPTIMAL has highlighted how the increasing adoption, of electronic driver assistance systems makes the role of shock absorbers even more critical. To maintain the correct functioning of these systems, and in turn the vehicle safety, it is therefore vital to choose high quality shocks when they require replacement.

A variety of parts are responsible for ab¬sorbing and reducing kinetic energy that is generated by uneven road surfaces. The most important of these are suspension springs and shock absorbers. These springs ab¬sorb the shock created by bumpy surfaces and ensure that vehicles maintain safe contact with the road. However, each spring has its own pattern of oscillations, which may build up very rapidly at certain frequency ranges. The shock absorber is therefore used to reduce the vibrations of the suspension spring.

If lower quality shocks are fitted, or faulty shocks remain on a car the consequences can be serious and include factors such as;
Increased vehicle braking distance

• Less stability on bends
• Reduced traction on uneven road surfaces
• ABS system not functioning correctly
• Headlights dazzling other drivers
• Shorter service life for other components

Optimal says that shock absorbers should always be replaced in axle pairs so that vehicle stability is not compromised. It has also highlighted certain features of its shocks which mean they offer the type of quality required to maintain the proper function of vehicle safety systems. These include;

• The upper part of the shock absorbers piston rod is coated on OPTIMAL’s shock absorbers. Shocks with no coating are far more susceptible to corrosion.
• Optimal shocks have a rebound stop, which is fitted to the piston rod with six spot-welds which acts as a non-detachable, secure stop limiter. With lower quality shocks this stop is shrunk on and can often become detached.
• OPTIMAL shocks use NOK double seals for long service life, where as lower quality shocks usually have a single seal and thus a shorter life span.
• The PTFE/Teflon seal on the OPTIMAL shock absorber piston ensures a very low friction coefficient and therefore has a minimal initial breakaway torque, since the static friction is just as high as the kinetic friction. This means that there is no resistance during the transition from standstill to motion. Lower quality shocks using a sintered metal seal have a high friction coefficient, making it more susceptible to wear and tear and a shorter service life.

OPTIMAL shock absorbers are available from stockist nationwide and are distributed in Ireland by Somora.