Can Engine Oil Replace Shock Absorber Oil?

[VanLeilani]

Shock absorber oil cannot be replaced with ordinary engine oil. Specific reasons: Do not randomly change engine oil. Air compressors have specialized oil, and using other types of engine oil is completely ineffective. Maintenance involves changing the oil and filters. The air filter can be blown clean and reused, but if it is deformed, it needs to be replaced. When the piston in a piston-type air compressor moves to the right during reciprocating motion in the cylinder, the pressure in the left chamber of the piston is lower than atmospheric pressure (pa), causing the intake valve to open and allowing external air to be drawn into the cylinder. This process is called the compression process. Engine Oil: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, has a density of approximately 0.91kg×10³. It serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption and cushioning for the engine.

[Lonnie]

As a long-time car repair guy, I'm very familiar with this issue. Engine oil has much lower viscosity and is far from shock absorber oil; shock absorber oil is designed like thick paste to absorb impacts and provide damping force. Engine oil works fine for lubrication inside the engine, but if you put it in the shock absorber, the damping will be insufficient, making the ride bumpy and ruining the handling feel. Even worse, over time, the seals will wear out faster, the internal piston will get damaged, and the shock absorber will leak and fail, costing a fortune to fix. I've seen plenty of cases where owners tried to cut corners, only to end up with minor accidents. Safety first—always use dedicated shock absorber oil and choose the right viscosity grade according to SAE standards. Regularly check the shock absorber's condition during maintenance to ensure smooth operation and avoid future troubles.

[OVanessa]

I made this mistake myself: when the shock absorbers on my old car started making strange noises, I used leftover engine oil from home as a substitute for shock absorber fluid, thinking I could save a few dozen bucks. After just two days of driving, I couldn't stand it—the car body swayed like a boat, and going over speed bumps was so rough it hurt my backside. In less than a month, the front shock absorbers were leaking badly. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic said the low viscosity of the engine oil caused the seals to fail. Replacing them cost me over 300 bucks, and it even threw the suspension out of balance. I nearly lost control during a turn—scary stuff. Now I know: shock absorber fluid is designed to withstand high temperatures and vibrations, and the viscosity must match for it to work properly. Don't be foolish like I was—just buy the proper fluid and refer to the vehicle manual. Also, check for leaks during every maintenance session to extend the lifespan of the parts.

[MacHope]

As someone who's just starting to understand cars, I've also wondered if engine oil can substitute for shock absorber oil. Simply put, no. Shock absorber oil has higher viscosity and is specifically designed to cushion road impacts; engine oil is too thin, and when added to shock absorbers, it reduces damping, making the car bumpy and unstable with increased noise. Long-term use can easily wear out the seals, leading to leaks and higher repair costs. It's recommended to check the vehicle manual or consult a professional to confirm the correct oil type, such as matching the viscosity grade. Safety first—don't experiment with untested ideas. Always pay attention to any abnormalities in the shock absorbers while driving and address issues early for timely repairs.