How Often Should Car Shock Absorbers Be Replaced?
3 Answers
Generally, shock absorbers should be replaced every 4 years. If you frequently engage in aggressive driving or often drive on harsh road conditions, the shock absorbers may need replacement before 4 years. When replacing shock absorbers, they should be changed in pairs; otherwise, it can lead to uneven balance and force distribution in the car, causing different stress on the shock absorbers and potentially leading to further issues. You can check the condition of your shock absorbers using the following methods: 1. If you notice oil leakage from the shock absorber, it indicates a problem, and you should consider replacement or repair to prevent abnormal operation. 2. Press down firmly on the bumper and then release it. If the car bounces 2-3 times, the shock absorbers are working well. 3. When driving slowly and applying emergency brakes, if the car vibrates excessively, it suggests a problem with the shock absorbers. 4. After driving 10km on rough roads, stop and touch the outer shell. If it's not warm enough, it means there's no internal resistance, and the shock absorbers are not functioning.
I remember driving my old car for over ten years, and the shock absorbers were only replaced for the first time after the mileage exceeded 150,000 kilometers. Normally driving in the city on flat roads might allow them to last even longer. However, if you frequently drive on rural mountain roads or bumpy surfaces, they tend to wear out faster, so it's recommended to check them every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Recently, I noticed severe body jolts, instability when taking sharp turns at high speed, and some squeaky noises. After taking it to the repair shop, it turned out the shock absorbers were leaking oil. The mechanic told me that delaying replacement could affect braking performance, increase the risk of skidding in rainy conditions, and raise accident risks. You should also pay attention to tire wear because faulty shock absorbers cause uneven tire wear. Replacing a set cost me over a thousand, but the improvement in safety was significant. Don’t rely solely on mileage—regularly assess based on vehicle condition and driving habits.
After driving for so many years, I believe there's no absolute time limit for shock absorber replacement—it largely depends on usage patterns and vehicle condition. If you frequently carry heavy loads or drive aggressively with sudden acceleration and braking (like me hauling goods on weekends), shock absorbers wear faster and should be inspected every 50,000–60,000 km. For urban commuting, they may last 80,000–100,000 km. Newer technologies like electronic dampers are more durable, but aging signs are obvious: oil leaks, excessive body sway, or abnormal vibrations over speed bumps warrant attention. I recommend combining replacements with routine maintenance and inspecting the entire suspension system beforehand to prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs. A mid-range set priced around ¥800–1,500 offers good value while ensuring handling stability.
