What oil can be used as a substitute for shock absorber oil?

[VincentMarie]

If there is no dedicated shock absorber oil, automotive power steering hydraulic fluid or automotive lifting hydraulic oil can be used as substitutes. The functions of shock absorber oil and the role of shock absorbers are introduced as follows: Function of shock absorber oil: The shock absorber contains shock absorber oil, which also includes a certain amount of lubricating oil components. Shock absorber oil is the hydraulic medium used in hydraulic systems that utilize liquid pressure energy. It plays roles in energy transmission, wear resistance, system lubrication, corrosion prevention, rust prevention, and cooling within the hydraulic system. Function of shock absorbers: Shock absorbers are wear-prone components during the use of a vehicle. The performance of the shock absorbers directly affects the smoothness of the vehicle's ride and the lifespan of other mechanical parts. Therefore, it is essential to keep the shock absorbers in good working condition.

[EmeryAnn]

From my experience, shock absorber oil cannot be casually replaced with engine oil or transmission fluid. Having driven for over 30 years, I've seen many car owners try to save money by using these oils, only to end up with leaking shock absorbers or loss of damping function, resulting in a bumpy ride and unstable handling. Shock absorber oil is a specially formulated hydraulic fluid with stable viscosity that can withstand heat and vibration. Ordinary oils with viscosity that's too high or too low will cause the seals to age faster. If you absolutely must use a temporary substitute, some highly refined ATF (automatic transmission fluid) might barely work, but it's not a long-term solution—I have a friend who tried it and had to spend big on major repairs in less than 5,000 kilometers. Remember, safety comes first. A dedicated shock absorber oil only costs a few dozen yuan—why take the risk? Make an extra trip to the repair shop and get the right product for peace of mind.

[LaSkylar]

I know the topic of shock absorber oil substitutes is quite popular, but as a hands-on enthusiast, I've tested it a few times: it's vastly different from other hydraulic oils. The viscosity of shock absorber oil precisely matches the movement of the damper. If you use engine oil or regular lubricants as substitutes, the large viscosity fluctuations will render the damping ineffective, making the ride feel like a boat swaying back and forth. I tried adding ATF during my garage DIY sessions, but the results were barely acceptable, and the seals corroded much faster. This isn't to say it's completely impossible, but the risks are too high—if things go wrong, you might end up needing to replace the entire shock absorber. My advice is to check your model and order a compatible product online—it's really simple. Don’t compromise your car’s safety and handling over a small cost; it’s no joke when performance is affected.

[OWillow]

I often encounter this issue when helping friends with their cars: Can shock absorber oil be substituted? The answer is it's best not to mess around. Specialized oil is designed to withstand heat and pressure, while substitutes like engine oil may be too viscous, causing shock absorber seal failure or weakened damping. Once, my neighbor added some leftover oil from home, and the car became unstable within two weeks. To properly address this, first check if the shock absorber is leaking oil—if it's just a slight shortage, a professional shop can top it up. If substitution is absolutely necessary, opt for ATF or hydraulic oil, but don't expect long-term performance. Safe driving relies on properly functioning shock absorbers, so don't cut corners and invite bigger troubles.