How do I know if my shock absorbers are worn?

Worn shock absorbers (also called dampers) let the car keep bouncing after a bump, dive under braking and lean more in corners. They wear slowly, so most drivers adapt without noticing, which is why it helps to know the signs.

A simple home check is the bounce test. Press down firmly on one front corner of the car, release it, and watch. A healthy damper settles after about one rebound. If the corner keeps bouncing, or the car feels soft and floaty, the damper may be worn. It is a guide only, not a verdict.

What are the signs of worn shock absorbers?

Common signs are listed below. Any single one can have other causes, so look at the whole picture.

• Bouncing or floating over humps and undulating roads.
• The nose dipping noticeably under braking, or the rear squatting when you accelerate.
• Body roll and a vague feeling in corners or crosswinds.
• Uneven or cupped tyre wear.
• Oil residue on the body of the damper, or a knocking from the corner.

Do worn shock absorbers affect braking?

Yes. Dampers keep the tyres pressed firmly on the road. When they are tired, the wheel can bounce slightly over bumps and lose grip for a moment, which can lengthen stopping distances on uneven surfaces. That is why this article sits with our brake advice.

Wheel grip also matters for ABS and stability systems, which rely on the tyres staying in contact with the road. Worn dampers can also put extra strain on tyres, springs, mounts and bushes, so a small problem left alone can grow into several.

How do I check shock absorbers at home?

Besides the bounce test, look at the dampers where you can see them. A wet, oily film running down the body suggests a leaking seal. Take care, as a light mist of road dirt is normal and a dripping, wet shaft is not.

Look at the tyres too. Scalloped patches around the tread edge suggest the wheel has been bouncing. Check the tread depth as well, since the legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three quarters of the tread. Do not work under a car held only by a jack. It is also worth noting whether the symptoms are worse with a full load of passengers and luggage, as tired dampers and springs show up most when the car is heavy.

What does a garage do about worn shock absorbers?

A garage will inspect the dampers for leaks, damage and play, check the mountings, bump stops, springs and top mounts, and look at the tyres. Dampers are normally replaced in pairs on the same axle so the car handles evenly.

Mention any recent tyre or suspension work when you ask for a quote. Cost drivers include the vehicle, whether the springs and mounts are reusable, the number of dampers to be replaced, and whether alignment is rechecked afterwards. A quote after inspection is more reliable than a guess.

When is it unsafe to keep driving?

Get the car checked promptly if a damper is leaking heavily, the car wallows or bounces repeatedly, the steering feels light or wanders at speed, or you hear loud knocking from a corner. Leaking fluid on a wheel near the brakes is also a reason to stop.

If the car just feels a little soft, you can usually arrange an inspection, but avoid carrying heavy loads or pulling a trailer meanwhile.