Ever felt a bumpy ride that makes your coffee spill? That’s usually a sign your shocks are worn out. New shocks are the parts that control how your car reacts to bumps, corners, and stops. Swapping old, tired shocks for fresh ones can tighten up the ride, boost handling, and keep your wheels glued to the road.
There are three main families you’ll see at most shops. Mono-tube shocks use a single chamber for oil and gas; they’re stiff, react fast, and are popular for sport builds. Twin-tube shocks have a separate reserve chamber, making them smoother for daily drivers and a bit cheaper. Then there are adjustable or coilover shocks, which let you dial in the firmness yourself – perfect if you like to tweak your car’s feel.
When you pick a type, think about how you use the car. If you haul kids and groceries, twin-tube might be the sweet spot. If you hit the track on weekends, mono-tube or coilovers give the control you crave. Price ranges from £80 for basic twin-tubes to over £300 for high‑end adjustables, so set a budget before you shop.
Installing shocks isn’t rocket science, but you do need the right tools and a safe workspace. First, lift the car with a jack and support it on stands – never rely on the jack alone. Remove the wheel, then locate the top and bottom mounting bolts of the old shock. Unscrew them, take note of any rubber bushings or spacers, and pull the shock out.
Next, compare the new shock with the old one. If the lengths match and the bolt pattern lines up, you’re good to go. Slip the new shock into place, insert any bushings, and tighten the top and bottom bolts to the manufacturer’s torque specs (usually around 80‑100 Nm). Re‑mount the wheel, lower the car, and repeat on the opposite side.
After the install, a quick test drive is essential. Listen for clunks, feel for uneven bounce, and check that the car sits level. If anything feels off, double‑check bolt tightness and make sure the shock is fully seated.
Beyond the basics, a few pro tips can save you headaches. Spray a little anti‑seize on the bolt threads to prevent rust, and replace any worn rubber mounts at the same time – they’re cheap and keep the new shocks working longer. Finally, give the shocks a couple of days of gentle driving before you push the car hard; this lets the oil settle and the seals seal properly.
Bottom line: fresh shocks are an easy upgrade that instantly improves comfort and control. Whether you pick a budget twin‑tube or a performance coilover, the right set can make every trip feel smoother and more confident. So check your ride, pick a set that matches your needs, and give those worn‑out shocks the boot. Your car – and your passengers – will thank you.
Thinking about lowering your ride? This article looks at whether you really need new shocks with lowering springs. We'll get into how shocks and springs interact, what happens if you skip new shocks, and how your handling and ride feel can change. You'll get clear advice, some surprisingly useful tips, and real-world examples to make the right choice for your car.
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