Shock absorbers are an integral component of a vehicle’s suspension system. As an automobile moves, the absorbers interchangeably extend and retract. This ensures that the wheels are always in contact with the surface on which a vehicle is travelling. This contact adds stability and traction, giving the driver better control.
In addition, shock absorbers absorb the inertia created when heavier vehicles like trucks or buses transport imbalanced goods or when the driver applies emergency brakes. This property makes it a valuable addition for a vehicle that frequently traverses uneven terrains, as it is with most roads in the Australian countryside.
Read on to discover more on shock absorbers, including how to choose the best for trucks and buses.
How Shock Absorbers Work
Despite having structural differences, all types of shock absorbers use the same principles of operation. Precisely, they ‘absorb’ the kinetic energy produced by a vehicle’s suspension system and transform it into thermal energy. This energy is then released as heat into the atmosphere.
A typical shock absorber has two primary components – a piston and a cylinder full of fluid. When a vehicle is driven over rugged terrain, its springs and suspension system start moving. This movement triggers the piston, which exerts pressure onto the cylinder to neutralise the suspension system’s motion. During this process, the fluid becomes hot because of the piston’s continuous pressure.
The hot fluid then leaves the cylinder through tiny openings. As this happens, the motion in the suspension system slows down, and the system becomes cooler. When the cylinder is emptied, the shock absorber’s piston returns to its original position.
Types of Shock Absorbers
The two most common shock absorbers used in heavy vehicles like trucks and buses are gas-charged and hydraulic shock absorbers. Notably, these two categories have smaller subtypes with varying designs and structures.
Below is an overview of the various types of shock absorbers.
Gas-charged Shock Absorbers
Gas-charged shock absorbers are the best for trucks and buses that travel at high speeds. This explains why they are a standard installation in buses that travel on major highways and trucks transporting goods over long distances.
The most significant advantage of gas-charged absorbers is their responsiveness. As such, vehicles with these shocks can stop instantly when you apply brakes on a highway. However, this quality makes them unsuitable for uneven terrains, as this leaves the occupants uncomfortable.
These absorbers have nitrogen in their cylinders to reduce the risk of aeration, which often affects their efficiency.
Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
Hydraulic absorbers are the most popular shock absorbers used in heavy-duty vehicles. This is because of their excellent adaptability to different driving conditions and terrains.
Regarding responsiveness, hydraulic absorbers are slow and gradual. This makes them ideal for off-road vehicles, where gas-charged models are not a suitable option. However, they are not good for high-speed applications like highways.
Wrapping Up
The reliability of a vehicle’s suspension system depends on the condition of the shock absorbers. For this reason, it’s wise to invest in quality aftermarket products for European trucks to avoid disappointments when travelling.
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