Back to Basics

Any vehicle suspension is made up of three crucial parts:

Tyre
Spring
Shock absorber

All three of these need to be in good working order to keep the wheel properly in contact with the road.

The shock absorber keeps the tyre on the road and regulates the movement of the spring. It is the final crucial link in ensuring a smooth and, more importantly, safe ride. Even with new tyres and new brakes, unless all shock absorbers are in good working order vehicle safety is compromised because of reduced wheel contact with the road.

	With no suspension: the vehicle is solid and loses contact with the road as it goes over bumps.
	With springs but no shock absorbers: the vehicle is able to absorb bumps, but the undampened suspension means that the vehicle continues to bounce and causes the tyres to leave the road.
	With springs and shock absorbers: the vehicle not only absorbs bumps but also the shock absorbers dampen the springs and prevent the vehicle from bouncing. Together they keep the tyres in contact with the road.