What is the Use of Shock Absorber Oil? Here are the Types & Signs of Damage

In this discussion, we will talk about the purpose of shock absorber oil. If you have ever passed through bumpy and uneven roads while driving a car. When passing through such roads, you feel just fine and there is no significant jolt, even though the road conditions are poor. This happens because in the car suspension system there is a shockbreaker.

The function of this component is to reduce severe shocks when the car passes through damaged road surfaces. For the shockbreaker to function properly, a lubricant such as shock absorber oil is needed. 

So what is the purpose of shock absorber oil in cars? More details will be discussed regarding shock absorber oil. 

Function of Shock Absorber Oil

Shock absorber oil is a lubricant used for suspension system components such as shockbreakers. Here are the functions of shock absorber oil in detail. 

1. Helps to swing the shockbreaker when the car passes through bumpy or uneven roads.
2. Lubricates the shockbreaker to minimize friction that occurs in the suspension system so that the shockbreaker does not wear out quickly.
3. Dampens shocks or vibrations caused by the tires when the car passes through uneven or bumpy roads.
4. Helps ensure that the car tires are in contact with the asphalt or road surface.
5. Helps improve response to steering control when the car is maneuvering.

Read Also: 4 Components That Need to Be Checked When the Car's Suspension Makes a Creaking Sound

Types of Shock Absorber Oil

Shock absorber oil in cars has 2 types based on the performance of the two shockbreaker valves (soft valve and hard valve). Here are the types of shock absorber oil in detail.

1. Oil Type

This type functions to lubricate the entire shockbreaker of the car. In this type, the oil easily enters the inside of the shockbreaker.

Usually, oil type shock absorber is used in urban cars. The purpose of this oil is to dampen shocks when the car is being driven so that the driver and passengers feel comfortable.

2. Gas Type

Gas type shock absorber oil has the same function as oil type shock absorber oil. That is, it also functions to dampen shocks or vibrations while driving the car.

However, the difference is that the gas type uses nitrogen gas to push the suspension system. This nitrogen gas is used to maintain and stabilize the valve rate and the increasing temperature of the hydraulic fluid.

Gas type is usually used by trucks or vehicles that carry heavy loads. 

Signs of Damaged Shock Absorber Oil That Needs to Be Replaced Immediately

Using a car over a considerable distance can reduce the performance of the car's suspension system. This happens because the shockbreaker components wear out and the shock absorber oil has started to run low.

As is known, shock absorber oil functions like a lubricant in the engine. Here are the signs that the car's shock absorber oil needs to be replaced immediately.

1. Noisy Sounds

A sign of a damaged shock absorber is the emergence of noisy sounds in the rear suspension system of the car. This occurs because the shockbreaker has started to wear out or is damaged.

2. Oil Leakage or Seepage 

Oil seepage or leakage usually occurs due to a damaged shock absorber seal. This causes the suspension system to lack oil and can damage the shockbreaker due to excessive friction.

3. Car is Unbalanced

The next sign is that the car becomes less balanced or feels tilted while driving. This happens because the shockbreaker is damaged, causing the suspension system not to function properly. 

4. More Noticeable Car Swing

Damage to the shockbreaker can cause problems with the suspension system's performance, making it unable to dampen shocks when the car passes through uneven roads.

Read Also: Reasons to Replace Shockbreakers Must Be in Pairs

5. Worn Tire Parts

The last sign, you can check the tire parts of your car. If the tire condition is worn, it may indicate damage to the shockbreaker, so you need to replace the shockbreaker and shock absorber oil.

After reading the above review, you now know more about the purpose of shock absorber oil in cars. If these signs occur in your car, immediately perform maintenance at the nearest Daihatsu dealer to get the right service.