The ZF experts say these checks are vital for maximum safety

An often overlooked safety critical component in a vehicle are its shock absorbers, with ZF in Oceania providing some expert tips for safer and smoother driving. 
Vehicle manufacturers have optimised the design of their cars to handle most road conditions, while providing a comfortable and smooth ride. 
Although safety is always a primary concern, shock absorbers wear over time, therefore regular checks are necessary, and replacement may be required. 
ZF Aftermarket’s experts recommend that shock absorbers be thoroughly examined every 20,000 kilometres and replaced after 80,000 kilometres.
A correctly functioning shock absorber will control the car’s handling, keep the tyres in contact with the road, and provide a comfortable, noise-free ride. 
Visual signs of a defective shock absorber include uneven tyre wear, for example, if the tyres are unevenly worn on one axle, or there is a sawtooth formation on the tread. 
A defective, or worn, shock absorber can impair the vehicle’s traction and stability on uneven roads or in curves. Not only that, it can create a risk of aquaplaning even at lower speeds meaning that safety systems, such as ABS, slip and stability control, may not be fully functional. 
The braking distance can also be longer, which means that the tyres are no longer as responsive as they used to be. 
Another indicator is excessive wheel vibration, which could potentially lead to loss of control of the vehicle. 
If unsafe handling behaviours, noises or tyre issues are reported, it is recommended that workshops inspect and/or replace the ride control components, when replacing shock absorbers and struts. 
ZF says it is also crucial that shock absorbers are replaced in pairs, that way customers can be assured that all of the vehicle’s shocks are brand new, for optimum performance and the safest possible handling. 
SACHS Product Expert Craig Lowndes has filmed a safety video all about shock absorbers which can be viewed on the ZF Services Australia YouTube channel and on ZF in Oceania’s social media channels. 

Safety checks for vehicles after lockdowns
As a result of extended lockdowns across Australia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, vehicles were driven less frequently with many workshops reporting a downturn in regular servicing. 
ZF Aftermarket recommends that workshops offer their customers a check to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to restore confidence in road safety. 
Driving less also means that the effects of worn shock absorbers, such as poor road holding, reduced cornering stability and longer braking distances could go unnoticed. 
For this reason, ZF Aftermarket recommends workshops should always include a damper test in these checks, ideally with a professional shock absorber tester. 

SACHS shock absorbers
ZF Aftermarket says its SACHS shock absorbers are distinguished by their original equipment quality and innovative technology, and states they are now ranked the number one shock absorber in European car parc coverage. 
With the ideal combination of performance and dynamics, ZF says SACHS shock absorbers ensure perfect road grip and cornering behaviour, no matter what challenges the road may present.
Locally, the SACHS range has over 3,000 shock absorber references, with a combination of mono-tube and twin-tube gas pressurised shock technology throughout the entire range. 
For more information, visit www.zf.com/au or call
1800 ZF SALES (1800 937 2537).