Suspension
The Shocking Cold!With winter around the corner, BOGE inputs the impact of the colder months on a vehicle’s shock absorbers and the importance of OE quality standards. Salt, grit and a legacy of roads in disrepair thanks to frost can take a toll on vehicles. Evidence of shock absorbers bearing the brunt of these challenges emerge as motor factors report an upsurge in demand for replacement parts, during Winter and Spring. OE QUALITY FOR SAFETY Shock absorbers are susceptible to deterioration as a result of exposure to grit, salt and moisture. However, temperatures experienced during a typical UK winter do not tend to cause problems for OE quality shock absorbers. Despite this, BOGE ensures that their components undergo testing in climate extremes during development. The alloy composition and after-treatment processes used by manufacturers like BOGE, who abide by OE quality standards, are designed to avoid the possibility of brittle fracture. CRITICAL SAFETY In critical driving conditions that are especially prevalent in the colder months, defective shock absorbers can be particularly hazardous. Poor performing shock absorbers can lead to a variety of life-threatening scenarios:
KEEPING AN EYE FOR SHOCKS Due to their safety critical nature, a regular suspension test is recommended for every 20,000km a vehicle travels to ensure that they are working properly. Unless damaged by force, shock absorbers seldom fail suddenly. Instead, they gradually wear as the driver gets accustomed to the deteriorating damping action. Installers should always begin by conducting a visual examination. Key issues to look for are:
During inspection, it is advised to check the condition of shock absorber mounts, steering components and rubber-to-metal parts as well. INSTALL THE WHOLE KIT The performance of a newly replaced component compared to a worn one can be considerably different. This adversely affects braking distances and handling balance of the vehicle. Any damping variation between a new and used shock absorber will become very apparent during avoidance manoeuvres. That is why; shocks should always be replaced in pairs. BOGE offers 300 fitting kits which include ancillary items such as spring assisters (bump stops) and gaiters. They should also be replaced when new shock absorbers are installed. A worn gaiter can deposit grit and salt on the piston rod that will abrade the plating and potentially lead to corrosion and diminish the shock absorber lifespan. PIONEERING TECHNOLOGY & QUALITY ENGINEERING Pioneering in shock absorber technology for more than 86 years, BOGE has precisely engineered advanced and quality components at every pivot of automotive history since. The OE quality of BOGE shock absorbers enables simple replacement with precision parts and provides the assurance of quality, comfort and durability.
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