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Automotive vocabulary · Brakes, Suspension, Steering and Tires

Shock absorber

Meaning in automotive, with examples

nounCore term

In automotive, shock absorber means: A hydraulic part of the suspension that controls how fast the springs compress and rebound, so the car does not keep bouncing after a bump.

In Turkish: amortisör

How it is used

Often called shocks; engineers usually say damper. Technicians look for leaking or worn shock absorbers and replace them in pairs. In a MacPherson strut the spring and shock absorber form one unit.

Example sentences

  1. The rear shock absorbers are leaking oil and need replacing.

  2. Worn shock absorbers make the car bounce and increase braking distance.

Common collocations

  • leaking shock absorber
  • front shock absorbers
  • replace the shocks
  • adaptive dampers
  • suspensionThe system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects the wheels to the body. It absorbs bumps and keeps the tires in contact with the road.
  • wheel alignmentThe adjustment of the wheel angles (toe, camber and caster) to the manufacturer's values, so the car drives straight and the tires wear evenly.
  • chassisThe base frame of a vehicle together with the systems mounted on it, such as suspension, steering and brakes. In engineering it often means everything under the body that makes the car ride and handle.
  • tireThe rubber cover fitted around a wheel rim that grips the road and carries the weight of the vehicle. Most car tires are filled with air.

More terms: Brakes, Suspension, Steering and Tires

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