Car shocks, also known as shock absorbers, are components of a vehicle's suspension system designed to control and dampen the up-and-down movement caused by bumps and uneven surfaces on the road. Their primary function is to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy generated by the springs and suspension, converting it into heat energy through hydraulic fluid, which reduces bouncing and improves ride comfort and vehicle stability
. Shocks work by controlling the movement of the springs and suspension, preventing excessive body and tire movement, reducing vehicle bounce, roll, sway, brake dive, and acceleration squat. This helps keep the tires in firm contact with the road, which is essential for safe steering, handling, and braking
. Shocks are typically standalone components mounted between the vehicle frame and suspension. They do not support the vehicle's weight but focus solely on controlling suspension movement
. When shocks wear out, the vehicle can become unstable, bounce excessively, and take longer to stop
. In contrast, struts combine a shock absorber and a spring in one unit and serve as a structural part of the suspension system, supporting the vehicle's weight and playing a role in steering and alignment
. In summary, shocks on a car are hydraulic devices that absorb and control the energy from road irregularities to provide a smoother, safer, and more controlled driving experience by damping suspension movement and maintaining tire contact with the road
