A suspension is accountable for the vehicle's ability to run efficiently and to keep it traveling in the desired direction over rough roads or even take corners at a higher speed. Usually, a suspension system features coil springs or leaf springs, shock absorbers or struts, anti-sway bars and a system of linkages like the control arms, torsion bars, 4-links or trailing arms for better ride quality and handling. An automobile can use either an independent front or a rear suspension.

An independent front suspension is one which is mounted in the front wheels with each wheel moving independently of the other. This kind of suspension improves the driver's control over rough terrain and allows automotive engineers to come up with better handling performance and a more relaxing ride.

The independent rear suspension on the other hand, acts in the same way of the independent front suspension only that it reduces body roll including the vehicle's propensity to stoop down in the rear when speeding up or tilting forward during a halt. One important use of an independent rear suspension is that when the vehicle's weight is kept balanced, a better ride quality, handling and safety can surely be achieved. Since most vehicles are not making use of this kind of suspension, you can perhaps try this and experience fun and excitement.

Of the previously mentioned components featured by a suspension, the shock absorbers, also called as shocks or dampers, are the ones tasked to control spring oscillation in the suspension system. Shocks like the Mercedes Bens shocks can either be gas-filled (air shock) or oil filled. They are basically used to dampen movement of the vehicle's spring as they compress and rebound while the automobile is in motion. Vehicles without or with defective shocks would be difficult to control or maneuver because of vehicle's indiscriminate movement dependent upon the road condition — the harsher the road gets, the harder it would be for the vehicle to control.

Like any other car parts and components, shocks also wear off. It is good that you check on it once a year and you can have it inspected together with wheel alignment. Since the wearing out of shocks is gradual, it can hardly be noticed that is why you have to observe the following before it is too late: rocking back and forth, nose-driving or drifting when braking, too much bouncing, and significant wear on tires. You can check our site for quality replacement shock absorbers. Here at Parts Train, you'll get everything you need!