Parts for your 2018 Subaru Exiga-Shock absorbers

Understanding and Maintaining Shock Absorbers on Your 2018 Subaru Exiga

The 2018 Subaru Exiga, like most modern vehicles, comes equipped with shock absorbers as an essential component of its suspension system. Shock absorbers play a vital role in ensuring a smooth and stable ride, helping the vehicle maintain control and safety on various road surfaces. For anyone driving a 2018 Exiga, understanding the importance of shock absorbers and the need for their regular maintenance is key to keeping the car performing at its best.

Shock absorbers, sometimes called dampers, are designed to control the impact and rebound movement of your Subaru Exiga's suspension and springs. When driving over bumps, potholes, or uneven roads, the suspension system compresses and rebounds, and the shock absorbers help to dampen this motion. Without them, the vehicle would bounce excessively, compromising both comfort and handling stability.

On the 2018 Subaru Exiga, the shock absorbers work by converting the kinetic energy from suspension movement into heat energy, which then dissipates through hydraulic fluid inside the shock. This process slows down the suspension's oscillations, helping to keep the tyres in firm contact with the road surface. Maintaining this contact is crucial not only for a comfortable ride but also for steering control, braking efficiency, and overall vehicle safety.

Over time, however, shock absorbers can wear out due to normal use, exposure to harsh road conditions, and environmental factors like rust or corrosion. When worn, the Exiga's shock absorbers will not dampen motion effectively, leading to symptoms such as excessive bouncing, longer stopping distances, uneven tyre wear, and a less stable ride.

Replacing or servicing shock absorbers on the 2018 Subaru Exiga should be part of regular vehicle maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend inspecting shock absorbers every 50,000 to 80,000 kilometres, but this can vary depending on driving habits and road conditions. If the vehicle is often driven on rough or unsealed roads - a common scenario in many parts of Australia - the shocks may wear faster and require earlier attention.

When servicing or replacing shock absorbers, it is important to check the following points:

• Visual inspection of the shock body for signs of leaking hydraulic fluid, dents or corrosion
• Checking for unusual noises such as clunks or rattles during driving, which may indicate worn bushings or mounts
• Testing suspension bounce by applying downward pressure on the vehicle corners and observing rebound behaviour
• Examining tyre tread wear patterns as indication of suspension issues

If any of these issues are present, it's advisable to have the shock absorbers professionally assessed and replaced if necessary. Using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or high-quality aftermarket shock absorbers designed specifically for the Subaru Exiga ensures the vehicle maintains its factory-tuned balance between comfort and control.

During replacement, it's generally recommended to replace shock absorbers in pairs, either front or rear, to maintain balanced suspension response. Riding on mismatched components can cause uneven handling and further wear on suspension parts.

Good shock absorbers also contribute to safer braking because they help maintain optimal contact between the tyres and road surface. Worn shocks can increase braking distances, which is a safety concern on wet or slippery roads often experienced around Australia.

Aside from replacements, regular maintenance can keep your shocks in better shape for longer. Cleaning the shock absorber shafts and inspecting mounting points during oil changes or tyre rotations can help identify early wear. Keeping an eye on your Subaru Exiga's ride quality and suspension noises is a straightforward way to know when the shocks deserve a closer look.

Bottom line is that shock absorbers are very much a relevant and necessary part of the 2018 Subaru Exiga. They offer more than just ride comfort, they are a critical safety feature, supporting handling, tyre wear, and braking. Staying on top of their condition with periodic checks and timely replacements as part of routine servicing is a smart move for any Exiga owner who values performance, safety and comfort while driving.