1. Impact Absorption: When you drive over a bump or pothole, the shock absorber compresses, absorbing the energy from the impact.
2. Damping Oscillations: As it compresses and expands, it controls the oscillations of the spring, preventing excessive bouncing and keeping the tires in contact with the road.
3. Heat Dissipation: The shock absorber converts kinetic energy from movement into heat, dissipating it to reduce road vibrations.

Types of Shock Absorbers

• Twin-Tube Shocks: These are often used in standard Volvo models for a balance of comfort and performance.
• Mono-Tube Shocks: More common in performance models, they offer improved responsiveness and better heat dissipation.
• Adjustable Shocks: Found in certain high-end or performance Volvos, allowing drivers to select different damping levels based on driving conditions.

Symptoms of a Failing Shocker

• Bumpy Ride: Increased bouncing or a rough ride indicates reduced damping.
• Nose Diving or Squatting: The front end may dip when braking or the rear may squat during acceleration.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Poor shock absorption can lead to inconsistent contact with the road, causing tire wear.
• Leaking Fluid: A visible leak on the shock absorber indicates it’s no longer effective.