Will any damper do the job?
No. For each particular vehicle, the damper must be matched to the body weight and springs strength, soft enough to cushion the ride but hard enough to do its job. The damping strength must be just right for optimum comfort and handling.

Do vehicle manufacturers specify an exact hardness for each model?
No. Because there is no single hardness which is perfect in all conditions, and because spring strength changes with age. What works best on relatively smooth tarmac is not ideal for rough roads and potholes, and vice versa. Suspension specifications, including both springs and dampers, need to be tailored for different places and particular uses. A very wide range of ratings and designs is available to meet every requirement, but finding the best for your individual vehicle and use takes experience and highly specialized skills.

Why are shock absorbers vital to your safety?
Just a few square centimeters of a tyre is what keeps your car on the road, which is why good grip is so important. Worn/defective shocks are safety hazards i the following ways:

The greater the wear to your shock absorbers, the greater your cars braking distance. At 45km/h, worn shock absorbers add 2 meters to the braking distance.

Tyre grip also affects how your car holds the road and the ability to steer.

Worn shocks make your car bounce up and down. At night, your headlights may dazzle the drivers of oncoming vehicles and make it harder for you to see properly too.

Defective shock absorbers make the risk of losing control of your car, skidding or aquaplaning a lot higher.

Front end dips when braking.

Rear end dips when accelerating.

Wheels "tramp' sideways on an uneven surface.

Vehicle "bottoms out" (with a thump) on bumps.

Oil leaks (trickles and dam strains, not just misting) from bottom seal of damper housing.

Pitting on damper shaft.

Any visible damage or physical crack/breakage.

Dampers "rattle" because bushes are worn or broken.

Signs of metal-to-metal impact on spring coils.

Signs of frequent and severe contact with rubber "bump stops".


It is important to recognize that springs and dampers do get weaker with age, and may need to be placed even if they are not actually "brocken" The right ratings, in good condition, are important not only to comfort but to also stable handling and control - they are safety-critical elements of your car.