Shocks & Struts para Kia Spectra

Kia Spectra Shocks and Struts

Your Kia Spectra depends on the shocks and struts for a smooth and stable ride. Though they have their differences, shocks and struts both fulfill necessary roles in your vehicle. To better understand these roles for your suspension, refer to the information below.

Shocks, or shock absorbers, and struts regulate your Kia Spectra’s suspension and limit unwanted vibration and movement. They also help keep your tires in contact with the road when turning or navigating rough roads. Some work with the steering system to help you steer. Their basic design is one of a piston and piston rod situated next to each tire, connected to the pressure tubes inside.

As both shocks and struts function similarly to oil pumps, they regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid that moves through the suspension whenever you drive. As they control this flow, they alter how much energy is created as your Spectra moves over the road. Your Spectra will drive more smoothly and face less trouble from uneven roads.

Struts are basically a type of shock, but they do not have the same design. Struts consist of a shock and a spring for dampening the vibrations and pressure driving creates, whereas shocks are separate from the spring. Unlike a shock, struts are also designed to be stronger and typically support the weight of the Kia Spectra.

Shocks come in several forms, not including struts, depending on how many interior pressure tubes they have. Mono-tube shocks are the standard, featuring a single tube but offering flexibility of installation. Twin-tube shocks come in more forms.

• Gas-charged models are made to keep the most air out of the hydraulic fluid and slow the formation of fluid-slowing foam.
• Position-sensitive models have grooves along their inner walls which, when a car is in motion, help the shock’s inner pistons change position to strengthen their absorbent ability.
• Acceleration-sensitive model shocks open and close valves for hydraulic fluid based on how fast you are driving, allowing for a more comfortable drive.

Struts come in a few forms, as well.

• Coilovers have the spring wrapped around the top for increased vibration dampening.
• Pneumatic types, also known as hydraulic types, are lined with oil to further decrease driving tension.
• Gas-charged versions have oil, like pneumatic struts, along with additional gas inside to keep foam at bay.

Once you notice the drive in your Spectra is not as smooth, it is a good idea to have your shocks or struts checked. Warning signs include excessive bouncing, fluid leaking around the tires, unusual knocking noises, and either end of the car lurching upward. Damage makes driving your Kia Spectra uncomfortable and unsafe, from affecting steering and braking to stressing out the engine and tires.