Difference Between Gas Shocks & Regular Shocks

A vehicle needs a way to control the bounce of the suspension as it is driven down the road. Car shocks, such as regular and gas types, are the components that control this bounce.

Regular Shocks

Regular shocks, or twin tube shocks, are built with a piston that moves up and down within the shock body. Inside the piston is hydraulic fluid that is subsequently pushed through small holes on the piston head when the car bounces. Since only a small amount of fluid is pushed through with each bounce, the shock effectively dampens the spring effect of the car.

Gas Shocks

Gas shocks are built the same way but with the addition of pressurized nitrogen gas. This gas prevents the fluid from becoming bubbly and frothy from accelerated bounces to the piston head by keeping the fluid molecules confined together.

Significance

Shocks perform a valuable service to the vehicle by preventing stress to the body and components. Without the shocks, a vehicle can continue to bounce until all the energy has dispersed.

References

• 4 X 4 Review Offroad Magazine: Be A Genious - Shock Absorbers