Bilstein’s Mobile Shock Tester, fresh from its debut at the Auto Mechanika automotive industry show, is ready to be pressed into service around the country, with the objective of making motorists more aware of the important role shock absorbers play in ensuring safe handling.
The 12-metre long, drive-on machine can accommodate passenger cars and light commercial vehicles and quickly detects shock absorber defects – one of the primary (and least diagnosed) causes of poor roadholding. Within two minutes it can provide information and precise data on a car’s road manners and levels of safety, clearly documenting the current state of the dampers. With expert input, an indication of overall suspension health can also be established.
Because they generally deteriorate slowly, most drivers don’t realise that anything is amiss, but worn shocks can cause a number of problems, including:
- An increase in stopping distance of up to 20 percent
- The early onset of aquaplaning
- Poor traction in a variety of driving conditions
- Reduced effectiveness of electronic driver assistance systems
Research conducted in Germany by the suspension solutions company shows one in five vehicles tested has some kind of shock absorber issue. Bilstein’s findings are in line with those from accredited testing organisations which estimate that up to 15 percent of all vehicles have defective and potentially unsafe shock absorbers.
The MST can be towed by a light commercial vehicle, and set up on any reasonable level surface. It will form an important part of Bilstein’s local marketing efforts, and motorists will be able to make use of it at one-stop service stations on holiday routes, as well as at motor shows and car-orientated events.
