Juan José, mechanic: "Shock absorbers are essential for safety; you can check if they're in good condition with these two simple steps."

Juan José Ebenezer, a mechanic and social media content creator, has shared a simple guide to checking the condition of shock absorbers on his TikTok account. Through a practical and educational video, he reminds us that this often-forgotten component plays a fundamental role in vehicle safety.

“Shock absorbers are safety,” he states clearly. Their function is to control the rebound of the suspension spring, maintain contact between the wheels and the road, and provide driving stability. If they fail, not only is the safety of the driver and occupants at risk, but it can also accelerate the wear of other components such as the tires or ball joints.

According to Juan José, the first step in checking the condition of the shock absorbers is as simple as applying downward pressure to one of the front corners of the vehicle.

"The car should oscillate approximately one or at most two bounces. If it bounces more, it means the shock absorber can no longer absorb the oscillations caused by the spring itself," he explains while demonstrating the gesture. If the car continues to bounce when you release the lever, there's likely a suspension problem.

The second step is a visual inspection. Just bend down and look at the shock absorber between the wheel and the wheel arch. “It shouldn't have any oil stains. If it does, it should be replaced,” he points out.

On the other hand, the mechanic also emphasizes the importance of not wasting time if anything out of the ordinary is detected. If any sign of failure occurs during these basic checks, he recommends going to a workshop as soon as possible for a more thorough inspection and, if necessary, replacing the part.

He explains that while replacing shock absorbers may seem like a costly endeavor, it can actually save you money in the long run. Ignoring the problem can lead to increased wear on tires and other suspension components, which ultimately increases the cost of future repairs.