The issue of choosing shock absorbers for a car is a very popular topic among car enthusiasts. The huge variety of models on the market causes a variety of opinions and is the cause of many disputes. One thing can be said: replacing the shock absorber completely changes the nature of the car. Now on the market are three types of shock absorbers. These are gas, oil, and gas-filled. Each of them has its own properties and characteristics. Let's try to figure out which is better - an oil or gas shock absorber.
Functions and device
The work of shock absorbers is to reduce the amplitude and number of oscillations of the spring. As for the algorithm of action, it is no different from the principle of an oil pump. The small cylinder is installed in the large.
When the suspension oscillates, it thereby makes the shock absorber rod move. The rod, in turn, drives the piston. The latter compresses gas or oil in the cylinder. Oil exits through small openings into a second cylinder, the size of which is larger, thereby slowing down the movement of the piston and suspension. There are different types of data elements. You can buy a gas or oil shock absorber. Which one is better? Reviews about this or that design will be during the story.
Types of shock absorbers for a car
So, they can be classified according to various factors. By type of working substance, gas, oil and gas-oil products are distinguished.
Also, these elements are distinguished by the number of pipes. There can be one- and two-pipe systems. How are they arranged? The first shock absorber is a single tube. This design is most often used on oil and gas-filled devices. Two-pipe are less common.
Depending on what type of shock absorbers are installed on the car, it can move as smoothly as on an expensive executive car, or hard as in a sports car. We will try to find out which is better - an oil or gas shock absorber.
Features of oil devices
Inside this element is a special oil. Flowing from one cylinder to another, this virtually incompressible fluid dampens suspension vibrations as the machine moves. Inside the device is not only oil. There is air in the compensation chamber. It is necessary so that the oil does not flow too quickly from one chamber to another. The dynamics of the device is completely determined by the performance of the bypass valves.
These mechanisms have the simplest design possible. Therefore, they practically do not fail. The weak point of these devices is fast driving on rough roads. Pistons can move unexpectedly, and oil can often foam. Because of this, the fluid will not be able to move through the holes in the transition valves as quickly as needed. The shock absorber operates in high load mode.
If you ask an experienced car enthusiast which is better - a gas or oil shock absorber, then he will choose gas models. Many motorists do not like hydraulic devices. Reviews say that the liquid in the cold season loses its properties and becomes thicker. Until the oil warms up, driving on rough roads will not be too comfortable. If you often need to ride on bumps, air can get into the oil. This will not only negatively affect the operation of the shock absorber, but can also cause the product to fail.
Oil shock absorber has pluses. Reviews note the low price and availability in any bridge. These are serious pluses. If the driving style is calm or if comfort of movement is important, then the choice is obvious. Next, consider other types of shock absorbers and decide which rear shock absorbers are better - gas or oil.
Gas
As the name implies, a special gas is used here as a working substance. More often it is nitrogen injected under pressure. There is also oil inside the device. It is separated from the gas chamber by a special floating piston, which prevents the two substances from mixing.
Also, as already noted, there are no completely gas products on sale. Oil is still there, but there are many times more gas. Structurally, they significantly differ from oil models. The gas shock absorber is always single-tube.
If the oil element is soft and suitable for a comfortable ride, the suspension on gas shock absorbers is the toughest. In addition to high rigidity, the products are of high price. Reviews say that this is the choice for those who prefer a sporty driving style.
The gas shock absorber in the absence of comfort and rigidity improves the grip of the wheel with the road. In addition, rolls are completely excluded with such a suspension. Significantly improved handling.
Subtotal
So, now we can summarize the intermediate result and decide which is better - a gas or oil shock absorber. For those who prefer a quiet ride on city roads, the best choice is hydraulic products. For those who like to quickly move along highways at high speeds and want to get better handling, the choice is left to the hydraulic elements. As you can see, one cannot clearly say that some product is better.
They have different characteristics, and for some they are more suitable, for others - less. When choosing a gas model, it must be borne in mind that when replacing it is necessary to change other suspension elements.
Gas oil products
Here, in one design, both gas and oil are used. The greater the pressure force of substances, the better controllability and higher rigidity of the device. The pluses of the design are that the oil here will never foam. You can confidently move even on rough roads without fear of loss of control or failure of the shock absorber.
Gas, oil, gas-oil systems - which is better?
This is a rather difficult question. And now, knowing the advantages of gas-oil products, it is difficult to say which shock absorber is better - gas, oil or gas-oil. Hydraulic devices are outdated. And due to this, ride comfort is very dubious. There are all risks of breaking the shock absorber when driving on bad roads. In addition, handling is poor.
And, it would seem, a solution was found - a gas shock absorber. But this is the choice of street racers who like to drive fast on flat roads without pits and bumps. But since the stroke is small, the cabin will be constantly shaking. This vibration can cause the failure of various components of the car earlier.
So what to choose a car enthusiast who wants to get good handling, relative comfort, durability and reliability? Choose a gas or oil shock absorber? What's better? Reviews say that the compromise option is oil and gas products. They combine all the advantages of both devices.
Double pipe
Oil or gas-filled devices of this design are the most popular. You can always find them on sale. Structurally, these are the simplest options. Feature - in the presence of two containers for oil. So, hydraulic fluid can flow from one chamber to the second through special transition valves.
Among the advantages of this design, comparative reliability and affordable cost are distinguished. There are more disadvantages. Reviews often note boiling oil. As a result, there is a violation of work efficiency. Another minus, judging by the reviews, is the large weight. If you have to choose which shock absorber is better for VAZ - gas or oil, then experts recommend installing two-pipe hydraulic structures. They are also suitable for family cars, whose drivers often drive the car in a calm manner. A two-pipe oil shock absorber is not suitable for installation on a sports car, on a crossover or SUV.
Gas single pipe
Since gas is used as a damping substance in these products, there is no particular need for a second pipe. I must say that because of the features of the device, the shock absorber can be installed at any angle - even upside down.
You also need to know that the greater the pressure inside the gas cylinder, the faster the reaction to suspension movements. These options are considered the most effective, judging by the reviews. Now you can buy a gas or oil shock absorber. What's better? If you want reliability at the expense of comfort, it is better to choose gas-filled models.
With or without adjustment?
If you need to quickly go along the highway, and after a while move on the road, then it is better to purchase an adjustable option. Its settings are very easy to change. The price is higher than the cost of gas models. But efficiency is also on the level.
About the choice
So, we need to replace the shock absorber struts. Which is better to buy - gas or oil? For bad roads and a quiet driving style, the latest products are suitable. For good and smooth roads - gas-filled.