Why is this necessary? A car is designed with certain operating conditions and typical driving style in mind, which the manufacturer sets. If the vehicle's behavior on the road after purchase from the dealership fully satisfies the owner, you can safely install original shock absorbers and not worry. But when road conditions or driving style differ from standard, it's worth considering shock absorbers with improved characteristics.
The difference between original shock absorbers and reinforced versions is convenient to show using the example of the American brand MONROE, whose shock absorbers are installed on many Asian, European, and American cars right on the assembly line.
Most drivers travel at moderate speeds, do not take corners at the limit, and do not start sharply from a standstill. With calm and careful driving without sharp maneuvers, any car in factory configuration is quite predictable and obedient. If the initial suspension settings suit you, MONROE ORIGINAL shock absorbers are suitable for replacement — they are identical in parameters to factory ones and fully replicate the characteristics of the standard suspension. The ORIGINAL line includes both hydraulic (oil) and gas (gas-oil) models, including twin-tube and monotube designs.
All shock absorbers in the ORIGINAL series use synthetic oil with a high viscosity index, which retains working properties in the temperature range from -40 to +120 degrees Celsius. This allows the vehicle to be operated in any climate without loss of shock absorber characteristics. This series also uses an improved valve and piston design that increases wear resistance and reduces the risk of oil foaming and cavitation.
For those with increased demands for comfort and safety, MONROE offers a premium segment product — MONROE REFLEX gas-oil shock absorbers. Thanks to their special design, they provide twice the handling compared to conventional gas-filled shock absorbers.
The Twin Disc Technology in MONROE REFLEX allows faster stabilization of the vehicle, as the shock absorber instantly reacts to any changes in piston speed. On uneven roads, the Twin Disc valve instantly responds to the slightest vibrations, minimizing body movements.
MONROE RIDE LEVELER and MONROE LEVEL LIGHT models are designed for vehicles that regularly or constantly experience increased load on the rear axle — for example, when towing a trailer or transporting heavy luggage. They are equipped with an additional pneumatic or polyurethane spring that levels the body position of a loaded vehicle. These shock absorbers maintain a constant body height, prevent suspension sagging, improve tire grip on the road, increase stability and handling, and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
For off-road enthusiasts, MONROE has its own series — MONROE ADVENTURE, available in monotube and twin-tube versions. These reinforced shock absorbers are designed to operate under high loads and provide reliability and performance both on the highway and off-road. MONROE ADVENTURE is larger than shock absorbers from other series. Three sealing lips and a polished piston rod prevent oil leakage and extend service life. Phosphating and painting of the body protect against corrosion, and the use of Teflon® for piston and guide parts reduces friction and increases efficiency.
The material was prepared by the international marketing agency «AGV-Aftermarket».
