Birmingham

Birmingham is the second-most popular city in the UK, located in the Midlands with a population of over 4.3million.

Originally a market town in the medieval period, Birmingham is now an international commercial centre and an important transport, retail, events and conference hub.

A centre for culture, Birmingham is home to the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Birmingham has also played its part in sporting history; home to Aston Villa FC and Birmingham City FC, it was Birmingham resident and Aston Villa director William McGregor who founded the Football League.

Birmingham will also be the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, expected to take place in July and August 2022.

The most popular cars in Birmingham

Possibly due to the rise in industry and commerce, and its handy functionality in city traffic, the Mercedes A-Class is estimated to be the most popular car in Birmingham, according to data provided between 2012 to 2018 by ownership and postcode.

Close on its heels—and in order of popularity—are the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Vehicle numbers in Birmingham

There are approximately 3 million licensed vehicles in the Birmingham area, with some of the most popular models including the Mini, Kia Sportage and the Ford Focus.

Fixter garages in Birmingham

There are a total of 49 Fixter garages in the Birmingham area, all ready and waiting to provide you with a fantastic quote for your car service, MOT and a wide range of vehicle repairs.

Fixter garages service the following postcodes and more, in and around the Birmingham area:

• B1, B2, B3 & B4: City Centre, Birmingham
• B6: Aston & Witton, Birmingham
• B10: Small Heath, Birmingham
• B15: Edgbaston, Birmingham
• B8: Washwood Heath, Birmingham
• B13: Moseley, Birmingham

Front shock absorber replacement

What does a front shock absorber do?

Your shock absorbers are part of the suspension system that smoothes out the bumpiness of an uneven road to provide you with a comfortable ride.

A shock absorber is a gas or oil filled tube that is compressed by a piston to dissipate kinetic energy and regulate the rebounding your car will suffer when driving over potholed, bumpy or uneven ground.

What happens when we replace your shock absorbers?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will examine or test-drive your car to establish the cause of the problem.
• Wherever required, a shock absorber will be replaced, and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.
• You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
• Once the faulty shock absorber has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.

What causes a shock absorber to stop working correctly?

A shock absorber will fail to operate correctly if the fluid leaks. This can be due to poor or damaged seals.

A shock absorber will also fail to function properly if it becomes damaged, bent or broken due to continual wear, general use or accident damage.

Smaller internal parts are likely to wear out in time and cause the improper operation of the complete component.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning front shock absorber

Excessive bouncing and an uncomfortable ride

If your car is bouncing excessively and providing uncomfortable ride quality, then there’s a good chance your shock absorbers aren’t operating correctly.

The car feels unstable

When driving around corners or over uneven ground and the car feels unstable then your suspension could be damaged.

Driving over humps is difficult

If driving over humps, sleeping policemen or raised road elements causes problems, your shock absorbers could be damaged.

If you spot signs of leaking

If you notice puddles of oil-like fluid on the road around your wheels, your shock absorbers could be leaking.

If your wheels leave the ground

In circumstances when your tyres lose contact with the road going over bumpy surfaces, sharp bridges or raised ground, your suspension isn’t working properly.

How often should shock absorbers need replacing?

You can expect shock absorbers to last at least 50k miles. Your owner’s manual may specify a different mileage or duration, as this figure is only a guideline. You should also have your shock absorbers checked after heavy contact with potholes, curbs or large rocks in the road.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Car suspension is a common reason for MOT failures. Broken or faulty shock absorbers, including oil leaks, will be a definite fail for an MOT.

The cost of replacing your front shock absorber

The typical cost of replacing a condenser varies between £200 and £250.

For example, an Audi A1 S Line would have a dealer price of £255.23, yet Fixter will carry out the same work for only £206—a 19% saving!

Changing the front shock absorber in a Fiat 500l Pop Star will cost you £268.06 with your dealer, but only £216.00 with Fixter—another superb saving of 19%!

When you choose Fixter to find you a great deal and a premium mechanic to carry out your front shock absorber replacement, you can expect to save around £40 from an average dealer price. That’s a typical saving in the region of 15–20%.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning shock absorber

If your car is providing uncomfortable ride quality and is bouncing excessively, it could be that your shock absorbers aren’t operating correctly. Also, any puddles of oil-like fluid on the road around your wheels could be escaping from leaking shock absorbers.