Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames, located in southwest London, is a bustling city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. With a population of approximately 175,000, it is a thriving hub for car enthusiasts and owners.
The most popular cars in Kingston upon Thames
When it comes to car ownership in Kingston upon Thames, the data collected reveals some interesting insights. Topping the list as the most popular car in the city is the Ford Focus, a favorite among Kingston upon Thames residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, BMW 3 Series, Audi A3, and the Mercedes C-Class.
In addition to the aforementioned information, it is worth noting that Kingston upon Thames residents have a penchant for luxury and performance vehicles. The city's affluent population appreciates the comfort and prestige that brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes offer. This preference for high-end cars aligns with the city's sophisticated lifestyle and the desire for a smooth and stylish driving experience.
Vehicle numbers in Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 120,000 cars registered in the city. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the notable areas include KT1 (Kingston upon Thames, Hampton Wick, and Norbiton), KT2 (Kingston upon Thames, Coombe, and Canbury), KT3 (New Malden, Old Malden, and Berrylands), and KT6 (Surbiton, Tolworth, and Long Ditton). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the rich automotive landscape of Kingston upon Thames.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Kingston upon Thames residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's routine maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Kingston upon Thames' automotive landscape.
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%.