Oxford
Oxford, situated in the heart of England, is a bustling city renowned for its prestigious university and rich academic history. With a population of approximately 150,000, it stands as one of the most populous cities in the region.
The most popular cars in Oxford
Delving into the realm of car ownership in Oxford, we uncover fascinating insights from data collected over the years. Taking the lead as the most favored car in the city is the Ford Fiesta, capturing the hearts of Oxford residents with its reliability and efficiency. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class, Nissan Qashqai, and the Kia Sportage.
It is worth mentioning that Oxford exhibits a notable preference for eco-friendly vehicles, aligning with the city's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Electric and hybrid cars have gained popularity among Oxford's environmentally conscious population, contributing to a greener automotive landscape.
Vehicle numbers in Oxford
Oxford boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 100,000 cars registered within its boundaries. This substantial figure reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the necessity for reliable car maintenance services to keep these vehicles running smoothly.
Postcodes and suburbs in Oxford
Oxford is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own distinct characteristics. Notable areas include OX1 (City Centre, Jericho, and Osney), OX2 (North Oxford, Summertown, and Wolvercote), OX3 (Headington, Marston, and Risinghurst), and OX4 (Cowley, Iffley, and Littlemore). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Oxford.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Oxford residents, we understand the significance of providing exceptional services to ensure their cherished vehicles remain in optimal condition. Whether it's regular maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who possess a deep understanding of Oxford's unique automotive requirements.
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%.