Which is better - an oil or gas shock absorber: features and reviews

The choice of shock absorbers for a car is a very popular topic among motorists. A huge variety of models on the market causes a variety of opinions and is the cause of many disputes. One can say one thing: the replacement of the shock absorber completely changes the character of the car's movement. Now on the market there are three types of shock absorbers. This gas, oil, and gas-filled. Each of them has its own characteristics and characteristics. Let's try to figure out what is better - an oil or gas shock absorber.

Functions and device

The work of shock absorbers consists in reducing the amplitude and number of oscillations of the spring. As for the action algorithm, it does not differ in any way from the principle of the oil pump. The small cylinder is installed in the large one. When the suspension oscillates, it thereby causes the shock absorber rod to move. The rod, in turn, drives the piston. The latter compresses the gas or oil in the cylinder. The oil leaves through small holes in the second cylinder, the size of which is larger, thereby slowing the movement of the piston and suspension. There are different types of these elements. You can buy a shock absorber gas or oil. Which is the best of them? Comments on this or that design will be in the course of the story.

Types of shock absorbers for a car

So, you can classify them according to different factors. By the 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-tube 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 rigidly, as on a sports car. We will try to find out what is better - an oil or gas shock absorber.

Features of oil devices

Inside such an element is a special oil. Flowing from one cylinder to another, this practically incompressible liquid extinguishes the suspension oscillations while driving the machine. Inside the device is not only oil. There is air in the compensation chamber. It is necessary to ensure that the oil does not flow too quickly from one chamber to another. The dynamics of the device is completely determined by the capacity of the bypass valves. These mechanisms have the simplest design. Therefore, they practically do not fail. The weak place of these devices is fast driving on a rough road. Pistons can suddenly shift, and oil - often foam. Because of this, the liquid can not move through the holes in the transition valves as quickly as needed. The shock absorber operates under increased load conditions.

If you ask an experienced car enthusiast what 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. As long as the oil does not warm up, it will not be too comfortable to drive along uneven roads. If you often need to drive through irregularities, air can get into the oil. This will not only negatively affect the operation of the shock absorber, but it can also cause the product to fail.

The oil absorber has pluses. The reviews mark a low price and availability in any bridge. This is a serious plus. If the driving style is calm or if the 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 suggests, a special gas is used as a working substance here. More often it is nitrogen, pumped under pressure. There is also oil inside the device. It is separated from the gas chamber by a special floating piston, which prevents two substances from mixing.

Also, as already noted, there are no gas products on sale. Oil is still there, but gas is many times greater. They are structurally different from oil models. The gas shock absorber is always single-tube. If the oil element is soft and suitable for comfortable driving, the suspension on gas shock absorbers is the toughest. In addition to high rigidity products are distinguished by a high price. Reviews say that this is the choice for those who prefer a sporty driving style.

Gas shock absorber in the absence of comfort and rigidity improves the grip of the wheel with the road. In addition, with such a suspension, rolls are completely eliminated. Significantly increases the manageability.

Subtotal

So, now you can sum up and decide what is best - a gas or oil damper. For those who prefer quiet driving on urban roads, the best choice is hydraulic products. For those who like to move fast on high speed roads and want to get better control, the choice is left for hydraulic elements. Apparently, one can not say clearly that some product is better. They have different characteristics, and to someone they are more suitable, to someone - less. When choosing a gas model, it is necessary to take into account that during the replacement 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 of substances, the better controllability and higher rigidity of the device. The advantage of the design is that the oil here will never foam. You can confidently move even on uneven roads without fear of loss of control or shock absorber failure.

Gas, oil, gas oil systems - what 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 have an obsolete design. And due to this, ride comfort is very doubtful. There are all risks to break the shock absorber when driving on bad roads. In addition, manageability leaves much to be desired. And now, it would seem, the way out is 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 of the rod is small, the interior will be constantly shaking. This vibration can cause the failure of various parts of the car before.

So what to choose a car enthusiast who wants to get good handling, relative comfort, service life and reliability? Choose a shock absorber gas or oil? What's better? The reviews say that a compromise option is gas oil products. They combine all the advantages of both devices.

Two-tube

Oil or gas-filled devices of this design are the most popular. They can always be found on the market. Structurally, these are the simplest variants. Feature - in the presence of two tanks for oil. Thus, the hydraulic fluid can flow from one chamber to the second through special transition valves. Among the merits of such a design distinguish comparative reliability and democratic value. There are more drawbacks. Reviews often note the boiling of oil. As a consequence, there is a disruption in the efficiency of the work. Another disadvantage, judging by the reviews, is a large weight. If you have to choose which VAZ shock absorber is better - gas or oil, then experts recommend installing two-pipe hydraulic structures. They also fit into family cars, the drivers of which often drive the car in a calm manner. Do not fit a two-pipe oil damper for installation on a sports car, a crossover or an SUV.

Single-pipe gas

Since gas is used as the 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. It is also necessary to know that the greater the pressure inside the gas cylinder, the faster the reaction to the movement of the suspension. These options are considered the most effective, judging by the reviews. Now you can buy a shock absorber gas or oil. What's better? If you want reliability to the detriment of comfort, then it is better to choose gas-filled models.

With or without adjustment?

If you need to quickly drive on the highway, and after a while to drive off-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 racks. Which is better to buy - gas or oil? For bad roads and quiet riding style, the latest products are suitable. For good and smooth roads - gas-filled.