Defective Shocks in Quarter of Europe’s Vehicles

Aftermarket studies show that a massive one in four vehicles in the European car parc contains at least on defective shock absorber – increasing braking distance and putting lives at risk on our roads.

Due to this, TRW is calling for shock absorbers to be included in annual vehicle services and for the introduction of a compulsory standard Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) test – in all EU countries.

TRW’s global technical and quality manager, Roman Rotter said: “The very foundations of our business are built on safety. We advocate that shock absorbers are changed by axle to avoid uneven performance and so only sell our product in twin boxes.”

“With the total European market for shock absorbers standing at around 20 million units – that’s a phenomenal number of vehicles on our roads with defective shock absorbers,” Roman continued.

Defective parts put lives at risk on our roads – it really is that simple.

“We need the state members representatives and EU to take the condition of shock absorbers as seriously as they do for any other safety critical part. We will continue to address this issue across Europe until we have achieved our goal,” he concluded.

• As a direct result of tests carried out by OEM shock absorber manufacturers ‘the Shocks Collective’ – overseen by SECUR  - France added a leakage test to its PTI.
• Tests carried out by TRW in 2009 showed that driving performance could be affected by up to 8 per cent against the use of four new parts