Over 2.5 million motorists have suffered from backache behind the wheel during the past 12 months, a Kwik-Fit report finds. And while most drivers might think that their car seat is to blame, the report indicates that worn shock absorbers could be a major contributory factor.
Indeed, 57% of motorists suffering backache behind the wheel approached a professional to check over their car, and one-in-three of them found that the root cause of their in-car discomfort lay in a worn out suspension system.
However, this might be causing more than just backache. In total 3.8 million British motorists complained that the ride comfort of their car had plummeted in the past year. And while backache was the most common complaint (accounting for 64% of all complaints) – headaches (22%), neck aches (17%) and bouts of sickness (7%) were also reported.
Kwik-Fit warns that shock absorbers do more than just protect the driver’s health. As well as absorbing impacts and making the journey more comfortable, a suspension system helps to keep tyres firmly in contact with the road – assisting both braking and road handling. At 30mph a worn shock absorber can add up to two metres on to a car’s braking distance.
Well I would never have associated suspension with these ailments but it does make sense. So take up Kwik-fits offer of a free drive in suspension check.
It’s cheaper than painkillers or sick bags.