Quick answer: your shock absorbers need replacing if a shock is leaking oil, the car bounces more than once after you push a corner down, your tyres show cupped wear, or it failed the inspection on shocks. There is no fixed mileage — but DEKRA advises having shocks checked every 20,000 km once a car passes 80,000 km. Always replace them in pairs on the same axle.
The 5-minute shock absorber check
You don't need tools or a lift. Park on level ground and work through these five steps.
- Look for leaks. Shine a torch on each shock body behind the wheel. A light dusty film is normal; oil running down the body means the seal has failed.
- Do the bounce test. Push each corner of the car down firmly and let go. A healthy shock lets it rise and settle once. If it bounces two or more times, that shock is worn.
- Check your tyres. Run your hand across the tread. Scalloped or cupped patches mean the tyre is bouncing off the road instead of rolling on it.
- Listen over bumps. Drive slowly over speed bumps with the radio off. Knocks or clunks point to worn shocks — or worn top mounts, which are often replaced at the same time.
- Feel it on the road. The nose dives under braking, the body rolls in bends, or the car floats after a dip? Your dampers are losing control of the body.
What your result means
How many kilometres do shock absorbers last?
There is no single replacement mileage that fits every car — and we could not find any official source that publishes one by car model. What the experts do agree on:
- DEKRA recommends having shocks checked every 20,000 km from 80,000 km at the latest.
- Bilstein sets the next suspension check at about 20,000 km after a pass, and notes that faults become more likely the more kilometres a car covers.
- Shocks wear faster on bad roads and cobblestones, with heavy loads or towing, and on vans and campers.
Check your owner's manual and service book. Your car maker lists which suspension parts are inspected at each service, and any load or towing limits. If the last service flagged "shock absorbers — monitor", treat it as a book a check result.
How common are worn shocks?
Very. In Great Britain, suspension faults were found at almost 1 in 11 first MOT tests — more often than brake or tyre faults.
In France, a damaged or leaking shock absorber was a major defect in 1.47% of all 22.4 million inspections in 2023 — and in 2.16% of vans.
Before you order: 5 practical tips
- Replace in pairs. Always replace both shocks on the same axle, so the car behaves the same on both sides.
- Check the parts around the shock. Top mounts, bump stops and dust boots wear too — replace them if they are cracked or noisy.
- Find the exact part. Use our vehicle finder, or read the part number on your old shock — see how to read a Bilstein part number.
- Match your driving. For a like-for-like replacement at standard ride height, Bilstein B4 or Tein EnduraPro; for a firmer feel, Bilstein B6.
- Have the alignment checked after fitting, especially if the workshop removed the struts.
Find shock absorbers for your car →
FAQ
How do I know if my shock absorbers are worn?
The clearest signs are oil leaking from the shock, the car bouncing more than once after you push it down, cupped tyre wear, knocking over bumps, and nose-dive under braking.
How often should shock absorbers be replaced?
There is no fixed interval. DEKRA advises a check every 20,000 km once a car has covered 80,000 km, and replacement when a check or the symptoms above show wear. More on how often shocks should be replaced.
Can I replace just one shock absorber?
No — replace both shocks on the same axle. See why you replace in pairs.
Can I drive with a leaking shock absorber?
You can reach a workshop carefully, but braking distance and grip are reduced, and a leaking shock is a major defect at inspection in Germany and France. Replace it as soon as possible.
Does passing the inspection mean my shocks are fine?
Not always. Many inspections check for leaks and damage but do not measure damping, so a worn but dry shock can pass.
Sources: DEKRA press release "Defekte Stoßdämpfer bleiben oft unerkannt" (27 Feb 2017); Bilstein workshop leaflet "It is not worth hesitating!" (2021); DVSA, MOT testing data for Great Britain, table MOT/03 (Sep 2026); DVSA Matters of Testing blog (2014); UTAC-OTC, Bilan 2023 Véhicules Légers.
