So Fix it

Shock is a medical condition that often occurs due to some sort of trauma. According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, shock, also known as circulatory collapse, sets in when the blood pressure in a persons arteries is too low to supply adequate blood to his organs and tissues. In a state of shock, a persons skin becomes cold and sweaty and his pulse becomes weak. Breathing becomes irregular, the mouth becomes dry and pupils dilate.

Septic Shock

Septic shock results from microorganisms entering the bloodstream. Anything that introduces bacteria into the blood stream can cause septic shock. This condition causes immune chemicals to be released into your bloodstream to fight the infection and triggers widespread inflammation, leading to blood clots and leaky vessels, according to a description of the condition by National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The condition deprives the body of blood flow and damages the bodys organs. An extreme form of this reaction results in septic shock and could cause death. People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and kidney or liver disease face a higher than average risk of septic shock.(see erence 1)

Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is caused by a severe allergy reaction. This results from an anaphylaxis reaction that could set in within minutes or seconds of your exposure to something you are allergic to, such as milk or peanuts, as MayoClinic.com explains. A flood of chemicals is released by your immune system during an anaphylaxis reaction. This could cause you to go into shock as your blood pressure drops and your airways become too narrow to allow normal breathing. (see erence 2)

Cardiogenic Shock

When the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body, the result could be a cardiogenic shock. Damage to the heart muscle from a severe heart attack is the most common form of cardiogenic shock, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Not everyone who has a heart attack goes into cardiogenic shock as a result though. Only about seven percent of people who experience heart attack go into cardiogenic shock. (see erence 3)

Shock absorbers are an important element of automotive suspension. They slow or "dampen" the shock effect of bumps and bounces from the road surface. All work on the same principle: they are tubes filled with fluid with a piston. A bump or shock forces the piston against the fluid; a small amount is allowed to seep through minute holes in the piston head. This compression reduces the force of the shock; the piston then returns to its normal position.

Basic Shock Types

There are three broad types of shock absorber: conventional telescopic, strut or spring seat. Within the conventional type are five varieties: standard, heavy duty, automatic level control, adjustable air and overload. Modern cars tend to have MacPherson struts in front. Older cars and most trucks use conventional shock absorbers, with the variety depending on the use. The specific type of shock absorber will vary with the vehicle and its use.

Conventional Telescopic

The conventional telescropic is the most common type of shock absorber. Variations come from the type of oil or hydraulic fluid used. Some -- gas shocks -- use nitrogen gas to reduce the bouncy effect of a shock. These are used mostly on smaller cars, although some manufacturers put them on larger models as a way to extend the life of the hydraulic fluid by expanding to make up for a drop in fluid effectiveness. Conventional shocks bolt to the vehicle suspension.

Similarities of Struts and Spring Seat

MacPherson struts do the same job as conventional shock absorbers, but replace part of the vehicles basic suspension system. These are generally found on the front suspension of newer cars; they are able to better cope with greater loads and forces and thus produce a smoother ride. MacPherson struts use replaceable cartridges but because they are part of the vehicle suspension they are under greater tension and generally require replacement by a professional. Spring seat shocks combine elements of the other styles -- a shock absorber installed within a spring.

Choosing a Shock Absorber

The choice of a shock absorber will depend on the vehicle and its use. Standard shocks are most common -- heavy duty variations are used on heavier vehicles. Automatic level styles can be adjusted to adapt to changing loads. Adjujstable air shocks can be inflated to meet varying conditions. Overload shocks incorporate a spring around the piston for added strength; these differ from spring seat shocks in that the spring is an integral part of the shock.

Although all shocks give a manufacturers suggested replacement period, there isnt any way to determine the actual lifespan of an individual shock absorber. The normal lifespan is influenced by real world driving conditions.

Suggested Maintenance

The majority of car manufacturers suggest replacing shocks every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Most shock replacements fall into this time frame.

Normal Lifespan

According to the website Basic Car Repair, "shock absorber life depends primarily on the roads over which you drive." They might fail almost immediately, at say 5,000 miles, or might last well into the 60,000 to 80,000 mile range. The average manufacturer suggested replacement time is between 20,000 and 30,000 miles.

Individual Shocks

An individual shock may be structurally defective and should be checked periodically, whenever you do basic maintenance. Because there is no way to predict the life expectancy of shock absorbers your best bet is to pay attention to the way your car feels when it goes over bumps. If there is a sudden change and you start to feel residual bouncing after hitting a bump, it is probably time to check the shocks.