radautoworks:
Thanks to bensidauto for showing us an easy graphic to find this information already laid out

https://www.buyautoparts.com/blog/the-difference-between-shocks-struts/

Or we could save you the trouble and you can either read below or look at the graphic.

We have all the types in stock and prefer the quick strut type in the graphic below. However because of cost, most people opt for the bare strut. A shame because the quick strut would last longer in the Nigerian environment.

"While they mostly do the same job and the words are often used interchangeably, shocks and struts refer to two vastly different suspension designs. You cannot use a shock absorber in the place of a strut, and vice versa. This can naturally lead to some confusion when trying to order the correct parts for your car, especially since many cars use struts for the front and shocks for the rear.

Shocks and struts serve the same primary purpose: to counteract the motion of the spring. While the spring is there to take the initial force of a bump in the road, the shock dampens that motion in order to keep the vehicle in control. This is why, perhaps in a more technical context, shocks and struts are commonly referred to as “dampers”. The difference lies in the structure of your vehicle’s suspension.

In a setup that uses traditional shock absorbers, the vehicle is primarily held up by the springs, and the shocks are located nearby. Since the springs bear the weight of the vehicle, you can technically drive a vehicle with no shocks whatsoever, though doing so is dangerous and ill-advised. Shock absorbers can be used with coil, leaf, air springs or torsion bars. Shock absorbers are easier to install because of their location on the vehicle’s suspension system, and usually cheaper to produce and buy because the design of the individual part is simpler.

On a MacPherson strut-type suspension, the strut contains the mounting points for a coil spring and a dampening element, which has the same internals as a standard gas-filled shock absorber. The strut, with a coil spring wrapped around it, is a structural component of the car that holds it up. On the front wheels, the strut is also part of the steering system, since on most vehicles, it attaches to the hub carrier or steering knuckle, and some alignment settings are adjusted directly on the strut. The advantages to this design are mainly packaging concerns. Since the strut fits inside of the coil spring, the combination takes up less room under the vehicle, especially since the vehicle has coil or air springs instead of unwieldy leaf springs or torsion bars. This design also makes initial assembly of the vehicle easier, since the spring, strut, hub and brakes can all be attached to the vehicle on the production line as one unit .

The biggest downside to having struts on your vehicle comes when it is time to replace them. To replace a strut on its own, you need to remove the complete strut and spring assembly from your vehicle, then disassemble it so you can swap your original spring and mount to the new strut. The coil springs on your vehicle need to carry a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds, so it stands to reason that they are under a lot of pressure. Normally you can use a tool that compresses the spring to keep it from releasing tension and shooting out when the complete strut assembly is disassembled, but if this is done incorrectly, serious injury could occur. For this reason, we offer a complete “quick strut” assembly for many popular vehicles that use a strut-type suspension. This is a complete strut that includes the spring and upper mount pre-installed. Not only is this safer, it makes installation easier, which also means lower labor costs if you’re having a mechanic perform the work for you.

It’s important to pay attention to your vehicle to know when it’s time to service your shocks or struts. Most vehicles won’t give any direct notification, like a check engine light for suspension work. You may notice a clunking or knocking noise from under the vehicle, especially over bumps or rougher roads. Another cause of strut failure is impact damage from hitting an obstacle or bump at high speed, or leaking oil. If you ignore these signs, your vehicle may ride worse, your tires could wear unevenly or at a faster rate, and your vehicle simply will not be as safe. When it’s time to replace your dampers, it’s important to use top quality parts with excellent reviews, which will likely be a lower cost over the life of your vehicle.

If you’re still unsure about what’s best for your vehicle, feel free to contact Rad Auto Works/Carquest for knowledgeable assistance in getting the best suspension for your vehicle. We carry guaranteed exact fit shock absorbers, struts, complete strut assemblies, coilovers and more from major brands like KYB, MOOG and Monroe. All our Auto Assistants are here and ready to help!

radautoworks:
Frequent overheating or sweet odor from engine?

COOLANT. Your car needs it not just water.

Available for all cars in both concentrate and pre-mixed.

CityNGR:

Price. Zerex GL05

radautoworks:


SERVICE OPTIONS
Good
•Replacement engine oil filter
• Replacement engine oil with proper grade of
motor oil

Better
•Replacement engine oil filter
•Replacement engine oil with proper grade of
synthetic motor oil
• Top off oil fluids
• Lube chassis

Best
•Replacement engine oil filter
•Replacement engine oil with proper grade of
synthetic motor oil
• Top off oil fluids
• Lube chassis
•Fuel injector cleaner added to tank to
maintain efficiency

thebigkendo:


Aunty Radu do fuel injector cleaners actually work?
I prefer the ultrasonic injector cleaning machine anytime, I don't believe in the pour-in-tank type

radautoworks:
Our next topic is AIR CONDITIONING


When last did you get your AC system checked? If it's over two years, it's been too long.The aim of this post is to give a basic understand of your AC system. See the brochure below.

You'll notice refrigerant is a big component of cooling but not all refrigerant are the same. Cars used to use R12 refrigerant until it was phased out by R134a because it was better for the environment while blowing colder. It is important to know that you can't just grab some R134a and put it in. You actually require a conversion kit to use R134a. Recently, R152a has become the new standard in Europe and actually blows even colder than R134a. Another perk is that R152a does not require a conversion kit to work with R134a cars.

Similar to R152a is HCO-1234YF but for your purposes, you will likely be using R134a for years to come. That being said, not all R134a is the same quality. Some are used up much faster than others so buy reputable brands and don't be penny wise and pound foolish.

When a car repeatedly requires the refrigerant to be topped off, our beloved Kazeems are quick to recommend an ac compressor change but half the time the problem is simply a gas leak. Rather than admit they do not know how to find the leak, the average kazeem will simply tell you it's a compressor replacement that is required because if you replace the entire unit, hopefully the leak will be gone. In actuality it literally takes minutes to detect the leak with the right tools.

Finally, when you replace an AC compressor (which we hope you don't have to), there are recommended things to change as well. Why? Because the old components might not be able to stand up to the pressure of the new compressor and may even cause damage to the new compressor if they get damaged themselves. It is also a lot cheaper to get these components as part of a compressor kit than it to buy them individually if they cannot handle the pressure. The components that topically come in the kit are and should be replaced when doing a compressor change are: A/C compressor with clutch, accumulator or receiver drier, expansion valve or orifice tube, o-ring seals, correct viscosity PAG oil and a full evacuation and recharge of the system.

Thanks for reading.

CityNGR:

I want to convert my R134a to R152a...

radautoworks:


No conversion needed. That's the beauty of it.

CityNGR:

So I just pop a can and refill?

James109:
I think that safety should be a priority when you drive. That's why if a car fails to deliver you to a plave safely, you should sell it. I would be happy to look at your car if you're selling. And I see that some people have even attached photo's of their cars and car parts for better demonstration. I, still, prefer a safe wesite, like Jacars for selling cars rather than a seller whose reputation is impossible to check. I don't want to offend anyone, just sharing my viewpoint.

radautoworks:
There has been a lot of debate on Nairaland about engine oil and oil changes so...

Engine Oil and Filter
What is it?
Engine oil is a lubricant that reduces friction in the internal components of a vehicle’s engine. The oil filter cleans the oil entering the engine. Together, the oil and filter keep your engine clean and operating with reduced friction levels.

What does it do?
Engine oil’s prime purpose is to lubricate the engine. As a protective layer between the engine components, it decreases friction and heat, helping prevent engine friction and wear. The filter also protects the engine by preventing contaminants from entering and damaging the engine. When the engine has clean oil and a clean filter, your vehicle is in Road Ready condition.

Preventive Maintenance
Changing your oil and filter is the most important preventive maintenance to perform on your vehicle. Your engine relies on clean oil and the right amount of oil to function properly. Dirty oil and dirty filters allow for excessive friction and wear in your engine, causing serious damage. Clean and free flowing oil
will help protect your engine and prolong engine life.

Typical Wear and Tear
As the most frequently maintained part of your vehicle, the engine oil and filter endure wear and tear the fastest. The oil filter becomes clogged with carbon particles and ash from fuel combustion. Once the filter is restricted, the filter bypass valve opens and lets unfiltered oil circulate through your engine causing premature wear. If the engine is not getting clean oil, serious damage can be done to engine components.

Symptoms
•Three months since last oil change
•Low oil level
•Poor fuel economy
•Poor performance

SERVICE OPTIONS
Good
•Replacement engine oil filter
• Replacement engine oil with proper grade of
motor oil

Better
•Replacement engine oil filter
•Replacement engine oil with proper grade of
synthetic motor oil
• Top off oil fluids
• Lube chassis

Best
•Replacement engine oil filter
•Replacement engine oil with proper grade of
synthetic motor oil
• Top off oil fluids
• Lube chassis
• Fuel injector cleaner added to tank to
maintain efficiency

When to Service
Oil and filter changes are recommended every 3,000 miles/3 months or per your manufacturer’s recommendation. Service is also recommended if your vehicle endures extreme conditions such as stop and go traffic, the vehicle is at a very high mileage or it is used for towing.

Benefits of Service
•Improves fuel economy
•Prolongs life of engine
•Improves performance

eherbal:
morning ma. does this 3k miles or 3 months apply to synthetic oil which I learnt the change interval is 5 to 6k miles?

radautoworks:


Hello,

No it does not. Synthetic will take you 5,000 miles or 6 months for most brands. There are also extended mileage that will take even longer but require special filters to match.

radautoworks:


Hello,

No it does not. Synthetic will take you 5,000 miles or 6 months for most brands. There are also extended mileage that will take even longer but require special filters to match.

dicksonadams:


How much can I get 5w-20 syntethic oil and appropriate filter for? Name and price

Chelseafan1:


Aunty Radu, afternoon ma, I'm currently at your workshop for my oil change, aunty, help me call dem make dem do me well o, Nairaland connect suppose dey get special treatment.

I drove here all the way from Berger

radautoworks:


For what car? Year make and model please.