10 January 2023
Comparison of Dampers With and Without Reservoir Tanks

The oil shock absorber is one of the components that directly affects the operating speed of a vehicle. Most standard vehicle models come equipped with non-reservoir shocks. However, due to the increasing demand for better performance, many owners opt for reservoir shocks.
So, what is the difference between these two types of shocks? Let’s explore the detailed answer with Huỳnh Châu in the following article.
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Reservoir shocks enhance vehicle performance
1. What is the function of reservoir shocks in vehicles?
Oil shocks help reduce vibrations when encountering rough roads, such as potholes or bumpy surfaces, providing comfort and smoothness for the driver.
Non-reservoir shocks often cause the springs to be stiffer, leading to bouncing or floating when the spring is lightly compressed. In contrast, reservoir shocks solve the problem of springs uncompressing too quickly during compression while offering a smoother ride.

Reservoir shocks help reduce vibrations on rough roads
Additionally, reservoir shocks allow for delayed and controlled compression settings as desired. Reservoir motorcycle shocks can provide more stable operation and enhance overall performance.
Below are simple steps for drivers to adjust reservoir shocks for better handling:
- First, adjust the spring compression: Use a spanner to adjust the compression of the spring on the shock. Generally, newly purchased shocks come factory-set to optimal levels, needing adjustment only when frequently carrying heavy loads.
- Second, adjust the rebound of the shock: Simply turn the knob at the bottom of the shock clockwise to slow the rebound (stiffer shock), and turning it counterclockwise will make it quicker (softer shock). Vehicle owners can refer to the manual and should feel the actual ride after two adjustments to choose the appropriate setting.
- Third, adjust the compression speed of the reservoir shock: Turning the knob on the reservoir clockwise will slow the compression (making the shock stiffer), while turning it counterclockwise will increase the speed (softening the shock).

Adjusting reservoir shocks enhances vehicle stability
However, drivers should pay attention to the possibility that incorrect adjustment of reservoir shocks, or settings that do not match the vehicle’s specifications, can lead to excessive “oil leakage” similar to non-reservoir shocks and result in a poorer driving experience. Therefore, to fine-tune the settings, the driver must understand and feel the vehicle they are using.
2. The difference between reservoir shocks and non-reservoir shocks
Oil shocks



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