Suspension fluid, it’s something you know that you need.
But why is that and what does it really do?
Let’s find out the answers to those very questions right now.
What Is Suspension Fluid?
Suspension fluid is a specialized lubricant used in the suspension systems of all vehicles. It is particularly important in vehicles like motorcycles, UTVs, Quads, and ATVs due to the nature of the driving conditions and terrain they are used on.
But, it actually does way more than simply keep the parts well oiled! It is a key player in reducing friction and providing consistent damping to efficiently absorb shocks and vibrations from the road, trail or terrain you are driving on.
Basically, it is responsible for ensuring you have a safe and smooth ride, even when the terrain is rough!
What Is It Made From?
All of the best suspension fluids (hint, hint, those are the ones made by Blud!) are comprised of a synthetic base oil and various additives to enhance performance.
We utilize a synthetic base oil rather than a mineral alternative so that we can control the exact quality of every bottle. Synthetic oil performs better in the extreme temperature changes associated with riding and off-roading as it is unlikely to break down at the highest temperatures. It also provides superior lubrication because it maintains a consistent viscosity, offering better engine protection.
The base oil can’t do the job alone, so we include certain additives to increase the effectiveness of the lubricant, ensuring it is always fit for high performance. These additives include anti-foaming agents, anti-wear components and things like rust inhibitors that are all designed to protect your suspension.
Viscosity is a crucial element of a suspension fluid as it can impact how the suspension behaves. Different vehicles, suspension types and riding styles can require different viscosities. Which is what the numbers on the label of the bottle tell you. Those numbers relate to the viscosity grade. Viscosity is measured in weight and the numbers correspond, such as 2.5W, 3W, 5W, 7W, 10W and 20W. The lower the number, the thinner the fluid, and the less resistance to flow it has. Finding the right viscosity for your suspension is crucial for good performance.
Why Do You Need Suspension Fluid?
Suspension fluid is a key part of your suspension system, which is why you want to ensure you have an excellent one in your vehicle.
Here’s what it does:
Lubrication
Funnily enough, as a kind of oil, one of the main jobs of suspension fluid is to provide adequate lubrication to the suspension system! Many of your vehicle’s suspension components are constantly in motion and in contact with each other. The seals, bushings and pistons all need lubrication to function as they should.
Suspension fluid provides the necessary lubrication to keep those parts moving, all while reducing the amount of wear and tear they experience, extending the life of your suspension system.
Damping Control
The suspension system in your vehicle relies on controlled movement to absorb shocks from the terrain below and to maintain overall stability. Suspension fluid has a big role to play in this process. It flows through the internal valves and chambers of the shock absorbers or forks and provides necessary resistance, known as damping, to create better handling and safety.
Consistent Performance
Every time you hop on your bike or inside your UTV, you want to know you will experience peak performance when you hit the trail. Suspension fluid can help to make that consistency happen.
High quality synthetic suspension fluids maintain their viscosity and other properties across a wide range of conditions and temperature changes. That means your suspension will perform consistently whether it is hot or cold, cruising or adventuring. This consistency is critical for maintaining performance, handling and comfort in varying conditions.
Reduced Friction
As your suspension system works to absorb shocks a lot of heat and friction is generated. The suspension fluid helps to negate the dangers by dissipating that heat. This reduces the amount of friction, prevents overheating and minimizes the risk of potential damage to the components in your suspension system.
Protection
Your vehicle puts a lot of demand on your suspension system, it is always working. Constant work obviously creates a high risk of wear and tear. The additives in suspension fluid help to protect the internal components from rust, corrosion and other damage. This is particularly important in off-road or all-terrain vehicles as they are often used in wet or humid conditions.
Why You Need BLUD Suspension Fluid
Over time, suspension fluid can degrade due to heat, contaminants and oxidation. This can lead to a loss in performance with changes in damping characteristics, reduced lubrication and the risk of potential damage to your suspension components.
While regular maintenance and replacement are always going to be required, it’s really important to choose a high quality suspension fluid to begin with. That way, you instantly protect your suspension and reduce the need for additional maintenance tasks.
Blud is always the best choice when it comes to high performance lubricants. That’s because all our suspension fluids are specially formulated to perform in the toughest conditions - that applies to street bikes and off-road vehicles.
With a synthetic base and additives for maximum control, reduced friction, ultimate handling and reduced wear, our suspension fluids give you a consistently epic performance every time you turn on the ignition.
You can shop our entire range of suspension fluids right here on our website or get in touch with our knowledgeable team to discuss any questions you may have.