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What is the importing criteria regarding shock absorbers on cars.? I brought my car from Car Company Nelson and took ownership of her 4/12/18. After getting a service done on it found out the the left front Shock is leaking oil and making the brake dust stick to the side the car. The right ones just starting to do the same. Its is 2011 Jap import and just done 25,000. Nelson wanted me to drive the car back over to Nelson for them to sort it out, but I was told it can be dangerous. Also it had a NZ WOF on it before I took possession of it.

Hi there,
This type of issue could be typical of a very low mileage car- the shocks may not have displayed any signs of issue when the vehicle was imported and given its first wof, and then after some use- the shocks have now decided to leak. The car dealer has to be given first right of remedy and are within their rights to ask for the vehicle to be returned fro repair. If the vehicle is unsafe to drive, you may have to transport it or ask if you can have the vehicle repaired at a local garage. There is a small amount of shock leakage allowed for a wof and they call it "misting" but when the fluid actually leaks down the body of the shock, then it would be failed (for a wof) and the vehicle suspension may not work as effectively.

HI Cade, thank you for replying. I fully understand what you are saying. My car s getting repaired in Blenheim at the cost of the car dealership in Nelson. I fel much better using my own mechanic. Plus the car is still under warranty. Also do the shocks normally go out together?

They don't always both fail at the same time, but it would be more common to replace both as a pair- as usually if one failed due to age or use then the other would be subject to the same conditions and may not be far from requiring repair.

Thank you so much for your advise and knowledge.