Shock absorber starting to leak
Last reviewed 22 October 2026. General information, not advice about a particular car.
Keep an eye on it Normal wear or minor. Check it at the next service.
Light misting of oil on a shock absorber is early wear. A heavy leak, or a shock that no longer damps the suspension, is a fail. Shock absorbers are usually replaced in pairs across an axle.
What the wording on the certificate means
You’ll usually see something like “Shock absorbers has light misting”, often with a position such as “nearside front” (the passenger side) and a reference to the MOT inspection manual in brackets.
There’s a light film of oil on the outside of a shock absorber (damper). Some misting is normal on older dampers, but it can be an early sign that the seal is going.
Why it matters
A worn damper lets the car bounce and wallow, which lengthens braking distances and makes the car less stable in corners and on bumpy roads.
What to do
- Push down hard on each corner of the car: it should rise and settle once, not keep bouncing.
- If one needs replacing, dampers are replaced in pairs on the same axle so the car stays balanced.
- Ask the garage to look again at the next service.
Will it fail the next MOT?
An advisory isn’t a fail, and the car can be driven, as long as it stays roadworthy. A damper that is leaking badly or not working properly is a fail.
If you’re buying a car with this advisory
A bouncy, floaty ride on the test drive is a sign the dampers are worn. If the same advisory shows up at test after test, it has probably been left unrepaired.
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