A _______ is used to reduce road shock and support loads on a vehicle.

• A. Coil spring
• B. Leaf spring
• C. Torsion bar
• D. Air spring

Answer: (B)

Leaf springs provide both load support and shock absorption by flexing as the suspension moves. They’re made of stacked curved steel strips that bow under the weight of the vehicle and compress when the wheel hits a bump. This bending stores energy and then releases it gradually, smoothing out rough roads and keeping the axle and tires properly in contact with the surface. This makes them especially well-suited for carrying heavy loads and providing sturdy ride control on many trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. While other spring types can also absorb shock, leaf springs are the traditional, robust choice for supporting loads and damping road irregularities in many applications.