Shock absorber - oil or gas?

[alan236000]

Hi, looking to change rears shocks on a Seat Leon MK3 2014 1.2TSI. Current ones fitted are oil shocks. When looking online, only seem to get gas shocks. Are gas shocks the norm now>

 

[RUM4MO]

Are you sure that “gas” dampers not just oil dampers with a blanket of gas to restrict the oil from beading/misting.

Edit:- make them work better.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Just buy a decent brand and you are good (Bilstein, KYB, Sachs, etc)

 

[SuperV8]

Are you sure that “gas” dampers not just oil dampers with a blanket of gas to restrict the oil from beading/misting.

Edit:- make them work better.

Exactly this:
Oil is what is doing the 'damping' and the gas is keeping the oil liquid so it can work effectively, rather than foaming up which means it will loose its damping ability.

The gas also helps with the refinement/ride quality of the damper. If your dampers are misting - so loosing oil, you can be sure the gas is long gone!