subject: Shocks And Struts - Who Can Best Repair Them? [print this page] Shocks, struts, and suspension: what do they do? Everyone knows that maintenance of this system is essential to vehicle performance in the long run and a smooth ride and good mileage are a side effect of a properly tuned suspension.
So what's the best way to find a qualified servicer to replace shocks or struts and keep your alignment in working order? Most dealers, repair shops, and chain franchises offer suspension services at a variety of prices. Here are some tips to make certain that you can find the best service at a price you can afford.
Suspension services and replacement of shocks or struts becomes necessary after a period of time because of the wear and tear constant driving puts on these parts. Shock absorbers are called that because when the wheels on your car hit a bump, your car's springs adjust to keep your vehicle level and on the road. The shock absorption part comes directly after. If you compress a spring, then release it, it will bounce. The shock absorber uses a hydraulic system to keep this from happening. Otherwise, going over a speed bump would cause your car to bounce high into the air.
After thousands of miles, the bushings and seals around the hydraulics will wear from overuse. The signs that your shocks or struts need servicing are: rolling or swaying on turns, the front end dipping and/or the rear squatting when brakes are applied and bottoming out while driving.
If you are looking to have work done, do a little homework before committing to a servicer. Ask your friends and family if they can recommend someone who they know does a good job with shocks or struts. Check the internet for prices, specials, and reviews of servicers in your area. Check what people wrote about them. Remember that people are more likely to post a negative review, so give extra weight to positive reviews. Beware of places with horror stories posted, or even worse, no reviews at all.
The type of servicer that you use for these repairs matters as well. The service center of your dealership will very likely do a great job replacing your shocks and struts, but this type of work is undoubtedly not in warranty. The cost for having your dealer do this type of work will be much higher than other servicers, unless they offer a coupon or a special.
There a number of national chains that offer daily deals on suspension work and specialize in these repairs, but an auto repair franchise is not a guarantee of a competent servicer and the quality of work can vary from place to place. Check the internet and people you know to see if there have been major problems with a particular franchise.
This same information holds true for local independent servicers. Many of them are quite good, and might even specialize in shock work, but check them out beforehand. Always make sure your servicer is ASE-certified and being registered with the Better Business Bureau is a plus.
