What to Expect With a Suspension Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Signs You Need Professional Suspension Service
Detecting suspension issues early can protect your tires from expensive damage and keep you from losing control during an emergency maneuver.
Many drivers notice subtle changes in their vehicle's behavior before a major failure occurs, making it important to pay attention to new sounds or sensations. Catching these warning signs early is the key to maintaining your vehicle’s safety and overall value.
Watch for these indicators that it is time to visit our facility for a professional suspension inspection:
- Excessive Bouncing: Noticing that your car continues to oscillate several times after hitting a bump or dip in the road.
- Nose Diving: Feeling the front of the vehicle "dip" significantly toward the pavement when you apply the brakes firmly.
- Uneven Tread: Observing "cupping" or bald spots on your tires, which suggests they aren't staying firmly planted on the road.
- Leaking Fluid: Finding oily residue on the exterior of your shocks, indicates that a critical internal seal has failed.
- Visible Sagging: Noticing that one corner of your vehicle sits lower than the others when parked on level ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Shocks simply absorb bumps, while struts are a structural part of the suspension that also supports the vehicle's weight and affects steering. Both are essential for safety, and our struts service experts can tell you which setup your specific vehicle uses.
How Often Should I Have My Suspension System Checked?
It is recommended to have your suspension system checked every 12,000 miles or once a year, especially if you frequently drive on rough roads. Regular inspections can help catch minor issues before they lead to major damage, preserving your vehicle's longevity and performance. Awareness of your vehicle's suspension status also allows you to plan ahead financially for any necessary repairs, thereby minimizing unexpected expenses.
Can I Drive with a Damaged Suspension?
Driving with a damaged suspension is not advised as it compromises vehicle handling, increases stopping distances, and can lead to further damage. Immediate attention to suspension issues ensures your safety and prevents further costly repairs by avoiding compound stress to other vehicle components.
Why does my car pull to one side while driving?
A pulling sensation often indicates that your wheels are out of alignment or that a suspension component is bent. Our alignment services, combined with a physical check, can correct this, preventing your tires from wearing out prematurely and improving your overall fuel efficiency.
What Affects My Suspension System's Lifespan?
Various factors can affect your suspension system’s lifespan, including road conditions, the quality of parts installed, and how vigorously the vehicle is driven. Regular maintenance and quality repairs can prolong its lifespan significantly. Additionally, driving habits such as avoiding excessive speed bumps and minimizing abrupt braking can further extend the life of your suspension components.
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FAQs
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Q. "How do I know if my suspension needs service?"Signs that your car needs suspension service include braking problems, abnormal noises, and excessive bouncing. If you are experiencing any of these problems, we recommend getting your vehicle looked at by our professional technicians.
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Q. "What is the difference between shocks and struts?"While one of them will be found in every one of your vehicle’s tires, a vehicle will either have a shock or a strut at each wheel, never both. A shock cannot be used to replace a strut and a strut cannot be used to replace a shock. Which one does your vehicle have? Depends on the make and model. Learn more here.
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Q. "How often should I have my suspension system looked at?"We recommend that you have it looked at once a year or every 12,000 miles along with your regular scheduled maintenance. If you want to learn more about signs that your suspension is worn click here.
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Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I took my 2023 Hyundai Tuson in for an air CONDITIONING Problem. It just would not cool down normally… I was very FORTUNATE to have taken my vehicle to CHRISTIAN Brothers Automotive. They were very professional and INCREDIBLY friendly… They l"
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