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?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my shocks need to be replaced?
Signs of worn-out shocks include excessive bouncing, difficulty steering, and uneven tire wear. If you notice these symptoms, it's time to have your suspension system inspected by a professional.
If you are unsure whether a noise or vibration is related to your suspension, we can perform a quick evaluation and road test to help you understand what is happening. Many drivers in Lakeland notice changes after driving over railroad crossings, construction zones, or rough patches on local streets, and those repetitive bumps can speed up wear. Bringing your vehicle in as soon as you sense something different often makes any needed shocks service in Lakeland simpler and more manageable.
What factors can contribute to suspension issues?
Rough road conditions, heavy loads, and poor maintenance can all contribute to suspension problems. Regular inspections can help identify and address these issues early.
In addition, frequent towing, carrying work equipment, or taking longer trips across Central Florida can place extra strain on your springs, bushings, and mounting points. Parking outside in sun and humidity year-round can also cause rubber components to age faster than you expect. By discussing how you use your vehicle day to day, we can tailor your suspension maintenance plan so it fits your needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all schedule.
How often should I get my suspension system inspected?
We recommend getting your suspension system inspected every 12,000 miles or annually as part of your regular maintenance schedule.
If you frequently drive over potholes, speed bumps, or unpaved roads around Lakeland Heights, you may benefit from having us check your suspension a little more often. During these visits, we look for early signs of wear such as minor leaks, torn dust boots, or small cracks in bushings that might not yet be obvious while you drive. Staying ahead of these changes makes it easier to plan for future struts installation or other services before problems affect ride comfort.
Can worn-out shocks affect my vehicle's handling and safety?
Yes, worn-out shocks can lead to decreased handling, increased stopping distances, and compromised safety. They can affect how your vehicle reacts to road conditions, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces.
On wet days or during sudden storms that are common in this part of Florida, a weak suspension can make it harder for your tires to stay firmly planted on the road. That can increase body roll in curves and cause your vehicle to feel less stable when changing lanes on highways like I-4 or US-92. Addressing these issues promptly helps your brakes, tires, and steering all work together the way they were designed.
How long does it take to replace shocks or suspension components?
The time required to replace shocks or suspension components can vary depending on your vehicle's make and model and the extent of the repair. Typically, it can take a few hours to complete the work.
When you schedule your visit, we discuss your daily plans, so we can suggest whether you should wait in our lobby or use our local shuttle for errands or work. For many drivers, planning around a few hours in the shop is easier when they know in advance what will happen and when they will receive updates. We aim to make the timing of your suspension service as convenient and predictable as possible so it fits smoothly into your day.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"You have no idea how much I enjoy the level of service I receive when I visit your establishment. Thanks for everything!"
- Willie M Mosley Sr