Click here for an update on NH state inspections
auto care plus logo
Schedule Service
Schedule Service

Services

Shocks & Struts Replacement

Shocks and struts do not just make the ride comfortable — they keep the tires pressed against the pavement. Worn dampers increase your stopping distance, cause tire cupping, and let the car float and wallow over bumps. Auto Care Plus replaces shocks and struts with quality components and follows every job with a four-wheel alignment across our New England shops.

Schedule Service Now

Let’s talk shocks and struts.

Shock absorbers and struts last a long time and wear out pretty slowly for most vehicles. They’re easy to take for granted, but your shocks and struts do a very important job so you need to pay attention to them. They keep your tires on the road; and your tires are what connect your vehicle to the road and allow you to safely handle your car through turns, over bumps and even stop in time.

When your shocks and struts are worn, your tires bounce excessively over bumps in our Wolfeboro roads. Your vehicle will wallow through corners; your front-end will dive when you stop; and your rear-end will squat when you accelerate. All this hurts your ability to control your vehicle. And your ride just isn’t as comfortable.

Worn shocks or struts cause excessive tire wear so you’ll have to replace your tires sooner than you should. Worn shocks and struts also stresses other suspension and steering parts causing them to wear prematurely. Struts are actually a major structural component of the suspension system; there’s a lot riding on them.

Replacing worn shocks and struts saves money in the long run for our local Wolfeboro drivers – and of course you can’t really put a price on your safety and that of your passengers. We generally recommend replacing shocks and struts at 50,000 miles.

When it’s time for new shocks or struts, we’ve got you covered in Wolfeboro. We can give you back the ride and handling of a new vehicle. And if you have special needs we can help you there too. We have premium shocks and struts that’ll improve your performance. We can even help you with upgraded, heavy-duty shocks that’ll give you the confidence you need to handle those big towing or hauling jobs.

Experts recommend replacing all four shocks at the same time so that handling is even at each wheel.

If you need new shocks or struts, let us help you take care of this important safety service. You’ll feel better, and you’ll save money on tires and other suspension repairs down the road.

DID YOU KNOW?

The main job of your shocks and struts is to keep your tires firmly on the ground. When shocks are worn, your vehicle won’t handle as well and could even become unsafe. Replacing worn shocks and struts will extend the life of your tires and prevent other suspension damage. A brand new set of tires can be completely worn out in as little as 2000 miles because of a worn shock/strut or wheels out of alignment. Let us help you take care of your suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do shocks and struts last?

Most manufacturers suggest inspection around 50,000 miles and replacement somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000, but rough roads shorten that. Because they wear gradually, most drivers do not notice how much control they have lost until the new ones go in.

What is the difference between a shock and a strut?

A shock is purely a damper — it controls motion but carries no vehicle weight. A strut is a damper that is also a structural part of the suspension, supporting the vehicle's weight and serving as a steering pivot. That is why replacing a strut requires an alignment afterward and replacing a shock generally does not.

Do shocks and struts have to be replaced in pairs?

Yes. Replacing only one side leaves you with mismatched damping across the axle, which makes the vehicle handle unpredictably — especially in an emergency maneuver or during hard braking. We always replace them in axle pairs.

Do worn shocks really affect braking distance?

Yes, and by more than most people expect. Worn dampers let the tire skip and lose contact with the pavement during braking, which reduces the grip available and increases stopping distance — particularly on rough or wet roads where it matters most.

Do I need an alignment after replacing struts?

If you replaced struts, yes — the strut is part of the steering and suspension geometry, and the alignment will have changed. If you only replaced rear shocks on a solid axle, an alignment may not be required. We will tell you which applies to your vehicle.

Should I get a complete strut assembly or just the strut?

Complete assemblies, sometimes called quick struts, come with the strut, spring, mount, and bearing pre-assembled. They cost more in parts but less in labor, and they replace the mount and bearing that were likely worn anyway. For most vehicles they are the better overall value, and we will lay out both options.

What causes cupped tires?

Cupping — a scalloped, wavy wear pattern around the tread — happens when the tire bounces rather than rolling in steady contact with the road. It is the signature symptom of worn shocks or struts, and it is also permanent: once a tire is cupped, it will be noisy for the rest of its life.

Signs you need this service:

  • Excessive bouncing that continues after a bump
  • Nose dives sharply under braking
  • Vehicle squats hard under acceleration
  • Excessive body roll or lean in corners
  • Cupped, scalloped, or unevenly worn tires
  • Clunking or knocking from the strut towers
  • Fluid leaking down the body of a shock or strut
  • Vehicle sits low or unevenly at one corner
  • Steering feels vague or the vehicle wanders
  • Longer stopping distances

Our process:

  • Road test to evaluate ride control, body motion, and stopping behavior
  • Perform a bounce test at each corner to check damping
  • Inspect shocks and struts for fluid leaks, dents, and damage
  • Inspect strut mounts, bearings, bump stops, and coil springs
  • Read the tire wear pattern for cupping and scalloping
  • Document findings with photos and provide a written estimate
  • Replace shocks or struts — always in pairs, front or rear
  • Replace strut mounts and bearings, which wear on the same schedule
  • Perform a four-wheel alignment after installation
  • Road test to confirm ride control, handling, and quiet operation

Learn more:

Previous Service Next service
Home About Services Locations
Blog Podcast Contact Us Schedule Service
Follow Us