Shocks and struts an often-overlooked wear item.

Updated: October 2025

Most people in New Hampshire keep an eye on the state of their tires and brakes. Driving here especially in the winter, with worn tires, is always a recipe for disaster. However, another critical aspect deserving attention is the condition of shocks and struts. Unlike the visible signs of tire wear, skidding on slippery roads. Or the squealing noise and poor stopping from worn brakes. Shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time. Designed to absorb the impact of New Hampshires rough roads and potholes repeatedly over their lifespan. The internal mechanisms like valves and seals that manage fluid flow start to wear and leak internally or externally. This causes poor handling and rough ride.

The Impact of Worn Shocks and Struts

While the effects of deteriorating shocks and struts may not be immediately obvious. They can significantly impact both the comfort and safety of your vehicle:

• Stopping distance increases, as the car's front-end dives more. This reduces weight and traction on the rear wheels. This contributes to less effective stopping power which can lead to longer stopping distances. Such as when panic stopping to avoid that unexpected deer that leapt out from the side of the road.

• Reduced handling ability as a similar effect occurs with increased body roll. This decreased ability to maneuver can cause problems when trying to avoid obstacles like large potholes on our roads.

• Uneven and accelerated tire wear caused by uncontrolled bouncing from tires not staying in contact with the road. Think of a basketball bouncing on the pavement.

• Increased driver fatigue and discomfort due to the vehicle swaying and vibrating almost like being on a boat.

This all happens gradually so most people adapt their driving to adjust and consider it normal.

New Hampshire Roads and Suspension Systems Wear

Local weather conditions, such as freezing cycles and thawing. They all contribute to the formation of potholes and rough road conditions. At the same time exposure to salt and moisture accelerates component wear and corrosion. In the Concord, NH region, it is common for shocks and struts to show signs of wear at around the 60,000-mile mark.

Restoring Comfort, Safety, and Performance

If you notice that your car is not as responsive as it used to be. Avoiding squirrels has become a challenge. Your tires just do not seem to be lasting like they used to with increased choppiness in the tread and uneven wear. Sudden traffic stops at the end of 89 during the holidays are now nerve wracking. It may be time to have your suspension system inspected. At Accomplished Auto, we have trained and skilled technicians. They can inspect your shocks, struts, and other suspension components. Our service writer then will review the age, mileage and service history. They will also ask how you use your vehicle. This helps them make informed recommendations of when to replace your shocks and struts as well as any related repairs.

Our goal is to revive your vehicle's original ride quality and improve on-road safety.

Serving Concord, NH, and Surrounding Towns

We serve Concord, Pembroke, Bow, Loudon, Hopkinton, Canterbury, Contoocook, Webster, and Warner.

👉 Book an inspection today to ensure a safe comfortable ride for years to come.