you can rely on J.S. Automotive in Southwestern New Hampshire, NH to provide quality care for your vehicle's undercarriage. Stop by our shop to see how we can help you or call 603-826-6874 for more information.
To keep your vehicle running at peak performance, we provide undercar services that include:
Alignment
Wheel alignment (or simply alignment) is standard car maintenance that involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the manufacturer's specifications. The main purpose is to let the suspension and the steering systems operate at their desired angles - this reduces tire wear. Alignment is a complicated process and not all mechanics get it right. To have experts handle your car's alignment, visit J.S. Automotive.
Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes prevent wheel lock-up when rapidly decelerating by automatically modulating the brake pressure during an emergency stop. With this system, the wheels are able to maintain traction with the road while braking. Failure of the anti-lock brakes could lead to an increase in the risks of multiple vehicle crashes and run-off road crashes. To avoid this, have your anti-lock brake system checked and repaired by experts. At J.S. Automotive, we have anti-lock brake experts who will examine and repair your faulty ABS - keeping you safe.
Differential Exchange
The differential is a car part that compensates for the difference in travel distance between the inner wheels and outer wheels when the vehicle is turning. Due to the differential's position in most non-four-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles (located at the rear and under the car), it does not get any of the star treatment the engine gets. The one thing that every car owner needs to know is that failure of the differential will mean failure of the car. To save the differential from failure, you need to have differential fluid changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Changing the oil on the differential is as important as changing the car's engine oil. Although checking and changing differential oil is pretty easy, you need to visit an auto shop to get a comprehensive differential flush. For differential flush services, visit or call J.S. Automotive in Southwestern New Hampshire today.
Shocks
Shocks (or shock absorbers) are mechanical devices designed to smooth out rough roads. The devices do this by converting kinetic energy to another form of energy. Properly working shocks reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling. When shocks develop problems, driving on poorly leveled roads becomes unpleasant, and your vehicle may sway when turning. To have your vehicle's shocks diagnosed and repaired, give us a call at one of our locations.
Struts
Much like a shock absorber (shocks), your car's struts provide a dampening effect as you travel over a road's surface. By absorbing the shock of the road, struts allow passengers to ride in a car without constant and uncomfortable motion. Struts work a bit differently than shocks in that they provide structural support for your car's suspension. This means that struts support your car's weight, unlike shocks which only regulate the speed at which the weight is transferred. Struts usually last around 50,000 or 60,000 miles. This is simply because the damping characteristics of the parts gradually deteriorate over time. Our expert technicians will diagnose any problems and help you make an informed decision about repairs.
Suspension Questions and Answers
How often should shocks be replaced?
Experts recommend that shocks be replaced at 50,000-100,000 miles. If you are a more aggressive driver or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks don't go out all at once, they deteriorate slowly over time. If you are noticing problems with handling, making smooth turns or ride smoothness have one of the professionals at J.S. Automotive inspect your shocks.
Are shocks difficult to replace?
Shock absorber replacement is usually a straightforward job, taking less than an hour of labor, but they should be replaced by a professional. Some models require other components to be removed or replaced before working on the front shocks. Bring your car to J.S. Automotive in Southwestern New Hampshire and we will help you determine what needs to be done and get you back on the road quickly.Are struts difficult to replace?
Replacing struts is simple and fast for a professional. Replacing your front struts yourself is not recommended, especially if you need a new complete strut assembly kit. When you get your truck's struts replaced you also need to have the front-end alignment checked. Ask the professionals at J.S. Automotive to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Shocks and struts are both parts of a vehicle's suspension system. However, each has a very specific job. Your vehicle has either shocks or struts. You cannot replace your shocks with struts and vice versa. Shock absorbers are hydraulic components that help minimize movement generated by the vehicle's springs. These springs absorb some of the jolts you might feel from uneven or damaged roads. Struts are structural components of certain vehicles' steering and suspension systems. They usually consist of a spring and a shock absorber. Struts are designed to be much stronger than shocks since they are designed for vehicles that carry heavy loads.
Is it necessary to get an alignment after strut replacement?
J.S. Automotive recommends performing an alignment anytime shocks, struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Getting your vehicle's alignment within factory specifications ensures optimal tire wear and helps prolong the life of your tires.
What happens if I only replace one strut or shock?
If you replace only one shock or strut, it will create poor handling when changing lanes or driving over bumps. If your car is new, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be ok since the opposite side shock is not worn out yet. Generally, J.S. Automotive recommends replacing both shocks or struts.
Differential Questions and Answers
Is it necessary to change front and rear differential fluid?
Over time, the differential fluid breaks down and becomes dirty and impacts performance. It is necessary to have your car or truck's differential serviced regularly. It is generally recommended to have the differential fluid changed every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if you are a more aggressive driver you may need to get your front and rear differential fluid changed sooner. If you are in Southwestern New Hampshire area or the surrounding area, give us a call and we can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your vehicle.
What is front and rear differential service?
Differential services performed by one of the professional technicians at J.S. Automotive usually includes draining the old fluid from the differentials and replacing it with new fluid according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and specifications. Sometimes other components surrounding the differential may need to be serviced as well.
To learn more about our Undercar services, call us at 603-826-6874 or request a quote by clicking below:
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Undercar Services, near Grantham, New Jersey My wife drove her car up from NJ today, she had already had it looked at in NJ and they replaced the rotors, but the problem was still there as she drove up to Grantham. Since I have my cars serviced at J&S (Jeep and Mercedes--2013) I told my wife to take her Honda CR-V to them. It was late in the day, but they waited for her (Chris and all the guys that work there). They got the Honda up on a lift and narrowed the problem down to two things (driveshaft or bent wheel) in about 5 minutes. I guess the bottom line with J&S is they are there when you need them even though they did not have to be, and they figure the problem out or at least narrow it down pretty quickly. Also, they don't assume what the problem is they actually diagnose it. In this case they would have taken out that drive shaft, driven the car, and determined whether that was the problem. All I can say is that since I have been taking my cars to J&S, and perform the maintenance and service they recommend, knock on wood, I have not had any problems. If I lived in Grantham full time, it is the only place I would take my vehicles, though so far, I plan it so I can have them do the service.
John Sykes
