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Suspension & Steering Maintenance

Suspension & Steering

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In addition to putting the safety of all those who ride in your car at risk, suspension and steering issues that go unaddressed have the potential to increase the wear on other suspension components, which may result in more extensive repairs down the road.

Put safety first. Ask your VIP Certified Automotive Professional to check your suspension to determine whether you need new shocks, struts, or other steering repairs.

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Helpful Hints

Why Replace Worn Shocks & Struts?

Replacing worn shocks and struts offers many benefits.

  • Improves ride comfort
  • Restores safer handling
  • Decreases braking distance
  • Increases tire life
  • Ensures consistent tire-to-road contact

Signs of Suspension & Steering Issues

If you are experiencing any of the following while driving, it’s highly likely that your vehicle has a suspension and steering issue:

  • Shaky, unsteady, off-center, and stiff steering
  • Excessive bouncing or swaying during bumps
  • Intermittent control while driving and braking
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The VIP Experience
Different & Better

At VIP we understand what your car means to you. All of our employees, from our customer service representatives to our world-class ASE-certified master technicians believe in getting the job done right.  We walk you through the work to be done before we begin, including live-feed reviews of your vehicle and copies of your multipoint inspection sent straight to your phone.

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  • Northern New England’s tire and service leader for almost 100 years
  • The area’s largest family-owned automotive service provider and tire dealer — headquartered in Auburn, ME
  • All locations are staffed with TIA and ASE Certified Automotive Professionals
  • Straight-forward labor and installed parts warranties guarantee the quality of our work
  • Most stores throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and Vermont are open seven days a week
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VIP Locations

ME
Set as My Store
VIP Tires & Service - Lewiston, ME
485 Sabattus St
Lewiston, ME 04280
(207) 784-5464
0.0 Miles Away
Set as My Store
VIP Tires & Service - Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME
520 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 784-0131
1.3 Miles Away
Set as My Store
VIP Tires & Service - Auburn, ME
128 Center Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 783-8561
1.8 Miles Away
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VIP Tires & Service - Topsham, ME
2 Union Park Road
Topsham, ME 04086
(207) 373-1501
15.7 Miles Away
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Additional VIP Tires & Alignment Services

Shock & Strut Replacement

Shocks and struts keep your vehicle balanced and riding smoothly by contributing to the overall safety and stability of its steering and suspension. Ensure yours are in good condition with a visit to VIP.

Ride Control Evaluation

Ride Control refers to your vehicle’s ability to stop, turn, and keep its tires on the road. VIP will evaluate your ride control and make suggestions regarding how to improve it.

Steering Repair

Worn out steering components can lead to challenging, reduced, or even no steering control. If your steering is stiff or you’re hearing odd sounds when you steer, VIP will find the root cause and fix it.

Professional Wheel Alignment

If a smooth ride, even tire wear, and improved fuel efficiency sound good to you, come into VIP for a professional wheel alignment. We’ll ensure your car is driving straight.

Flat Repair

If you have a tire that is flat, losing pressure, or punctured, VIP’s tire experts will repair it if possible. If not, they’ll help you find the tire you need at a great price with VIP’s 200% Lowest Price Tire Promise.

Tire Balancing & Rotation

Your vehicle’s performance is tied to its tires. When they’re balanced, it drives smoothly and more quietly. When they are rotated, they wear evenly, which results in better handling. Get a FREE tire rotation check at VIP.

Tire Installation

A new set of tires will take you not only to run errands and to work, but on many adventures. Maximize your investment by having VIP expertly install them.
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FAQs

  • What’s the difference between shocks and struts and does my car have one or both?

    Struts are a structural component of your suspension system, while shocks are a separate add-on that dampens movement. Which one your vehicle has depends on the make and model.

  • Can bad shocks affect my safety, or is it just a comfort issue?

    Worn shocks and struts are both a safety and a comfort issue. Beyond a rough ride, worn shocks reduce your tires’ contact with the road, and that directly affects how quickly and reliably your vehicle stops and steers.

  • How long do shocks and struts typically last?

    Most shocks and struts last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, but road conditions, driving habits, and vehicle type all play a role. In New England, rough roads, potholes, and harsh weather can wear them down faster.

  • My car bounces a lot after hitting a bump — is that normal?

    No, your car should not continue bouncing excessively after hitting a bump. Excessive bouncing or swaying can be a sign that your shocks or struts are worn out and no longer controlling your vehicle’s movement properly. Since shocks and struts play an important role in handling and stability, it’s worth getting them checked before the issue affects your control of the vehicle.

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All-Season

All-Season tires are versatile and suitable for warm and cool climates, but not recommended for extreme hot or cold weather conditions because of specific rubber components.

All-Weather

Like their name suggests, all-weather tires are versatile and can perform well in a variety of weather conditions and can be severe snow-rated.

All-Terrain

With bigger treads than traditional all-season tires, all-terrain tires allow for both on and off-roading capabilities.

Winter

Winter tires are manufactured to perform well in snow, ice, sleet and other cold weather conditions. Winter tires are typically soft, with an intricate grooved tread pattern — made for holding compacted snow and creating traction — and are severe snow-rated.