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Johnson Motors
Physical Garage
Unit 5 Moor Park Industrial Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 9SP
About Us
Johnson Motors is a well-respected and trusted garage serving the people of Watford and the surrounding areas. We’ve been around for many years and have built up a loyal base of customers who use our services time and time again. We offer class 4 MOTs, dealer level servicing, all kinds of car repairs, diagnostics, body shop services and tyre fitting. We’re open 5 days a week and have a team of qualified technicians available to help with all of your car needs.
Hourly labour rate£75
4.87 (252 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers rave about Johnson Motors — praised for friendly, professional staff, clear communication, quick turnaround (often same‑day MOT/service), trustworthy workmanship and useful extras like free collection/drop‑off and returning cars cleaned. Reviews frequently note good value and an organised, helpful team. Few negatives appear: sporadic comments about higher quotes for specialist jobs, the odd delay and a dated waiting room, but these are rare and most customers say they would happily return or recommend the garage.
Rickmansworth Sports Cars
Physical Garage
Oxhey Drive,, Watford, WD19 7SE
About Us
COMPETETIVLY PRICED WORK FROM YOUR FRIENDLY LOCAL GARAGE.
Hourly labour rate£70
4.78 (350 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise the garage for friendly, professional and honest service, often highlighting quick turnaround, clear communication, reasonable prices and helpful pick‑up/delivery as reasons for repeat business. A minority of reviews note issues — longer waits, an occasion of a car being parked irresponsibly, an unresolved steering alignment and a change in management style — but these negatives are far outweighed by the many positive reports of reliable MOTs, skilled technicians and good value.
AutoElite LTD
Physical Garage
Unit 2, 8 Colonial Way, Watford, WD24 4PT
About Us
Independent Service and Repair Specialists. 35 years BMW/Mini main dealer experience All makes welcome, Genuine parts, Manufacturer warranty not affected by our services, Service and mechanical repairs, Service book stamped, Brakes, exhausts, tyres, batteries, suspension, Free of charge local collection and delivery, Loan cars, MOT's and MOT repairs, Air conditioning services, Wheel refurbishments and smart body repairs, Accident and insurance work undertaken.
Hourly labour rate£80
4.99 (27 reviews)
What are shock absorbers?
When a car is moving over rough or uneven surfaces, shock absorbers help to stop the car bouncing or vibrating too much and ensure that the tyres have full contact with the road surface all the time.
Why are shock absorbers important?
Enormous demands are placed on certain parts of cars when being driven. Shock absorbers are found on a car’s suspension, where they take the strain of all the constant bouncing up and down of the vehicle. Most cars’ wheels also have them. Worn shock absorbers will affect the car’s handling and braking, which can reduce your safety. That's why you must book a shock absorber repair promptly if anything feels wrong with your car's suspension.
How do shock absorbers work?
Shock absorbers have a piston inside them that moves up and down in line with the suspension and, depending on the vehicle, hydraulic fluid or air chambers absorb the energy from the road caused by vibration.
What causes shock absorber problems?
- If a car hits a pothole or curb, a shock absorber might get damaged.
- When a car is in an accident, there is a chance that its shock absorbers will be damaged.
- If the springs in the piston of a car’s shock absorber break or the hydraulic fluid or air leaks out.
What are the signs that a car needs a shock absorber repair?
- It’s hard to know if there is a problem with your shock absorbers as they usually fail over time.
- The pattern of tyre wear looks like cups or is “scalloping,” which is when the tread looks wavy all around, because the tyre isn’t able to stay firmly on the road.
- If a car feels different to drive on a familiar road, its shock absorbers might be worn or damaged
- When a car’s stopping distance is up to 20% further than usual.
- If a car bounces more than it normally would while driving over bumps.
- Whenever a car swings up and down like a boat.
- If a car swerves and dips when the brakes are used.
- On those occasions when tyres start squealing when a car goes around corners.
- If a car’s suspension squeaks.
How long does a shock absorber repair take?
- Replacing a shock absorber is a relatively simple job to perform.
- A standalone shock absorber is connected to a car’s suspension and frame and can be changed quickly.
- A strut shock absorber is harder to change because suspension coil springs and the strut unit have to be removed to get the work done.
How much do shock absorbers cost?
- The cost of an individual shock absorber can be up to £200, but labour needs to be factored in.
- Buying shock absorbers in pairs will lower the cost.
- When shock absorbers are replaced, the suspension mounts are removed and should be changed at the same time, which will add a little more to the cost.
How can you save money (and the environment) while you drive?
As every garage owner will tell you, there are some tried and tested ways to cut down on your petrol costs (and consumption) while you’re out and about in Watford or beyond. One is to shut your windows. If you can hear that wind noise in your car it’s costing you more to drive. This is because the car becomes less aerodynamic and has to work harder to motor along. Removing a roof rack will improve your fuel efficiency for the same reason. Another useful tip is to combine short trips into one; each time you drive after your car has been parked for a while the engine will be cold and need to use a lot more fuel for the first 5 miles or so. If you do one trip from school drop-off to supermarket to office you’ll use far less fuel than if you do all those trips individually.