What to Expect With an Alignment
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
If you're concerned about the tread on your tires, we recommend the “penny test” to check your tread depth. Simply insert a penny into your tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it's time to replace your tires.
The Importance of Proper Alignment in Phoenix
Phoenix’s unique climate, with its hot temperatures and monsoon seasons, can impact your vehicle’s alignment. Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. Regular alignment checks are essential for maintaining optimal vehicle performance and safety.
Considering the heat's impact on road materials, unexpected potholes and road shifts can occur, posing additional challenges for maintaining vehicle alignment. Furthermore, well-aligned vehicles contribute smoother driving experiences on Phoenix's bustling highways, helping you avoid potential hazards and ensuring stability while navigating both urban and rural roads.
Services Tailored for Phoenix Drivers
Our wheel alignment services include:
- Basic Alignment Check: Quick assessment to determine alignment status.
- Front-End Alignment: Focuses on the front two wheels to correct pulling issues.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Ensures all four wheels are properly aligned, improving overall stability.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Adjusts the rear axle angle to match the front wheels, enhancing handling.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Ahwatukee, our comprehensive service offerings ensure that each Phoenix driver can access the alignment solutions their vehicle requires. Through ongoing investment in automotive diagnostic technology and training for our technicians, we are committed to remaining at the forefront of the alignment industry. This dedication allows us to serve our community with unmatched quality and efficiency.
Why Choose Our Alignment Services?
Choosing Christian Brothers Automotive Ahwatukee means opting for transparency, integrity, and exceptional customer care. We use manufacturer-quality equipment and provide clear communication devoid of technical jargon, ensuring you understand every step of the process.
Our owner/operators are on site to offer personal assistance, and our complimentary shuttle service ensures minimal disruption to your day. We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with our clients, treating each customer as a neighbor and friend.
Our proactive approach focuses on preventing issues before they arise, saving you time, money, and hassle in the long run. We consistently seek to improve our processes and invest in continuous learning to bring you unparalleled service quality.
When you choose us, you can expect:
- Transparency & Trustworthy Service: We educate you about your vehicle’s alignment needs.
- Manufacturer-Quality Equipment: Ensures precision and reliability in every alignment.
- Convenience Focused: Comfortable waiting area and onsite owner/operators for excellent service.
- Industry-Leading Warranty: Providing peace of mind for the work we perform.
Don't let Phoenix's harsh climate compromise your safety.
Contact us at (480) 376-7629 or online to schedule your alignment check today and experience smooth, confident driving, no matter the weather.
Common Alignment Issues in Phoenix
Frequent driving on highways like the I-10 or I-17 can lead to alignment issues.
Signs you may need alignment services include:
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Steering wheel off-center when driving straight
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Vibration in the steering wheel
In addition to these common signs, it is crucial to stay vigilant about subtle changes in vehicle behavior, such as steering becoming unusually stiff or a noticeable drift even on calm roads. Over time, these minor deviations can escalate into larger problems, causing unnecessary stress and potentially costly repairs. Therefore, early diagnosis and professional intervention are key to preserving your vehicle's performance and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Alignment Issues in Phoenix?
Alignment issues in Phoenix are often caused by driving over potholes, hitting curbs, or regular wear and tear due to intense heat and road expansion. Additionally, seasonal shifts can create fluctuations in road surfaces, leading to slight misalignments over time.
How Often Should I Get My Alignment Checked?
It’s advisable to have your alignment checked annually or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. After hitting a curb or pothole, it’s wise to get an immediate check for misalignment. Other factors like the age and type of your vehicle can also influence the frequency of needed alignments.
What Are the Benefits of Proper Alignment?
Proper alignment improves tire lifespan, enhances fuel efficiency, and provides safer handling, reducing the risk of accidents. Alignments can also reduce stress on vehicle components, promoting a smoother and quieter ride.
Can Weather Affect My Vehicle’s Alignment?
Yes, extreme weather conditions in Phoenix, including unyielding heat and rain during monsoons, can impact alignment by destabilizing road surfaces and affecting vehicle suspension. Significant temperature variations can also cause materials to expand and contract, requiring more frequent alignments.
Is Wheel Balancing the Same as Alignment?
While related, wheel balancing is different from alignment. Balancing addresses the weight distribution around the wheel and tire, whereas alignment ensures the wheels are parallel and the steering is correct. Both are crucial for vehicle performance, with balancing preventing vibrations and alignment ensuring directional stability.
Schedule your wheel alignment service in Phoenix, AZ, today!
FAQs
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Q. "What is the difference between a wheel alignment and a wheel balance?"Wheel alignment is the term for how your wheels sit when mounted to your car and wheel balancing is what’s done to perfectly balance the weight of a tire and wheel assembly so that it travels evenly.
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Q. "How often should I get a wheel alignment?"We recommend every 6,000 miles or when you experience signs of misalignment.
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Q. "What causes bad alignment?"Normal wear and tear can eventually cause your car to come out of alignment, but perhaps a more sudden occurrence would be things like hitting potholes, bumping curbs, or even minor accidents. Click here to read more on the causes and consequences of bad alignment.
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Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I'm not sure how my experience could have been any better, superlative service, competent and attentive staff, extreme courtesy and unending requests to serve better. Practicality wise, I was able to schedule when I wanted to, drop off and pick when I want"
- Loxahwatukee