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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a 4-wheel alignment better than a front-end alignment?
A 4-wheel alignment ensures that all four tires are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. In modern vehicles, rear wheels can also fall out of alignment, causing "dog-tracking" where the back of the car doesn't follow the front correctly. Aligning all four wheels provides the most stable handling and maximizes the lifespan of your entire tire set.
How often should I schedule a car alignment?
We generally recommend an alignment check every 12 months or 10,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive on rougher roads or hit a significant curb, you should have it checked immediately. Regular inspections are a small investment compared to the cost of replacing a set of tires that wore out prematurely due to misalignment.
What is the difference between wheel alignment and tire balancing?
Vehicle alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so they are positioned correctly relative to the road and each other. Tire balancing corrects the weight distribution within the tire and wheel assembly to prevent vibrations. While they are different services, they work together to ensure a smooth, vibration-free ride and even tread wear.
Can bad alignment affect my fuel economy?
Yes, misaligned wheels create "rolling resistance," meaning your engine has to work harder to push the tires down the road. Think of it like trying to push a shopping cart with a crooked wheel; it takes more energy to keep it moving straight. Proper alignment reduces this drag, which can noticeably improve your miles per gallon.
Do I need an alignment after buying new tires?
Absolutely. Starting your new tires with a fresh car alignment is the best way to protect your investment. If your vehicle is misaligned, those expensive new tires can begin showing permanent, uneven wear patterns within just a few hundred miles, significantly shortening their effective lifespan and reducing your overall safety.
Improve your fuel economy by reducing engine drag with perfectly aligned wheels.
Schedule your car alignment appointment online or call (214) 658-1708 for expert assistance.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
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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"VERY HOSPITABLE ENVIRONMENT. EXCELLENT SERVICE. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND CBA TO ANYONE"
- GK