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.
Comprehensive Alignment Services for Your Needs
We offer four wheel alignment services to match your vehicle’s needs:
- Basic Alignment Check: A quick assessment to identify existing alignment issues and determine whether a full adjustment is needed.
- Front-End Alignment: Adjusts the front wheels for straight, balanced driving. This service is typically performed on older vehicles, trucks, and rear-wheel-drive cars with a solid rear axle where the rear wheels are fixed and non-adjustable.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: The standard for most modern vehicles, including crossovers, SUVs, and all-wheel-drive models. Helps keep alignment uniform across all four wheels, which is essential for vehicles with independent rear suspensions.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Confirms that the rear axle aligns with the front for accurate steering and straight-line tracking.
During any full alignment service, our technicians measure and adjust three primary angles: camber (the inward or outward tilt of the tire viewed from the front), caster (the angle of the steering axis viewed from the side), and toe (whether tires point inward or outward viewed from above). Each angle affects handling, tire wear, and steering stability differently, which is why precise measurement matters. We’ll walk you through the right car alignment option based on your vehicle’s specifications and current condition.
Why Proper Wheel Alignment Matters in Amarillo
Amarillo roads range from smooth urban highways to rugged rural paths, and that variation takes a toll on alignment over time. The Texas Panhandle’s persistent high winds and dust storms add stress to suspension components, compounding the problem. Misalignment on varied surfaces can produce uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised steering response before most drivers notice anything is wrong. Regular car alignment and tire alignment checks are a practical, proactive measure for anyone driving Amarillo’s mix of highway, urban, and rural roads.
Amarillo’s Trusted Partner in Automotive Care
We believe you should understand exactly what’s happening with your vehicle, so we explain every service in plain language without technical jargon. Our owner/operators are on-site at every appointment, providing personal accountability for the work we perform. With complimentary shuttle service available, you can drop off your car and continue your day while we handle the alignment.
Every alignment service is backed by our Nice Difference warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles on all work performed, honored at any Christian Brothers Automotive location nationwide. When you’re ready to schedule, we make it easy to book by phone or online.
Call us at (806) 484-0978 or contact us online to book your wheel alignment appointment in Amarillo today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Wheel Alignment & Why Is It Important?
Wheel alignment is the adjustment of your wheels’ angles so they conform to the manufacturer’s specifications. Proper alignment supports even tire wear, predictable handling, and good fuel efficiency. Without it, tires wear unevenly, steering drifts off, and the vehicle doesn’t handle as intended. Left unaddressed, alignment problems can lead to premature tire replacement and can cause further mechanical issues over time.
How Often Should I Get My Wheels Aligned?
Having your alignment evaluated annually or during routine maintenance is a smart habit, particularly in Amarillo where road conditions vary. You should also schedule a check after hitting a curb or pothole, or whenever you notice uneven tire wear or steering pulling to one side. Alignment checks pair naturally with tire rotations or state inspections, making it easy to stay current without an extra trip.
Can Misalignment Affect My Tires?
Yes. Misaligned wheels can cause tires to wear unevenly and prematurely, which can mean more frequent replacements and higher costs. Misalignment also alters the tire’s contact patch with the road, which can reduce traction and increase braking distances. Those effects can be especially pronounced in wet or adverse conditions, making alignment a direct safety concern, not just a maintenance item.
What Are Common Signs of Misalignment?
Watch for your vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, a vibrating steering wheel, or a steering wheel that sits off-center when you’re driving straight. Unusual noises when turning and a sluggish or slow steering response are also common indicators. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a check at Christian Brothers Automotive Amarillo soon. Catching misalignment early can help keep it from becoming a more expensive suspension or tire problem.
Why Choose Christian Brothers Automotive Amarillo for Wheel Alignment?
Our ASE-certified technicians use computerized alignment technology to deliver precise, reliable results on every service. We walk you through any recommended work in plain language so you always know what we’re doing and why. All alignment work is backed by the Nice Difference warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, honored at any Christian Brothers Automotive location nationwide. As your neighbors in Amarillo, we’re committed to keeping your vehicle safe and your experience straightforward.
What Are Camber, Caster, & Toe, and Why Do They Matter for My Car Alignment?
These are the three primary angles our technicians measure and adjust during a full alignment service. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the tire viewed from the front of the vehicle. Caster is the angle of the steering axis viewed from the side. Toe is whether the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above. Each angle affects a different aspect of handling, tire wear, and steering stability, and all three should be within the manufacturer’s specifications for your car alignment to perform correctly.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
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.
-
Q. "How often should I get a wheel alignment?"We recommend every 6,000 miles or when you experience signs of misalignment.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"I was driving from Fort Worth to Durango in a two day old Mercedes GLS 580 when a warning light indicated that the oil was overfilled. With the nearest Mercedes dealerships 5 hours away, Christian Brothers remedied the problem quickly and The manager did n"
- Hk