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.
Indicators Your Vehicle Requires an Alignment Check
Your vehicle often communicates misalignment through subtle changes in handling and tire condition. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to expensive suspension repairs and compromised safety. Recognizing these symptoms early allows you to address the issue before it causes significant damage to your tires or steering system.
If you notice any of the following, it is time to visit our shop:
- Vehicle Pulling: The car drifts noticeably to the left or right when you are trying to drive straight.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is tilted or not centered when driving on a straight road.
- Rapid Tire Wear: You see uneven wear patterns on the inside or outside edges of your tires.
- Steering Vibration: You feel a shimmy or shaking sensation in the steering wheel at highway speeds.
- Squealing Tires: Your tires make unusual screeching noises when turning, indicating incorrect angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Wheel Alignment Important for Safety?
Proper alignment is critical because it dictates how your tires contact the road surface. Misaligned wheels can reduce traction, making it harder to control the vehicle during emergency stops or on wet roads. In Berthoud, where weather conditions can change rapidly, ensuring your tires have maximum grip is a vital safety measure.
Additionally, correct alignment prevents the vehicle from fighting against itself. When wheels are aligned, the vehicle tracks straight without driver effort, reducing fatigue on longer trips. This stability allows safety systems like electronic stability control to function effectively, protecting you and your passengers.
How Often Should I Get an Alignment Service?
We generally recommend an alignment check every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, or at least once a year. However, drivers in Berthoud, CO should consider more frequent inspections if they frequently drive on rough roads or hit a curb. Replacing tires or installing a lift kit also requires an immediate alignment to ensure the new components settle correctly.
Routine inspections are a cost-effective way to prevent damage. Catching a slight misalignment early prevents it from ruining a set of tires, saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Consult our technicians for a schedule tailored to your specific driving habits.
Will Alignment Improve My Fuel Efficiency?
Yes, a professional alignment service can significantly improve your fuel economy. When wheels are not parallel, they create "rolling resistance," meaning they drag against the road rather than rolling smoothly. This drag forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel to maintain speed.
By correcting the angles, we reduce this friction. The result is a more efficient vehicle that glides more easily, putting less strain on the engine and powertrain. Over time, the savings at the gas pump can offset the cost of the alignment service itself.
What Is the Difference Between Alignment and Tire Balancing?
While both services contribute to a smooth ride, they address different issues. Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the suspension to ensure tires point in the right direction. Tire balancing, on the other hand, involves adding small weights to the wheel assembly to ensure it spins without wobbling.
You might need both services if you are experiencing vibrations. Our technicians can determine which service you need during a diagnostic inspection. Often, performing both services together provides the best possible ride quality and tire longevity.
Does Your Shop Offer a Warranty?
Yes, at Christian Brothers Automotive Berthoud, we stand behind the quality of our work. Our alignment services are backed by a robust warranty, giving you peace of mind that the job was done correctly. We believe that you should feel confident in the reliability of your repairs long after you leave our shop.
This commitment to quality is part of our "Nice Difference" approach. We prioritize your satisfaction and safety above all else, ensuring that if any issue arises related to our workmanship, we are here to make it right. Ask our service advisors for specific details regarding warranty coverage for your vehicle.
Schedule Your Alignment Service Today
Don't let a car alignment issue shorten the life of your tires or compromise your safety. At Christian Brothers Automotive Berthoud, we provide the expertise and technology needed to keep your vehicle performing its best on the roads of Berthoud, CO. Our team is ready to restore your vehicle's stability and comfort with precision adjustments and superior customer care.
Take the next step toward a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency.
Call us at (970) 703-7139 or book your appointment online to experience the difference of working with true automotive professionals.
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
-
"Recently i had my 2006 chevy pickup broken into with the obvious plan of stealing it. the steering column and ignition were completely trashed but the idiots weren't able to get the truck started and I was left with a unusable truck! my insurance company w"
- Lori Taylor