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.
Why an Alignment is Essential for Your Vehicle
A proper wheel alignment is more than just a convenience; it's a critical aspect of your vehicle’s maintenance. When your wheels are out of alignment, it creates extra stress on your suspension system and can dramatically accelerate tire wear. This uneven wear not only shortens the life of your expensive tires but can also lead to a dangerous blowout. Beyond tire longevity, a misaligned vehicle can negatively impact your fuel economy. The drag created by wheels that are not tracking straight forces your engine to work harder, consuming more fuel.
Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
Paying close attention to your car's behavior is the best way to catch an alignment issue before it becomes a major problem. Here are some key indicators that it’s time to visit Christian Brothers Automotive Billings for an alignment service:
- Steering Wheel is Off-Center: If your steering wheel is not centered when you're driving straight on a level road, your alignment is likely off.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: A strong and consistent pull to the left or right while you are attempting to drive straight is a definitive sign of misalignment.
- Vibrating Steering Wheel: Vibrations felt through the steering wheel or the car's floorboards, particularly at higher speeds, can indicate that your alignment is out of whack.
- Abnormal Tire Wear Patterns: Look for specific wear patterns on your tires, such as uneven wear across the tread, cupping (scalloped dips), or wear on just the inner or outer edge of the tire. These are classic signs of a misalignment.
Our Comprehensive Alignment Solutions in Billings
Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Billings is trained to perform a variety of alignment services tailored to your vehicle's needs. We offer:
- Two-Wheel Alignment: Typically for front-wheel-drive vehicles, this service focuses on the front axle.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Essential for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, this comprehensive service adjusts all four wheels for perfect balance and tracking.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: This is crucial for vehicles with a solid rear axle. It ensures the rear wheels are properly aligned with the front wheels and the vehicle's centerline, correcting the "thrust line" of the car.
Don't compromise on safety or waste money on prematurely worn-out tires. Let our expert technicians in Billings provide the precise alignment your car needs. Schedule your appointment with us today to experience the difference a perfectly aligned vehicle makes. We are committed to your complete satisfaction and your vehicle's long-term health.
Proper wheel alignment is crucial for tire longevity and handling. Trust our Billings experts for top-notch alignment services that enhance your vehicle's performance. Book a service online or call (406) 420-6648.
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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"The staff is always polite and I don’t get the high pressure sales that I’ve had at other shops."
- Barb E