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.
Signs Your Car May Need an Alignment
Drivers often spot alignment issues through subtle changes in how the vehicle feels on the road. Catching these signs early helps prevent rapid tire wear and insecure handling. If your driving experience feels different, a professional inspection can pinpoint the cause and restore safety.
You might notice the car drifting to one side or the steering wheel vibrating at highway speeds. Uneven tread wear on your tires is another strong indicator that adjustments are necessary. Our team evaluates these symptoms to determine if alignment or suspension work is required.
- Off-Center Wheel: The steering wheel stays crooked even when you are driving straight down the road.
- Vehicle Pulling: The car drifts to one side, requiring constant steering corrections to stay in your lane.
- Steering Vibration: Shaking felt through the steering wheel at certain speeds often points to alignment or suspension trouble.
- Uneven Wear: Tread wears down faster on the inside or outside edges compared to the rest of the tire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Car Really Needs an Alignment?
The clearest signs that your vehicle may need alignment are changes in how it drives or how your tires look. If your car starts to pull to one side, the steering wheel is off-center when you are moving straight, or you notice uneven tire wear, it often makes sense to have alignment checked. Our team begins with an inspection of the tires and suspension, along with alignment measurements, to determine what is going on.
We then walk you through the results in straightforward language, pointing out where readings differ from manufacturer guidelines and how that can affect your driving. This approach helps you see why we recommend certain services, rather than just taking our word for it. If your alignment readings are already in an acceptable range, we will explain that as well and explore other possible causes of your concern.
How Long Does an Alignment Take at Your Shop?
Alignment timing can vary, but many standard services can often be completed within a few hours. The time involved depends on factors such as the condition of suspension components and whether adjustments are straightforward or more involved. When you arrive, we will discuss what you can expect for that particular visit so you can plan accordingly.
If we discover worn parts that affect alignment, we will talk with you before performing any additional work, which may change the timing. Our complimentary shuttle service is available to help you get where you need to go while your vehicle is in our care. Throughout the process, we work to keep you informed about progress and any changes to the expected finish time.
Will an Alignment Fix My Steering Wheel Vibration or Pulling?
An alignment can often help address pulling or a crooked steering wheel, since these symptoms are closely related to how the wheels are pointed. Steering wheel vibration, however, can also be caused by tire balance, tire condition, or other mechanical issues. During our inspection, we look at all of these factors to understand what is contributing to what you feel while driving.
If we determine that alignment is likely to resolve your concern, we will explain how and why before proceeding. When other issues are present, such as a bent wheel or worn suspension parts, we will point those out and talk through your options. We aim to match the service to the actual cause of the symptom, rather than assuming alignment will solve every problem.
How Often Should I Get an Alignment Done?
There is no single schedule that fits every driver, but there are situations when checking alignment is especially helpful. Many manufacturers suggest checking alignment when you install new tires, after suspension repairs, or after a significant impact, such as hitting a deep pothole or curb. Regular checks during routine maintenance can also be useful, especially if you drive frequently on rough roads.
For drivers who spend a lot of time on highways or who have experienced repeated impacts on local streets, discussing alignment frequency with our team can help tailor a plan to your driving habits. We can review your tire wear patterns and how your vehicle feels to recommend a reasonable interval. The goal is to prevent problems before they become costly, without suggesting more service than you need.
What Happens If I Keep Driving With Bad Alignment?
Continuing to drive with poor alignment can lead to faster and uneven tire wear, which may shorten the life of your tires. Over time, this can increase your costs, since you may need to replace tires sooner than expected. Misalignment can also affect how your vehicle handles, particularly during braking, lane changes, or in wet and snowy conditions.
In some cases, driving with significant alignment issues can place extra stress on suspension and steering components. While this does not mean immediate failure, it can contribute to wear over the long term. By addressing alignment concerns when they arise, you help protect both your tires and the parts that keep your car stable and predictable on the road.
Do You Explain Alignment Results Before Doing Any Work?
Yes, we believe you should understand what your vehicle needs before any work begins. After we measure alignment angles and inspect related components, our team takes time to review what we found in clear, simple terms. We point out where readings differ from guidelines and how that can affect your driving experience and tire wear.
You have the opportunity to ask questions and think through the recommendations before deciding how to proceed. We do not move forward with adjustments or related repairs until you have given your approval. This approach reflects our commitment to transparency and to treating every guest like a neighbor whose trust we want to earn, not take for granted.
Is Your Alignment Work Covered By a Warranty?
Alignment services at Christian Brothers Automotive Castle Rock are backed by an industry-leading warranty that reflects our confidence in the work we perform. While specific terms can vary by service, our goal is to provide coverage that gives you peace of mind long after you leave the shop. When you visit, our team can walk you through the current warranty details that apply to your alignment and any related repairs.
We encourage you to ask about warranty coverage during your visit so you know exactly what is included. By standing behind our services, we aim to provide lasting value, not just a short-term fix. This is one of the ways we work to be a trusted automotive partner for drivers in this area.
Schedule Your Alignment With Christian Brothers Automotive Castle Rock
If you have noticed pulling, a crooked steering wheel, or uneven tire wear, addressing alignment now can help restore confident handling and protect your tires. Our team provides careful inspections, clear explanations, and alignment service tailored to the way you drive. When you choose us for wheel alignment in Castle Pines that drivers can count on, you gain a shop that values integrity and communication.
From ASE-certified technicians and manufacturer-quality equipment to an industry-leading warranty and convenient shuttle service, we work to make alignment as straightforward as possible. We will review our findings with you before any work begins and keep you updated throughout your visit. When you are ready to schedule, we are here to help you get back on the road with a vehicle that feels right again.
To book your alignment or talk with our team, contact us online or call (720) 862-3137.
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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
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