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 Proper Wheel Alignment Matters for Your Vehicle's Health
Many drivers think a wheel alignment is only about stopping the car from "pulling" to one side or preventing uneven tire wear. While it's excellent for saving money on tires, the true importance of proper alignment goes much deeper—it's about protecting the long-term health and safety of your vehicle's most critical components.
When your wheels are out of alignment, they are essentially "fighting" each other and the road. This creates constant, unnecessary stress on your entire steering and suspension system. This strain can cause expensive parts like ball joints, tie rods, and wheel bearings to wear out prematurely. A simple, inexpensive alignment check can often prevent a much more costly and complex auto repair down the road.
Furthermore, proper alignment is a critical safety feature. A misaligned vehicle may not respond predictably in an emergency. This is especially true for Chanhassen drivers, as precise steering control is essential for safely navigating slick, icy roads or swerving to avoid a pothole. An alignment ensures your car handles exactly as it was designed to, giving you a stable, predictable, and safer ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs of Tire Misalignment?
Tire misalignment often causes symptoms like uneven tire wear, a vehicle pulling to one side, or a vibrating steering wheel. Regular inspections at Christian Brothers Automotive Chanhassen help detect issues early and keep your vehicle performing safely.
If you notice more difficult steering or less precise handling, those may also signal misalignment. A sudden rise in fuel consumption could point to alignment issues as well. Ignoring these warning signs often leads to more serious problems, so timely maintenance makes a difference.
How Often Should I Get My Tires Aligned?
You should aim for an alignment every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Rough roads and Minnesota’s weather may require more frequent alignments. Scheduling regular check-ups at Christian Brothers Automotive Chanhassen helps your vehicle stay reliable on local roads.
Can Tire Alignment Affect Gas Mileage?
Yes, tire alignment affects fuel efficiency. Misaligned tires increase resistance, forcing your car to use more fuel to move forward. Aligning your tires reduces wasted energy and can save money over time. At Christian Brothers Automotive Chanhassen, we align your tires for smoother travel and better efficiency.
Proper alignment reduces drag, so your tires roll freely and your engine doesn’t have to work as hard. Even slight misalignments can waste a surprising amount of fuel over thousands of miles. Regular alignment checks at Christian Brothers Automotive Chanhassen help maintain fuel economy and reduce emissions.
How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?
A standard alignment at Christian Brothers Automotive Chanhassen usually takes about an hour, depending on your vehicle and how out of alignment it is. Our team works efficiently, using advanced alignment equipment to put you back on the road safely and quickly.
We know your time matters. Our process minimizes wait time through smart scheduling and clear updates. You can relax in our comfortable waiting area while we provide careful, timely service.
Why Choose CBAC for Tire Alignments?
Choosing Christian Brothers Automotive Chanhassen means you work with a team committed to integrity, transparency, and customer care. Our ASE-certified technicians use state-of-the-art technology, delivering a service experience built on communication and satisfaction. These values set us apart in Chanhassen.
Our on-site owner/operators oversee every service to maintain our standards and deliver a personal touch that builds trust. Alignments at our shop receive a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty for confidence well after you leave. By focusing on lasting relationships, we aim to be your trusted automotive partner in the community.
Contact us today at (952) 592-8266 or online to book your appointment and experience the CBAC difference.
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
-
"CBA - Chanhassen is the best! Everyone from Mark who owns this center to the people at the frontdesk care about people and their cars. I appreciated the constant updates, resonable prices to the pick and drop service. Wishing CBA ChanHASSEN only the best a"
- sachin