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.
Understanding Our Wheel Alignment Services
Maintaining proper wheel alignment is crucial for your vehicle's performance and safety. Whether it's a basic alignment check, front-end alignment, four-wheel alignment, or thrust angle alignment, we ensure your vehicle stays on track.
Proper alignment not only improves handling, extends the life of your tires, and maximizes fuel efficiency, but it also prevents uneven wear patterns that can result in costly repairs over time. At Christian Brothers Automotive Clemson, we understand the nuances of alignment needs for different vehicles and the impact of Clemson's unique roads, ensuring your car receives personalized care.
Misalignment often stems from several common issues such as hitting curbs, potholes, or even regular wear and tear on suspension components that may not be obvious right away. Routine checks can help identify these issues early. Our comprehensive service not only restores the alignment but also includes inspecting the suspension and steering components, checking tire conditions, and ensuring everything is within manufacturer specifications.
The Benefits of Wheel Alignment in Clemson
Driving in Clemson, with its unique road conditions and weather patterns, can lead to misalignment over time. Our alignment services are designed to counteract these factors, reducing wear on your tires and increasing road safety. Extend the lifespan of your vehicle by keeping its alignment precise and true. Moreover, with Clemson's fluctuating climate — from hot summers to occasional icy winters — it's vital to have your alignment checked to prevent seasonal changes from affecting your vehicle's performance.
Beyond improving your vehicle's mechanics, getting regular wheel alignments at Christian Brothers Automotive Clemson helps enhance overall driving comfort. Imagine gliding smoothly over Clemson's diverse terrain without constantly adjusting your steering. Proper alignment ensures that your vehicle's suspension and steering systems are optimized, absorbing shocks and reducing vibrations, making your driving experience more enjoyable and less fatiguing.
Why Choose Us?
At Christian Brothers Automotive Clemson, we prioritize transparency and customer education, ensuring that you understand the needs of your vehicle without the technical jargon. Our commitment to integrity is exemplified through our use of manufacturer-quality equipment and the personal touch of having owner/operators on-site to answer your queries. Our industry-leading warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring your alignment service is performed correctly the first time. We also understand that your time is valuable, which is why we offer complimentary shuttle services to minimize disruption to your day. Our welcoming and comfortable atmosphere is designed to make your visit as pleasant and convenient as possible.
Contact us at (864) 548-8573 or online to schedule your appointment today. Trust us to keep you on the road with precision and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs My Car Needs a Wheel Alignment?
Common signs include your car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, and a crooked steering wheel while driving straight. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more severe damage and improve vehicle safety.
Additionally, you might notice a vibrating sensation in the steering wheel at certain speeds, or your vehicle may feel slightly misaligned after hitting bumps or curbs. Addressing these signals early can avoid further complications.
How Often Should I Have My Wheel Alignment Checked in Clemson?
It's wise to have your alignment checked every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or annually. Frequent driving in Clemson’s varied terrain and weather can cause alignment issues, so regular checks help maintain optimal vehicle performance.
For drivers who traverse long distances regularly or engage their vehicles in heavy-duty use, more frequent inspections are recommended. It's also beneficial to schedule an alignment check whenever you replace tires, as a proper alignment ensures even tire wear from the outset, extending the life of your new tires.
What Happens During a Wheel Alignment Service?
Our technicians perform a thorough inspection of the steering and suspension components. We then use advanced equipment to measure and adjust the angles of your wheels to meet manufacturer specifications, enhancing vehicle stability.
This meticulous process involves fine-tuning the camber, caster, and toe angles of your wheels. These parameters ensure that your tires make consistent contact with the road, promoting even wear and improved handling. Each of these adjustments is crucial, as even minor deviations can impact your driving experience and reduce fuel efficiency.
Why Is Wheel Alignment Important?
Proper wheel alignment ensures even tire wear, better fuel efficiency, and improved handling, which are essential under Clemson’s driving conditions. Misalignment can lead to increased tire wear and risky driving situations.
Additionally, correct alignment maintains the structural integrity of your vehicle's suspension system. By keeping parts aligned according to manufacturer specifications, we help prevent premature wear of essential components and reduce stress on your vehicle's frame, ultimately saving you from costly repairs.
What Should I Do If My Wheels Go Out of Alignment Frequently?
If your vehicle frequently goes out of alignment, it could be due to worn suspension components or regularly driving on rough roads. Regular maintenance and inspections at Christian Brothers Automotive Clemson can help identify and resolve underlying issues.
We recommend consulting with our skilled technicians, who can perform a detailed assessment of your vehicle's suspension and steering systems. By diagnosing and addressing these root causes, we help ensure long-lasting performance and alignment stability.
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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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.