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 Vehicle Needs an Alignment Check
While alignment issues can be an inconvenience, they can also lead to more significant problems if left untreated. An out-of-spec alignment can cause your tires to wear down unevenly and prematurely, shortening their lifespan and potentially causing a dangerous blowout. By addressing alignment issues early, you can save money on new tires and avoid potential hazards on the road.
Keep an eye out for these telltale signs that your vehicle's alignment may need professional attention:
- Uneven Tire Wear: This is one of the clearest indicators of an alignment problem. You might notice that the tread on the inner or outer edge of your tires is more worn down than the rest. You might also see a "cupped" or "scalloped" wear pattern on the tire surface.
- A Crooked Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel is not centered while you're driving straight on a flat road, it's a strong sign that your alignment is off.
- Pulling or Drifting: If your car consistently pulls to the left or right when you release the steering wheel, your alignment is likely out of adjustment.
- Vibrations and Shaking: An alignment issue can cause your steering wheel or the entire vehicle to vibrate, especially at highway speeds.
- Diminished Handling: If your vehicle feels less responsive, unstable, or difficult to control, a faulty alignment could be the cause.
The Benefits of Proper Alignment
Beyond preventing uneven tire wear, a correct wheel alignment offers several other important benefits. It improves your fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance. It also reduces stress on your car's suspension and steering components, helping to extend their lifespan and prevent more costly repairs down the line. We recommend getting your vehicle's alignment checked every 6,000 miles or every six months as a crucial part of your preventative maintenance. This simple service can save you from a lot of headaches and expenses in the future.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Columbine, we are committed to providing honest, transparent service. We will clearly explain our findings and recommendations so you can make an informed decision about your vehicle's care. We believe in building trust with our customers through quality work and a commitment to integrity.
Your Trusted Experts in Columbine
When you choose Christian Brothers Automotive Columbine for your alignment needs, you’re choosing a team that prioritizes your safety and satisfaction. Our modern facility is equipped with the latest tools, and our technicians have the expertise to get the job done right. If you’ve recently experienced a jolt from a pothole or a minor collision, or if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't wait. Give us a call today to schedule your alignment service and ensure your vehicle is ready for the road ahead.
Is your car pulling to one side? Get a professional wheel alignment in Columbine to ensure safety, extend tire life, and enhance your vehicle's performance. Book a service online or call (844) 728-7318.
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.