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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get My Car Aligned?
Generally, it is recommended to have your alignment checked every 6,000 miles, but driving habits and local road conditions in Concord may demand more frequent checks. Even a minor pothole can cause misalignment, impacting your vehicle's performance and safety.
If you frequently travel on roads that see heavy commercial traffic or ongoing construction work, you may want to have your wheel alignment Concord inspection done a little sooner. Hitting debris, curbs, or rough railroad crossings around the region can gradually nudge your suspension out of specification, so a proactive schedule helps you stay ahead of uneven tire wear.
What Are the Benefits of Proper Tire Alignment?
Proper car alignment ensures optimal performance by keeping tires aligned with each other and the road. This leads to better fuel efficiency, prolonged tire life, and improved handling. It also reduces strain on your vehicle's steering and suspension systems.
For many drivers, the biggest benefit is avoiding the cost and inconvenience of replacing tires sooner than expected. When your wheels track straight, the tread wears more evenly, which means your car alignment Concord service can pay off over time by helping your tires last closer to their intended mileage while also maintaining a more comfortable ride.
Can Misalignment Damage My Vehicle?
Yes, prolonged misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and increased fuel consumption. It may also affect suspension and steering components, leading to costly repairs. Addressing alignment issues saves money and enhances safety.
Is Post-Repair Alignment Necessary?
It's crucial to ensure alignment after repairs, especially suspension or tire replacements. Changes in suspension or wheel components can affect alignment, necessitating recalibration to maintain driving precision and safety.
Any time major components are replaced after a collision or a hard impact with a curb or pothole, a vehicle alignment Concord check helps confirm everything is positioned correctly. This added step provides peace of mind that new parts are working together as intended, which is especially valuable before longer highway trips in and out of the Charlotte metro area.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Vibrate?
Vibration in the steering wheel can indicate alignment issues, among other potential problems. It may occur due to unevenly worn tires or components being out of sync. A professional alignment check can diagnose and correct the issue.
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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"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.