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 the Signs of Misalignment
While an uncomfortable drive is the most immediate sign of a bad alignment, the consequences can be much more severe. A misaligned vehicle causes your tires to wear down unevenly and prematurely, significantly shortening their lifespan and increasing the risk of a dangerous blowout. By taking care of your alignment, you're not just improving your driving experience; you're also protecting your investment in your tires and ensuring a safer ride.
Keep an eye out for these telltale signs that your vehicle may be in need of an alignment service:
- Uneven Tire Wear: This is one of the most common indicators. You might notice that the tread on the inner or outer edge of your tires is more worn than the rest. A "cupped" or "scalloped" wear pattern is also a clear sign.
- A Crooked Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel is off-center while you're driving straight on a flat road, your wheels are not properly aligned.
- Vehicle Pulling: Does your car consistently pull or drift to the left or right when you're trying to drive straight? This is a primary symptom of a misaligned suspension.
- Vibrations: A vibrating steering wheel, floorboard, or even the entire car, especially at higher speeds, can be a sign of an alignment issue.
- Diminished Handling: If your vehicle feels less responsive, unstable, or difficult to control, a poor alignment could be the cause.
The Importance of Proactive Vehicle Care
A correct wheel alignment does more than just fix the immediate symptoms. It helps your vehicle perform at its best, improving fuel efficiency and reducing unnecessary stress on your steering and suspension systems. This preventative care can save you from more costly repairs down the road. We recommend having your vehicle's alignment checked every 6,000 miles or six months as part of a regular maintenance schedule.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Edwardsville, we pride ourselves on being more than just a repair shop. We are your partners in vehicle care, committed to providing honest, transparent service and helping you understand the importance of every maintenance task. Our technicians are dedicated to the highest standards of integrity and quality.
Your Trusted Alignment Experts in Edwardsville
When you choose Christian Brothers Automotive Edwardsville, you are selecting a team that is dedicated to your safety and satisfaction. We use precision equipment to ensure every adjustment is accurate, helping your car perform at its best. If you have recently hit a pothole, been in a minor collision, or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait. Give us a call today to schedule your alignment service. We're here to help you drive safely and smoothly through Edwardsville and beyond.
Notice your vehicle pulling to one side? Get a professional wheel alignment in Edwardsville to protect your investment and ensure a safe ride. Book a service online or call (618) 552-8528.
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.