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 a wheel alignment?
We generally recommend an alignment check every 6,000 miles or six months, which often aligns with your oil change or tire rotation schedule. However, if you hit a significant pothole or notice your car pulling to one side earlier, you should visit our alignment shop in Edwardsville promptly to prevent expensive tire damage.
What is the difference between a 2-wheel and a 4-wheel alignment?
A front-end alignment only adjusts the wheels on the steering axle, while a 4-wheel alignment in Edwardsville that drivers often need ensures all four wheels are synchronized. Most modern cars, SUVs, and vans require a 4-wheel service to account for rear suspension adjustments that impact how the vehicle tracks and wears its tires.
Can bad alignment cause my car to vibrate?
While vibrations are often caused by unbalanced tires, alignment issues can lead to uneven tire wear patterns like "cupping," which causes significant vibration and road noise. If your steering wheel shakes at high speeds, a combined inspection of your alignment and tire balance is the best way to identify the root cause.
How long does a typical alignment appointment take?
A standard vehicle alignment usually takes about an hour, depending on the complexity of your suspension and the degree of adjustment needed. We work to respect your time by providing a comfortable waiting area and a complimentary shuttle service to keep your day moving while we ensure your car is safe.
Do I need an alignment after buying new tires?
Absolutely. Installing new tires without a tire alignment is a major risk, as a misaligned suspension can ruin a brand-new set of tires in just a few thousand miles. Getting an alignment ensures your investment is protected and that your new tires make even, full contact with the road for maximum grip.
Schedule your professional wheel alignment online or call (618) 552-8528 today!
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.