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 You Need The Alignment Service
It is often easy to ignore small changes in how your car drives, but recognizing early warning signs can save you money. Watch for these indicators that your tire alignment or suspension needs professional attention:
- The vehicle pulls noticeably to the left or right while driving straight.
- Your steering wheel vibrates or sits off-center when driving on a level road.
- You notice uneven or rapid tire wear on the inside or outside edges.
- Tires squeal when turning corners, even at low speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my wheels need alignment?
If your car alignment feels off, such as pulling to one side or a vibrating steering wheel, you likely need service. Uneven tire wear is another strong indicator. We recommend scheduling an inspection if you have recently hit a pothole or curb in the area.
How long does a typical wheel alignment take?
A standard wheel alignment usually takes about one hour to complete. However, if our technicians discover additional concerns with your steering or suspension systems during the inspection, the process may take a bit longer to ensure everything is safe.
Will a wheel alignment fix my uneven tire wear?
Aligning your wheels stops further uneven wear from happening, but it cannot reverse damage that is already there. While you may need tire alignment corrections to save your current tires, severe damage often requires replacement for the best safety results.
Does wheel alignment improve gas mileage?
Yes, proper vehicle alignment reduces unnecessary friction between your tires and the road. This reduction in rolling resistance helps your engine work more efficiently, which can lead to better gas mileage and fuel savings over time.
How often should I get my wheels aligned?
Most automakers suggest alignment checks at least once a year or whenever you notice handling changes. Given the road conditions in Memphis, more frequent checks may be beneficial to protect your tires and suspension from premature wear.
Call (901) 883-7358 or visit us to schedule an appointment and experience automotive care with true neighborly service.
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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.