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 a Wheel Alignment
It's important to recognize the signs of misalignment early to avoid long-term damage to your vehicle.
Look out for the following indicators:
- Vehicle Pulling: If your car drifts to the right or left while driving straight, it may be time for an alignment check.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Unequal wear patterns on your tires can indicate alignment issues.
- Steering Wheel Vibration: A vibrating steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, can be a symptom of out-of-alignment wheels.
- Off-Center Steering: If your steering wheel doesn't return to the center after a turn, alignment might be needed.
Regular inspections are crucial to catch these signs early. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to more costly repairs and can increase the risk of accidents. Proper wheel alignment improves road contact and handling precision, which enhances the driving experience and your vehicle's safety profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Wheel Alignment be Done?
It's generally recommended to have your wheel alignment checked every 6,000 miles or sooner if you notice signs of misalignment. Regular checks ensure optimal vehicle performance and safety.
What Are the Benefits of Proper Wheel Alignment?
Proper alignment ensures better handling, improved fuel efficiency, and extends the life of your tires, providing a smoother, safer ride.
Can Wheel Alignment Affect Fuel Efficiency?
Yes, misalignment increases tire resistance, which makes your engine work harder and can reduce fuel efficiency. Proper alignment optimizes vehicle performance.
What Causes Misalignment in Vehicles?
Misalignment can occur due to various factors, such as hitting potholes, curb impacts, or general wear and tear over time. Regular checks help prevent issues.
Is Wheel Alignment Covered by Warranty?
Our industry-leading warranty at Christian Brothers Automotive Goodyear offers peace of mind, reflecting our confidence in the quality of our alignment services. Contact us for more details on coverage.
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.