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 Your Vehicle Needs Wheel Alignment
Recognizing the warning signs of wheel misalignment can prevent significant issues down the line.
Here are some common indicators that your vehicle might need attention:
- Uneven Tire Wear: Inspect your tires regularly. Uneven wear patterns often point to a misalignment, affecting the tires' lifespan.
- Pulling to the Side: If your vehicle veers to one side even when driving on a straight road, it might indicate alignment issues.
- Steering Wheel Off-Center: An off-center steering wheel is a clear sign of misalignment.
Not addressing these signs can lead to further wear and tear on your vehicle, impacting performance and safety. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Greenwood is ready to provide comprehensive checks and tire alignments tailored to your vehicle's specific needs.
Another symptom of misalignment is unusual vibrations through the steering wheel, a sensation that can be annoying and dangerous. This vibration often signifies uneven distribution of your vehicle’s weight across the tires, something that our alignment services can accurately correct. Being proactive about this can prevent tire blowouts and improve overall ride quality, offering confidence when navigating Greenwood’s diverse road conditions.
Types Of Wheel Alignment Services We Offer
At Christian Brothers Automotive Greenwood, our skilled technicians offer a variety of wheel alignment services to meet every need:
- Front-End Alignment: Focused on aligning the front wheels only, this service is ideal for vehicles with a solid rear axle.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: This comprehensive service adjusts all four wheels and is necessary for most vehicles with independent rear suspension.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Ensures that the rear wheels are parallel to the front wheels, keeping your car pointed in the right direction.
Each service is performed with precision using modern equipment, ensuring the best possible outcome, no matter the road conditions in Greenwood.
Moreover, for durability over long distances, we offer specialized alignment services for high-mileage vehicles. Aligning the wheels properly can reduce the frequency of replacing tires and diagnostic costs in the long-term and supports smoother transitions between city and country driving within Greenwood.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing the right team for wheel alignment in Greenwood is key to maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety.
Here's how we set ourselves apart:
- Commitment to Transparency: We explain your vehicle's alignment needs in plain language, empowering you to make informed decisions.
- Manufacturer-Quality Equipment: We use the latest technology, ensuring precise alignments.
- Comprehensive Customer Care: From personalized service to convenient shuttle services, we prioritize your experience.
Our reputation is built on reliability and customer satisfaction. We assure you that your vehicle is in capable hands. Our transparent communication policy means no surprises in service scope or pricing, aligning with our mission to treat every customer like family.
Call us at (317) 342-1215 or contact us online for professional tire alignment services in Greenwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment in Greenwood?
Routine wheel alignment in Greenwood is generally recommended once every year or every 12,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and conditions. However, if you frequently drive in challenging conditions common in Greenwood, having your alignment checked more often might be beneficial. Regular assessments can help you avoid uneven tire wear, improving your vehicle’s safety and performance on various road types in the area.
Additionally, if you frequently tackle off-road paths or encounter construction zones, it may prompt more frequent alignments. These environments can quickly alter the alignment setup due to harsh impacts or shifts in the roadbed, necessitating professional intervention to adjust back to optimal settings.
Can Misalignment Cause Long-Term Damage?
Yes, driving with misaligned wheels can lead to severe long-term damage. Misalignment causes uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and stresses other components like suspension and brakes. Over time, this can escalate repair costs and degrade your vehicle's overall performance, making it crucial to seek regular alignment services.
Continuous misalignment may also cause steering difficulties or build-up stress in the vehicle’s joints and bearings, requiring comprehensive maintenance interventions if left unchecked. Regular alignments offer preventative care, enabling reduced unexpected breakdowns and preserving vehicle value.
What Happens During a Wheel Alignment Service?
During a wheel alignment service, our technicians use advanced tools to measure and adjust the angles of your wheels. The primary angles adjusted are camber, caster, and toe, ensuring they meet the manufacturer’s specifications. This process ensures your vehicle drives straight, optimizes tire life, and enhances safety.
Our alignment processes include fully inspecting additional components including bushings, tie rods, and suspension systems to ensure comprehensive vehicle health. This holistic approach guarantees that all parts contributing to wheel alignment function harmoniously and are in optimal working condition.
Is Wheel Alignment the Same as Tire Balancing?
No, wheel alignment and tire balancing are different services. Alignment adjusts the angles of the tires, affecting steering and suspension, while balancing corrects the weight distribution around the wheel for a smooth ride. Both are essential for optimal vehicle performance but address different aspects.
Tire balancing typically addresses vibrations in the vehicle resulting from unequal weights among the tires, while alignment issues focus more on vehicle stability and tire contact consistency with the road. Both services, when combined, ensure maximum tire usage efficiency and maintain consistent driving comfort.
Do I Need a Front-End or Four-Wheel Alignment?
The type of alignment needed typically depends on your vehicle's drivetrain and suspension type. Most modern vehicles with independent rear suspensions will require a four-wheel alignment, whereas specific older models might only need front-end adjustments. Our technicians are available to assess and recommend the best service for your vehicle.
We conduct a thorough assessment to provide customers with recommendations based on their vehicle's current condition and alignment history. This personalized service commitment aims to deliver optimally customized solutions tailored to every vehicle’s unique requirements.
Contact us at (317) 342-1215 or online to schedule your tire alignment services in Greenwood!
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.