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.
How Wheel Alignment Works
Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels to the original specifications set by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Our experienced technicians meticulously inspect the caster, camber, and toe settings of your wheels using advanced alignment machines. These machines provide precise measurements, allowing us to make accurate adjustments that enhance the vehicle's performance and safety.
Ensuring your wheels are properly aligned is more than just a matter of comfort—it's about extending the life of your tires and improving gas mileage. With regular alignment services, tires make proper contact with the road, preventing the uneven tire wear that can occur when an alignment is off. This not only saves you money by extending the life of your tires but also ensures your vehicle is operating efficiently, helping you save on fuel costs.
Common alignment services include:
- Front-End Alignment: Adjusts only the front wheels. Ideal for vehicles showing signs of steering problems.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Aligns all four wheels and is generally recommended for all-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Ensures that all tires are square with each other, particularly important after replacing rear suspension parts.
Each type of alignment is suitable for different scenarios and vehicle types, and our ASE-certified technicians will help determine what's best for your vehicle.
Benefits of Professional Alignment Services
Having a professional alignment performed by our talented technicians offers numerous benefits:
- Increased Tire Lifespan: Alignment reduces the uneven wear and tear on tires, extending their usable life.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Proper alignment means less rolling resistance, enhancing mileage.
- Better Vehicle Handling: Ensures your vehicle drives straight and responds accurately to steering inputs.
- Safety Assurance: Alignments prevent drifting and minimize accident risks caused by poor handling.
In addition, a well-aligned vehicle improves the driving experience by providing a smoother ride and reducing strain on the vehicle's suspension components. This not only enhances comfort for passengers but also reduces wear and tear, potentially lowering future repair costs.
To learn more about our professional Dacula wheel alignment services, call us at (770) 525-7448 or contact us online.
Stay Safe on Gwinnett County Roads
We understand that Gwinnett County offers diverse driving conditions, from urban streets to rural highways. Misalignment can affect your ability to safely navigate these environments by diminishing tire traction and unevenly distributing vehicle weight. Regular alignment checks are essential to maintain optimal safety and performance levels.
Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Hamilton Mill is dedicated to providing high-quality auto services with a personal touch. We operate with honesty and transparency, explaining each step of the alignment process to keep you informed and at ease with your vehicle's condition.
In addition to road conditions, weather factors specific to Gwinnett County, such as heavy rain or occasional snow, can also impact alignment. Wet or icy conditions may exacerbate misalignment symptoms, making it more challenging to maintain control of the vehicle. Regular alignments help ensure that your vehicle's handling remains predictable and precise, regardless of the weather.
FAQ: Understanding Alignment
What Are the Signs That My Car Needs an Alignment?
Several signs may indicate your car needs an alignment. Observing these can help prevent further wear on your vehicle: pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, a vibrating steering wheel, or squealing tires. If you experience any of these, it's important to get your alignment checked by a professional.
How Often Should I Get My Wheels Aligned?
Generally, wheels should be aligned every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive on rough roads or notice signs of misalignment, you may need to align your wheels more often. Our team in Dacula can assess your driving habits and advise you accordingly.
Can Bad Roads in Gwinnett County Affect Wheel Alignment?
Unfortunately, yes. Potholes, rough roads, and constant stop-and-go traffic can negatively impact your wheel alignment. It’s vital to have regular alignment checks to maintain vehicle performance and safety, especially given Gwinnett County's diverse driving conditions.
Why Should I Choose Christian Brothers Automotive Hamilton Mill for Alignment Services?
Christian Brothers Automotive Hamilton Mill stands out due to our commitment to transparent, reliable service. Our ASE-certified technicians use cutting-edge technology to offer precise alignments, enhancing your vehicle's safety and efficiency. Our focus on customer education and convenience makes us a trusted partner in automotive care.
What Can Happen If Misalignment Goes Unaddressed?
Leaving misalignment unchecked leads to uneven tire wear, increased fuel consumption, and compromised vehicle handling. These factors not only result in costlier maintenance in the long run but also pose safety risks. Addressing alignment issues promptly ensures optimal driving conditions and prolongs vehicle life.
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.