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.
Indicators Your Vehicle Requires Alignment
Your vehicle often signals when it is time for a wheel alignment through changes in handling and physical signs on your tires. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more expensive car repair services involving suspension and steering components.
Watch for these five common signs that you need to visit our shop:
- Vehicle Pulling: The car drifts to the left or right when you are trying to drive straight on a level road.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: Your steering wheel is crooked or turned to one side even when the vehicle is moving straight.
- Uneven Tire Wear: You notice the tread is wearing down faster on the inside or outside edges of the tires.
- Steering Vibration: The steering wheel vibrates or shakes, particularly at higher speeds on the freeway.
- Squealing Tires: You hear unusual squealing noises from your tires when making low-speed turns or cornering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?
General manufacturer guidelines often suggest checking your alignment every 6,000 miles or every six months, typically coinciding with your tire rotation schedule. However, driving habits and local conditions play a massive role in this frequency. If you frequently drive on rough roads, have hit a curb recently, or have installed new tires, you should have your alignment checked immediately. Regular checks are the best defense against premature tire wear.
In Phoenix, where heat and road conditions can be tough on vehicles, we often recommend an annual alignment check at a minimum. It is also mandatory to perform a wheel alignment whenever you replace suspension parts like shocks, struts, or tie rods. Failing to align the vehicle after these repairs will result in rapid tire destruction and poor handling, negating the benefits of the new parts.
What is the Difference Between Alignment and Balancing?
It is common to confuse wheel alignment with wheel balancing, but they address two completely different issues. Alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This adjustment affects how the tire contacts the road and how the vehicle steers. When a car is out of alignment, it pulls to the side or wears tires unevenly.
Wheel balancing, on the other hand, corrects weight imbalances within the tire and wheel assembly itself. If a tire is out of balance, it will cause a vibration or hopping sensation, usually felt in the steering wheel or seat at specific speeds. At Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley, we can perform both services to ensure your ride is as smooth and safe as possible, addressing both steering control and vibration issues simultaneously.
Will a Wheel Alignment Improve My Fuel Efficiency?
Yes, a proper wheel alignment can significantly improve your vehicle's fuel economy. When wheels are misaligned, they do not roll freely; instead, they drag slightly across the pavement. This resistance, known as rolling resistance, forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel to maintain speed. Even a slight misalignment can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 10%.
By ensuring your tires are rolling parallel to one another, we reduce this friction and allow your vehicle to glide more efficiently. Over the lifespan of your tires, the fuel savings from maintaining proper alignment can add up substantially. For drivers in Phoenix with long commutes, this efficiency is vital for keeping operating costs down and reducing the strain on the engine.
How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Service Take?
A standard wheel alignment service typically takes about one hour to complete. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the condition of the suspension system. If the technician discovers worn or rusted components that prevent the adjustment, the process may take longer, as repairs will be necessary before the alignment can be finalized.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley, we respect your time and strive to be as efficient as possible without compromising quality. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools to streamline the process. If your vehicle requires a specific four-wheel alignment or special adjustments due to modifications, we will provide you with an accurate time estimate upfront so you can plan your day accordingly.
Can Misalignment Damage Other Parts of My Car?
Absolutely. While tires are the most obvious victim of misalignment, the stress of a misaligned vehicle travels up into the suspension and steering systems. Constant pulling and vibration can cause premature wear on expensive components like ball joints, wheel bearings, and tie rod ends. The suspension system is designed to work as a cohesive unit, and when one part is fighting against the others, breakdown is inevitable.
Furthermore, severe misalignment can impact your driver assist systems, such as lane-keep assist and electronic stability control. These modern safety features rely on accurate data regarding where the vehicle is headed. Maintaining proper alignment ensures that not only are your tires protected, but your vehicle's critical safety systems continue to function correctly on the roads of Phoenix.
Secure Your Vehicle's Performance and Safety
Maintaining proper alignment is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment in your vehicle. At Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley, we combine local expertise with professional car alignments to help you navigate the unique challenges of Arizona driving. Our commitment to accuracy, customer service, and technical excellence ensures that you leave our shop with a vehicle that is safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable to drive.
Don't let a drifting vehicle compromise your safety or destroy your tires.
Contact our team to schedule your appointment today by calling (623) 887-8862 or booking your service online.
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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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"They DEFINITELY go above and beyond any other auto mechanic service."
- Brooke