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.
Why Proper Alignment Matters in Phoenix
Proper alignment is essential not just for safety, but also for the overall health of your vehicle. Misalignments can lead to uneven tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and stress on suspension components. Given the range of temperatures and road conditions in Phoenix, maintaining correct alignment becomes even more crucial. Notably, Arizona's monsoon season can wreak havoc on road surfaces, making regular alignment checks vital.
Getting regular alignments is cost-effective in the long run since they prevent excessive tire wear, saving you money on tires over time. Alignments improve cornering and handling, crucial for driving on Phoenix's winding desert roads. For those who regularly commute or take weekend getaways around the state, a well-aligned car can vastly improve travel comfort and safety.
Types of Wheel Alignments We Offer
Different vehicles and driving conditions require different types of alignments.
We offer the following types of alignments to meet your needs:
- Two-Wheel Alignment: Ideal for front-wheel-drive vehicles, this alignment focuses on the front two wheels to ensure they are properly aligned with each other and the Vehicle's frame.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: For all-wheel-drive vehicles, four-wheel alignment ensures all four wheels are adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. This is ideal for improving overall handling and tire longevity.
- Thrust Alignment: This type of alignment focuses on the Vehicle's thrust angle to correct any alignment issues that affect the overall driving stability. It's typically recommended when your Vehicle pulls to one side.
- Performance Alignment: For sports or custom vehicles, this alignment focuses on adjusting wheel angles to enhance handling and driving precision, often including special adjustments to meet the Vehicle's specific needs.
Each type of alignment is performed using cutting-edge technology, and we always tailor the service to your Vehicle's specifications to ensure optimal performance and tire longevity.
Why Choose Us?
When it comes to wheel alignments, you need a provider you can trust.
Here's how we set ourselves apart:
- Experienced Technicians: Our ASE-certified technicians have the expertise to perform precise and reliable wheel alignments, ensuring your Vehicle is in capable hands.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use the latest computerized alignment technology to ensure accuracy and precision with every alignment service.
- Clear Communication: We take the time to explain the alignment process in simple terms, so you fully understand the service being performed on your Vehicle.
- Customer-Centered Care: From our friendly staff to our clean, comfortable waiting area, we make your experience as pleasant as possible.
- Long-Term Savings: Proper wheel alignment helps prevent premature tire wear and suspension damage, saving you money on repairs and replacements.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality service and building lasting relationships with our customers. You can count on us for reliable, friendly service every time.
For professional car alignment services near you, contact us at (623) 887-8862 or online today!
Frequenlty Asked Questions
What Are Common Signs of Misalignment?
Common signs of vehicle misalignment include pulling to one side while driving, uneven tire wear patterns, and vibrations in the steering wheel. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to schedule an alignment service as soon as possible to prevent further issues. Neglecting these signs can lead to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Misalignment can also cause your steering wheel to be off-center when driving straight and make it difficult to maintain a straight path. In extreme cases, it can even lead to loss of vehicle control, especially on rainy or uneven surfaces, common during Phoenix’s rainy monsoon season.
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?
The general recommendation is to have your wheel alignment checked every 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. However, Phoenix's roads can make it necessary to have it checked more frequently if you drive in challenging conditions or during heavy construction periods.
Conditions such as hitting a curb or a road obstacle, which are not uncommon with frequent roadwork in Phoenix, can also disturb the alignment. It's wise for Phoenix residents to integrate alignment checks into regular vehicle maintenance schedules, especially after significant road changes or adverse weather conditions.
What Is Included in a Wheel Alignment Service?
A standard wheel alignment service includes adjusting the angles of your vehicle's wheels to match manufacturer specifications. This might involve front-end alignment, thrust angle alignment, or complete four-wheel alignment, depending on your vehicle's needs.
Besides the mechanical adjustments, our technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley also assess other vehicle factors such as tire pressure and suspension, ensuring comprehensive care. By addressing these areas, we help maintain the vehicle's performance and the longevity of its components, providing a complete check-up every time.
Can Misalignment Impact Fuel Efficiency?
Absolutely, misaligned wheels force your car to work harder, resulting in more fuel consumption. Correct alignment ensures all wheels are pointing in the same direction, reducing drag and promoting better fuel efficiency.
Unnecessary fuel consumption can add up over time, especially with Phoenix's sprawling urban layout requiring frequent driving. Conservation of fuel not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint, which aligns with broader environmental goals set by local authorities.
Is Wheel Alignment the Same as Wheel Balancing?
While alignment and balancing both contribute to smooth driving, they are not the same. Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels, whereas balancing focuses on distributing weight equally among all tires and wheels.
Both services are essential for maintaining a smooth ride and prolonging the life of your tires. If you're unsure whether your vehicle requires alignment or balancing, our skilled technicians can evaluate your car and recommend the appropriate service.
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