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.
Understanding Inver Grove Heights' Unique Driving Conditions
The road conditions and climate of Inver Grove Heights present unique challenges that affect vehicle alignment. Cold winters lead to the development of potholes, and summer heat expands roads, making frequent alignments crucial to ensure your vehicle remains unaffected by these changes. Addressing alignment issues promptly can prevent long-term damage caused by these environmental factors.
This region's varying climate necessitates adaptable vehicle maintenance strategies. Drivers should be aware that seasonal changes may alter their vehicle's alignment settings, which can directly impact safety and performance. Regular check-ups help maintain optimal vehicle function, regardless of the weather, reducing wear and tear on tires and ensuring smooth, safe handling on the road.
Why Regular Car Alignments Are Essential
Maintaining proper wheel alignment is crucial for ensuring not only the longevity of your tires but also the overall safety and performance of your vehicle. Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. At Christian Brothers Automotive Inver Grove Heights, we recognize the importance of maintaining your vehicle in top condition, and our skilled technicians are here to assist you.
Key advantages include:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Proper alignment reduces rolling resistance, helping you save money at the pump. With rising fuel costs, optimizing your vehicle's alignment ensures you get the best mileage possible.
- Enhanced Safety: Correct alignment ensures better handling and control, especially in adverse weather conditions. A vehicle that handles well is less likely to be involved in accidents caused by loss of control.
- Extended Tire Life: By preventing uneven wear, you can prolong the lifespan of your tires, saving you money on replacements. Consistent wear patterns also indicate well-maintained alignment, which contributes to safer driving.
- Smoother Ride: Enjoy a more comfortable driving experience with reduced vibrations and noise from misaligned tires. A smooth ride also indicates that your vehicle's suspension and steering components are functioning well, further enhancing your safety.
Don't wait for a problem to arise; schedule your wheel alignment service today and experience the difference it can make in your vehicle's performance and safety. Our friendly team at Christian Brothers Automotive Inver Grove Heights provides you with exceptional service and expert advice.
Our Wheel Alignment Services
We offer a variety of services tailored to your vehicle’s specifications:
- Basic alignment check
- Front-end alignment
- Four-wheel alignment
- Thrust angle alignment
With each service, we prioritize clear communication to ensure you understand every step of the process. Our goal is to educate and empower you to make informed decisions about your vehicle's care.
Whether you're dealing with a slight pull to the left or right, or more severe alignment issues, we're here to keep you on track. Our advanced diagnostic procedures correct alignment problems and identify any related suspension issues that may need attention, ensuring your vehicle operates at its best.
Why Choose Us for Your Tire Alignment Needs?
Opting for Christian Brothers Automotive Inver Grove Heights means choosing exceptional customer care, transparency, and premier service quality. Our ASE-certified technicians use the latest technology, offering you peace of mind with our industry-leading warranty. As your trusted automotive partner, we educate and inform, ensuring every alignment adjustment benefits the health and longevity of your vehicle.
Contact us at (651) 376-4696 or online to schedule your wheel alignment service today. Let us help you get back on the road with confidence and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Wheel Alignment and Why Does It Matter?
Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Proper alignment is important because it reduces tire wear, improves fuel efficiency, ensures safer handling, and provides a smoother ride.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Inver Grove Heights, we understand the intricacies of wheel alignment and make sure your vehicle is calibrated correctly to protect both your investment and safety.
How Do I Know If I Need a Wheel Alignment?
Several signs indicate that your vehicle may need an alignment. Look out for uneven tire wear, the vehicle pulling to one side, a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, or experiencing vibrations in the steering wheel.
If you encounter any of these issues, it's essential to schedule a professional alignment check to prevent further damage and maintain peak vehicle performance.
Can I Perform a Wheel Alignment at Home?
While minor adjustments might seem doable at home, wheel alignment is a complex process that requires precision equipment found in professional automotive shops. Our ASE-certified technicians use precise tools and procedures to ensure accurate alignment, maximizing your vehicle's safety and lifespan.
Conducting these procedures in a shop environment ensures every angle and measurement meets manufacturer standards.
How Often Should Wheel Alignment Be Done?
Industry experts typically recommend having a wheel alignment service every 10,000 miles or once a year. However, this can vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and the age of the vehicle.
Frequent alignment checks ensure that you catch misalignment early, preventing excessive tire wear and maintaining optimal vehicle safety and performance.
What Are the Signs of Misalignment?
Common signs include uneven tire wear, a vehicle pulling to the left or right, an off-center steering wheel, and vibrations while driving. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with Christian Brothers Automotive Inver Grove Heights to perform a comprehensive alignment check. This preventative measure can save you time, tires, and money in the long run.
Addressing these signs promptly can prevent further damage to your vehicle’s suspension and steering components, maintaining overall vehicular health and optimal performance.
What Impacts Wheel Alignment?
Potholes, curbs, and everyday wear can all affect wheel alignment. Additionally, modifications such as new suspension systems, tires, or rims can alter alignment settings.
Being mindful of these factors and scheduling regular checks helps prevent alignment issues from affecting vehicle control and safety.
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.