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 Is Wheel Alignment Important?
Proper wheel alignment ensures every component of your vehicle’s suspension system is functioning harmoniously, which is crucial in Columbia, where varying terrain can cause alignment issues.
Regular alignment checks can help:
- Extend Tire Lifespan: Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear, leading to premature tire replacement.
- Improve Fuel Efficiency: Correct alignment reduces rolling resistance, optimizing fuel consumption.
- Enhance Driving Safety: Proper alignment prevents the car from pulling in one direction, reducing driving fatigue and improving brake performance.
Regular wheel alignment is not just about tire longevity or fuel efficiency; it directly impacts your safety on the road. Misalignment can misdirect the suspension system, impacting steering and handling, especially during sudden maneuvers or emergency braking. By maintaining proper alignment, you are investing in reliable vehicle performance and ensuring that your car responds predictably to all of your driving inputs.
Our Car Alignment Services
We offer a range of alignment services tailored to your needs, including:
- Basic Alignment Check: Evaluate alignment status using advanced diagnostic tools.
- Front-End Alignment: Adjust the angle of the front wheels to ensure perfect synchronization.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Essential for vehicles with all-wheel drive, ensuring optimal contact with the road surface.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Aligns all four wheels, crucial for vehicles featuring rear-wheel drive mechanisms.
Each alignment service is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of individual vehicles. Whether you own a front-wheel-drive sedan or an all-wheel-drive SUV frequently driven across varied terrains, our team is equipped to handle specific requirements. After service, you’ll notice improved handling stability and a reduction in unwanted vibration or noise, reaffirming the comfort and confidence in your driving.
Local Expertise & Understanding
Columbia roads can be tough on your vehicle’s alignment due to shifting weather conditions and varying road surfaces. Our team understands the local driving environment and provides personalized solutions to keep your vehicle in top condition. Our on-site owner/operators are committed to transparency, thoroughly explaining your vehicle’s needs in clear, non-technical language.
Furthermore, Columbia’s unique zoning and road maintenance schedules imply that roads can change drastically over short periods. By partnering with a service that understands these local intricacies, Christian Brothers Automotive Irmo ensures your vehicle is prepared for Columbia’s specific challenges. Our insight into frequently affected areas enables us to guide the best driving practices and maintenance schedules tailored to our city.
Industry-Leading Warranty
At Christian Brothers Automotive Irmo, our work is backed by an industry-leading warranty, giving you peace of mind. This warranty reflects our confidence in delivering high-quality service and reinforcing our reliable work relationships with you.
Get Back on the Road with Confidence
When it comes to wheel alignment in Columbia, Christian Brothers Automotive Irmo is your trusted partner. Our commitment to transparency and customer education empowers you to make informed decisions about your vehicle’s health. Schedule an appointment today and benefit from our personalized service and complimentary shuttle options, helping you continue your day with minimal interruptions.
Contact us at (803) 721-2961 or online to schedule your car alignment service in Columbia, SC!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs My Car Needs an Alignment?
Signs that your car needs an alignment include the vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, a vibrating steering wheel, or unusual noises during turns. Columbia’s diverse driving conditions can accelerate these issues, making regular alignment checks essential.
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?
It's recommended to check wheel alignment every 10,000 miles or once a year. However, Columbia’s changing road conditions may necessitate more frequent alignments. Consult our technicians if you notice any alignment issues sooner.
Can I Wait to Fix a Wheel Alignment Problem?
Delaying an alignment can lead to greater tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and safety risks. Immediate attention helps avoid more costly repairs and ensures your vehicle remains safe on Columbia’s roads.
What is Thrust Angle Alignment & Do I Need It?
Thrust angle alignment is crucial for vehicles with rear-wheel drives. It ensures all wheels are properly aligned relative to the center. Consult with our team to determine if your vehicle requires this service.
Is Scheduling an Appointment Necessary?
While we welcome walk-ins, scheduling an appointment ensures timely service and availability. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Irmo strives to make your visit convenient and stress-free.
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.