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 Often Should Car Alignment Be Checked?
Regular alignment checks are crucial for maintaining your car's performance and safety. We recommend checking your vehicle's alignment at least once a year or every 10,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive on rough roads or have recently hit a curb or pothole, it's wise to check it sooner.
Having routine alignment checks also improves fuel efficiency and extends the lifespan of your tires. By ensuring your wheels are properly aligned, you reduce rolling resistance, which can lead to better fuel economy. Moreover, regular checks help identify potential suspension issues before they develop into more costly repairs.
Signs Your Car Needs an Alignment
There are some stressful situations you can prevent if you are cautious and take proper care of your vehicle.
Here are some signs to look out for to know if your car needs an alignment:
- Your vehicle pulls to one side while driving.
- The steering wheel is off-center when driving straight.
- Uneven or rapid tire wear.
- Vibrations in the steering wheel.
If these issues are left unaddressed, they could lead to more severe problems, such as compromised vehicle stability and increased risk during emergency maneuvers. Unnoticed alignment issues can also exacerbate tire wear and shorten the life of your car's suspension system.
The Benefits of Regular Tire Alignment
Tire alignment is crucial for your safety on the road. Misaligned wheels can lead to poor handling, increased stopping distances, and a higher risk of accidents. Ensuring your wheels are properly aligned helps maintain control and stability, especially in emergency situations.
Regular tire alignment offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved Safety: Proper alignment ensures better handling and control of your vehicle.
- Extended Tire Life: Even tire wear reduces the need for frequent replacements.
- Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Correct alignment reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel economy.
- Smoother Ride: Experience a more comfortable and stable drive.
Additionally, a well-aligned vehicle can result in better driver fatigue management, as you won't need to constantly adjust the steering wheel to keep your vehicle straight. This makes your daily commute more comfortable and decreases long-term wear and tear on your vehicle's steering system.
What Causes Car Alignment Issues?
Several factors can lead to alignment issues, including:
- Hitting curbs or potholes.
- Worn suspension components.
- Accidents or collisions.
- Regular wear and tear over time.
Understanding these causes can help you take preventive measures and maintain your vehicle's alignment. Staying aware of road conditions, avoiding sudden impacts, and keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of alignment issues. Adopting these practices helps maintain proper alignment and complements your vehicle's overall health and longevity.
Christian Brothers Automotive Alignment Process
Our alignment process is thorough and precise, involving:
- Initial Inspection: We assess your vehicle's current alignment and identify any issues.
- Adjustment: Using advanced equipment, we adjust the angles of your wheels to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Final Check: We perform a final inspection to ensure everything is perfectly aligned.
Our commitment to quality ensures your vehicle leaves our shop in optimal condition. Focusing on precision and attention to detail, we help prevent future alignment issues, ensuring that every journey is as smooth and safe as possible. We employ a personalized approach, considering factors such as vehicle type and driving habits, to tailor each alignment service to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Get My Tires Aligned in Alpharetta?
Getting your tires aligned should be part of your regular vehicle maintenance schedule. The region's mixed terrain and varying weather conditions necessitate routine checks. Ideally, alignment should be considered every 10,000 miles or annually, especially if your driving patterns include frequent trips on highways like GA 400 or if you traverse through the frequent construction zones.
Regular alignment checks in Alpharetta help address road wear and prevent minor misalignments from developing into significant handling problems. Be proactive in scheduling alignments to avoid any compromised vehicle performance.
How Does Car Alignment Affect Fuel Efficiency?
Proper car alignment is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels can cause increased rolling resistance as tires do not move smoothly in tandem, forcing the engine to work harder and use more fuel to maintain speeds. This inefficiency is noticeable in city driving conditions like those in Alpharetta, where stop-and-go traffic is commonplace, and consistent acceleration is required.
By keeping your vehicle’s alignment on point, you minimize unnecessary resistance, therefore enhancing fuel economy. This saves you money on gas and contributes positively to environmental efforts by reducing your car's emissions.
What Are the Consequences of Not Performing Regular Alignments?
Failing to perform regular alignments can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. In Alpharetta, with its fluctuating road conditions, skipping alignments could exacerbate these issues, leading to premature tire replacement and more frequent mechanical repairs.
Your vehicle’s safety systems are also affected, as misaligned wheels impact the precision of braking and steering systems. Regular alignments extend the life of your tires and suspension system, saving you from unexpected costly repairs and ensuring your safety on the road.
How Is Wheel Alignment Different from Tire Balancing?
Wheel alignment and tire balancing are often confused but serve different purposes. Alignment involves adjusting the angles of wheels to the manufacturer's specifications, ensuring they meet the proper road contact angle. This process is vital for handling and tire wear. Tire balancing, however, involves correcting weight imbalances on each wheel and tire, preventing unwanted vibrations or wobbling at high speeds.
Both procedures are essential for vehicle maintenance, ensuring a safe and smooth driving experience in Alpharetta. While alignment checks should be part of regular maintenance, tire balancing is typically needed when new tires are mounted or if vibrations are noticed.
Are There Seasonal Benefits to Regular Alignment Services?
Seasonal changes can impact the way your vehicle interacts with the road. In Alpharetta, excellent alignment ensures your vehicle handles well throughout the year, from rainy spring and summer to the cold snap of winter. Regular alignment services help maintain optimal tire traction and consistent performance, even when roads become more hazardous. In autumn and winter, when fallen leaves and slick surfaces present potential hazards, precision alignment ensures better handling and reduces the risk of skidding. By aligning your vehicle seasonally, you also promote even tire wear, maximizing the safety and longevity of your tires.
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.