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.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs Alignment
Your car often communicates misalignment before major damage occurs. Recognizing these warning signs allows you to schedule a tire alignment in Littleton service early, preventing expensive, premature tire replacement and ensuring your safety.
Watch for these common indicators that your car alignment needs professional attention:
- Pulling to One Side: An alignment check is essential if your vehicle drifts to one side when steering straight.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Noticeable wear patterns on your tires indicate potential misalignment.
- Vibrating Steering Wheel: A shaking or vibrating steering wheel might be caused by misaligned wheels.
- Noisy Tires: Unusual noise from your tires can signal alignment issues.
In addition to these signs, other indicators, such as the vehicle pulling to one side only when accelerating or your steering wheel remaining off-center even on a straight road, further suggest the need for a professional alignment check. Ignoring these symptoms risks further damage and can lead to more costly repairs.
Frequent alignment checks are key to early detection and resolution of such issues, enhancing safety and vehicle longevity. Addressing alignment issues promptly in Littleton's unique driving conditions helps maintain your vehicle’s integrity against the area's common wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Wheel Alignment Be Checked?
We recommend having your alignment checked annually or whenever you notice any handling issues like pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or after significant impacts like hitting a pothole. Regular checks ensure your safety and optimal vehicle performance, particularly important in Littleton's dynamic road conditions.
What Happens If I Ignore Alignment Problems?
Ignoring alignment issues can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, strain on steering components, and less precise vehicle handling—all of which could lead to more significant problems and costly repairs over time. In Littleton's challenging driving environment, promptly addressing alignment issues can save you from more severe issues.
How Long Does an Alignment Service Take?
A typical wheel alignment service at Christian Brothers Automotive Ken Caryl usually takes about an hour. However, the timing may vary based on the specific vehicle type and the extent of the alignment correction needed. Our experienced team ensures thorough service without compromising your schedule, understanding the importance of efficient service in a busy city like Littleton.
What Is the Difference Between Front-End & Four-Wheel Alignment?
Front-end alignment adjusts the angles of the front wheels only, suitable for most front-wheel-drive vehicles. In contrast, four-wheel alignment adjusts all wheels and is recommended for all-wheel-drive and some front-wheel-drive vehicles for improved handling stability. This distinction is crucial for taking on Littleton’s diverse terrains efficiently.
Can Alignment Affect My Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency?
Yes, proper alignment reduces rolling resistance, which means the vehicle doesn't need to work as hard to move, leading to improved fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels can significantly reduce your miles per gallon. In Littleton, where fuel efficiency can be affected by variable driving conditions, maintaining alignment helps optimize your vehicle's performance.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
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.