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.
What to Expect When You Book a Wheel Alignment in Memphis
When you book an alignment with Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland, we start by listening to your concerns, reviewing recent changes in your vehicle’s handling, and performing a visual inspection. We use our advanced alignment systems to measure key angles, including camber, toe, and caster, and review the printout with you in everyday language. If we detect issues like worn ball joints or bushings, we’ll point them out and explain their impact. Alignments typically take about an hour, but traffic or severe misalignment can extend service time. Our comfortable waiting area and complimentary shuttle keep your day moving, even if your alignment calls for a little extra care.
A professional alignment service does more than just straighten your steering wheel; it restores precision handling and significantly improves vehicle safety. Properly aligned wheels ensure maximum tire-to-road contact, which is crucial for effective braking and cornering. This precision also prevents premature tire wear, ultimately protecting your investment and saving you money on early tire replacements.
Understanding Our Car Alignment Process
Car alignment involves adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels to meet the specifications set by the manufacturer.
These adjustments might include:
- Camber: This angle affects how tires meet the road and plays a role in tire wear and cornering performance. Incorrect camber can lead to premature tire wear.
- Toe: Toe alignment impacts directional stability and tire wear. It’s crucial for smooth and controlled steering.
- Caster: This angle involves the steering axis and influences steering ease and vehicle stability.
The alignment process begins with a thorough check using advanced digital diagnostic equipment. We measure your vehicle’s wheel angles against factory specifications and use visuals to clearly explain the results. If we detect concerns such as worn suspension parts or loose steering components, we’ll discuss them with you before making adjustments. Our approach ensures your car leaves the shop ready to handle changing road surfaces with confidence.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland, our alignment services use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure precision and improve your vehicle's handling. We conduct an in-depth assessment before beginning any alignment work, so each vehicle receives service tailored to its specific requirements and the driver’s main concerns.
Common Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment
In Memphis, fluctuating weather and diverse road conditions make routine alignment checks a wise choice. Recognizing early signs of misalignment can save you from expensive repairs.
Here are some key indicators of wheel misalignment:
- Vehicle Pulling: If your car drifts to one side, it’s a common indicator of misalignment.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Check your tires for any uneven patterns, which often require alignment.
- Vibration in the Steering Wheel: A noticeable vibration usually points to an alignment issue.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: While driving straight, your steering wheel should remain centered.
Your car may also make more noise on rough stretches or uneven road surfaces if the wheels are out of alignment. Since Memphis experiences frequent temperature changes and roadwork, staying alert to these changes can help protect your tires and maximize their lifespan.
When you resolve alignment problems early, you help prevent additional wear and tear on your vehicle and support safer driving. By addressing these symptoms promptly, our clients often notice a significant improvement in vehicle handling and stability.
Why Choose Us for Your Tire Alignment Needs?
At Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland, we believe in transparency and top-tier customer service. Our alignment services are delivered by skilled ASE-certified technicians who focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
Here's how we set ourselves apart:
- Manufacturer-Quality Equipment: We use state-of-the-art tools to deliver precise alignments.
- Educational Approach: We explain alignment issues in clear, jargon-free language to help you better understand your vehicle.
- Complimentary Shuttle Service: Our shuttle makes your day easier while your car receives service.
- Industry-Leading Warranty: Our strong warranty provides peace of mind for every alignment we complete.
We maintain strict quality control and track every step, so you can feel confident your alignment meets industry standards. Our team values building relationships and spends time getting to know your driving habits and neighborhood road conditions. This helps us accurately identify alignment needs and deliver solutions that match your daily routes.
We create a welcoming environment and deliver attentive care; our team aims to make each visit comfortable and informative. Our commitment extends beyond servicing your car. We seek to educate each customer, helping you make clear decisions about automotive maintenance. With attention to building trust and long-lasting results, our alignments deliver lasting value and drive satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my car aligned?
For most vehicles, you should have a car alignment check every 6,000 miles or when you notice signs of misalignment. Due to changing road and weather conditions, you may benefit from more frequent checks. Regular alignment checks help your tires wear evenly and your car handle safely, saving you money on early tire replacements and repairs. Checking alignment every year can be helpful for drivers who travel on uneven roads or regular traffic shifts.
What happens if I ignore alignment issues?
If you ignore alignment problems, your tires may wear out faster, and you may need to replace them sooner. You could also notice less precise handling, reduced gas mileage, and increased safety risks. Taking care of alignment issues right away keeps your car safer, helps performance, and lets you avoid expensive repairs later. Poor alignment can also strain your car's suspension and wheel bearings, making more repairs likely over time.
Can misalignment affect fuel economy?
Yes, alignment problems can hurt your car's fuel economy. When wheels are out of alignment, they create drag, causing your engine to use more fuel. Keeping your wheels properly aligned improves fuel efficiency and helps your vehicle run at its best. Regular maintenance, including alignment checks, is a smart move for those who face frequent stop-and-go traffic.
Do you offer different types of alignment?
Yes, at Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland, we offer a range of car alignment services, including front-end, four-wheel, and thrust angle alignments. Each option addresses specific needs, depending on vehicle design and symptoms. We assess your car's condition and recommend the alignment that best fits your needs. Our evaluation not only addresses current misalignments but also helps spot and manage any potential future problems.
How Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland Can Help
A professional wheel alignment is the most cost-effective way to protect your overall automotive investment. By ensuring your wheels are perfectly straight, Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland can help you reduce uneven friction on your tires, extending their lifespan and improving fuel efficiency. Furthermore, proper alignment reduces stress across your entire steering and suspension system, including the steering rack, suspension bushings, and ball joints. This essential preventative maintenance saves you money by preventing premature wear on these critical and expensive components, ensuring your vehicle remains stable and predictable for years to come.
Don't let bad alignment cost you new tires! Get a professional car alignment check from Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland. Call (901) 589-5127 or schedule your service online.
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.