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.
The Hidden Costs of Misalignment
While an immediate alignment issue can be uncomfortable, the long-term consequences are far more costly. When your wheels are out of alignment, your tires don’t make proper contact with the road. This leads to uneven and accelerated tire wear, which can drastically shorten the life of your tires. In severe cases, poor alignment can even lead to dangerous tire blowouts. Keeping your car aligned is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your tire investment.
Pay close attention to these common symptoms that suggest your vehicle might need an alignment service:
- Uneven Tire Wear: This is often the most obvious sign. You might notice that the tread on one side of a tire is more worn than the other, or see a scalloped or "cupped" pattern on the tire's surface.
- A Crooked Steering Wheel: If you're driving in a straight line on a flat road, but your steering wheel is off-center, your alignment is likely off.
- Drifting or Pulling: Does your vehicle consistently drift or pull to the left or right when you're trying to drive straight? This is a classic symptom of a misaligned suspension.
- Vibrations and Shudders: A shaking steering wheel or floorboard, especially at higher speeds, can be a sign of a number of issues, including an alignment problem.
- Poor Handling: If your vehicle feels less responsive, unstable, or "loose" while driving, it could be due to an improper alignment.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
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Q. "What is the difference between a wheel alignment and a wheel balance?"
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Q. "How often should I get a wheel alignment?"
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Q. "What causes bad alignment?"
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Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"
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.