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 Proper Wheel Alignment Matters
Proper vehicle alignment isn’t just about making sure your vehicle drives in a straight line; it's about extending the life of your tires, improving fuel efficiency, and ensuring a smooth driving experience. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear and decreased handling, potentially endangering your safety. Regular alignments at our KC alignment shop can save you money and enhance your vehicle’s longevity.
Regular wheel alignment checks are a cost-effective way to maintain your vehicle because they prevent the premature wear of key components such as tires and suspension. Moreover, misalignment can cause increased resistance between your tires and the road, leading to higher fuel consumption. This not only affects your pocket but also contributes to higher emissions, impacting the environment. By ensuring your vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned, you contribute to a more sustainable driving practice, aligning with community efforts to reduce carbon footprints in Kansas City.
Reliable Services for All Alignment Needs
Our experts offer a range of services to meet every alignment need, including:
- Basic Alignment Checks: Ensure your car’s alignment is optimal for road safety.
- Front-End Alignment: Focused on aligning the vehicle’s front wheels for improved steering control.
- 4-Wheel Alignment: Essential for vehicles with independent rear suspensions to keep all wheels aligned.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Adjusts and aligns all four wheels to match the vehicle’s center.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Liberty, we offer customized alignment services suited to the unique specifications of your vehicle. With each service, we conduct a thorough inspection, measuring your car’s caster, camber, and toe angles. Our technicians can provide insight into any necessary adjustments and their benefits, helping you make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance. We also recommend alignment services during any routine maintenance checks, especially before and after seasonal shifts, to adapt to changing weather patterns experienced in KC.
Get Back on the Road with Confidence
At Christian Brothers Automotive Liberty, we prioritize your safety and convenience by ensuring your vehicle receives top-quality alignment services. Our commitment to transparency means we discuss your vehicle’s needs in plain terms, providing peace of mind and confidence in our work.
Worried about the downtime associated with vehicle maintenance? Rest assured, we offer free shuttle services to and from your planned location, minimizing disruption to your day. Our team is dedicated not only to fixing your alignment but also to ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish. We maintain a customer-first approach that has consistently built lasting relationships, underscoring our role as more than just a service provider—we are your partners in automotive care for the enduring road.
To learn more about our car alignment services or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (816) 354-0813 or online!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my vehicle needs an alignment?
Typical signs include uneven tire wear, the vehicle pulling to one side, a vibrating steering wheel, or noticeable drifting when the steering wheel is straight. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s wise to seek a vehicle alignment near you.
Neglecting these signs can lead to increased stress on your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems, potentially resulting in more severe mechanical issues. Attending to alignment issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure optimal vehicle handling. Our experienced technicians in Kansas City diagnose and address misalignment issues efficiently, making the necessary corrections and providing post-service explanations to improve your understanding and assurance about your vehicle's condition.
How long does a wheel alignment take?
A standard wheel alignment typically takes about an hour. However, this can vary based on the condition of your vehicle and whether any additional repairs are needed.
While minor adjustments may be quicker, comprehensive alignment services involve detailed inspection and potential component replacements or repairs that can extend service times. Our team is committed to delivering quality without rushed processes, ensuring thorough job completion. During your wait, enjoy our comfortable lounge equipped with complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi, or take advantage of our shuttle service for added convenience.
What is the difference between tire alignment and wheel alignment?
In essence, they refer to the same service. While the term 'tire alignment' is commonly used, 'wheel alignment' more accurately represents the process of adjusting the wheels' angles to each other and to the road.
Aligning your wheels affects how they interact with the road and each other, which plays a significant role in overall handling characteristics, tire wear patterns, and fuel economy. Regardless of the terminology, maintaining correct positioning through regular alignments ensures efficient vehicle performance, extending not only your tire's lifespan but also enhancing overall driving comfort and safety.
Can I drive with bad alignment?
It is not advisable to drive with poor alignment as it may lead to increased tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and handling issues, potentially compromising driving safety. Regular check-ups at an alignment shop can prevent these issues.
Minor alignment issues, if left unchecked, can quickly deteriorate, creating a need for major repairs like suspension component replacement. Additionally, constantly compensating for misalignment while driving can strain your body, particularly your back and shoulders. Our advice: prioritize addressing alignment concerns to promote driver wellbeing and vehicular health. Visit us at Christian Brothers Automotive Liberty in Kansas City to ensure all alignment issues are handled promptly and professionally.
How does weather affect wheel alignment in Kansas City?
Kansas City’s varied climate, with its mix of hot summers and cold, icy winters, can impact road conditions and consequently your alignment. Severe weather can cause roads to shift or potholes to form, which in turn affects wheel alignment. Regular checks are prudent to maintain alignment in response to these changing conditions.
Seasonal changes can cause tire pressure fluctuations that further influence alignment, necessitating small yet significant adjustments to promote consistent driving performance throughout the year. Weather-related road hazards like rain-induced puddles in warmer months, or shifting pavement due to cold expansion and contraction in winter, present unique alignment challenges. By scheduling regular inspections, you can ensure any misalignment caused by these environmental stressors is corrected promptly, ensuring safer and smoother driving experiences no matter the season.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
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.
-
Q. "How often should I get a wheel alignment?"We recommend every 6,000 miles or when you experience signs of misalignment.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"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.