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 is not just about making sure your vehicle drives in a straight line; it is 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 help prevent the premature wear of key components such as tires and suspension. Misalignment can also cause increased resistance between your tires and the road, leading to higher fuel consumption. This not only affects your budget but also contributes to higher emissions, impacting the environment. By ensuring your vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned, you support more sustainable driving practices and contribute to community efforts to reduce carbon footprints in Kansas City.
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 is 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 help maintain safe, predictable handling. Our technicians in Kansas City diagnose and address misalignment issues efficiently, make the necessary corrections, and provide post-service explanations to improve your understanding and confidence in 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, you can 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 supports efficient vehicle performance, extends tire lifespan, and enhances 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 that can compromise driving safety. Regular checkups at an alignment shop can help prevent these issues.
Minor alignment problems, if left unchecked, can quickly worsen, creating a need for major repairs such as suspension component replacement. Additionally, constantly compensating for misalignment while driving can strain your body, particularly your back and shoulders. Our advice is to address alignment concerns early to promote driver wellbeing and vehicle 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 a smart way to maintain alignment in response to these changing conditions.
Seasonal changes can cause tire pressure fluctuations that further influence alignment, necessitating small yet important adjustments to promote consistent driving performance throughout the year. Weather-related road hazards, such as rain-filled potholes in warmer months or shifting pavement due to expansion and contraction in winter, present unique alignment challenges. By scheduling regular inspections, you can help make sure any misalignment caused by these environmental stressors is corrected promptly, supporting safer and smoother driving experiences in every season.
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.