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 an Alignment
Recognizing the signs of misalignment can prevent further damage to your vehicle.
Here are common indicators:
- Car Pulling to One Side: If your car drifts right or left while driving straight, it may be due for an alignment.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Misalignment causes tires to wear unevenly, reducing their lifespan and affecting traction.
- Steering Wheel Off-Center: A crooked steering wheel when driving straight suggests alignment issues.
- Vibrations in Steering: Unusual vibrations can indicate uneven tire contact with the road, often a result of poor alignment.
If you experience these signs, contact us to schedule an alignment check. Our ASE-certified technicians provide attentive, professional service to ensure your vehicle operates smoothly.
Our Alignment Services in Lockport
We offer comprehensive alignment services to meet all vehicle needs, including:
- Basic Alignment Check: A quick evaluation of your car’s current alignment status.
- Front-End Alignment: Recommended for vehicles showing issues primarily in the front wheels.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Ensures all four wheels are aligned precisely to manufacturer specifications.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Ideal for vehicles with a solid rear axle, adjusting all wheels for optimal alignment.
Our advanced alignment technology guarantees accuracy, minimizing tire wear and optimizing fuel efficiency, adding value to every drive. Visit Christian Brothers Automotive Lockport for detailed, transparent service that keeps you informed every step of the way.
In addition to traditional alignment services, our technicians offer customized solutions based on your driving habits and vehicle type. For those who frequently drive on rough Lockport roads or carry heavy loads, we offer tailored alignment assessments to address specific wear patterns. This extra layer of precision ensures that your vehicle meets standard specifications and caters to your unique driving conditions, providing a smoother and safer ride.
Contact us at (815) 426-9532 or online for reliable car alignment services in Lockport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get My Wheel Alignment Checked?
Alignment should generally be checked at least once a year, but certain conditions might necessitate more frequent inspections. If you experience signs of misalignment or frequently drive on rough terrain, consider scheduling an alignment check sooner. Regular assessments help maintain optimal vehicle performance and extend tire life, ensuring a safer driving experience.
Seasonal changes, like Lockport's freezing and thawing cycles, can cause roadways to shift, affecting your vehicle's alignment more frequently. For local drivers, checking alignment at the start of each new season can prevent potential issues, keeping your ride smooth and safe year-round.
What Are the Benefits of a Proper Wheel Alignment?
Proper alignment improves handling, enhances fuel efficiency, and ensures even tire wear. Misaligned wheels can increase drag, affecting fuel consumption and making steering less responsive. By correcting alignment issues, you mitigate these risks, make your drives more enjoyable, and save on maintenance costs in the long run.
Aside from the obvious mechanical advantages, a well-aligned vehicle contributes to less strain on suspension and steering components, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs. As fuel prices fluctuate, ensuring optimal alignment can lead to tangible savings over time, making it a financially savvy maintenance routine.
How Does the Road Condition Affect Wheel Alignment?
Lockport roads, like those everywhere, can affect alignment. Potholes, curbs, and uneven surfaces exert stress on wheels, potentially causing them to become misaligned. After hitting a significant bump or obstacle, schedule an alignment check to ensure your car's components haven't shifted.
Driving conditions in Lockport, including road salt in winter and heavy rains in spring, can accelerate deterioration and create new hazards. Monitoring these challenges and timely alignment checks can significantly affect your vehicle's long-term handling and safety.
Can I Perform Wheel Alignment Myself?
While DIY challenges can be rewarding, wheel alignment demands precision and accuracy. Skilled technicians use specialized equipment to measure wheel angles precisely and correct any discrepancies. Attempting alignment without the proper tools and knowledge can result in further complications. It's best to rely on professionals at Christian Brothers Automotive Lockport for accurate results.
Understanding the intricacies of alignment is essential for proper vehicle maintenance. Christian Brothers Automotive Lockport offers insights and educational resources to help customers appreciate the complexity and necessity of professional alignment services. This commitment to education builds trust and empowers drivers to make informed decisions about their vehicle care.
Why Choose CBAC for Car Alignment Services?
At Christian Brothers Automotive Lockport, we blend advanced technology with a customer-first approach, offering expert car alignment services tailored to your needs. Our ASE-certified technicians, transparency, and complimentary shuttle services ensure a seamless experience. Trust us to keep your vehicle alignment in peak condition while providing the kind, honest service you deserve.
Choosing Christian Brothers Automotive Lockport means choosing a partner dedicated to fixing alignment issues and fostering long-term relationships built on trust and quality care. Our local expertise uniquely positions us to address Lockport-specific concerns, making us the preferred choice for vehicle owners across the area. Experience the difference from a service provider that truly cares about you and your car.
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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"Thank You for your honesty! I took my vehicle in With a screw On A tire thinking it was a flat but NiCo told me there WASN'T any damage Done and Therefore Won’t be a charge for they’re service. Honesty means a lot to me. I Highly recommend Chri"
- S.M