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 Alignment
Many drivers are not sure whether they genuinely need alignment or if their vehicle is just feeling a little different. Recognizing the signs can help you decide when it is time to have us take a closer look, especially before you invest in new tires or a long trip.
Hitting a curb in a crowded parking lot, driving through construction areas, or encountering rough pavement can all affect how your wheels are angled. Over time, even everyday driving around town can gradually push your alignment out of specification. The result is often a combination of small changes that you start to notice in how your vehicle behaves.
Common signs that alignment may be needed include:
- Vehicle pulling to one side when you are driving on a straight road
- The steering wheel looks off-center when you are going straight
- Vibration in the steering wheel at higher speeds
- Uneven or rapid tire wear, especially along one edge
- A vehicle that feels less stable or wanders on the highway
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, our team can perform a tire alignment check and a visual inspection. The sooner you address misalignment, the better your chances of protecting your tires and maintaining the way your vehicle handles on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I Really Need An Alignment
You may need alignment if you notice pulling, uneven tire wear, or an off-center steering wheel. Our team starts with an inspection and measurements, then explains what we find before performing any work. If your alignment is within specification, we will let you know.
How Long Does A Typical Alignment Take
A standard alignment appointment typically takes about an hour once your vehicle is in the bay. If additional inspection or adjustments are needed, it can take longer. We offer a complimentary shuttle service when available so you can continue your day while we work.
Will Proper Alignment Help My Tires Last Longer
Correct alignment helps your tires share the load evenly, which usually supports more even wear. That can help them last longer compared to driving with a vehicle that is significantly out of specification. We also check tire condition and inflation to help you protect that investment.
Do I Need 4 Wheel Alignment On My Vehicle
Many modern vehicles, especially those with independent rear suspension, benefit from 4-wheel alignment so all four wheels work together. Others only allow front adjustments. Our technicians review your vehicle design and measurements, then explain which type of alignment makes sense and why.
Can Your Team Explain My Alignment Results In Plain Language
Yes. We take time to review your alignment readings with you and translate them into everyday terms. Our goal is that you understand what the numbers mean, how your vehicle will feel on the road, and what, if anything, we recommend for future maintenance.
Schedule Your Alignment Appointment
If your vehicle has started to pull, shake, or wear through tires faster than expected, now is a good time to schedule alignment service. Addressing these issues early can help protect your tires, improve how your car feels on the road, and support your peace of mind.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Mandeville, our ASE-certified technicians, industry-leading warranty, and neighborly approach come together to provide alignment service you can feel confident about. We explain our findings clearly, respect your time with convenient options, and work to keep your vehicle safe and reliable for the miles ahead.
To arrange an appointment with our team, give us a call. We are ready to walk you through each step of the process and answer any questions you have before you come in.
Call at (985) 465-3757 or contact us online to schedule your visit.
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.