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.
Indicators Your Vehicle Requires Alignment Attention
Recognizing the early warning signs of misalignment can save you from purchasing a new set of tires prematurely. Small changes in handling often indicate that your wheels are fighting against each other, leading to increased friction and resistance. Paying attention to how your car feels on straightaways and turns helps you catch these issues before they compromise your safety or wallet.
Watch for these common symptoms that suggest it is time for a professional check:
- Vehicle Pulling: The car drifts to the left or right when you are trying to drive straight on a level road.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: Your steering wheel is crooked or turned even when the vehicle is moving in a straight line.
- Uneven Tire Wear: One side of your tire tread is wearing down significantly faster than the other (feathering).
- Squealing Tires: You hear unusual screeching noises from your tires during low-speed turns or cornering.
- Steering Vibration: The steering wheel vibrates or shakes, particularly at higher highway speeds.
How Alignment Protects Your Tires And Suspension
Proper wheel alignment protects your tires from costly damage. When wheels are out of line, tread wears unevenly, leading to issues like feathering and cupping. This significantly shortens tire life and increases road noise. By ensuring uniform road contact, we help you avoid premature replacement costs, ensuring your daily drive in Melbourne remains quiet, efficient, and comfortable.
Misalignment also places excessive stress on suspension parts like ball joints and bushings, causing them to wear out quickly. This often results in loose steering and clunking noises. Routine tire alignment distributes physical forces evenly, protecting these expensive components. This maintenance guarantees smoother handling and responsive braking, providing peace of mind on both local city streets and highways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?
General manufacturer recommendations suggest checking your alignment annually or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, drivers in Melbourne may need more frequent checks due to local road conditions and potholes. It is also mandatory to perform an alignment whenever you install new tires or replace suspension components like shocks or struts to prevent immediate uneven wear.
Routine inspections are the best way to protect your tire investment. Catching a misalignment early prevents irreversible damage to your tire tread. If you frequently drive on rough roads or hit a significant curb, we recommend scheduling a check immediately, even if it has not been a year since your last service.
How Long Does an Alignment Service Take?
A standard wheel alignment typically takes about one hour to complete, assuming there are no seized bolts or broken suspension parts. Our technicians work efficiently without sacrificing precision, ensuring your vehicle is returned to you as quickly as possible. We value your time and strive to keep you updated throughout the process if any complications arise.
For vehicles requiring a complex four-wheel alignment or those with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that need recalibration, the process may take slightly longer. We provide a clear time estimate during check-in so you can plan your day accordingly. Our lobby amenities and shuttle service are available to make your wait comfortable or allow you to continue your day uninterrupted.
Will Misalignment Affect My Fuel Economy?
Yes, a misaligned vehicle suffers from increased rolling resistance, meaning the engine must work harder to move the car forward. This extra effort burns more fuel, lowering your miles per gallon and costing you more at the pump over time. Think of it like dragging a tire sideways; the friction significantly impedes momentum.
Correcting your alignment reduces this resistance, allowing your vehicle to roll smoothly and efficiently. Regular alignment services are a cost-effective way to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint. The savings on gas, combined with extended tire life, often pay for the cost of the alignment service itself.
What is the Difference Between Front-End and Four-Wheel Alignment?
A front-end alignment only adjusts the angles of the front two wheels and is typically reserved for older vehicles with solid rear axles. Most modern vehicles, including SUVs and sedans, require a four-wheel alignment because they feature independent rear suspensions. This ensures that the rear wheels track directly behind the front wheels.
If a vehicle needs a four-wheel alignment but only receives a front-end service, it may suffer from "dog-tracking," where the rear of the car sits slightly sideways while driving straight. Our technicians verify your vehicle's specific requirements to ensure we perform the correct service type for optimal handling and safety on Melbourne roads.
Is Wheel Alignment Covered Under Warranty?
Standard new car warranties typically cover alignment adjustments only for a very short period, often just the first 12 months or 12,000 miles. Most extended warranties and insurance policies consider alignment a maintenance item, similar to oil changes, and do not cover it unless it is associated with a covered repair, like a suspension failure.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Melbourne, we offer our own warranty on the services we perform to give you peace of mind. We stand behind the quality of our workmanship, ensuring that your alignment is accurate and reliable. We will discuss specific warranty details regarding our labor and parts adjustments during your visit, so you know exactly how you are protected.
Secure Your Safety on the Road Today
Maintaining proper alignment is one of the most effective ways to ensure your vehicle remains safe, efficient, and comfortable to drive. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, honest service that addresses the specific needs of Melbourne drivers. By combining advanced technology with a commitment to customer care, we help you get the most out of your tires and suspension, preventing costly repairs down the road.
Take the next step toward a smoother ride and improved vehicle performance. Trust our experts to align your vehicle to factory specifications and get you back on the road with confidence.
Schedule your service online or call (321) 416-1993 to book your appointment with our friendly staff.
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.