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 Wheel Alignment is Crucial in Missouri City
Missouri City Road Conditions play a significant role in vehicle misalignment. Local roads can sometimes be uneven or affected by weather conditions, leading to potential alignment issues. Our alignment services mitigate these challenges, ensuring your vehicle performs well, even on rough terrains.
The climate in Missouri City, characterized by heavy rains during certain seasons, can further affect road conditions, leading to potholes and uneven surfaces. These elements contribute to alignment issues as vehicles repeatedly travel over them, emphasizing the importance of regular checks. By keeping your wheels aligned, you can significantly reduce the wear and tear caused by these environmental factors, protecting your vehicle investment.
State Regulations do not mandate specific alignment checks, but aligning your wheels is essential for safety and vehicle longevity. Regular alignments help improve fuel efficiency, enhance vehicle handling, and reduce tire wear and tear.
Our Commitment to Transparency & Customer Care
At Christian Brothers Automotive Missouri City, we pride ourselves on providing honest, reliable service. We believe in educating our customers about their vehicle's needs without overwhelming them with technical jargon. Our ASE-certified technicians are here to discuss every step of your alignment service, ensuring you understand what we're doing and why it matters.
In addition, we are committed to creating a stress-free service experience. From the moment you enter our shop, you are greeted by friendly staff who are ready to address any concerns you might have. Our open-communication policy ensures that you are informed about your vehicle’s condition and that we are always available to answer questions.
Experience Localized Care in Missouri City
Being a part of Missouri City, we understand the unique driving conditions our local roads present. Christian Brothers Automotive Missouri City is committed to delivering localized services tailored to meet the distinctive needs of our community. We aim to be more than just a service provider; we're your neighbors dedicated to keeping you safe on the roads.
Furthermore, our proactive approach includes advising on best practices for maintaining your alignment between service visits. This includes practical tips such as rotating your tires regularly, maintaining correct tire pressure, and avoiding road hazards whenever possible. By following these guidelines, you can sustain your vehicle's alignment and ensure a more balanced driving experience.
For reliable car alignment services in Missouri City, contact us at (832) 462-6986 or online today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?
Having your wheel alignment checked every 6,000 miles or at least once a year is generally recommended. However, more frequent checks might be necessary depending on driving conditions in Missouri City, such as frequent driving on uneven roads or hitting potholes. Regular alignments ensure your vehicle handles smoothly, reduces tire wear, and operates efficiently. Frequent checks can help identify and address minor issues before they become significant problems.
What Are the Signs That My Car Needs an Alignment?
Key indicators include your car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or a misaligned steering wheel when driving straight. Other signs are noise when steering and vibrations in the steering wheel. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to visit us at Christian Brothers Automotive Missouri City for a check-up as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
Does Improper Alignment Affect Fuel Efficiency?
Yes, improper alignment can lead to increased tire resistance, causing your engine to work harder, thus reducing fuel efficiency. By ensuring proper wheel alignment, your engine doesn't have to exert extra effort, leading to better fuel economy. Regular alignment checks help keep this aspect in check, potentially saving you significant fuel costs in the long run.
How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?
A typical wheel alignment service at Christian Brothers Automotive Missouri City can take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your vehicle's specific needs. This timeframe allows us to conduct thorough checks and adjustments, ensuring everything is perfectly aligned. During this time, feel free to use our complimentary shuttle service if you need to attend to other tasks.
What Happens if I Ignore Wheel Alignment Issues?
Neglecting alignment problems can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, poor handling, and even safety concerns. This could result in costly repairs or require replacing tires sooner than necessary. Regularly scheduling alignment checks at Christian Brothers Automotive Missouri City avoids these issues, ensuring your vehicle meets optimal performance standards and improving your overall driving experience.
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.