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 a Wheel Alignment
Proper wheel alignment is crucial for the safety and performance of your vehicle. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling.
At Christian Brothers Automotive New Braunfels, we recommend paying attention to the following signs that indicate your vehicle may need an alignment:
- Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle drifts or pulls to the left or right while driving on a straight, level road, it could be a sign of misalignment.
- Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear: Inspect your tires for uneven tread wear patterns, such as one side being more worn than the other. This can result from misaligned wheels.
- Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel is not centered when driving straight, it may indicate that your wheels are out of alignment.
- Vibration in the Steering Wheel: Feeling vibrations in the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, can be a sign of alignment issues.
- Squealing Tires: If your tires make squealing noises while driving, it could be due to misalignment causing uneven tire contact with the road.
Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage to your vehicle and ensure a safer driving experience.
Our Wheel Alignment Services
At Christian Brothers Automotive New Braunfels, we offer comprehensive wheel alignment services to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Our ASE-certified technicians utilize state-of-the-art equipment to perform precise alignments, restoring your vehicle's handling and extending the life of your tires.
Our alignment services include:
- Two-Wheel Alignment: Ideal for vehicles with a solid rear axle, this service adjusts the front wheel alignment to manufacturer specifications.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Suitable for vehicles with independent rear suspensions, this service aligns all four wheels to ensure optimal handling and tire wear.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: This service ensures that the vehicle's thrust angle is aligned with the centerline, preventing pulling and improving stability.
We also provide a complimentary Courtesy Inspection with every visit, identifying potential issues early and helping you make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance.
Contact us at (830) 229-1553 or online to schedule your car alignment service today and drive with confidence.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing Christian Brothers Automotive New Braunfels means opting for quality, transparency, and exceptional customer care.
Here's why we're the trusted choice for wheel alignment services:
- Experienced Technicians: Our ASE-certified technicians have the expertise to handle all makes and models, ensuring precise alignments and reliable service.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use advanced alignment technology to provide accurate diagnostics and adjustments, restoring your vehicle's performance.
- Transparent Service: We provide clear explanations of our services and recommendations, ensuring you understand the work being performed on your vehicle.
- Nice Difference® Warranty: We stand by our work with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, offering peace of mind long after your service.
- Convenient Amenities: Enjoy complimentary shuttle service, free Wi-Fi, and a comfortable waiting area during your visit.
Experience the Nice Difference® at Christian Brothers Automotive New Braunfels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a wheel alignment?
It's recommended to have your wheel alignment checked every 12,000 miles or at least once a year. However, if you notice any signs of misalignment, such as pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, it's best to have it inspected sooner.
Can I drive with misaligned wheels?
While it's possible to drive with misaligned wheels, it's not advisable. Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling, increasing the risk of accidents.
Will a wheel alignment fix my steering wheel vibration?
If your steering wheel vibrates at higher speeds, it could be due to misalignment. Our technicians will diagnose the issue and perform the necessary adjustments to restore smooth handling.
Do you offer alignment services for all vehicle types?
Yes, we provide alignment services for all makes and models, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. Our technicians are equipped to handle both two-wheel and four-wheel alignments.
How long does a wheel alignment take?
The duration of a wheel alignment service varies depending on the vehicle type and the extent of adjustments needed. On average, the service takes about 1 to 2 hours.
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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"Have used CBA many times and always a successful outcome, no matter the issue."
- Gene S.