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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Have My Alignment Checked?
Automotive experts generally recommend having your alignment checked at least once every year or every 10,000 miles. However, frequent driving on rough roads or hitting deep potholes requires more immediate testing. It is also highly advisable to request an inspection whenever you purchase a new set of tires to protect your expensive investment from premature wear.
Routine checks act as crucial preventative maintenance for your entire steering system. Catching a slight misalignment early prevents excess strain on your suspension parts and maximizes your overall fuel economy. Staying proactive ensures your vehicle remains safe, highly responsive, and comfortable to drive during your daily commutes.
What Causes a Vehicle to Lose Its Correct Alignment?
Sudden impacts are the most common culprits behind severe tracking issues. Striking a curb, rolling over a deep pothole, or being involved in a minor collision instantly shifts your delicate suspension geometry. Even navigating poorly maintained roads daily gradually alters your vehicle's factory specifications over time.
Additionally, the natural aging of your steering components contributes to gradual shifting. As rubber bushings degrade and metal springs lose their tension, your wheels slowly fall out of proper specification. Replacing worn parts usually requires a fresh recalibration to restore your vehicle's intended handling characteristics and overall stability.
Is a Wheel Alignment the Same as Tire Balancing?
While both services improve your ride quality, they address completely different mechanical issues. An alignment service adjusts the complex suspension angles to ensure your tires make perfectly flat contact with the road surface. This process strictly focuses on adjusting the physical connections between your vehicle and the wheels.
Conversely, balancing ensures that weight is distributed equally around the entire tire and wheel assembly. A technician attaches small lead weights to the rim to eliminate high-speed bouncing and intense vibrations. Both services are uniquely essential for maximizing tread life and ensuring a remarkably smooth, comfortable driving experience.
Can I Drive Safely With Alignment Issues?
Driving with improper tracking is highly discouraged as it severely compromises your safety on the road. A misaligned vehicle drastically increases your stopping distance and makes emergency maneuvers highly unpredictable. It also forces your engine to work harder, which noticeably decreases your daily fuel efficiency and increases operating costs.
Furthermore, ignoring this vital maintenance leads to the rapid destruction of your tire treads. You may find yourself forced to purchase a brand-new set of rubber thousands of miles earlier than expected. Addressing the problem immediately is the smartest way to protect your budget and your passengers.
How Long Does a Typical Alignment Service Take?
A standard check and adjustment typically takes our certified technicians roughly one hour to properly complete. However, if our diagnostic tools uncover severely rusted or heavily damaged suspension components, the repair process will require additional time. We always prioritize precision and thoroughness over rushing the mechanical work.
We strive to make your visit as convenient and stress-free as possible. You can relax in our comfortable waiting area or utilize our complimentary shuttle to continue your day. Our team will keep you consistently updated on our progress so you know exactly when your car will be ready.
Schedule Your Wheel Alignment Today
Maintaining the proper trajectory of your vehicle is absolutely essential for your safety, fuel efficiency, and long-term financial savings. By choosing our dedicated team, you guarantee that your car receives meticulous care from certified professionals who truly value your business. We are committed to extending the lifespan of your vehicle through honest, transparent, and high-quality automotive solutions.
Stop fighting a crooked steering wheel and protect your valuable tires from unnecessary damage.
Book your appointment online or call our shop at (405) 393-9107 to experience the most reliable auto care in the area.
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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’ve known the current owner for years. Good christian man. His team is EXCELLENT and their work is superior. i would highly RECOMMEND CHRISTIAN brothers automotive Norman to any one that needs auto repair or MAINTENANCE . They beat the Ford dealer b"
- CJ