How We Measure, Explain & Complete Alignment Service
An alignment appointment begins with measurement and inspection, not an automatic adjustment. Worn or damaged steering and suspension components may need attention before an accurate alignment can be completed.
Our process includes:
- Measure and inspect: We evaluate alignment readings and related vehicle conditions.
- Review the findings: We explain our recommendations and can share photos and videos through a Digital Vehicle Inspection.
- Request your approval: You review the information and decide whether to authorize the recommended work.
- Perform or schedule service: We complete or schedule approved work based on parts and customer availability.
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.
Correct wheel angles help the tires meet the road as the vehicle manufacturer intended. When those angles are incorrect, you may notice pulling, uneven tread wear, or an off-center steering wheel while driving straight.
Signs Your Vehicle May Need an Alignment Check
An alignment inspection can distinguish an angle problem from tire, wheel, steering, or suspension concerns. Vibration, for example, isn’t always caused by misalignment and may require additional evaluation.
Consider requesting a check if you notice these signs or after an event that could affect alignment:
- Pulling to the left or right on a level road
- An off-center steering wheel while traveling straight
- Uneven or unusually rapid tire wear
- Changes in steering response or vehicle tracking
- Vibration through the steering wheel or vehicle
- A pothole impact, curb strike, or collision
- New tire installation or recent suspension work
Computerized alignment technology measures small changes that aren’t visible by eye. Readings accurate to one-tenth of a degree allow our technicians to compare current wheel positions with the manufacturer specifications for that vehicle.
How Camber, Caster & Toe Affect Alignment
Specifications vary by vehicle, so we evaluate each reading against the correct manufacturer settings. Three primary angles show how the wheels sit, steer, and track.
- Camber: The inward or outward tilt of a wheel when viewed from the front.
- Caster: The steering axis angle when viewed from the side, which relates to steering feel and directional tracking.
- Toe: The direction the tires point relative to each other when viewed from above.
Measurements show whether these angles are within specification. When adjustment is available and appropriate, we use the readings to return the applicable angles to original manufacturer settings.
When to Request Alignment Service in Scottsdale
When scheduling, tell us about any pulling, vibration, unusual tire wear, or changes in steering-wheel position. Recent impacts, new tires, or steering and suspension work are also useful details because they can help us evaluate the concern.
Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing & Related Repairs
Alignment and wheel balancing address different conditions. Alignment concerns wheel angles and vehicle tracking, while balancing corrects weight differences in the tire-and-wheel assembly. Because the symptoms can overlap, an inspection can help identify which service your vehicle needs.
An alignment check may also be appropriate after tire installation or steering and suspension work. If worn components are affecting wheel position, they may need repair before the vehicle can be aligned accurately.
Get Clear Answers About Your Vehicle’s Alignment
Bring your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive North Scottsdale for precise measurements and a clear review of the findings. We can explain whether the readings support an adjustment or indicate that another component needs attention. Qualifying work is backed by the Nice Difference Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs last.
Schedule Appointment by calling (480) 914-3862 today.
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.