Our Alignment Inspection & Approval Process
Clear communication begins when you schedule. Tell us when the symptom occurs, whether it changes with speed, and whether the vehicle recently struck a curb or pothole or had suspension work.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Diagnostics and inspections: Our technicians assess your concern using equipment comparable to manufacturer equipment and check for related vehicle conditions.
- Findings and estimate: We provide a Digital Vehicle Inspection Report with photos, videos, findings, recommendations, and an estimate.
- Review and approval: A service advisor explains the recommendations. You decide whether to approve the work through the Digital Vehicle Inspection process or direct communication.
- Service or scheduling: We complete approved work or schedule it based on parts availability and your schedule.
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.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alignment Check
Uneven or cupped tire wear may signal an alignment problem. Other warning signs include pulling to one side, diminished handling, highway-speed vibration, and an off-center steering wheel.
Improper alignment can affect tire life, gas mileage, and overall vehicle performance. Consider an inspection after a collision, curb strike, pothole impact, or repair involving steering or suspension components.
Clear Answers & Convenient Service in Norwalk, Iowa
We pair manufacturer-quality equipment with service from ASE-certified technicians. Our owner/operators are on-site, and our service advisors explain inspection findings in clear language so you can make an informed decision without sorting through technical jargon.
While your vehicle is with us, you can use our welcoming waiting lounge, free Wi-Fi, free refreshments, or complimentary shuttle service. Our 3-year/36,000-mile warranty is honored at Christian Brothers Automotive locations nationwide.
What Alignment Measurements Tell Us
Technicians use three primary angles to describe wheel position. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of a wheel when viewed from the front. Caster describes the steering axis angle when viewed from the side. Toe indicates whether the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above.
Our computerized measurements show how these angles compare with original manufacturer settings. If an inspection identifies worn or damaged steering or suspension components, we may recommend addressing that condition before making or completing alignment adjustments.
When to Request an Alignment Inspection
Normal wear and tear can gradually change alignment. Potholes, curb impacts, and minor accidents can also alter wheel positioning, even when the change isn’t immediately visible.
We recommend checking alignment every 6,000 miles or when warning signs appear. When scheduling, tell us when the change began, which direction the vehicle pulls, the speed at which vibration occurs, and whether there was a recent impact or repair.
Match the Symptom to the Right Inspection
A visual tire check alone can’t confirm the source of pulling, vibration, irregular tread wear, or uneven tracking. Measurements and an inspection can distinguish an alignment issue from tire, wheel, steering, or suspension concerns.
Use these symptoms to describe your concern:
- Pulling or crooked steering wheel: Note whether the issue is constant or intermittent.
- Uneven or cupped tire wear: Ask us to inspect the alignment and related vehicle components.
- Vibration at certain speeds: Record the speed range so we can evaluate possible alignment and wheel-related causes.
- Recent impact or repair: Share what happened and which parts of the vehicle were affected.
Wheel Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing
Alignment and wheel balancing address different conditions. Alignment concerns wheel position and angles relative to the vehicle and road. Wheel balancing addresses how weight is distributed around each tire-and-wheel assembly.
Because pulling, vibration, and unusual tire wear can have more than one cause, we don’t assume every symptom requires the same service. Our inspection findings identify the likely source and give you the information needed to choose your next step.
Schedule Wheel Alignment Service in Norwalk, Iowa
We can inspect your concern, explain our findings and recommendations, and review the estimate before you approve any service. Be ready to share the symptoms you’ve noticed and when they occur.
Schedule an appointment online, or call (515) 738-3593 to schedule service with Christian Brothers Automotive Norwalk.
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.