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 Is Wheel Alignment Crucial?
Proper wheel alignment ensures your vehicle handles correctly, which is critical for safe driving. Misalignment can cause your car to pull to one side, lead to rapid tire wear, and increase fuel consumption. It interferes with braking distance, especially on Oviedo's varied terrains, making it essential to address alignment issues promptly for your safety and vehicle longevity.
Misaligned wheels can lead to:
- Uneven Tire Wear: Misalignment results in uneven pressure across tires, wearing them out quicker.
- Improved Handling: Correct alignment improves steering accuracy and vehicle stability.
- Fuel Efficiency: Aligned wheels reduce rolling resistance, enhancing fuel economy.
Alignment isn’t just about maintaining equipment—it’s about ensuring your entire vehicle operates at peak performance. For those who often commute to nearby Orlando or enjoy weekend trips to the beaches, a well-aligned vehicle keeps the journey pleasant and reduces the risk of mechanical hiccups along the way.
Our Comprehensive Car Alignment Services
We offer a full suite of car alignment services to cater to every need, ensuring your vehicle performs at its best.
We can help you with:
- Front-End Alignment: Targets front wheels, crucial for maintaining directional stability.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: This comprehensive service adjusts all four wheels, ideal for vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Combines rear axle adjustment with a front wheel alignment for optimal alignment precision.
With cutting-edge computerized technology, we detect even the smallest misalignment to correct it according to manufacturer standards.
Our services are tailored to each vehicle's needs. If you notice uneven tire wear or a leaning steering wheel, it might be time for one of our targeted services. Adapting to your car’s requirements ensures that we address only what’s necessary, preventing unnecessary repairs and saving you money.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
At Christian Brothers Automotive Oviedo in Oviedo, we strive to provide an exceptional experience from start to finish.
When you visit us, you can expect:
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Our inviting waiting area offers a comfortable and stress-free environment.
- Transparent Communication: We explain the alignment process thoroughly and answer any questions you might have.
- Convenient Services: Take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service, ensuring minimal disruption to your day.
Our local team not only knows cars—they know Oviedo. This familiarity allows us to deliver services considering local driving trends and conditions. We’re more than just a service center; we’re a community partner committed to your driving safety and satisfaction.
Contact us at (407) 917-1248 or online to keep your ride smooth and safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?
Generally, it's recommended to have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year. However, it's also important to consider getting an alignment after any significant impact or if you notice your vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or steering wheel vibration. The roads and climate conditions in Oviedo can impact your vehicle's alignment more frequently, so staying vigilant is key.
What Are Symptoms of Misaligned Wheels?
Common signs of misalignment include your vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, the steering wheel being off-center when driving straight, and noises when turning. If any of these symptoms are present, it's advisable to visit our Oviedo location promptly to prevent further damage and ensure your safety.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious issues such as suspension problems or abnormal tire pressure, further deteriorating vehicle control and safety. Addressing alignment issues early is key to maintaining your vehicle's health and ensuring your safety on Oviedo's roads.
Can Tire Misalignment Affect My Car's Performance?
Yes, misaligned tires can hinder your vehicle’s performance significantly. You may experience decreased steering responsiveness, increased tire wear, and reduced fuel efficiency. These issues can evolve into more costly repairs if not addressed immediately. Ensuring alignment maintains your vehicle’s efficiency and longevity, especially with Oviedo's varied driving conditions.
Additionally, consistent misalignment can strain other systems, leading to premature wear and tear, impacting overall maintenance costs. Regular alignments help ensure a smoother ride, better handling, and lower long-term expenses due to reduced wear on tires and suspension components.
What Causes Car Misalignment?
Misalignment can result from hitting potholes, curbs, or road debris. Natural wear and tear, as well as suspension component replacements, can also affect alignment. Oviedo's local roads can present various alignment challenges, so routine checks are advised to prevent long-term issues.
The local terrain, with its mix of suburban and urban elements, contributes significantly to alignment alterations. Weather changes, especially during the rainy season, can exacerbate road wear, making regular alignment check-ups a necessity for maintaining vehicle safety and efficiency.
Do I Need to Realign My Tires After Tire Replacement?
Yes, it's advisable to perform a wheel alignment after installing new tires. This ensures they wear evenly and prolongs their lifespan. An accurate alignment aligns with using manufacturer-quality specifications, maximizing your investment in new tires.
Aligning newly installed tires helps in minimizing rolling resistance, thereby enhancing the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and providing a smoother driving experience. It is a pivotal step in safeguarding your tire investment and maintaining optimal vehicle functionality.
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 had my 2016 Ford fusion Serviced for an Oil Change for the first time at the Oviedo location on 12/31/2024 and the service was excellent. Ron DICKINSON and his staff were Very friendly, And I Also Appreciated The DIAGNOSTic Testing they do at no cost. I "
- Linda Risi