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 Alignment Needs Attention
Many drivers do not realize their vehicle is out of alignment until they see physical damage to their tires. However, your car often gives subtle warning signs before tire wear becomes severe. Recognizing these symptoms early allows our car shop to correct the issue before it leads to expensive suspension repairs or unsafe driving conditions.
Watch for these common indicators that you need a tire alignment:
- Vehicle Pulling: Your car drifts to the left or right when you are trying to drive straight on a level road.
- Crooked Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is off-center even when you are driving in a straight line.
- Uneven Tire Wear: You notice that the inside or outside edges of your tires are wearing down faster than the center.
- Squealing Tires: Your tires make squealing noises when turning corners at low speeds.
- Vibrating Steering Wheel: You feel a vibration in the steering wheel, which can indicate alignment or balance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?
It is generally recommended to have your wheel alignment checked at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. However, in Parker, CO, where road conditions can change rapidly due to weather and construction, checking it every six months is a proactive way to protect your tires. You should also book an appointment immediately if you hit a large pothole, curb, or debris on the road, as these impacts can instantly misalign your wheels.
Additionally, whenever you purchase a set of new tires, an alignment is mandatory to ensure the warranty remains valid and the tires wear evenly. Skipping this step can ruin a new set of tires in just a few thousand miles. Our auto shop can perform a quick check to let you know if adjustments are necessary.
What Is the Difference Between a 2-Wheel and 4-Wheel Alignment?
A 4-wheel alignment is typically required for all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles and modern cars with independent rear suspensions, which includes most SUVs and sedans driven in Parker. This service adjusts the rear axle angles to ensure they are parallel with the front axle and perpendicular to the centerline of the car. This provides the highest level of handling and safety.
A 2-wheel alignment, or front-end alignment, checks and adjusts only the front wheels. This is generally reserved for older vehicles or large trucks with a solid rear axle, where rear adjustments are not possible. Our ASE-certified technicians will determine which service is correct for your specific vehicle type to ensure optimal performance.
Can I Drive My Car If It Is Out of Alignment?
While you can physically drive a car with bad alignment, it is not recommended for safety and financial reasons. Driving with misaligned wheels causes your tires to fight against each other, leading to rapid, uneven tire wear and reduced fuel efficiency. In severe cases, it can make the vehicle difficult to control, especially during emergency maneuvers or on slick winter roads.
Ignoring alignment issues puts extra stress on your steering and suspension components, potentially leading to more expensive car repair services down the line. It is always more cost-effective to pay for a simple alignment adjustment now than to replace a set of tires and suspension parts later.
How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?
A standard wheel alignment typically takes about an hour to complete. However, if our inspection reveals worn or damaged suspension parts that need to be replaced before the alignment can be performed, the process will take longer. We value your time and will always provide a time estimate before beginning work.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Parker, we offer a comfortable waiting area with Wi-Fi so you can stay productive while we work. If your service requires more time, we can help coordinate our complimentary shuttle to get you back to your home or office in Parker. We strive to make the process as convenient as possible.
Does Bad Alignment Affect Fuel Efficiency?
Yes, improper alignment significantly impacts fuel efficiency. When your wheels are not aligned correctly, they create drag or "rolling resistance" because they are being dragged sideways rather than rolling freely. This forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel to move the vehicle forward.
By correcting the alignment, we reduce this resistance, allowing your vehicle to roll smoothly. This helps restore your gas mileage, saving you money at the pump. Combined with proper tire inflation, a vehicle alignment is one of the easiest ways to improve your car's efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.
Schedule Your Alignment Service Today
At Christian Brothers Automotive Parker, we are committed to providing wheel alignment services in Parker, CO that prioritize your safety and budget. Our combination of advanced diagnostics, skilled ASE-certified technicians, and a neighborly approach ensures you receive the best care possible. We back our work with an industry-leading warranty, giving you confidence that your vehicle is ready for whatever the road ahead brings.
Don't let a crooked steering wheel or uneven tire wear compromise your drive. Call us at (720) 549-8614 or schedule your appointment online today!
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
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.
-
Q. "How often should I get a wheel alignment?"We recommend every 6,000 miles or when you experience signs of misalignment.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"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.