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 Car Needs a Wheel Alignment
Ensuring your vehicle's wheels are properly aligned is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety.
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for a wheel alignment:
- Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle drifts to the left or right while driving straight, it indicates that your wheels are misaligned.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Look for worn patches or uneven tread patterns on your tires, which could signal that your wheels are out of alignment.
- Crooked Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel is off-center when driving straight, your wheels are likely not aligned correctly.
- Squealing Tires: Misalignment can cause tires to rub against the road surface, resulting in squealing noises while driving.
- Vibration or Shaking: If your steering wheel shakes or you feel vibrations, particularly at higher speeds, misalignment could be the issue.
Catching these issues early can help you avoid costly repairs and improve your vehicle's handling. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our team in Plano today.
Our Comprehensive Wheel Alignment Process
At Christian Brothers Automotive Plano, we ensure your vehicle's alignment is done right the first time.
Here's what you can expect:
- Detailed Inspection: Our ASE-certified technicians start with a complete inspection of your vehicle's suspension system and wheel components to check for any issues that could affect alignment.
- Precise Measurements: Using state-of-the-art computerized equipment, we take precise measurements of your vehicle's alignment angles (camber, caster, and toe), ensuring they meet the manufacturer's specifications.
- Alignment Adjustments: If necessary, we adjust your vehicle's wheel angles to restore them to the correct alignment, improving handling and tire wear.
- Test Drive: After adjustments, we test drive the vehicle to ensure perfect alignment, checking for smooth handling and optimal performance.
- Final Inspection: We perform a final inspection to confirm everything is in optimal condition, so your vehicle is ready for the road.
Our detailed approach ensures that your vehicle enjoys improved handling, longer-lasting tires, and better fuel efficiency.
Why Choose Us?
When it comes to wheel alignments, you need a trustworthy provider.
Here's how we set ourselves apart:
- Experienced Technicians: Our ASE-certified technicians have the expertise to perform precise and reliable wheel alignments, ensuring your vehicle is in capable hands.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use the latest computerized alignment technology to ensure accuracy and precision with every alignment service.
- Clear Communication: We take the time to explain the alignment process in simple terms so you fully understand the service being performed on your vehicle.
- Customer-Centered Care: From our friendly staff to our clean, comfortable waiting area, we make your experience as pleasant as possible.
- Long-Term Savings: Proper wheel alignment helps prevent premature tire wear and suspension damage, saving you money on repairs and replacements.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Plano, we deliver top-quality service and build lasting customer relationships. You can count on us for reliable, friendly service every time.
Ready for a smoother ride? Contact us at (972) 471-9642 or online to schedule your tire alignment with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs My Vehicle Needs an Alignment?
Typical signs of misalignment include your vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or a crooked steering wheel. You might also experience vibration in the steering wheel or poor handling. It's crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage. Regular inspections can help catch misalignment early, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and efficient.
In addition to these signs, consider how your vehicle responds when driving straight. If it requires constant correction to maintain a straight path or if there are noises when turning, your alignment likely needs attention. Left unchecked, these issues can compromise safety and escalate into more costly and extensive repairs.
How Often Should I Get My Wheel Alignment Checked?
We generally recommend having your alignment checked annually or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive on rough roads or have experienced a recent parking impact or collision, it's wise to schedule an assessment sooner. Regular checks help maintain even tire wear and improve handling.
Moreover, lifestyle factors such as frequently carrying heavy loads or specialized use conditions, like off-road driving, can accelerate the need for alignment checks. Proactive alignment maintenance mitigates risks and sustains your vehicle’s optimal operation throughout its lifespan, ensuring safety and reliability at all times.
Can Misalignment Affect My Fuel Efficiency?
Yes, misaligned wheels can increase rolling resistance, which requires more power and fuel to maintain speed. This results in decreased fuel efficiency and higher costs at the pump. Correct wheel alignment reduces strain on your engine and suspension, promoting better fuel economy.
Aside from saving fuel, proper alignment benefits the environment by lowering emissions, as your vehicle uses energy more efficiently. Addressing misalignment is a practical step towards reducing your carbon footprint while benefitting financially from fewer fuel stops.
Is Wheel Alignment the Same as Wheel Balancing?
While they may sound similar, wheel alignment and balancing are different services. Alignment involves adjusting the angles of wheels to match manufacturer specifications, while balancing ensures the weight distribution of the wheel and tire assembly is even. Both are essential for smooth driving, but they address different issues.
Balancing corrects imbalances that can lead to vibrations and uneven wear. Both services complement each other, collectively contributing to the vehicle's comfort and operational precision. Conducting these checks in tandem helps protect your investment in your vehicle over time.
How Does Plano’s Climate Impact Wheel Alignment?
Plano’s hot summers and occasional winter freezes can lead to road expansion and contraction, impacting road surfaces and your vehicle's alignment over time. Regular alignment checks account for these local conditions, ensuring your vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned for optimal performance and safety.
Additional factors such as road salts used during icy conditions or the shifting pavement from recent construction projects can alter road surfaces, contributing to misalignment. Being proactive with alignment services helps manage these environment-induced fluctuations, preserving your vehicle’s integrity and alignment accuracy.
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.