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.
Recognizing Signs of Car Misalignment
Driving in Columbus, OH presents unique challenges, from navigating local traffic to maintaining your car on Midwest roads.
Recognizing symptoms of misalignment is key:
- Uneven Tire Wear: Misaligned wheels often lead to tires wearing unevenly, reducing their lifespan.
- Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn't straight when driving, alignment might be the issue.
- Pulling to One Side: A steady drift to the left or right indicates a potential alignment problem.
Additionally, misalignment might lead to unusual vibrations or a squealing noise from your tires. These subtle indications, often overlooked, are signs that your vehicle's steering and suspension are not working in harmony. Addressing these issues with timely wheel alignment helps prevent further vehicle damage and decreases the risk of accidents.
Our Comprehensive Tire Alignment Services in Columbus, OH
At Christian Brothers Automotive Polaris, we offer a range of alignment services tailored to meet your specific needs, including:
- Basic Alignment Check: A thorough inspection to determine if your vehicle needs an adjustment.
- Front-End Alignment: Focused on aligning the front wheels for straight driving.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Comprehensive service for vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Ensures all four wheels are square to each other and parallel to the ground.
Each type of alignment has its specific benefits and applicability based on your vehicle’s design and the common issues you might experience on Columbus, OH roads. Whether you're driving a front-wheel-drive sedan or a four-wheel-drive SUV, our team carefully selects the appropriate alignment approach to provide the best results. We also offer personalized consultations to discuss any suspension concerns and advise on preventative maintenance.
Benefits of Proper Alignment
Alignment isn't just about keeping your car straight. It's an investment in your vehicle's longevity and efficiency.
Key advantages include:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Proper alignment reduces tire resistance, helping you save on gas.
- Extended Tire Life: Correct alignment prevents rapid or uneven tire wear, saving on replacement costs.
- Smoother Driving Experience: Alignments offer a smoother ride, minimizing steering wheel vibrations.
Maintaining well-aligned wheels is cost-effective and crucial for safe driving. Misalignments increase the effort your engine must exert to move the vehicle, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and higher emissions. Ensuring your wheels are properly aligned in Columbus contributes to a more sustainable environment and enhances your vehicle's efficiency on local roads.
Contact us at (614) 665-7008 or online to embark on your journey to better alignment and safer driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Have My Wheels Aligned?
Having your wheels aligned every two to three years is generally recommended. However, if you frequently drive on rough roads or notice symptoms like uneven tire wear, having them checked more often might be beneficial. In Columbus, OH, factors like potholes and abrupt stops can necessitate more frequent alignments to maintain peak vehicle performance and safety.
Regular alignment checks can uncover minor issues before they become major problems, offering long-term savings and peace of mind. In addition to addressing natural wear and tear, proactive alignment maintenance assists in detecting and correcting suspension anomalies induced by unintentional road impacts.
What Are Common Causes of Wheel Misalignment?
Misalignment can result from various factors, including hitting curbs or potholes, accidents, or suspension changes. Columbus, OH’s busy roads and seasonal changes can exacerbate these issues, making regular checks at Christian Brothers Automotive Polaris essential to ensure your alignment remains within manufacturer specifications, preventing premature wear and tear on your tires.
Beyond physical impacts, simple changes like adjusting vehicle height, aggressive driving, or even consistently overloading your vehicle can disturb your alignment. Regular maintenance paired with mindful driving habits can significantly reduce the risk of misalignment, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride.
Can Misalignment Affect My Vehicle’s Performance?
Yes, poor alignment can significantly impact your vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life. Misalignment causes your tires to work against each other, leading to unnecessary wear and higher fuel consumption. Ensuring your wheels are aligned properly helps maintain optimal vehicle performance and safety, especially on Columbus roads where conditions can change rapidly.
Misaligned vehicles can also contribute to a taxing driving experience, as handling becomes unpredictable. Emergency maneuvers and sudden stops may become less effective due to uneven tire and suspension stress. Proper alignment not only maximizes safety but enhances your vehicle’s responsiveness and ease of control.
Is Regular Alignment Cost-Effective?
Absolutely. Regular alignments can save you money by extending the lifespan of your tires and improving fuel efficiency. While the upfront cost of alignment services at Christian Brothers Automotive Polaris may seem unnecessary, the longer-term savings on fuel and tire costs, as well as improved driving comfort, make it a valuable investment.
Alignments are preventative measures, helping to avoid potentially costly repairs. By maintaining correct alignment, you keep components such as wheel bearings, shocks, and suspension in better condition, prolonging their operational life and ensuring that your car operates effectively without costly interruptions.
How Do I Know If I Need an Alignment?
Besides noticeable signs like drifting or steering wheel vibration, it's wise to have an alignment checked if you've recently had tire replacements, suspension work, or after significant impacts like hitting a pothole. Our team in Columbus, OH can quickly determine if your vehicle requires an alignment using advanced diagnostic tools to ensure specifications are met.
Moreover, if you observe changes in your vehicle’s fuel economy or experience an inconsistency in its handling, these may be telltale signs of misalignment. Consistent checks after rough weather conditions or long road trips can help maintain your vehicle’s optimal performance levels.
Schedule your appointment today, and experience the difference honesty and quality service make.
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.