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.
The Importance of a Wheel Alignment
Alignment issues are more than just an inconvenience; they can lead to significant problems for your vehicle. Misaligned wheels cause your tires to wear unevenly, which can drastically shorten their lifespan and even lead to a dangerous blowout while you're on the road. Regularly checking your alignment is a simple yet effective way to protect your investment and ensure your safety.
Here are some common signs that your vehicle may be in need of an alignment service:
- Uneven or Cupped Tire Wear: Take a close look at your tires' tread. If you notice a scalloped or cupped pattern—where parts of the tire's surface look worn down in dips—it's a clear sign of an alignment problem.
- Steering Wheel Vibration: If your steering wheel shakes or vibrates, especially when driving at higher speeds, it could be due to a misalignment.
- Drifting or Pulling: If your car consistently drifts to one side when you are driving on a straight, level road, your alignment is likely off.
- Poor Handling: A misaligned vehicle can feel less stable and responsive, making it harder to control.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel is not straight when you are driving in a straight line, you should have your alignment checked.
If you notice any of these symptoms or if your vehicle has recently been involved in a collision, it's vital to have your alignment checked immediately by a professional at Christian Brothers Automotive Prattville. Acting quickly can prevent more serious and costly damage from occurring.
Partner With Christian Brothers Automotive Prattville
Without the correct wheel alignment, your gas mileage, tire life, and the overall performance of your vehicle will be negatively impacted. That's why we recommend a wheel alignment check every 6,000 miles or 6 months as part of your regular vehicle maintenance. This proactive approach helps us catch minor issues before they escalate, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Prattville, we believe in providing honest and transparent service. We'll conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle's alignment and explain any issues we find in a way that's easy to understand. When you choose us, you're choosing a team that cares about your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.
Uneven tire wear? Improve your car's handling and extend your tire life with a precise wheel alignment service. Book a service online or call (334) 589-5978 to get your vehicle back in shape.
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.