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.
Understanding Different Types of Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your Lincoln might require one of several specific alignment services, depending on the symptoms.
We can help you with:
- Front-End Alignment: Ensures both front wheels are parallel and centered.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Involves aligning all four wheels for vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Aligns the wheels to track correctly with the rear axle.
Each type of alignment serves different purposes. Our ASE-certified technicians assess each vehicle individually, ensuring tailored services that meet the unique requirements of your vehicle's make and model. Trust us to provide the finest alignment solution that matches your driving needs and lifestyle.
When we recommend a four-wheel alignment, we consider how you use your vehicle day to day, whether that means commuting across town, driving students to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus, or taking weekend trips to nearby communities. By looking at tire wear patterns, how your vehicle sits, and how it responds on a test drive, we determine which alignment service will best restore confident handling. This thorough approach helps your vehicle track straight, reduces unwanted pulling, and supports a more relaxed experience behind the wheel.
Benefits Of Regular Alignments in Lincoln
Staying current with alignment service is one of the simplest ways to protect your vehicle and your wallet over time. Regular checks help you catch small changes before they turn into problems you can feel in the steering wheel or see on your tires. For drivers who rely on their vehicles for commuting, family activities, or trips to nearby cities like Omaha or Beatrice, consistent maintenance helps keep every drive more predictable and comfortable.
When your wheels are properly aligned, your vehicle is better able to maintain a straight path with minimal correction from the driver, even when dealing with crosswinds on open stretches outside Lincoln. This can reduce fatigue on longer drives, since you are not constantly fighting the steering wheel to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. A well-maintained alignment also supports the performance of safety systems that depend on good traction and predictable handling.
Another key benefit of a vehicle alignment is the way it supports other maintenance you invest in, such as new tires or suspension repairs. By making sure the wheels are pointed in the right direction and working together, you help those components last longer and perform closer to how the manufacturer intended. Over time, this can reduce the likelihood of unexpected repairs and help you plan your automotive budget with fewer surprises.
Contact us at (402) 821-0543 or online to schedule your car alignment service in Lincoln today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Lincoln's Steering Wheel Vibrate?
Vibration in the steering wheel often indicates misalignment, imbalance, or worn suspension components. Bring your vehicle in for a thorough inspection by our skilled technicians to pinpoint and rectify the cause.
During an inspection, we may road test your vehicle on typical Lincoln routes and then place it on an alignment rack to measure how far angles like camber, caster, and toe have moved from recommended settings. If we find that vehicle alignment is a factor, we will explain how those measurements relate to what you feel in the steering wheel. Addressing these issues early can prevent extra wear on suspension parts and tires, helping your vehicle stay comfortable and predictable at highway speeds.
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?
As a rule of thumb, it's advisable to have your alignment checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year. Frequent checks may be needed if you drive on rough roads frequently. Our team recommends tailoring alignment schedules to your specific driving habits and conditions here in Lincoln.
Drivers who frequently travel on gravel roads outside the city, encounter construction zones, or commute daily through stop-and-go traffic may benefit from more frequent vehicle alignment checks. We can review your maintenance history and current tire condition to suggest a realistic schedule that fits how and where you drive. By planning regular checks, you can catch small changes before they lead to uneven wear or handling concerns that affect your confidence on the road.
Can Misalignment Affect My Lincoln's Fuel Efficiency?
Yes, misalignment can lead to increased rolling resistance, causing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Proper alignment can improve efficiency and ultimately save on fuel costs. Let us help keep your Lincoln running efficiently.
When we perform a tire alignment, we adjust the wheels so they work together instead of fighting against each other as the vehicle moves forward. This can help reduce the drag that forces your engine to burn more fuel, especially during longer drives between Lincoln and nearby towns. Combined with proper tire pressure and regular maintenance, keeping your wheels properly aligned supports smoother operation and can contribute to more consistent fuel usage over time.
What Signs Indicate My Lincoln Needs an Alignment?
Common signs include your vehicle pulling to one side, uneven or rapid tire wear, and a crooked steering wheel when driving straight. If you experience any of these, schedule a visit with us to avoid further damage.
You might also notice light squealing from the tires during turns, a feeling that the vehicle is wandering on the highway, or that you constantly need to correct the steering to keep a straight path. These symptoms can develop gradually, so it helps to pay attention after driving over railroad crossings, large potholes, or debris on roads in and around Lincoln. When you bring your vehicle in promptly, we can identify whether alignment is the cause or if other components need attention to restore a stable, confident ride.
Can Alignment Issues Cause Tire Wear?
Yes, misalignment can cause tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. This not only increases tire expenses but can also affect overall vehicle safety and handling. Regular alignment checks can prevent this kind of damage, ensuring a safer, smoother ride.
By catching misalignment early, we can help you extend the life of your tires and maintain consistent traction during Lincoln’s changing seasons, from wet spring roads to winter conditions. An accurate wheel alignment Lincoln drivers can rely on also supports even contact between the tire and the road surface, which can improve braking performance and steering feedback. When you visit us, we will review your tire wear patterns with you so you can see how alignment service protects both your safety and your investment in quality tires.
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.