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 Needs Alignment
Key indicators of misaligned wheels include:
- Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle drifts to the right or left on a straight road, it could be a sign of misalignment.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Tires wearing out more on one side indicate that your wheels might not be properly aligned.
- Steering Wheel Vibrations: Feeling vibrations through the steering wheel? This can be a major indicator of alignment issues.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: If the steering wheel isn't centered when driving straight, it's time to have your alignment checked.
Choosing the Right Alignment Service for Your Vehicle
Every type of vehicle, from sedans to trucks, requires different alignment services based on how you drive in Sun Prairie. Our team reviews manufacturer guidelines and asks about your driving routine, whether you commute into Madison, drive rural county routes near Token Creek, or cover daily miles for family activities.
After learning these details, we recommend the best alignment—front-end, four-wheel, or thrust angle—for your car. Our process delivers a clear explanation so you understand how each option keeps your vehicle safe and comfortable. This level of clarity gives you control over your maintenance decisions and helps protect your budget.
Protecting Your Investment: Maintenance Tips
After your wheel alignment, keeping your vehicle in top shape requires simple, proactive steps. Sun Prairie roads, especially after winter thaws, can quickly cause issues. Following a few easy maintenance tips helps you avoid extra costs and maintain your car’s safety and reliability for daily commutes around Dane County.
We share these practical tips whenever you visit to help you protect your investment. Listen for new noises or watch for loose steering. If you spot uneven tire wear, book a safety check right away. This simple vigilance keeps your vehicle ready for the road.
Here are key steps to follow:
- Check tire pressure monthly and rotate tires during oil changes.
- Avoid potholes and slow down over speed bumps.
- Listen for new noises or check for loose steering.
- Book a safety check for any signs of uneven tire wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of wheels to the original manufacturer's specifications to ensure that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This process improves stability, reduces tire wear, and boosts performance. At Christian Brothers Automotive Sun Prairie, our alignment methods restore your vehicle’s configuration for safer and more efficient driving in Sun Prairie.
How Often Should Wheel Alignment Be Checked?
We recommend checking your wheel alignment every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or at least once a year. If you often drive on rough roads or notice signs like steering wheel vibrations or uneven tire wear, schedule a check sooner. Consistent maintenance can help avoid larger repair costs and keep your drive stable and safe in Sun Prairie.
What Are the Benefits of Proper Wheel Alignment?
With correct wheel alignment, your vehicle handles more predictably, fuel efficiency improves, and tire wear is more even. Keeping alignment within recommended specs also protects suspension and steering, so your drive stays comfortable and you avoid unexpected repairs. Alignment supports both daily performance and long-term savings.
Can Misalignment Affect My Vehicle's Fuel Efficiency?
Yes. Misalignment creates rolling resistance, forcing your vehicle to use more fuel. By staying aligned, you save money at the gas station and enjoy smoother driving. For Sun Prairie drivers, this means fewer trips to fill up and a more consistent commute, even as fuel prices change.
How Does Local Climate in Sun Prairie Affect Wheel Alignment?
Seasonal temperature swings in Sun Prairie cause expansion and contraction in wheel assemblies, which affects alignment. Winter road salt can also speed up suspension wear. By checking alignment regularly, you prevent seasonal changes from causing bigger issues and keep your vehicle performing well year-round.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
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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"Great guest service once again. Nathon and Scott are awesome. They treat you with respect and honesty. Also like an old friend."
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