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 You Need Alignment Service
Misalignment often starts subtly, but your car will eventually tell you when it needs attention. If you are fighting the steering wheel to stay in your lane or notice your gas mileage dropping, it is time for a professional tire alignment inspection to prevent further damage.
- Drifting or Pulling: The vehicle veers to the left or right when driving on a straight, level road.
- Uneven Tire Wear: You notice the inside or outside edges of your tires wearing down faster than the center.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: The steering wheel remains turned at an angle even when you are driving straight.
- Steering Vibrations: The steering wheel shakes or vibrates, which can indicate alignment issues or a need for wheel balancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs That My Car Needs an Alignment?
Common indicators include your vehicle pulling to one side, an off-center steering wheel while driving straight, or noticeable steering vibrations. You might also observe uneven tire wear, which suggests your tires are not making proper contact with the road. Ignoring these red flags can accelerate tire damage and compromise your steering control, so it is crucial to address them early to protect your suspension system.
Many Thornton drivers first notice these issues on familiar local roads or while drifting on straight highways. When you bring your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive Thornton, we listen to your specific driving experiences to pinpoint the root cause. Addressing these symptoms promptly ensures your vehicle remains safe, maintains optimal performance, and avoids more costly suspension repairs down the line.
How Often Should Wheel Alignment Be Checked?
Industry standards generally recommend checking your alignment every one to two years, or sooner if you hit a significant pothole or curb. Regular inspections help extend the lifespan of your tires, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure predictable handling. Keeping up with this schedule is a cost-effective way to prevent premature wear on expensive suspension components and tires.
For drivers in Thornton, local road conditions and seasonal weather changes may necessitate more frequent evaluations. If you regularly commute on rougher county roads or face daily construction traffic, we suggest incorporating a vehicle alignment Thornton check into your routine maintenance visits. This proactive approach helps catch minor misalignments before they negatively impact your comfort or safety.
What Can Cause a Wheel to Become Misaligned?
Wheel misalignment can be caused by several factors, including hitting curbs or potholes, driving over rough roads, or general wear over time. Sudden impacts, such as those encountered during accidents, can also lead to misalignment and may call for prompt inspection and adjustment.
Environmental elements, like extreme weather conditions, can also contribute to misaligned wheels. Understanding these causes helps vehicle owners take preventive measures and seek periodic assessments to support long-term alignment and vehicle stability.
Is Wheel Alignment Different From Wheel Balancing?
Yes, wheel alignment and wheel balancing are two distinct services. Alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels to the manufacturer's specifications, helping them track straight. Balancing involves equalizing the weight of the wheel and tire assembly so it rotates smoothly, helping prevent vibrations.
While both services contribute to a smoother ride and tire longevity, they address different components of vehicle maintenance. Proper alignment focuses on directional stability and control, whereas balancing helps prevent tire vibrations and supports even tire wear.
Can Misalignment Affect Vehicle Safety?
Misaligned wheels can affect vehicle safety by reducing steering control and potentially increasing stopping distances. This can be especially concerning in emergencies, which makes regular alignment checks a valuable safety measure.
The implications of misalignment extend beyond handling flaws, as they can lead to accelerated tire wear and increase the risk of tire damage. Ensuring periodic alignment services helps in maintaining the structural integrity and reliable performance of your vehicle in a wide range of driving scenarios.
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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"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.