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.
Comprehensive Car Alignment Services
Whether you need a basic alignment check, front-end alignment, four-wheel alignment, or thrust angle alignment, Christian Brothers Automotive Thornton is your trusted partner. Our technicians ensure your vehicle's wheels are perfectly aligned using the latest computerized systems.
Our service process involves:
- Thorough inspection: Our technicians will conduct a detailed assessment of your vehicle's suspension and steering systems.
- Advanced technology: We use computerized alignment tools to detect the minutest misalignments, allowing for precise corrections.
- Manufacturer settings: Alignments are recalibrated to match original manufacturer specifications, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly.
Our comprehensive service approach extends beyond just the alignment. We inspect related components, such as the suspension system, steering linkages, and tires, to ensure they are in optimal condition. This holistic examination helps maintain overall vehicle health, offering you peace of mind on every trip.
Why Choose Us for Your Tire Alignment Needs
When it comes to wheel alignment in Thornton, choosing a local and reliable service like CBAC offers several advantages. Our presence in the community means we understand the unique driving conditions in the Thornton area, from local roadways to seasonal weather impacts.
Our commitment to transparency, integrity, and exceptional customer care sets us apart.
Here's what you can expect:
- Clear Communication: We explain your vehicle's alignment issues and the required services in plain language.
- Quality Assurance: With a focus on manufacturer-grade equipment, we provide high-quality service you can trust.
- Convenience: Our welcoming atmosphere and personalized service make your visit hassle-free and comfortable.
Our technicians are skilled and deeply familiar with local terrain challenges, helping tailor your alignment service to provide the best driving experience specific to Thornton's environment. This local expertise ensures that your vehicle is easily prepared to handle varying conditions.
Schedule your tire alignment service by contacting us at (720) 709-1928 or online. We’re here to keep you driving safely and smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs That My Car Needs an Alignment?
Signs that your vehicle may need an alignment include the car pulling to one side, the steering wheel being off-center while driving straight, uneven tire wear, or vibrations at certain speeds. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's advisable to schedule an alignment check to prevent further damage to your tires and suspension system.
Ignoring these signs can exacerbate issues, including heightened tire damage and compromised steering control. By addressing these early indicators with the help of professionals at Christian Brothers Automotive Thornton, you can maintain your vehicle's performance and safety, ensuring optimal functionality.
How Often Should Wheel Alignment Be Checked?
It's recommended to have your alignment checked every one to two years, or sooner if you experience any noticeable signs of misalignment. Regular checks can extend the life of your tires, improve your vehicle's handling, and maximize fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective maintenance practice.
Various factors can influence the ideal frequency of checks, including driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle age. For drivers in Thornton who face particular road stresses, more frequent alignment evaluations might be warranted to keep your vehicle optimally adjusted.
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, necessitating prompt inspection and adjustment.
Environmental elements, like extreme weather conditions, can also lead to misaligned wheels. Understanding these causes helps vehicle owners take preventive measures and seek periodic assessments to ensure prolonged 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, ensuring they drive straight and true. Balancing involves equalizing the weight of the wheel and tire assembly so it rotates smoothly, preventing 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 prevents tire vibrations and ensures even tire wear.
Can Misalignment Affect Vehicle Safety?
Absolutely. Misaligned wheels can significantly affect vehicle safety by reducing steering control and increasing stopping distances. This can be particularly dangerous in emergency situations, making regular alignment checks a critical safety measure.
The implications of misalignment extend beyond handling flaws, as they can lead to accelerated tire wear and potential blowouts. Ensuring periodic alignment services helps in maintaining the structural integrity and reliable performance of your vehicle in all driving scenarios.
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.