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 Signs Your Vehicle Needs Alignment
It's important to recognize the symptoms of wheel misalignment to address the issue before it leads to more severe problems.
Here are some signs that your vehicle might need a wheel alignment:
- Car Pulling to One Side: If you notice your vehicle drifting to one side when driving on a straight, flat road, it could be due to misaligned wheels.
- Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear: Misalignment wears down your tires unevenly, reducing their lifespan and affecting safety.
- Vibrating Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel vibrates or feels shaky, it might be time for an alignment check.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: A steering wheel that is not centered when driving straight indicates potential alignment issues.
Regular alignment checks at Christian Brothers Automotive Towne Lake can help diagnose and correct these issues, ensuring your vehicle operates smoothly and efficiently. Understanding these early warning signs can prevent costly repairs in the future and maintain the safety of your drive in and around Woodstock, where road conditions can fluctuate and impact alignment.
Our Comprehensive Car Alignment Options
At Christian Brothers Automotive Towne Lake, we offer various alignment services tailored to your vehicle's needs. Whether you're dealing with a slight wheel misalignment or need a complete four-wheel alignment, our dedicated technicians have you covered.
We can help you with:
- Front-End Alignment: Ideal for vehicles with a solid rear axle, this service focuses on aligning just the front wheels.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Ensures the rear wheels are aligned to match the front axle, essential for vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Necessary for all-wheel drive models and those with independent rear suspension, aligning all four wheels to perfection.
Each alignment type is performed using advanced alignment systems to ensure accuracy and quality, reflecting our dedication to superior service. Our comprehensive approach corrects current alignment issues and checks for potential factors that might lead to future problems, providing peace of mind whenever you drive.
Contact us at (770) 404-8938 or online to schedule an appointment. Let us help you keep your car aligned and ready for the road ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get a Wheel Alignment?
Having your vehicle’s alignment checked every 6,000 to 10,000 miles is generally recommended, or at least once a year. However, if you frequently drive on rough roads or hit potholes and curbs, you might require alignment services more often. Regular checks can prevent premature tire wear and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
What Are the Benefits of Proper Tire Alignment?
Proper wheel alignment offers numerous benefits, including improved vehicle handling, enhanced fuel efficiency, longer tire life, and a smoother ride. It also reduces stress on your vehicle's steering and suspension components, ultimately lowering maintenance costs over time. Alignments by trained professionals also add an extra layer of safety, especially vital on the winding roads and highways around Woodstock.
Can Misalignment Affect Vehicle Safety?
Yes, misalignment can significantly impact vehicle safety. It can lead to poor handling and reduced traction, especially in wet or icy conditions. Correct alignment ensures optimal contact between the tires and the road, essential for safe driving. Proper alignment also enhances braking performance, a critical factor when navigating the hilly terrains and sudden stops that can arise in traffic-heavy areas of Woodstock.
What Causes Wheel Misalignment?
Wheel misalignment can result from various factors, including hitting potholes, curbing a wheel, or driving on rough terrain. It can also occur over time due to wear and tear on suspension components. Regular maintenance is key to preventing long-term issues. Events like road construction in Woodstock or seasonal temperature changes can exacerbate these factors, highlighting the importance of regular alignment services.
How Can I Tell if My Wheels Are Out of Alignment?
If your vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight, your steering wheel is off-center, or there is uneven tire wear, these signs indicate that your wheels might be out of alignment. Prompt service can rectify these issues, avoiding further damage. Additionally, if you experience increased vibration while driving or notice that your car handles unpredictably during turns, these could be further indicators that alignment is needed.
Contact us to learn more about our car alignment services or to schedule an appointment today!
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.