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 Dangers of Neglecting Misaligned Wheels
It's important to understand the potential dangers of neglecting wheel alignment. A misaligned vehicle can increase the likelihood of accidents due to its impact on steering precision and handling, especially during sudden maneuvers or emergency situations. This compromise in control can put the driver and other motorists at risk. Moreover, misalignment increases tire wear and tear, resulting in surprise blowouts or flats when you least expect them.
Overlooking alignment jeopardizes safety and inflates car maintenance costs. Excessive tire wear requires more frequent replacements, and the strain misalignment places on your vehicle's suspension system can lead to costly repairs. By regularly ensuring proper alignment, drivers in Richmond can avoid these pitfalls, ensuring a smoother, safer driving experience that preserves the longevity of their vehicle.
Our Comprehensive Car Alignment Services in Richmond
At Christian Brothers Automotive Waterside, we offer a range of alignment services tailored for Richmond drivers.
We can help you with:
- Front-End Alignment: Adjusting only the front wheels to restore proper steering and handling.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Includes adjustments to both front and rear wheels, essential for all-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: Ensures all four wheels are 'square' with each other for proper vehicle balance.
Our comprehensive approach guarantees that your vehicle will have a smooth ride, reduced tread wear, and improved fuel efficiency. Our team isn’t just invested in fixing alignment issues; we’re dedicated to understanding the root causes that could be unique to your driving habits or common route conditions in Richmond. By addressing these, we aim to provide not just a temporary fix but a long-term solution that aligns with your lifestyle.
Schedule your alignment service in Richmond by contacting us at (281) 653-8173 or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common signs that my vehicle needs an alignment?
There are several indicators that your vehicle may need an alignment. If you notice your car pulling to one side while driving straight, this is a common sign. Uneven tire wear is another indicator, which can lead to reduced tire life and compromised safety. Other signs include your steering wheel being off-center when driving straight and vibrations in the steering wheel. Addressing these issues promptly with an alignment service helps maintain your vehicle's performance and safety.
How often should I get a tire alignment for my car?
The frequency of car alignments depends on various factors, including your driving habits and road conditions in Richmond. Generally, we recommend checking alignment every 10,000 miles, or at least once a year. However, if you frequently drive on rough roads, it's advisable to have it checked more often. Regular alignments help prevent premature tire wear and improve vehicle handling.
How does wheel alignment benefit my car?
Proper wheel alignment offers multiple benefits, including improved fuel efficiency and prolonged tire life. It enhances vehicle handling, ensuring optimal control, particularly in wet or icy conditions common in Richmond. By optimizing alignment, your vehicle runs smoothly, reducing unnecessary strain on the suspension system, and potentially saving you from costly repairs.
Is wheel alignment a complicated process?
While wheel alignment is a precise procedure, it is not overly complicated, especially in the hands of skilled technicians like ours at Christian Brothers Automotive Waterside. We can measure your vehicle’s alignment with extreme precision using computerized technology. The process involves adjusting the angles of your wheels to the manufacturer's specifications, ensuring optimal vehicle performance. Additionally, our professionals will inspect other suspension components, such as tie rods and ball joints, to ensure total system health.
Does misalignment affect my vehicle's fuel efficiency?
Yes! When wheels are not parallel, the engine works harder to propel the vehicle, consuming more fuel. Ensuring proper alignment optimizes the vehicle's ability to roll smoothly, decreasing fuel consumption and saving you money in the long run. Furthermore, fixing alignment issues contributes to carbon footprint reduction, as improved efficiency translates into fewer emissions.
Let us help you stay aligned and drive safely for miles to come!
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.