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.
Wheel Alignment Benefits
Your Vehicle Deserves Optimal Alignment:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Proper alignment can save you money at the pump by reducing unnecessary drag.
- Enhanced Tire Longevity: Even tire wear minimizes replacement frequency, saving you money in the long run.
- Smooth Driving Experience: Aligned wheels mean a stable and comfortable ride.
Neglecting alignment can escalate into bigger, costlier issues, including uneven tire wear and strained suspension components.
Choose Christian Brothers Automotive West Galleria for reliable, professional alignment services in Houston. Regular alignments are a preventive measure that can extend the life of other vehicle components, including the steering and suspension systems, by reducing the strain caused by misaligned wheels.
This maintenance consideration not only preserves your vehicle's functionality but also maintains its resale value by keeping all systems performing optimally.
Our Different Types of Car Alignments in Houston
Navigating Houston's diverse roadways demands a vehicle with optimal alignment. Our wheel alignment services ensure your vehicle handles with confidence and efficiency.
We can help you with:
- Front-End Alignment: This crucial service focuses on adjusting the front suspension and axles, vital for front-wheel-drive vehicles. It guarantees balanced tire contact with the road, ensuring the front wheels are parallel and properly aligned with the rear.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: Ideal for all-wheel-drive vehicles and those with independent suspensions, this comprehensive alignment synchronizes all four wheels. It minimizes tire wear and maximizes overall vehicle performance, which is crucial for Houston's varied driving conditions.
- Thrust Angle Alignment: This advanced alignment combines front-end alignment with thrust adjustments, ensuring proper axle orientation and vehicle tracking. It significantly reduces drag and resistance by aligning the rear axle with the front.
At Christian Brothers Automotive West Galleria, we understand the unique demands of Houston's roads. Our expert technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver precise alignment services, ensuring your vehicle performs at its best. Trust us to keep you rolling smoothly and safely, mile after mile.
Our Commitment to Transparency & Quality
At Christian Brothers Automotive West Galleria, we strive to educate our clients, breaking down complex services into understandable language without the jargon. Our owner/operators are onsite, ensuring every customer receives the highest level of service, reflecting our dedication to honest communication and top-tier automotive care.
We believe in not just correcting issues but preventing them. By prioritizing educational interactions, we empower you to make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance, potentially saving you money and enhancing vehicle safety. We uphold a standard of excellence reflected in our customer testimonials and return clientele.
Contact us at (832) 604-5924 or online to schedule an appointment at your convenience, and drive confidently with the knowledge that your vehicle is in expert hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Wheel Alignment Important?
Proper wheel alignment in Houston ensures your car handles correctly, maximizing passenger safety by promoting optimal tire contact with the road. It prevents uneven tire wear, which can lead to premature tire replacement and increases the vehicle's fuel efficiency by minimizing rolling resistance.
Maintaining correct alignment helps to ensure that your vehicle's safety systems, like ABS and stability control, function correctly by relying on precise wheel positioning. Well-maintained alignments contribute to the longevity of the braking system, as misalignment can cause brakes to work harder, leading to wear and tear.
How Often Should I Have My Wheel Alignment Checked?
It's recommended to check your alignment every year or every other oil change, depending on your driving conditions. Factors like road type, frequency of travel, and vehicle age can necessitate more frequent checks, particularly if you notice signs like steering wheel vibration or vehicular drift.
Alignments should also be rechecked after any significant impact with potholes, curbs, or after an accident, as these can all alter alignment settings. Routine checks should be more frequent for vehicles used in construction work or off-road driving, as these conditions are more likely to affect alignment.
What Are Signs My Car Might Need an Alignment?
If your car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is off-center when driving straight, or you notice uneven tire wear, you likely need an alignment. Regular checks are crucial to preventing more serious mechanical issues down the line.
Over time, even small alignment issues can lead to major damage if left unattended, affecting the drivability of your vehicle. These symptoms often indicate underlying issues, such as broken or worn suspension parts, which alignments can spotlight before they progress into more extensive and expensive repairs.
Can Tire Misalignments Affect Fuel Consumption?
Yes, misalignment increases tire drag, which leads to higher fuel consumption. Proper alignment ensures your engine doesn't work harder than necessary, maintaining your vehicle's fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
This effect on fuel economy can be substantial, saving up to 10% on fuel costs annually by ensuring all wheels are operating in perfect harmony. Proper alignment saves fuel and provides a smoother driving experience by eliminating vibrations and steering difficulties, enhancing overall driving pleasure.
Does Houston Weather Affect Alignment Needs?
Absolutely! Houston's humid climate and heavy rains can lead to road conditions that increase the frequency of alignment issues. Flooding and frequent traffic stops can contribute to misalignment, underscoring the need for regular checks specific to this environment.
The clay-heavy soil in Houston can cause roads to shift, exacerbating tire misalignment risks. Drivers should pay extra attention post-storms or after frequent stops and starts, such as those experienced in Houston's rush hour, which can affect the car's handling and alignment.
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.