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 Your Car Needs an Alignment
Don't ignore the warning signs! What starts as a minor alignment issue can quickly turn into costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions. Your vehicle often gives clear signals when it's out of alignment, and catching them early can save you money and enhance your driving safety on Houston's roads.
Watch for these red flags:
- Your vehicle pulls to one side while driving.
- The steering wheel is off-center, even when driving straight.
- Uneven or rapid tire wear.
- Vibrations in the steering wheel.
Neglecting these signs can lead to excessive tire wear, poor handling, and unnecessary strain on your suspension system. Addressing alignment issues ensures a safer, smoother, and more reliable ride.
Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignments
Routine wheel alignments are an investment in your vehicle's performance, longevity, and—most importantly—your safety.
Here's why they're essential:
- Enhanced Safety: Proper alignment improves handling and control, especially in emergencies.
- Longer Tire Life: Even tire wear extends the lifespan of your tires, reducing replacement costs.
- Better Fuel Efficiency: Reduced rolling resistance means improved gas mileage and lower fuel expenses.
- A Smoother Ride: Proper alignment eliminates unnecessary vibrations and provides a more comfortable drive.
Beyond these benefits, keeping your wheels aligned reduces stress on your suspension and steering components, minimizes your environmental footprint with better fuel economy, and prevents costly repairs down the road.
Our Car Alignment Process
At Christian Brothers Automotive Woodmen & Powers, we take a meticulous approach to wheel alignment, ensuring precision and transparency every step of the way. Our certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to bring your vehicle back to factory specifications, optimizing performance and safety."
Here's what you can expect:
- Comprehensive Inspection: We assess your vehicle's alignment and identify any underlying issues.
- Precision Adjustment: Using advanced technology, we fine-tune your wheels to manufacturer-recommended angles.
- Final Verification: A thorough post-service check ensures perfect alignment and peace of mind.
Don't let poor alignment compromise your safety and driving experience.
Schedule your tire alignment service today and enjoy a smoother, more efficient ride with CBAC! Contact us at (719) 745-7972 or contact us online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don’t Fix My Car’s Alignment?
Letting alignment issues go unaddressed can lead to many problems. Initially, you may experience discomfort due to uneven tire wear and vibrations, making rides less enjoyable. Over time, misalignment might cause premature tire wear, forcing you to replace them more frequently, which can become costly.
Improper alignment can also strain suspension components and steering systems. This can result in an unstable driving experience and an increased risk of accidents. Ignoring these issues can lead to extensive damage to your vehicle's mechanics, requiring more intensive repairs. For safety and to avoid higher expenses, address alignment concerns promptly.
How Often Should Car Alignment Be Checked in Colorado Springs?
Regular alignment checks are crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety. We recommend checking your car's alignment at least once a year or every 10,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive on rough roads or have recently hit a curb or pothole, it's wise to check it sooner.
In addition to annual checks, pay attention to your driving habits and road conditions. Those who regularly navigate through harsh weather or rugged terrain may require more frequent inspections. An alignment check can prevent premature wear on your tires and suspension components, saving you money in the long term and ensuring safety during unexpected road conditions.
What Causes Car Alignment Issues in Colorado Springs?
Several factors can lead to alignment issues, including:
- Hitting curbs or potholes.
- Worn suspension components.
- Accidents or collisions.
- Regular wear and tear over time.
Understanding these causes can help you take preventive measures and maintain your vehicle's alignment. Regular checks and avoiding known issues can significantly enhance your vehicle's performance and prolong its life.
How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Service Take?
The alignment process at Christian Brothers Automotive Woodmen & Powers typically takes about one hour, depending on the condition of your vehicle and whether additional adjustments are necessary. We strive to provide efficient service without compromising quality so you can return on the road promptly.
Our team is committed to providing thorough checks. We meticulously inspect each element to ensure optimal performance and safety. While unforeseen issues may extend this time, we prioritize delivering reliable and accurate corrections for your alignment needs.
Is Wheel Alignment Necessary With New Tires?
Yes, getting an alignment Colorado Springs service after installing new tires is beneficial. Ensuring your wheels are correctly aligned extends the lifespan of your tires. Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear, reducing the benefits you hope to gain from new tires.
Proper alignment ensures tires make full contact with the road, improving fuel efficiency and safety. If you're purchasing new tires, it’s an ideal time to check and adjust wheel alignment for a smooth, safe driving experience.
What Kind of Equipment Do You Use for Alignment?
At Christian Brothers Automotive Woodmen & Powers, we utilize state-of-the-art alignment equipment to ensure precision and accuracy. Our tools allow us to adjust wheel angles based on manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal performance. Our technicians are skilled in using advanced technology to deliver high-quality service.
During the alignment process, our equipment measures camber, caster, and toe-in angles, allowing for complete realignment of your vehicle. This process ensures a smoother ride and enhances tire wear life and fuel efficiency.
Why Does My Vehicle Pull to the Right After an Alignment?
If your vehicle pulls to the right after an alignment, it could be due to other underlying issues, such as tire pressure imbalances, worn suspension components, or brake malfunctions. Ensuring these elements are in good condition is key to maintaining proper alignment.
Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Woodmen & Powers carefully inspects your vehicle during an alignment to identify potential causes of pulling or misalignment, offering solutions to rectify them. Contacting our skilled technicians can save you time and ensure that every aspect of your car’s mechanics is functioning correctly.
Contact us and discover why we provide the best solution for your car alignment needs!
FAQs
-
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.
-
Q. "How often should I get a wheel alignment?"We recommend every 6,000 miles or when you experience signs of misalignment.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"Everyone is always so courteous and professional. I will continue to bring my Suv here for services.!"
- Terri S.