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.
What is a Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is a crucial automotive maintenance service that ensures your vehicle's wheels are set to the optimal position according to the manufacturer's specifications. This process involves adjusting the wheels' angles so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Proper alignment enhances your vehicle's performance and longevity.
How Often Should I Get My Wheels Aligned?
Regular wheel alignment is essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety. It is generally recommended to have your car aligned every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or at least once a year. However, you should also consider an alignment check if you experience any of the signs mentioned above or after any significant impact, such as hitting a pothole or curb.
Signs Your Car Needs an Alignment
Identifying when your car requires an alignment can prevent costly repairs and provide a smoother, safer driving experience. Watch for these common signs:
- Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear: This often indicates that your wheels are not properly aligned.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: If your car drifts to the right or left when driving straight, it's time for an alignment check.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: When your steering wheel isn't centered while driving straight, it usually points to an alignment issue.
- Steering Wheel Vibrations: Noticeable vibrations in the steering wheel can indicate misalignment.
- Unusual Handling or Steering Problems: Difficulty steering or unusual handling behavior can indicate alignment trouble.
If you experience any of these symptoms, bring your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive Berthoud for a professional alignment inspection and service.
Call (970) 703-7139 or contact us online for reliable wheel alignment services in Berthoud, CO.
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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"Recently i had my 2006 chevy pickup broken into with the obvious plan of stealing it. the steering column and ignition were completely trashed but the idiots weren't able to get the truck started and I was left with a unusable truck! my insurance company w"
- Lori Taylor