You should always use the manufacturer's recommended viscosity or weight of oil. This can be found in your Owner's Manual. At Tires Tires Tires we use top quality Valvoline products. These products include the most popular all-climate oils, semi-synthetic oils, and full-synthetic oils. Tires Tires Tires also offers the very popular Valvoline MaxLife Oil that is specifically designed for vehicles with 75,000 miles or more. In addition, Tires Tires Tires offers passenger and light truck Diesel oil changes.
Why should I change my transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid is an internal lubricant just like engine motor oil. During certain driving conditions and mileage intervals, transmission fluid, because of wear and age, can break down and become contaminated. This may result in costly transmission repairs and possibly the need for replacement. As a general rule the transmission fluid and, in some instances, the transmission filter should be replaced at 25,000-mile intervals. You should always consult your vehicle's Owner's Manual for recommended service intervals.
How do I know if I need new brakes?
Many of today's vehicles come with brake wear indicators. As your brake pads wear down, a metal tab will start rubbing on your brake rotors, resulting in a very high-pitched squeal with your foot not on the brakes. This high-pitched squeal will typically disappear when you apply the brakes. Any grinding or metal-on-metal noises should be immediately checked out by an experienced brake technician. The same holds true with any type of 'mushy' or 'low-brake pedal' situation. At Tires Tires Tires we offer a free brake inspection on most vehicles.
How often should I have my vehicle's cooling system serviced?
Even though there are some manufacturers that advertise 100,000-mile anti-freeze, we at Tires Tires Tires recommend that your cooling system be serviced annually or at 15,000-mile intervals, whichever comes first. There are a number of cooling system components that may be affected by contaminated anti-freeze. Water pumps, radiators, heater cores, intake, and head gaskets are just a few examples of cooling system components that are costly to repair — repairs that may be avoided with proper cooling system maintenance. You should always consult your vehicle's Owner's Manual for recommended service intervals.
What does a tune-up consist of and how often should my vehicle have one?
For the most part, a tune-up on today's vehicles consists of spark plug replacement. Some manufacturers advertise 100,000-mile tune-ups. At Tires Tires Tires we recommend that you replace your vehicle's spark plugs every three years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Be sure to consult your vehicle's Owner's Manual for recommended service intervals. Because of the aluminum cylinder heads found on most late model vehicles, there is a possibility that the spark plugs may seize in the cylinder head that could result in costly repairs. At Tires Tires Tires we employ A.S.E.-certified technicians and utilize the most advanced diagnostic equipment to perform tune-ups and also to determine any other problems you may be experiencing with your vehicle.
What service warranties are offered by Tires Tires Tires?
We at Tires Tires Tires are proud to offer one of the best service warranties in the industry. Our minimum warranty for any repair is 90 days or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first. We also offer a number of extended and lifetime warranties for individual automotive services. Ask a Tires Tires Tires Associate for more information or see the back of our Company invoice for complete details on our warranties.
Why does the steering wheel shake when I apply the brakes?
The most common reasons are the brake rotors have become warped due to excessive heat or they have become too thin to dissipate heat. This may also result in a 'mushy' or 'spongy' brake pedal.
Should I drive my vehicle if the "Service Engine Soon" light is on?
The engine light is there to let you know that your vehicle's computer has detected a problem in the system. Even though your vehicle may seem to be running fine, you should have a qualified auto service technician check your engine to identify and repair any problems.
Do I need an alignment if my vehicle vibrates at certain driving speeds?
Your vehicle may need an alignment, but the most common cause is your vehicle's tire and wheel assembly is likely out of balance. Loose front-end parts or wheel bearings may also cause vibrations. In any case, you should have your vehicle inspected to ensure optimum driving comfort and safety. At Tires Tires Tires we offer a free visual inspection on most vehicles.
If my battery light is on, does that mean I need a new one?
Not necessarily. The most likely reason your battery light is on is because there is a problem with your vehicle's charging system. This problem could cause a battery failure if ignored. You should have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
If my vehicle is overheating, does this mean I need to replace it's thermostat?
You should not drive your vehicle when it's running hot. There are many reasons why your vehicle may overheat because most vehicles today have cooling systems that support electric fans, thermo switches, computer systems, and more. If your vehicle is overheating, you should have it immediately checked out by a qualified auto service technician to resolve the problem and to avoid replacing any parts unnecessarily.
Should I use synthetic oil in my vehicle?
Some manufacturers recommend using synthetic oil in their vehicles. However, synthetic oil is usually more expensive so be sure to check your Owner's Manual to determine if is recommended for your vehicle.
My vehicle's fan is blowing, so why isn't my air conditioning working?
Even though the blower is part of your vehicle's air conditioning system, it isn't what makes the air cold. You should have your vehicle's air conditioning system performance tested and repaired as soon as possible.
When should my vehicle's serpentine belt be replaced?
If you notice more than four cracks per inch in your vehicle's serpentine belt, we recommend that you have it replaced. If a serpentine belt breaks, many other components including your vehicle's alternator, water pump, power steering, etc., will not function, resulting in further damage and costly repairs.
Should all my vehicle's belts be replaced at the same time?
If one belt on your vehicle has failed, most likely the other belts are in poor condition and close to failing, too. It is recommended that you replace all of your vehicle's belts at the same time.
When should vehicle belts be changed out?
You should begin checking your vehicle's belts at 20,000 miles. Things to look for include cracks, splits, glazing, peeling, greasy buildup, and splitting or missing sections. It you notice any of these conditions you should arrange to have all of your vehicle's belts simultaneously changed out.
If my vehicle's timing belt needs to be replaced, should the tensioners and idler pulleys be replaced at the same time?
When replacing a timing belt, the timing belt system, tensioners, and idler pulleys should also be examined to determine if they exhibit signs of wear or damage. If wear or damage is found, these components should be immediately replaced. Approximately 50% of newly replaced timing belt failures occur because a faulty timing belt system, tensioners, or idler pulleys have not been replaced.