Complete Tulsa Auto Repair Guide
No matter what auto repair or service you need for your car, any Tate Boys location can help! Whether it’s a tune-up, an oil change, a tire rotation, or a more extensive repair, we provide a full range of services for car owners. And the cost will be more reasonable than if you take your vehicle to the dealership.
Your car will always be serviced by an experienced ASE-certified technician. Our technicians can work on nearly every make and model of vehicle. And we provide the same level of service you would find at any dealership.
You should protect the investment you make in your car by being aware of the regular maintenance needs of the vehicle. Make sure you know what is in your owner’s manual. This is the greatest preventative step you can take in heading off major repairs.
Tate Boys takes care of both maintenance and repairs, so build a working relationship with an auto mechanic in the Tate Boys car repair shop. They will come to know your car and will keep records of all service calls. This is valuable information for future repairs that your car may need. It also builds trust between you, the car mechanic, and the auto repair shop.
The Most Common Car Repair Services in Tulsa
Some car repairs are common and happen on a regular basis to nearly all cars. By knowing this, you can take measures to prevent many of them. Here is a list of the most frequently seen repairs and maintenance tasks:
1. Tire repair and replacement
The tires on a vehicle are the only part of the car that actually make contact with the road. Over time, friction and wear take a toll on the tires that in turn determines how the tires perform on the road. That wear can also create additional problems with the way the car rides.
2. Oil and oil filter change
An oil change service is likely the most
important for your car, over the life of the vehicle. In fact, if you keep this maintenance on schedule, you will extend the life of the engine. A car’s engine is a complicated system that depends on clean oil in order to work properly. A clean filter allows the oil to flow freely and cleanly throughout the engine.
3. Brake repair
Some car repairs can wait until a more convenient time. Brake repairs are not one of them. The rotors, pads, drums, and shoes must be in top condition in order to stop your car when you step on the brake pedal. A crash—resulting in injuries or death—could be the result. If you hear grinding noises, experience a “soft” brake pedal, find that the car pulls to one side when braking, or the dashboard warning light comes on, take your car to Tate Boys right away for an expert diagnosis.
4. Wheel alignment, balance, and rotation
If your tires and wheels are aligned and balanced, your car will roll straight. This puts less pressure on the other systems in the car and saves wear and tear on the tires. Signs of a car out of alignment are pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, crooked steering wheel, or squealing tires.
5. Air conditioning service and repair
Today’s vehicles have complex air conditioning systems. A typical system is made up of the interplay of many components that all have to work well together for it to function properly. If your car is blowing warm air or there is smoke coming from the vents, turn the air conditioner off and make an appointment at Tate Boys for a diagnostic check.
6. Cooling system repair and servicing
The engine and transmission in a car generate a great deal of heat as they work. Systems exist to move that heat away using coolant; then the heat is blown away by a fan. Cars with automatic transmission send transmission fluid through an air cooler inside the radiator. If this system malfunctions or coolant is low, the engine and transmission overheat.
More serious car issues can be delayed or avoided altogether by being aware of these common repairs. You can rely on the ASE-certified technicians at any Tate Boys location to get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible. Be sure to check out our coupon page to get the most cost-effective service, too!
Begin With Regular Inspection and Car Maintenance
Tate Boys uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and resources to help you properly maintain your car. Our ASE-certified mechanics will begin with a thorough inspection of all systems in your vehicle. This inspection includes assessing each of the following:
- Tires
- Belts and hoses
- Brakes and parking brake
- Battery
- Lights and horn
- Fluid checks
- Wiper blades
- Filters
- Undercarriage
- Suspension
All vehicle manufacturers outline schedules at certain mileage intervals for regular auto maintenance. Consult your owner’s manual for this information. If you have questions, our service staff will be glad to discuss this with you, and they can also coordinate maintenance checks so you will be saving time and money.
If problems are detected during an inspection, you will also be given a written estimate of the work that needs to be done. You will have the opportunity to ask all the questions you may have before proceeding with repairs.
Red Flags for Common Car Problems in Tulsa
Now that you know what the common problems are, you have a better chance of avoiding major repairs. Here are some red flags that can alert you to take action:
Any of these red flags can alert you to a problem that may be easy to fix if caught early. Contact Tate Boys for a diagnostic check right away, so the problem won’t become an expensive time-consuming repair later.
Additional Tips About Tulsa Car Repairs
Let’s face it; an auto repair is a disruption to your life. It can create anxiety and confusion. Here are a few facts that might help make things easier:
Additional Tips About Tulsa Car Repairs
Let’s face it; an auto repair is a disruption to your life. It can create anxiety and confusion. Here are a few facts that might help make things easier:
- The best way to pick a repair shop is by word of mouth. This includes reviews. Listen to those who have already used a shop.
- There are kiosks that read computer codes off your car. Be careful! A qualified auto technician can read the code and then assess what the car needs, better than a kiosk. You don’t want to spend time and money on parts and then find out it wasn’t what you needed after all.
- If you need to replace the battery, get advice first, to make sure you get the correct one for your climate and driving needs. Electrical damage can occur if the wrong battery is purchased.
- There are different kinds of antifreeze. Make sure you have the right one if you drive in extreme heat.
- Towing with your vehicle puts different demands and needs on it. Ask your mechanic what oil is best for this situation.
- Recalls are common, but you might never know about one until you have your vehicle serviced.
- Most auto shops provide a list of recommended repairs and it is in priority order. Pay attention!
- Your communication of any problems with your car or its performance is key to helping the mechanic assess the situation. Approach a service call like a doctor’s appointment. Write down the problems you have been experiencing (along with the details like odd sounds or smells and where they are coming from), dashboard lights that have illuminated, changes in how the car is operating or responding, and anything else out of the ordinary.
- It might surprise you to know that a car with a clean interior is easier to perform work on. Sometimes, access to a particular part of your car is from inside the cabin. Eliminate clutter from the floor and seats before handing your car over.
- Ask questions! Keep asking until you understand. Mechanics or staff don’t know how much you already know about a particular car repair or about terms they may use all the time. They would rather you ask, than for it cause a misunderstanding later.
- Keep your paperwork after a repair. Know where to find it later, especially if there is a problem.
- Buy a tire gauge; know how to use it and keep it in the car. Ask one of our mechanics to show you if you need help.
- Washing your car matters. Your car’s undercarriage can be damaged by road salt and ice melt in the winter or tree sap and bird droppings in the summer. Washing the car can help prevent long-term effects as well as paint damage.
- Review your car-insurance policy periodically. Know the coverages, limits, and deductibles. If you need to change any of these things, it’s best to have them in place before you need additional coverage after an accident or a large repair.
New, Remanufactured, or Salvaged Parts?
Auto parts are classified in several ways. When you take your car in for a diagnostic check and receive an estimate for repairs, it’s important to understand these classifications. The choice of parts that you make may depend on their availability, your budget, or warranty coverage. See the information below, so you can make the best choice.
Auto parts are classified as:
- New parts (OEM) have never been used and are made by the vehicle manufacturer themselves (or by an independent company) to the original manufacturer’s specifications. These parts usually carry the highest price tag and are usually covered under your warranty. Make sure you check your warranty before you make the decision.
If you own a brand-new vehicle, or if your vehicle needs a critical part replacement, the general recommendation is to buy new auto parts. This ensures dependable performance. But, if the part you need has a short shelf life, aftermarket parts are a suitable choice no matter the age of your car.
Talk to your trusted Tate Boys car mechanic for his/her input on the best choice of parts for your vehicle. As long as you purchase aftermarket auto parts from a vendor you trust, they are an affordable alternative to OEM auto parts.
- Remanufactured/Reconditioned/Rebuilt parts have been used but restored to good working condition. Warranty coverage is often offered by the manufacturer on replacement parts, but the labor won’t be covered.
- Salvaged parts are used and came from another vehicle without alteration. These parts have no guarantee and their reliability is uncertain, but they may be the only option for some repairs. Buying a used part can be a wise choice if the part you need is very expensive. Examples would be an engine or catalytic converter. You can save a great deal of money this way. The most reliable source for used parts is an established local auto-parts store or shop. The prices will be reasonable, and the company may offer a warranty with their used parts.
Always ask about a part’s warranty, its price, and the return policy. If you are dealing with a reputable shop or vendor, the service staff can also provide a great deal of information on purchasing parts for your car’s repairs.
