Common Tulsa Car Repair Problems

If you’ve been driving in Tulsa, Oklahoma for a while, you know how quickly your vehicle can develop issues. Even the most careful local drivers can get stuck dealing with brake problems, tire wear, and other forms of automotive trouble before they know it.

That said, some vehicular problems appear more often than others. If you’re curious about the issues your car is likely to run into, keep reading for a guide to the most common auto repair problems in Tulsa.

Do You Need These Auto Repair Services?

Any part of your vehicle can malfunction with little to no warning. But some automotive systems and components need extra attention, including the one in your car:

Cooling System Repair

A vehicle’s transmission and engine work incredibly hard, and they generate quite a bit of heat in the process. With that in mind, cars include systems designed to redirect and remove this heat.

Your cooling system relies on coolant—when your coolant level is low, this system can’t function as expected. If you’re running out of coolant or your radiator is in need of repair, get the situation resolved by auto service professionals ASAP.

Auto AC System Repair

Summers in Tulsa can be brutal—you don’t need us to tell you that. During this time of year, your vehicle’s air conditioning system needs to be as reliable as possible.

Like most automotive systems, the AC systems in today’s vehicles are incredibly complex. If you notice smoke or warm air coming from your car’s vents, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Instead, choose a trustworthy local auto shop for the job.

Tire Repair Services

Tires are the only auto parts that make direct contact with the road, and they constantly deal with friction as a result. You’ll have to repair or replace your tires when they run into trouble.

But your tire service needs to go beyond buying new tires once every six years or so. Along with that, be sure to prioritize tasks like tire balancing, wheel alignment, and tire rotation. By doing so, you’ll prevent uneven tire wear and extend the lifespan of your tires.

Brake Repair Services

Ironically, you can’t put the brakes on your need for brake repair. A functional brake system is non-negotiable if you want to stay safe on the road in Tulsa. When something goes wrong with this system, fixing it should be your highest priority.

Your brake system’s shoes, drums, pads, and rotors can all develop problems over time. As soon as you spot brake trouble warning signs (which you’ll have a chance to read about later), call our stores schedule an appointment for brake repair.

Oil Change Service in Tulsa, OK

Technically, oil changes in Tulsa aren’t a type of auto repair—they fall squarely into the “maintenance” category. Even so, they deserve to be featured here because keeping up with this service is a vital part of being a responsible driver.

Your car’s engine is a complex device that includes countless moving parts. These parts need constant lubrication to function, and clean motor oil can provide just that. On the other hand, dirty oil can’t effectively lubricate your engine, so it needs to be replaced right away.

When you’re looking for a Tulsa auto shop, you should ensure your shop of choice can provide the vital services listed above. Of course, there’s no reason to stop there—the best car repair shops in the area can handle many other types of automotive repair work. By finding a shop that can do it all, you’ll avoid having to start your search over again the next time you need auto repair.

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Look Out For These Signs of Car Trouble

Before you can visit an auto repair shop to resolve your car’s issues, you’ll have to know you need automotive repair in the first place. Fortunately, this isn’t too complicated if you understand the “red flags” commonly pointing to car trouble. Be aware of any differences in how your vehicle:

Smells

Naturally, unpleasant smells in your car can indicate that something has gone wrong. Be on the lookout for odors like rotten eggs (often the result of an issue with your emissions control system), burning (which could come from an electrical short or burning insulation), and a general bitter scent (typically caused by leaking motor oil).

Still, you shouldn’t discount a strange scent just because it smells good. While many people enjoy the smell of maple syrup, smelling that in your vehicle could mean you’re dealing with a coolant leak. If that’s the case, your car might be at risk of overheating.

Functions

When you notice changes like these in your car’s functionality, you probably need auto service sooner rather than later:

• If your brakes feel spongy or soft, they need immediate attention.
• Pulling towards the side of the road could be a warning sign for brake issues. However, this could also signify alignment problems, underinflated tires, or worn-out steering components.
• When you can’t shift gears smoothly (or at all), your transmission likely needs some work.
• Is your seat or steering wheel vibrating? If so, there’s a good chance you have one or more unbalanced tires.
• An engine that stalls, has trouble idling, or won’t start could be caused by your charging, fuel, or starting systems. In any case, you’ll need professional help to resolve this issue.

Sounds

Most Tulsa drivers have a story or two about hearing unusual noises while driving. But if you hear these sounds, you shouldn’t ignore them:

• Heavy knocking can result from issues with your crankshaft, connecting rod bearings, or torque converter.
• A sharp click that varies based on your speed might be caused by a valve filter that’s gotten stuck, a loose/bent fan blade, or low oil.
• High-pitched shrieking while your vehicle is in motion typically means you’re overdue for brake maintenance.
• Low rumbling sounds can come from your universal joint, muffler, or exhaust pipe.

Looks

You shouldn’t be looking at your vehicle itself to spot potential problems. Instead, you’ll want to take a look under it for any unusually-colored puddles.

The color of your auto fluid leak can help you determine what type of fluid is leaking. Red, oily fluid normally means there’s a leak in your power steering system or transmission. Meanwhile, bright blue, orange, or yellow-green fluids are typically antifreeze or coolant. And if you spot dark or black liquid under your car, it’s probably leaking motor oil from a faulty seal or gasket.

Save on Your Next Car Repair at Tate Boys

Even if your car is dealing with a common problem, it’s hard not to dread the thought of scheduling repairs. After all, auto repair has an unfortunate reputation for being overpriced. Still, some car repair shops offer much better rates than others.

While you can’t get around the necessity of fixing your car, you can make this easier on yourself by visiting a trustworthy Tulsa auto repair shop like Tate Boys Tire & Service. We don’t just deliver top-notch service from ASE-certified mechanics—we also give our customers opportunities to save with valuable coupons and financing options.