Routine Auto Services and Fluids

Brake fluid keeps your braking system running smoothly, so when you step on the brake pedal, the vehicle stops as you expect. Service includes draining old fluids, replacing with new brake fluid and safe disposal of old fluids.

Ever wonder how you’re able to stop a moving automobile with only a slight bit of pressure on your brakes? That’s brake fluid in action. Your braking system uses hydraulics filled with special brake fluid to multiply the power you apply to your brakes and bring your vehicle to a halt.

Over time, the brake fluid can absorb water from the air, which can reduce your braking power and cause wear and corrosion. Here are some signs that let you know it’s time for a brake fluid change:

• Your brakes feel soft, spongy or bouncy
• Your brake pedal is hard to press down
• Your ABS dashboard light is illuminated
• You hear unusual noises or smell unusual odors when braking

If you have low or leaking brake fluid, it could result in brake failure. That’s why it’s critical to follow the brake fluid replacement schedule that your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends.

Stop by your nearest Big O Tires today, and we’ll get you set up with fresh brake fluid and renewed confidence in your brakes.Read Less

Differential fluid keeps many of the moving parts in your vehicle—like bearings, gears and more—lubricated. Refreshing differential fluid helps remove moisture and air from those components, allowing them to run smoothly. Service includes draining and replacing fluid, and safe disposal of old fluid.

Over time, differential fluid can break down and become gummy, preventing proper lubrication. When that happens, friction and heat can build up in your differential gears, and that can lead to serious issues and expensive repairs.

It’s recommended to get your differential fluid changed every 30,000–60,000 miles. This is a big range, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s differential fluid refresh schedule.

It’s also smart to be on the lookout for any of these signs of bad differential fluid:

• Your differential or transmission is making a whining or howling noise
• Your gearbox or transmission is jerking
• You smell a burning odor coming from your gearbox or differential

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, get to your nearest Big O Tires shop as soon as you can. We’ll check your differential fluid, change it, and get your vehicle back in gear.Read Less

Coolant earns its name by keeping your engine cool. Flushing and refilling your vehicle's coolant removes harmful contaminants and improves your system's efficiency. Service includes draining coolant and refilling with up to 2 gallons of new fluid.

The purpose of your engine's cooling system is to ensure coolant freely flows through your engine and radiator, preventing a buildup of excess heat that can damage vital components. Outside of the engine bay, your vehicle's cooling system also helps keep your vehicle’s cabin warm in the colder months.

Over time, rust, corrosion, dirt and other debris can accumulate in your vehicle’s coolant and wreak havoc on your cooling system. Regular service and new fluids help your engine run at peak performance and also avoid unnecessary repairs.

Here are some signs that your vehicle needs to coolant service:

• Your temperature gauge indicates a higher temperature than normal when the engine is running
• You hear a grinding noise underneath the hood
• You see puddles of orange or green fluid beneath your car

Let the experts at Big O Tires handle your vehicle's cooling system maintenance. We’ve got the expertise and tools to keep your coolant fresh and engine running at the proper temperature.Read Less

An Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) exchange protects your transmission from wear, helps prevent the need for repairs and keeps you shifting smoothly down the road. Service includes removal and safe disposal of old fluids, and new fluid replacement.

An automatic transmission has a lot of moving parts - all bathed in ATF to keep things running correctly. ATF, like all auto fluids, can break down over time because of high heat. As the fluid fails, your transmission works harder and hotter, and you may end up with an expensive repair.

An ATF exchange (also called a "transmission flush" or a "transmission fluid change") removes old, dirty ATF and replaces it with fresh, clean ATF. This helps keep your gears lubricated and working properly.

If you’ve noticed any of the following issues, your ATF might be low:

• Your gears are slipping
• You have difficulty shifting gears
• You hear unusual noises while driving
• You see a red fluid leaking beneath your vehicle

All of these issues can be avoided by sticking to your vehicle’s ATF replacement schedule. At Big O Tires, we’ll let you know when it’s time for fresh ATF, discuss fluid options and get you back out on the road.Read Less

Your vehicle’s fuel system stores and supplies fuel to the engine. A Fuel System Cleaning removes deposits that can build up overtime and cause your vehicle to lose fuel efficiency. Service includes adding a cleaner to your fuel system, another to your warm engine and a third to your air-intake.

Most modern vehicles should get a fuel system cleaning every 45,000 miles or three years. Older cars may need more frequent service to keep their engines running smoothly. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s exact schedule.

If you’re seeing any of the following, your vehicle may need a fuel system cleaning:

• You’re getting fewer miles per gallon than usual
• Your vehicle idles roughly or lags before accelerating

The pros at Big O Tires will let you know if it’s time for a fuel system cleaning and get it done right.Read Less

Power steering fluid keeps your vehicle easy to steer. Like all the fluids, power steering fluid ages with heat and time. Service includes draining and replacing fluid and safe disposal of old fluid.

If you’ve ever wondered how you’re able to steer a large, heavy, fast-moving vehicle with the simple movement of your hands, power steering fluid is the answer. Once pressurized in your steering system, this remarkable fluid allows you to control the direction of the wheels with little physical effort.

If you get low on power steering fluid and drive, with time, you could end up with costly damage to your power-steering pump. To avoid this, look out for these signs:

• You have difficulty turning the steering wheel
• Your steering wheel is making loud or shrill noises when turning
• You hear unusual sounds when starting your car
• You see a pink or red fluid leaking beneath your vehicle

At Big O Tires, we generally recommend getting your power steering fluid flushed every 50,000 miles, or every two years (whichever comes first). Every vehicle is different, so it’s best to stick to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.Read Less

With age and use, blades get stiff and cracked and can leave streaks behind. When this happens, it’s hard to see clearly – and it’s time to replace your windshield wipers. Service includes removal of old wiper blades, and installation of new blades.

The rubber edges on your windshield wipers, also called the "windshield blades," act as a squeegee to clear rain and snow from your windshield. Blades that have become stiff or cracked may leave a thin film or streaks on your windshield. When this happens, it's hard to see clearly - and it's time to replace your windshield wipers.

Whether you’re seeing streaking, smearing, stuttering or any sign that you need new wiper blades, head to your nearest Big O Tires store. We’ll walk you through the various types of wiper blades and help you pick the ones that are right for you. After a quick install, we’ll have you back out on the road with a clear view.Read Less

The belts in your engine keep a lot of things working, like your water pump, power steering pump, alternator and more. Don’t wait for your belts to wear out and break. Come in to Big O Tires, and let us help you. Service includes inspection of drive belts and replacement as necessary.

Like tires and fluids, belts wear out from use, age and heat. When they fail, whatever they were powering fails with them, and suddenly, your vehicle isn’t going anywhere.

That’s why it’s smart to periodically check your belts for any cracks or wear and to always be on the lookout for the following signs of bad car belts:

• You hear a squealing noise coming from underneath the hood
• Your power steering and AC aren’t working
• Your engine is overheating

Whether you need a new serpentine belt, drive belt, timing belt or belt tensioner, we’ve got you covered. We’ll inspect all your belts and replace if necessary.Read Less

With time and use, hoses become brittle and weak. Don’t wait for a failed radiator or coolant hose to leave you stranded. Come in to Big O Tires today for an inspection! Service includes inspection and replacement as necessary.

Your radiator keeps your engine running at the correct temperature, and a coolant leak in one of its hoses can cause overheating and damage to the radiator and your engine.

Unfortunately, you can’t always see when a hose is damaged, cracked or failing because the damage might only be visible on the inside of the hose. That’s why it’s smart to get your hoses regularly checked by one of the pros at Big O Tires and to look out for these symptoms of bad car hoses:

• You see a green fluid (coolant) leaking beneath your vehicle
• Your engine is overheating
• Your Check Engine light is illuminated

If you have a loose or leaky hose, we can get that fixed for you quickly, so your car can keep its cool.Read Less

Do you know what all those lights are for? You don't have to. Big O Tires is here to help. Come in, and we'll inspect all of your vehicle's lights and replace where necessary. Service includes inspection of all lights and replacement as necessary.

Most drivers know when their vehicle's headlight burns out. But what about all the other lights you need to drive safely? Do you know where they are or how to replace them? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered. Come in, and we'll inspect all of your vehicle's lights and replace where necessary.Read Less