Auto Mechanic’s Ultimate Guide to Taking Care of Your Car
Your Las Vegas Tire Works doesn’t just sell or repair tires: We provide a complete range of auto repair and services. From tune-ups to fixing a flat to replacing an engine, we can do it all! An ASE-certified auto mechanic will work to build a high level of trust with you as our customer. Our mission is to go beyond your auto service expectations and do it at the most reasonable prices in the area.
Each car mechanic at Tire Works can work on any make or model of car. We provide the same quality service as any dealership, which further protects the investment you have made in your vehicle.
It isn’t only up to your Las Vegas mechanic to do this, though. You also have a role to play in keeping your car or truck in top working order. Here are some things you need to know in order to do that!
Your Owner’s Manual Is the Place to Start
Get the owner’s manual out of the glove box and read it. This manual has schedules of routine maintenance that will keep your car out of the repair shop. Many auto repairs are the result of owner neglect, which is simply a waste of money and time. Maintaining a schedule like this is one of the best ways to extend the life of your vehicle.
Discuss this schedule with your Tire Works service staff. They can develop a plan to include as many of the routine maintenance appointments as possible in one visit. This also saves you time and money. Check our coupon and specials page frequently, too!
Next, it helps if you know what the most common repairs are on most cars.
Common Car Repair Services
Is there a way for you to prevent the most common car repair services? Yes!
By reading your manual and then knowing what these repairs are, you can prevent most, if not all, of them. All it takes is having this information, paying attention to your car, and then acting in time.
Oil Change Service & Oil Filter Change
An oil change service is #1 on the list of critical maintenance tasks for any vehicle. A car with dirty oil and a blocked oil filter soon develops a number of serious problems. However, if you keep this maintenance on schedule, there is no doubt that you will extend the life of the engine. The engine in a vehicle is a complicated system that depends on clean oil and a clean filter in order to work properly.
Brake Repair
The way you drive a car has much to do with how the brakes will wear and how quickly they wear. Smooth stops and not riding the brake pedal are two of the best ways to protect the life of your brakes.
When your brakes begin to fail, though, you cannot wait until a more convenient time to have them checked out by a professional auto mechanic. The brakes in your car keep you, your family, and other drivers on the road around you safe. If you delay taking your car into an auto shop when you experience a “soft” brake pedal, grinding noises, or pulling to one side, a crash ending in injuries or death may be the result. Make a brake repair appointment at Tire Works and then get your car there right away for a professional diagnosis.
Tire Repair and Replacement
There is only one part of your car that makes contact with the road: the tires. Your attention and action in addressing any tire issues early, such as tire repair and replacement, are critical to preventing crashes.
As the tires of a car roll on road surfaces, friction and wear take a toll on the rubber of the tires. That wear creates additional problems with the way the car performs as well as how it rides. Our Tire Works tire specialists can advise you on preventative actions to take to get the most life from your tires. They will also help you pick out the right tires for your vehicle when it is time to replace them.
Cooling System Servicing and Repair
As your engine and the transmission do their job to move your car along the road, they both generate a great deal of heat. The cooling system is designed to move that heat away from the engine and out of the car. If this system isn’t maintained and serviced when needed, the result is an overheated engine, which can ultimately seize up and stop working. If you have questions or concerns, contact Tire Works to see if you need a cooling system repair service.
Wheel Alignment, Balance, and Rotation
The wheels on your car must be aligned, balanced, and the tires rotated on a regular basis. If not, your car won’t roll straight, and the driver will have to work harder to keep the car on the road properly. A car that is out of alignment puts more pressure on the other systems in the car and wears tires out. A car out of alignment experiences pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, a crooked steering wheel, or squealing tires.
Auto AC Service and Repair
The air conditioning system in today’s cars is a complex interplay of many components. The air conditioner system depends on the evaporator, condenser, and compressor to work properly. The system needs each part to work well together for it to function the way it should. Like all mechanical parts, regular auto ac system repair and servicing helps to protect them from breakdown.
Now that you know that these repairs and services are common, you can prevent more serious car issues by paying attention and getting help early.
Next Step: Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Your Las Vegas Tire Works shop has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and resources to assist you in properly maintaining your car. Our mechanics will begin with a thorough inspection of all systems in order to assess each of the following:
- Tires
- Belts and hoses
- Brakes and parking brake
- Battery
- Lights and horn
- Fluid checks
- Wiper blades
- Filters
- Undercarriage
- Suspension
Now that you have familiarized yourself with your car’s owner’s manual, you know the manufacturer’s schedule for regular maintenance of all the systems on this list. Set up an inspection of your car and discuss how to coordinate your routine maintenance visits with a service professional at Tire Works. You can also ask any questions you may have at that time.
More Auto Repair and Prevention Tips for Car Owners
Having your car in the repair shop is a disruption to you and your family. Here are some tips that can help you avoid as many repairs as possible:
- Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations when you need auto repairs. Read reviews online. The best way to pick a repair shop is word-of-mouth.
- Today’s cars have computers that monitor and store data. The best place to have those codes read and analyzed is at your local auto shop. ASE-certified mechanics are trained continually on these codes and how to decipher the problems indicated. Be careful with kiosks that read computer codes off your car. Be careful! You may think you are saving money this way, but you also don’t want to spend time and money on parts and then find out it wasn’t what you needed after all.
- Car batteries are not one-size-fits-all. Make sure to get help in picking out the correct battery for the climate and your driving needs. You can damage the electrical system in your car if you get the wrong battery.
- Antifreeze is manufactured for a variety of needs. It is important to get one for driving in extreme heat or towing if that is the case. Ask for help in picking out the right one.
- As your mechanic works on your car, they may find out there are recalls of some kind that relate to your vehicle. They will alert you, and then the two of you can decide how you want to handle taking advantage of this information.
- As you pay your invoice when your repairs are done, most auto shops provide a list of recommended repairs or upcoming service visits. That list is in priority order. Pay attention and you can stay ahead of repairs and service calls.
- Communicate as much information as you can to your mechanic about a problem with your car or its performance. This is critical. Act like a visit with your mechanic is a visit to your doctor: have a list of concerns and be specific. Odd sounds, smells, dashboard lights, and changes in how the car is operating, are all helpful to the mechanic. This helps them assess the situation accurately and quickly.
- Ask as many questions as you need in order to understand a particular problem and its possible solutions. Some customers know a great deal about cars while others know very little. The mechanic doesn’t know who you are. They may use terms you don’t understand. This communication is key; they would rather you ask now than for there to be a misunderstanding later.
- Have a file, either digital or hard copy, for all your car repair invoices and service work. This is handy for tax purposes later or for billing or warranty issues that might come up. Know where to find it.
- Make sure you have a working tire gauge in your car. Know how to use it. Check the pressure in your tires on a regular basis. Ask one of our mechanics to show you how to use it if you need to.
- Know what your car insurance policy says. Review it periodically with your agent. It’s important that you know the coverage you have, like its limits and deductibles.
Warning Flags for Common Car Problems
Here are some warning flags that can alert you to take action and avoid a possible expensive car repair:
- Unusual or odd smells
- A burning smell usually means the insulation is burning or there is an electrical short somewhere. Don’t drive the car; get it to your local Tate Boys auto shop for assistance.
- A bitter smell indicates oil may be leaking, or the oil is very dirty and needs to be changed.
- A syrup-like smell may mean a coolant leak. Make sure your car isn’t overheating. Get it towed if it is.
- A chemical smell alerts you to brakes that are overheating. Then, if you see smoke coming from a wheel, a brake is locked up and the car will need to be towed.
- A rotten egg smell points to an emissions control problem, specifically the catalytic converter.
- Strange sounds
- Heavy knocking might mean a faulty crankshaft, worn connection rod bearing, or a loose torque converter.
- A loud squealing noise could be a broken or faulty fan or a worn AC belt. Another cause might be power steering problems.
- Sharp clicking that matches the speed of the car points to low oil, a stuck valve filter, or a fan blade that is loose or bent.
- A high-pitched shrieking while the car is moving alerts you to overdue brake maintenance.
- A low rumble might mean a bad muffler or exhaust pipe or a worn universal joint.
- A loose clunking sound means the exhaust pipe or suspension component might be loose.
- A change in how the car performs
- Trouble starting the engine, rough idling, or a stalling engine requires professional diagnostics to determine if it’s the fuel system, the starting system, or a charging issue.
- A spongy brake pedal means the brakes need to be checked immediately.
- A vibration in the seat or steering wheel likely means there is an unbalanced tire.
- A pull to one side while driving points to a bad alignment, an underinflated tire, a brake issue, or worn steering parts.
- Shifting is abrupt or fails indicating the transmission needs to be checked.
- Visual changes
- Oily red fluid under the car signals a leak in the transmission or power-steering system.
- A dark brown or black fluid that appears greasy means oil is leaking from a bad gasket or seal.
- Brightly colored fluid—pastel blue, yellowish-green, or fluorescent orange—means coolant or antifreeze is leaking from a radiator, hose, or water pump.
Make an appointment at Tire Works for a diagnostic check right away if you experience any of these warning signs. You can avoid expensive, time-consuming repairs later.
Types of Auto Parts
When an auto repair is necessary, choosing the right parts is sometimes confusing.
Which parts you choose may depend on availability, cost, or your warranty coverage.
Auto parts are classified as:
- New parts, known as OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer, haven’t been used before. They are made by the vehicle manufacturer or a company that is held to the same standards as the OEM parts. These parts are generally more expensive than the others and your warranty will usually cover them.
Talk to your Tire Works mechanic for their input on the best choice of parts for your repair.
- Remanufactured/Reconditioned/Rebuilt are used parts, but they are restored to good working condition. Warranty coverage is often provided by the manufacturer on replacement parts. However, the labor usually won’t be covered.
- Salvaged parts are those taken from junk cars without alteration. There is no guarantee on these parts, and they are often unreliable. There may not be a choice for some repairs. If you need a new engine or catalytic converter, a salvaged part may be a viable option. You can save a lot of money by using a salvaged part. Try an established auto parts store for the best used parts. They may also offer a warranty on these parts.
The Tire Works Promise: Professional, Reliable Car Care with Superb Customer Service
At THE NEW Tire Works, we offer you the latest in parts and products at the best prices with unparalleled, enjoyable service. After all, it will only take one visit and we’re sure you’ll be back for more!
We realize that we would have no business at all if you weren’t for our customers. You are the highest priority, and we commit to the highest level of service, with the most highly qualified mechanics and staff in the area.
In any Tire Works shop, you have the right to:
- Our responsiveness and our respect
- Be sold only what you need
- A clear explanation of costs before we begin the work
- Have trained mechanics working on your vehicle
- Be kept informed about your service
- A clean, comfortable place to wait
- Receive service beyond your expectations
- Be our most important customer
- Tell us if you don’t receive service beyond your expectations
Tire Works Concierge Service
Waiting for your car to be repaired can disrupt your day. We offer our Concierge Service to put you first! Once you drop your car off, we will provide free transportation to your destination within 3 miles of our shop. Talk to our service staff to get more information on this service.
