Keep Your Vehicle Running Safely and Smoothly
"I would like to express my deepest thanks to Scott at Big O Tires.
On August 10th, at 5:57 p.m., I just got off work and was at City Market getting gas when I noticed my left rear tire was flat. I quickly called Big O Tires and they said they closed at 6 p.m. When I explained my problem and where I was, they said, "come on over, we will stay open for you." It was dark and gloomy out and started to rain heavily. The gentleman at the window at the gas station turned on the air so I could get the tire inflated enough to drive down the street.
When I arrived at Big O, Scott was there for me and within minutes the tire was fixed, and I was on my way home feeling so grateful for "small town" hospitality.
...Please let there be more Scotts out there. Thank you again."
-The Lady in the Ford Ranger
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Note: Any recommendations provided are general in nature. Big O Tires recommends that you always consult your vehicle's Owner's Manual, the vehicle manufacturer or an associate at our store for vehicle specific recommendations. Portions of the information below is courtesy of the Big O Tires Inc. website.
Oil Changes
Oil & filter change service is the most commonly performed maintenance service for the majority of vehicle owners. However, it is also one of the most often neglected or put off service. It is vital to the long-term life of your engine that you check the Owner’s Manual and have the oil changes per the recommendations of the manufacturer, or use the common every “3,000 miles or 3-months" rule-of-thumb. And check the oil level at least every other fill-up. Proper maintenance will pay off in the long run and at the pump!
Many vehicle manufacturers now recommend extended fill periods of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. But, they also generally indicate that the oil change should be changed more often “if you are a severe service driver.” Severe driving is defined as lots of short trips, stop and go traffic, frequent delays in traffic, etc…normal everyday driving for most Americans.
At Big O Tires Pagosa Springs, there’s more to an oil change than just changing the oil:
- drain dirty oil and refill (up to five quarts)
- replace oil filter
- lubricate chassis (if required)
- check brake fluid
- check air filter
- check and top off transmission, battery, power steering, differential and washer fluids
- check tire pressure & inspect wiper blades
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Alignments
Alignment Basics
To maintain proper control of your vehicle, it is important to keep your vehicle’s wheels aligned and headed straight down the road. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause rapid tread wear and should be corrected as soon as possible by a professional alignment technician at your Big O Tires Pagosa store. Front wheel drive vehicles, and vehicles with independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels. Other vehicles require what is usually described as a thrust angle alignment. Our Big O Tires store alignment technicians are trained to perform the right alignment for your vehicle and make sure that your alignment is within specification.
You should have your alignment checked periodically as specified in your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual, or whenever you have an indication of trouble, such as “pulling” or vibration. And a bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires, so should you have such an experience, it makes sense to let the pros at Big O Tires check it out.
Computerized Wheel Alignment Service – Big O Tires knows the importance of proper wheel alignment. We don’t just mount and balance your tires and send you on your way like many discount providers. We recommend a free alignment check with each and every tire sale, and on a regular basis throughout the life of your tires. We have state-of-the-art computer alignment equipment and can provide you with a computer printout of your vehicle’s alignment specifications and condition, allowing you to help you get maximum value from your tire purchase.
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Tire Rotation
The purpose of rotating your tires on a regular basis is to achieve more uniform wear across the tread on all tires on the vehicle. Before rotating the tires, refer to your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for rotation recommendations, or just stop by our Pagosa Springs Big O Tires location. If there is no period specified, then you should have the tires rotated every 5,000 miles, or sooner if signs of irregular or uneven tire wear appear. If your tires do show irregular or uneven tire wear, Big O Tires can check your vehicle for any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem at the time that the technician rotates your tires.
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Tire Balancing
Info courtesy of FamilyCar.com
Wheel Balancing allows the tires and wheels to spin without causing any vibrations. This is accomplished by checking for any heavy spots on the wheel-tire combination and compensating for it by placing a measured lead weight on the opposite site of the wheel from where the heavy spot is. Big O Tires Pagosa Springs will power wash your tires before balancing them, while many other tire stores do not. We understand that a bit of dirt, mud or ice stuck to your tire will affect the results, giving you unbalanced tires, an unsafe ride and frustration from having your time wasted.
The symptoms of a wheel that is out of balance are:
- Vibration in the steering wheel at certain highway speeds.
- Vibration in the seat or floorboard at certain highway speeds.
- Scalloped or cupped wear pattern on the tires
Out-of-balance tires will cause a car to vibrate at certain speeds, usually between 50 and 70 mph. A tire is out of balance when one section of the tire is heavier than the others. One ounce of imbalance on a front tire is enough to cause a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel at about 60 mph. To balance a wheel, the technician will mount it on a balancing machine which spins the wheel to locate the heavier part. He will then compensate for the heavy part by attaching a lead weight on the opposite side. Many people are pleasantly surprised at how smooth their car drives after balancing all four wheels.
Most high quality tires will hold their balance fairly well and go out of balance very gradually. If you notice a vibration that wasn't there the day before, it is possible that one of the lead balancing weights fell off. If you feel the vibration mostly in the steering wheel, the problem is most likely in a front wheel. If the vibration is mostly in the seat, the problem is probably in the rear.
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Lift Kits (Suspension Lift Kits and Leveling Kits)
Big O Tires Pagosa Springs is proud to provide lift kits by Truxxx, Fabtech, Skyjacker, Trailmaster, Rancho, Black Diamond, Superlift and many more!
Go for the look you want. A suspension lift is a modification to raise the ride height of a four wheel drive vehicle. Suspension lifts, also known as lift kits can:
- offer a 'cool' new look
- provide higher ground clearance
- help accommodate larger tires
- enable steeper ascent, decent and breakover angles
Each vehicle may require a specific lift kit, and the types of kits vary based on the type of drivetrain your vehicle has. Kits can be as simple as lift blocks and extended shocks; to replacement control arms, trailing arms, and custom four-link systems. Suspension lifts also impact other factors, such as drive shaft length, steering geometry and brake lines.
Have you ever noticed that your truck sits lower in front than in the back? A leveling kit can fix this issue and create a whole new driving experience.
Check out what Big O Tires can do for your vehicle!
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Flat Tire Repair
Eventually it will happen to you. You’re driving down the road in the middle of nowhere and you get a flat tire. Did you know one of our best kept secrets is that if you bought your tire at Big O Tires Pagosa Springs, we’ll fix your flat for free? Tell everyone! If you didn't buy your tires at Big O Pagosa, we're still happy to help and for a small fee will have your flat fixed and have you on your way!
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Brake Check
Your vehicle’s brake system is probably the most important system on the vehicle…at least when it comes to your safety. That’s why it is important for you to understand how brakes work, and to look for signs that your brakes need maintenance. One of the first things you should do is check your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual to see when the manufacturer recommends that you have the brakes checked. This is normally recommended every 12,000 to 18,000 miles.
Check your Owner’s Manual or stop by your nearest Big O Tires store for a FREE complete brake system inspection. Specific brake services offered may vary by location. Call for an appointment.
30-Point Brake System Check includes:
- Measure brake fluid for copper content
- Measure and inspect friction material
- Measure and inspect drums and rotors
- Inspect hydraulic system components
- Inspect parking brake
- Over 85 components inspected
- Test drive vehicle and provide a detailed
- Big O Tires brake inspection report
Big O Tires Brake Service is backed by our Nationwide Limited Repair Warranty.
Your new brake shoes and disc brake pads are warranted by Big O Tires, Tire Kingdom, Merchant's Tire and NTB stores for the mileage or time period specified on the front of the invoice, whichever comes first. If mileage or time is not otherwise specified on the front of the invoice attached hereto, a 12,000-mile/12 month, whichever comes first policy is in effect. If during the applicable warranty period, any of the brake shoes and/or disc brake pads become defective or worn out, they will be replacd without charge for parts and labor at any Big O Tires, Tire Kingdom, Merchant's Tire or NTB store providing brake service. The brake shoes and/or disc brake pads will be considered worned out when the shoes' or pads' minimum thickness is less than the manufacturer's specifications. If no manufacturer's specifications are applicable, the minimum thickness shall be measured from the backing, if the lining is bonded, or from the rivet, if the lining is secured by rivet. The minimum thickness is 1/32nd of an inch or less when measured from these points.
All Big O Tires Brake Service packages are for most cars and light trucks. Extra charge for additional parts, plus normal shop fees. Specific brake services may vary by store. Brake services performed in most Big O Tires store locations.
How do I know when it’s time for brake service?
- Does the warning light come on when you’re driving?
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Does your vehicle pull or steer to one side when you apply the brakes?
- Is the brake fluid low, and needs to be topped off on a regular basis?
- Does the brake fluid appear dirty?
- Do you hear a grinding or squealing sound when you apply the brakes?
- Do you feel a pulsation or sponginess when you depress the brake pedal?
Learn more about Brake Basics and Terminology
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Brake Flush
Does your vehicle's brake pedal feel "spongy"? Brake fluid becomes contaminated over time and use. Heat and moisture can cause brake failure and contaminated fluid leads to expensive repairs.
Our skilled technicans will inspect the entire brake system for:
- leaks
- master cylinder corrosion
- worn pneumatic parts
- harmful varnish build-up
- broken or rusted bleeder valves
- worn rotors and drums and air in the brake lines
And, if necessary:
- remove contaminated fluid from the brake lines and master cylinder
- replace the old fluid with High Temp Formula brake fluid, which is demoisturized to prevent corrosion
Recommended service interval: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 miles
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Automatic Transmission Service
When was the last time you had your vehicle's transmission serviced?
Have you experienced slipping, hard shifting or chattering?
To keep your vehicle's transmission running efficiently and to avoid costly repairs, have the transmission cleaned and the fluid replaced.
Our specifically trained technicians will:
use a safe and effective cleaner to dissolve and suspend the varnish and gums in the transmission, valve body, torque converter, pan, filter element, transmission lines and transmission cooler- flush entire unit of all old fluid and suspended debris and install new ATF of the proper specification
- fortify the new fluid with seal conditioners, oxidation inhibitors and friction modifiers
This service should be performed every 2 years or 30,000 miles for long, trouble-free transmission life.
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Power Steering Service
Have you experienced:
- steering pump noises?
- hard or erratic steering?
- pump leaks?
The power steering pump produces high pressures and high heat.
Heat + Pressure = Fluid breakdown/failure
Fluid failure = Power steering pump and/or rack failure which can be costly to repair
One of our skilled technicians using specialized equipment will:
- use a powerful cleaner to dissolve and suspend the varnish and bums in your vehicle's power steering unit
- flush the entire unit of old fluid and contaminants and install new high-tech fluid for both conventional sector and rack and pinion
Recommended service interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
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Cooling System Service
The following problems are common to cooling systems due to corrosion or clogging. 
Have you experienced:
- temperature increase?
- hose failure?
- leaks?
- surging or hard starting?
Our technicians will:
- flush your vehicle's entire cooling system
- remove rust, scale and sludge
- restore coolant and necessary additives
- install special conditioners to protect your car's cooling system
This service will:
- balance coolant pH
- prevent foaming
- prevent overheating
- control rust and corrosion
- extend coolant life
Recommended service interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
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Shocks and Struts
Shock absorbers and struts help keep your tires firmly on the road. Worn shocks or struts can affect your vehicle’s handling and control. Because shocks and struts wear out slowly over an extended period of time, it’s not always easy to tell when they have become badly worn. Since they play an important part in providing a safe and comfortable ride, shocks and struts should be inspected every 20,000 to 30,000 miles and replaced if necessary.
Shock & Strut Wear Indicators:
Tire Wear – Your tires seem to have excessive or uneven tread wear. - Leaking – Your shocks or struts are leaking fluid.
- Damage – Your shock or strut casings are dented or damaged.
- Mounts – The shock or strut mounts are broken or worn.
- Mileage – Shocks and struts should be checked every 20,000 to 30,000 miles.
- Drifting – Your vehicle seems to float, sway or drift during turns.
- Rough Ride – Your vehicle bounces excessively when you hit a bump.
- Dip – Your vehicle tends to “nose dive” when you apply the brakes.
- Bounce Test – Shocks and struts can be tested by pushing down quickly and firmly on the front and rear of the vehicle and watching for excessive bounce.
Note: When replacing shocks and struts, do all four at the same time to insure a balanced ride. Also remember that special shocks and struts may be required on vehicles that are used for hauling heavy loads or driving over rough terrain. Monroe, the leading provider of replacement brake parts, and the supplier for many of our Big O Tires stores recommends that shocks and struts be replaced every 50,000 miles.
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Diesel Performance
Looking for better Diesel Performance? Our power vehicle enhancement will get you more power for hauling and towing.
We're proud to use Edge, Bully Dog, Hypertech, Superchips and more!
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