Absolutely not. In fact, it is against the law for a manufacturer to dishonor their warranty just because the vehicle was serviced elsewhere. As long as the service is performed by capable car mechanics like the ones at your friendly neighborhood Sun Auto Tire & Service, your warranty is valid.

The best transmission fluid is based on what your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. Only use fluid that is recommended for your specific transmission.

After each oil change at Sun Auto Tire & Service, our technician will place a reminder sticker in the upper left-hand corner of your windshield. For added convenience, we can also send you a service reminder when it’s time for your next appointment. To enroll in this program, ask your Service Advisor for details.”

Most of today’s vehicles use a synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Consult your owner’s manual, or contact Sun Auto Tire & Service. Our friendly Service Advisors are here to answer any of your automotive questions including what kind of oil your vehicle requires, and how much is needed to give you the most accurate cost estimate for your vehicle.

The typical oil change, with complete inspection and tire rotation, takes approximately 1-hour with an appointment.

Manual vehicles use a clutch to connect and disconnect the transmission to the engine by the use of a pedal next to the brake pedal. If you are required to shift the vehicle yourself, your transmission is manual. Otherwise, your vehicle is likely an automatic or CVT. To confirm your transmission type, refer to the owner’s manual or check just inside the driver’s side door to locate a white sticker. The sticker contains specific details on your vehicle including the year it was produced, transmission type, engine specifications, and other pertinent information. If you are unable to locate the information for your vehicle, contact a Sun Auto Tire & Service and provide your VIN or license plate number and we’ll be able to inform you what kind of transmission your vehicle has.

Many new transmissions do not have the traditional dipstick for checking fluid levels and its condition. In many cases, you will need to seek out an automotive professional to check the fluid for you. Some vehicles require the use of specialized equipment to access the transmission.

A transmission fluid change removes the bulk of dirty fluid and replaces it with clean transmission fluid. A fluid change should be performed every two years or every 30,000 miles. Alternatively, a transmission fluid flush removes all old, dirty fluid from the transmission and new, clean fluid is added. A transmission flush should be performed every three years or 45,000 miles.

CVT or Continuously Variable Transmission is a type of automatic transmission; how it operates differs in comparison to an ordinary automatic transmission, however. A CVT changes gears flawlessly through an infinite range of gear ratios as opposed to an automatic transmission that possesses a fixed number of gear ratios. Because the CVT has just one gear that is variable, you will not feel the shift from gear to gear as you would with an ordinary automatic transmission.

Most car air conditioning systems use a refrigerant that is a gas. In cars produced after 1993, the standard systems include R134A and 1234YF. In order to check the pressure in your vehicle, a special machine, based on your vehicle’s system, will be connected to your vehicle and the pressures will be measured. The technician will compare your vehicle’s reading to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine how much refrigerant is needed to restore the system to normal conditions.

To protect your transmission and ensure smooth operation, we recommend a transmission flush every 30,000 miles.

Depending on the climate you live in, we recommend replacing brake fluid every 24,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first, as well as any time your brakes are serviced.

Wheel alignments should be performed whenever new tires are installed and at least once per year. Some driving conditions such as frequent travel over rough terrain, severe bumps against curbs, or vehicle modifications affecting suspension may necessitate more frequent alignments.

No! It is your right to have your vehicle repaired by any car repair expert – including our trained experts at Sun Auto Tire & Service. There is no reason to pay exorbitant dealer prices for the same work.

Any of our friendly, neighborhood locations can help you determine the schedule that’s best for your car. In many cases, the maintenance schedule is determined by the manufacturer for optimal service life for your vehicle; this can be found in the owner’s manual.

If you’re comfortable under the hood of your vehicle, some battery maintenance tasks are not that difficult. First up, check your battery terminals for signs of corrosion. This can appear like a white or green chalk around the posts and terminals. If you spot any, give it a good cleaning with a soft bristle brush like an old toothbrush. Make sure the fasteners are all secure and then add a good measure of dielectric gel to the posts and terminals to prevent corrosion.

Car battery replacement is usually very quick to complete from start to finish. With a qualified auto mechanic, the entire process can typically be completed in as little as 20 to 30 minutes.

Our certified technicians use top-of-the-line battery testers called multimeters that test the charge to see if it falls within the normal operating range specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Unless you have the tools and knowledge to do so correctly, it’s recommended to bring in your vehicle for a free battery check.

There are definitely some signs that signal it’s time to bring your vehicle in for a battery replacement. These include: Your vehicle headlights are exceptionally dim. Your vehicle struggles to turn over. A jump start doesn’t work or you have to keep doing them. You hear a clicking noise when you turn the key. Your vehicle’s dashboard is lit up like a Christmas tree. Off-smells like sulfur or burning rubber. If you experience any of these with your vehicle, it’s much easier to bring in your vehicle before it dies completely than to be stranded somewhere. Schedule your free battery check now.

The best way to keep your car battery lasting longest is with preventative maintenance. A knowledgeable technician can check your car’s voltage, tighten fasteners, clean the battery, and apply anti-corrosion dielectric gel. Also, if you can, you should try to avoid frequent short trips. The repeated start, stop, start cycle can drain your battery’s cranking power. Other things to be mindful of include not leaving lights on or accessories plugged in and minimizing using any power when the vehicle is off.

Most alignment services take approximately one hour to complete.

Wheel alignment measures and adjusts all four tires and wheels to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications to provide maximum performance, fuel efficiency, and braking.

Air conditioning systems with foul odors are often due to a clogged cabin air filter or the growth of mildew or mold that has built up in the evaporator core located just behind the dashboard. Sun Auto Tire & Service offers a special service to help eradicate such odors.

The vehicle’s air conditioning system does not demand fuel for operation; however, fuel is used to create the energy needed for the air conditioning to function. The air conditioner receives energy from the alternator that is powered by the engine and fuel is needed to power the engine. The more energy the engine demands, the more fuel is needed.

How to make the air conditioning in your car blow colder depends on the kind of problem your air conditioner is experiencing. A technician will need to check whether it’s due to a shortage of refrigerant or whether there is a blockage somewhere in the system. Most often, reduced cooling performance is caused by low refrigerant levels. Here are some signs of when to recharge your car’s AC.

When you have a flat tire, in many cases, the damage to the tire can be remedied with professional tire repair. But, there are some instances where trying to repair the tire would be unsafe due to the reduced durability of the tire:

• A puncture, crack, or split on the sidewall or shoulder of the tire, no matter what size it is.
• If the puncture is long and straight, irregular, or has a diameter greater than 1/4”. (Long cuts often cause damage to the belts of the tire as well.)
• A crack or split located on the edge of the tire that sits on the wheel.
• Multiple punctures that are less than 16″ apart.
• If the tire tread is separating (this usually occurs where the tread meets the sidewall).

In any of the above cases, replacing the tire will ensure your continued safety on the road. When you need new tires and are looking for a tire store you can trust, we’ve got you covered! Our manufacturer-trained tire experts can help you find a high-quality tire that is a perfect fit for your vehicle, driving conditions, and budget. Sun Auto Tire & Service is proud to carry tires from major tire manufacturers.

No – Rubber Manufacturers Association guidelines prohibit unsafe repair procedures like using an old-fashioned ‘plug’. When applicable, the proper procedure calls for the internal application of a plug-patch, which both seals the lining and fills the void left by whatever damaged the tire.

Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are two different tasks. When we align your tires, we check and adjust the angles of your wheels. This helps your tires last longer and helps your car or truck track straight as you’re driving. Wheel balancing is done to make sure your tire/wheel assemblies are spinning properly, which also contributes to tire life and driving performance.

Both tire alignment and tire rotation services help ensure even tire wear across all four tires, but a tire rotation will not impact the wheel alignment on your vehicle. So, it isn’t imperative to have the alignment adjusted every time you have a tire rotation done. But it’s important to follow the recommended schedule for both tire maintenance services. Not only do they both help extend your tires’ lifespan, but they also help detect any other issues that may be present. For example, if your vehicle’s alignment is off, this can often be seen when a tire rotation is performed.

If your tires are relatively new, we recommend having them rotated at the 5,000-mile mark because their deeper tread is more susceptible to uneven wear. For older tires, keep to a tire rotation schedule of 6,000 to 8,000 miles to help ensure all of your tires last longer and wear more evenly. At Sun Auto Tire & Service, we recommend that you have your tires checked and rotated during your regular oil and filter change appointment.

Yes, balancing new tires is as crucial as choosing the right ones. It’s not just about mounting them; it’s perfecting their performance. New tires, despite their pristine condition, can have minor imbalances that affect your ride. Ignoring this can lead to vibrations and premature wear. At Sun Auto Tire & Service, our thorough balancing process ensures each new tire is fine-tuned to your vehicle’s specifications, enhancing ride quality and extending tire life. Don’t risk poor performance or injury — schedule our tire balance service today.

Knowing whether you need to have your tires balanced is an absolute must if you want a smooth driving experience. Key indicators to help you determine if your tires may require balancing, including noticeable vibrations in the steering wheel or floorboards, especially when driving at specific speeds. It may also be accompanied by a thumping sound. Look out for uneven or quick wear on your tires, which often suggests an imbalance. If your vehicle tends to pull to one side, it’s a strong sign that your tires might be out of balance. At Sun Auto Tire & Service, our seasoned experts are skilled in quickly identifying and rectifying these balance issues, ensuring your drive is consistently smooth, safe, and enjoyable.

You can find your tire size in a few places:

On the Tire Sidewall
Look for a series like P215/65R17—this is your tire size.

Inside the Driver’s Door
Check the sticker on the door jamb or edge—it shows the recommended size for your vehicle.

In Your Owner’s Manual
It lists the correct tire size and specifications.

On Your Current Tires (if unchanged)
If you’re replacing existing tires, use the size printed on them—unless you’re switching types.

Tires wear down over time, but these signs mean it’s time for a replacement:

Low Tread
Use the penny test—if Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time to replace.

Vibrations
Could signal imbalance, alignment issues, or damaged belts.

Bulging
Sidewall bulges can lead to blowouts—check immediately.

Cracking
Weather can cause visible cracks in the tread or sidewalls.

Tire Chunking
When pieces of the tread break off from heat, impact or low pressure – replace it as soon as it happens.

An often-overlooked task, regularly checking your tires’ air pressure is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to help extend the life of your tires and keep your vehicle safe on the road. A good habit to get into is checking the air pressure at least once a month. It should definitely be checked if you’re going to be towing anything with your vehicle, hauling a heavy load in your truck, or if you are about to go on a long road trip.

There is no exact answer to this question. Many different variables can affect how long a particular tire will last. People drive, on average, between 12,000 and 15,000 miles a year. This means that most good-quality all-season tires will last somewhere between 3 and 5 years, depending on driving style, maintenance, road conditions, etc.

There are some things you can do to help get the most life out of your tires:

• Regularly check your tires for damage (e.g., embedded objects, cuts, uneven tread wear, or cracking).
• Maintain the recommended air pressure levels in your tires.
• Proper tire inflation helps reduce excess wear and tear.
• Keep up with regular tire maintenance to keep your tires properly balanced, rotated, and aligned.
• Avoid driving around corners at high speeds (this wears down the outer edge of your tires much faster).
• Give yourself enough time to come to a slow and controlled stop versus quickly braking and wearing down the tread. – Avoid aggressive acceleration that would cause the tires to squeal.
• Try to avoid driving over any potholes or broken pavement.
• Stay below the maximum load capacity for your tires when hauling or towing. Remember, once a tire has reached a tread depth that is at or less than 2/32″, it should be replaced.

Many manufacturers of original factory struts confirm that their products are less effective once they reach the 50,000 – 60,000 mile mark. There are exceptions, however, that alter performance and greatly reduce mileage based on travel on conditions including frequent travel over rough terrain or exposure to excessive heat. At Sun Auto Tire & Service, we have seen shocks and struts that have required replacement as few as 30,000 miles.

Vehicles that have received a new set of struts will require an alignment once installation is complete. Because most struts are connected to the suspension components that have the alignment adjustment built right into them, even the slightest variance can cause premature tire wear, pulling, or a crooked steering wheel. Vehicles that use shock assemblies will not typically require an alignment once installation is complete, unless steering components were otherwise moved or affected to perform the replacement.

Brake repairs and replacement costs vary based on what is necessary to repair the area of the brake system properly. Every vehicle’s needs are unique. Some vehicles may require replacement of multiple brake components while some may only require brake pads and resurfaced rotors. Take advantage of the free brake inspection provided by Sun Auto Tire & Service to determine what your vehicle may need. Our friendly Service Advisors will review your options and discuss the amount of time and costs required to repair your brakes properly.

Brake shake can be caused by several different issues including worn suspension components, worn brake pads, or warped rotors. The ABS system attempting to activate due to failed or damaged components can cause shaking. It’s best to have an experienced technician inspect the system to determine the cause as not all “brake shakes” are caused by the braking system.

The life expectancy of brakes depends on varying factors. Poor driving habits such as braking excessively, frequent hard stops, driving uphill and downhill or steep grades, weight of the vehicle including cargo and passengers, the type of brake pads the vehicle is equipped with, brake fluid condition, and a worn-out suspension system can reduce the lifespan of brakes. Because of all the different contributing factors, it is recommended to have your brakes inspected often. At Sun Auto Tire & Service, we perform free brake inspections with many of our services, especially oil changes.

It could be something simple or serious. We recommend a diagnostic scan to find the cause.

Absolutely. We provide clear estimates and only complete the work you approve.

Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome.

You should service your vehicle every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first, for routine maintenance like oil changes and inspections. Always check your owner’s manual, as some vehicles and driving conditions may require more frequent attention to keep everything running smoothly and safely.

Finding the perfect tires for your vehicle depends on how and where you drive. From daily commutes to weekend adventures, each tire type offers unique benefits. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best fit:

All-Terrain Tires
Great for on- and off-road traction on all surfaces.

All-Season Tires
Ideal for Texas roads and mild climates.

Performance Tires
Enhanced grip and control at high speeds.