FAQs

Many drivers don’t pay attention to tire wear indicators, which can lead to a flat tire or even a blowout at the worst possible moment. It’s important to visually inspect your vehicle’s tires regularly to avoid inconvenient and/or dangerous situations out on the road. Signs of tire damage and wear that may mean it’s time for new tires include:

• Cracks in the tire’s sidewall (usually caused by dry rotting)
• Objects embedded in the tire (especially near the edge of the tread in the sidewall)
• Excessive and/or uneven tread wear
• Cups or dips in the tread
• Blisters, bulges, and other weak spots in the tire

If you notice any of the above or feel excessive vibration when driving, it’s time to make an appointment at your nearest Bruce's Tire & Auto Service location.

Our expert technicians offer all the tire repair and maintenance services you need, from rotations to tire alignments and everything in between. We also regularly have great deals on high-quality replacement tires when it’s time for new tires on your vehicle.

Your vehicle’s onboard computer system triggers the “Check Engine” light when a sensor reports a value out of the preset range. This light can indicate a variety of different things, from a minor issue to something more urgent and in-depth. So when this light comes on, it should not be ignored.

Using an electronic scanning/diagnostic tool, we can quickly identify the specific problem and determine what repairs need to be made.

Remember, even if someone can scan and read the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for you, this code only indicates which system a fault was measured in but not exactly what has caused it. At Bruce's Tire & Auto Service, we can accurately pinpoint what needs to be done and properly correct the problem.

Regular oil and filter changes are essential to maintain a properly running vehicle. They are also one of the easiest and least expensive ways to help extend the life of your engine. We recommend doing this service every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. If your engine is running synthetic oil, you may be able to go closer to 5,000 miles between oil changes.

At all our Bruce's Tire & Auto Service locations, we offer fast and professional oil change services and use high-quality Valvoline oil products, including:

• Valvoline Premium Conventional – used for increased protection in severe driving conditions
• Valvoline Synthetic Blend – effectively cleans and protects high-mileage engines and those needing extra protection
• Valvoline Full Synthetic Oil – the cleanest and highest performing option, with fewer impurities than crude oil

Our complete oil change service includes replacing the engine oil, installing a new filter, and lubricating your vehicle’s chassis, with tire rotation available upon request. During your oil change, our ASE-certified technicians will also check your vehicle’s other important systems to inform you of anything that may not be in good condition, helping you catch minor issues early.

Check our coupons page for the latest deals to help you save even more money on your next oil change service.

A good habit to get into is to check the level and condition of your engine oil yourself between oil changes. Doing so can prevent unexpected breakdowns and engine damage caused by low oil levels.

To check your engine’s oil:

• Park your vehicle on a level surface and let the engine cool down.
• Locate the oil dipstick, which should be on the top of your oil tank and usually has a bright yellow pull ring at the end.
• Pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a rag.
• Fully reinsert the dipstick and then slowly pull it out. The oil level reading will fall between an L and F (low to full) at the end of the dipstick. (Some dipsticks have two crosshatch marks instead of letters).
• If the level shows near the L mark (or the lower crosshatch mark), carefully add a small amount of oil. Be careful not to overfill it past the F (or the upper crosshatch mark).

Faulty brakes can quickly lead to disaster. Your vehicle’s brake system should be inspected regularly to catch any issues early. To keep your brakes in optimal condition and operating safely, we recommend that your brakes be checked every 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.

In between checks by your car mechanic, watch for these indicators that brake service is needed:

• Squealing, grinding, clicking, or thumping sounds when braking
• Puddles of leaking yellow brake fluid
• Decreased resistance in the pedal when braking
• Increased distance needed to stop the vehicle
• The vehicle pulls to one side when braking
• Pedal vibration when braking
• ABS light for anti-lock brake system is illuminated
• Our ASE-certified expert technicians provide premium brake repair and service that includes:
• Visually inspecting the hydraulic brake system and friction
• Resurfacing the rotors and/or drums where applicable
• Installing new top-quality brake pads and/or shoes
• Repacking wheel bearings, if applicable

This depends on the age and mileage of your specific vehicle. Older vehicles with high mileage require a different tune-up schedule and service than today’s newer vehicles with internal computer systems. For newer model vehicles, the tune-up and car maintenance schedule should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are often at 15,000 miles, 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 90,000 miles.

Here at Bruce's Tire & Auto Service, we offer maintenance service packages for those mileage benchmarks or to meet what your car maker recommends. Of course, anytime you notice an issue, bring your vehicle in for inspection and service as soon as possible.

Bruce's Tire & Auto Service is the first choice for car AC repair and climate control service in the Greater Bay Area and Central Valley areas. Our AC system diagnostic service includes the following:

• Testing the vent output temperatures
• Using professional leak detection tools to check the compressor and other components for visible leaks
• Gauging the Freon pressure
• Inspecting hose fittings
• Checking the connectivity of the electrical components
• Inspecting the AC-related belts for cracks
• Running an overall performance test

Our technicians can pinpoint any issues preventing your vehicle’s AC from working at full capacity during the AC inspection. If needed, we can evacuate and recharge the system with refrigerant according to your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

No! It is a common misconception that you do. But you legally have the right to take your vehicle to any car repair shop for service or repair and still maintain your warranty. An auto dealership cannot deny warranty coverage if an outside car mechanic performs maintenance or repairs.

At Bruce's Tire & Auto Service, our team of factory-trained, ASE-Certified master technicians provides the highest level of professional service that meets or exceeds what you’ll get at any dealership. From routine car maintenance to in-depth repairs, we can take care of everything your vehicle needs to continue running its best and stay safe on the road.