A Family Owned & Operated Business for 30+ Years

Tips & FAQ

SERVICE FIRST WHEN YOUR VEHICLE IS DOWN

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At Larry’s Complete Tire & Auto, we want our customers in Catoosa, OK, Tulsa, OK, Broken Arrow, OK, and surrounding areas to get the most out of their vehicles.

Helpful Tips

CAr Care

What’s the key to keeping your car running for a long time? Following the recommended maintenance intervals outlined in your owner’s manual and checking for potential problems before they happen are essential to overall vehicle maintenance. But when the time for necessary auto repairs arrives, remember where to turn: Larry’s Complete Tire & Auto.
  • Change the oil within the suggested service intervals. Checking and changing your oil and oil filter will help your engine and vehicle run smoothly. While changing your oil as required is important, using the manufacturer’s recommended oil for your vehicle can improve gas mileage by 1-2%.
  • Moving components require regular lubrication and should be checked as often as the oil is changed. Driveline components, like CV and u-joints, are flexible components that, if not properly lubricated, can break down and cause other major components to go with them.
  • Transmission and differential fluid are other important fluids to check during service intervals. Unusual noises, sluggish shifting, or abrupt gear changes are all signs that your transmission service interval is quickly approaching or has passed. For fluid specifications, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s recommended transmission fluid type and viscosity.
  • Pay attention to battery life. Battery connections should be kept tight, clean, and free of corrosion. Batteries rarely provide warnings before failing, so be sure to seek battery replacements as necessary.
  • Brake fluid can attract moisture, which will corrode components. Brake fluid should be replaced once a year to keep calipers, hoses, and other components in top operating condition. Other important fluids to consider changing on a regular basis include power steering fluid and coolant. Each fluid has its own service interval, so be sure to check with the manufacturer.
  • Fully functioning climate control systems are important to your comfort and your overall safety. A complete flush and fill of the coolant system is necessary for ridding the system of dirt and rust collected from the engine, radiator, and various hoses. Refrigerant may also be checked prior to the onset of warmer seasons.
  • Wheel alignments can realign your wheels to your manufacturer’s specifications. Wheel alignments improve straight-line tracking and reduce tire wear. If you feel unusual pulling to one side, it is time for a wheel alignment.
  • Avoid stop-and-go driving. This wastes fuel and adds unnecessary wear and premature age to crucial components.

Tire Care

Your tires contribute to vehicle performance. Tire maintenance can protect your investment by extending the life of your tires. Checking tire pressure, rotating your tires, balancing your tires, and choosing the right set of replacement tires based on safety and handling will all contribute to consistent performance.
  • Check tire pressure to ensure proper inflation. Underinflation can lead to excess heat, uneven tire wear, and decreased braking and handling capabilities, which may cause structural failures like blowouts and tread separation. Properly inflated tires will maximize tread life, improve handling, and increase fuel efficiency and overall driver safety.
  • Follow proper tire rotation schedules. Recommended rotation patterns for your vehicle can be found in your owner’s manual. Routine tire rotations equalize and enhance front-to-rear and side-to-side tire wear. Remember: tire rotation will not prevent or circumvent wear issues caused by worn mechanical components.
  • Balance tires as necessary. Out-of-balance tires may be detected in bumps that become more noticeable at higher speeds. Balancing tires is necessary during initial installation and during a remount.
  • Install new tires in sets or pairs. The addition of one new tire to the rotation cycle can cause instability and create vehicle handling issues. When new tires are needed, two new tires should be installed on the rear of a vehicle, and the partially worn tires should be moved to the front of the vehicle.
  • When the time comes to store your tires for next season, consider a dark place away from direct sunlight with low humidity. Tires should be stored away from solvents, grease, oil, or any ozone-producing electrical equipment, which have deteriorating effects on tires.
  • Be mindful of abnormal tire wear or damage to your tires. Watch for signs of punctures, embedded objects, cracks, and bulges.
  • Always keep a spare tire, and make sure it’s properly inflated and ready for use. You never know when you’re going to need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

About us & our Services

For any unlisted or additional questions, please contact us!
When do brake rotors need to be replaced?
Rotors must be replaced when they are worn past the inscribed minimum width. It is very important to inspect your brake system periodically; this includes your brake pads and brake rotors.
Why do brake system inspections need to be performed?
Technicians advise that you should have your brake system checked every 10,000 miles, depending on the amount of driving you do. You can also periodically check your brake pads, or brake shoes, and brake fluid yourself to check for excessive wear or leaking.
Disc Brakes - Why do I need to change them?
Having proper working disc brakes is essential to operating a safe vehicle. If you have worn brake pads, operating your vehicle can be dangerous. Worn disc brakes can lead to braking failure and can cause accidents. Also, if you wait too long to get your brake pads changed, you can incur many additional costs. When the brake pads are completely worn, each time you step on your brake pedal, your vehicle’s calipers will be squeezing metal on metal. This can lead to further damage on your vehicle’s rotors, and you will then need to replace not only your brake pads but also your rotors as well.
Drum Brakes - Why do I need to change them?
Having proper working drum brakes is essential to operating a safe vehicle. If you have worn drum brakes, operating your vehicle can be very dangerous. There are many parts to a drum brake and since there are many parts, there are several things that need to be checked to make sure a drum brake is working properly. The brake shoes need to be checked for excessive wear so they don’t damage the drum. The brake drums need to be checked for excessive wear or cracks. They also have to be machined smooth when a brake shoe is replaced and can only be machined down so far, then they must be replaced. The required diameter is inscribed on the drum. Wheel or brake cylinders need to be inspected for any signs of leaking. The return springs need to be checked because if they are too worn and don’t return the brake shoes back to their original position, away from the drum, the brake shoes can experience rapid and excessive wear. Finally, the self-adjusting system must be inspected to make sure it is clean and properly lubricated.
Why do engine diagnostics need to be performed?
Engine diagnostics keep your engine running efficiently. The OBD-II System can detect problems before they damage your engine or hurt its performance. These diagnostics will detect problems and turn on your “check engine” light. If your “check engine” light stays on, you have a problem with your engine, and it should be checked. These diagnostics will let you take care of problems early and help you save money. The diagnostics will also keep your vehicle running efficiently and keep your vehicle’s emissions low. If you ignore your “check engine” light, you can be damaging your engine. Also, your vehicle may not pass emissions tests when this light is on.
Why do I need an engine tune-up?
If regular maintenance and inspection isn’t performed on your engine, your vehicle may not be operating as reliably or efficiently as it should. A well-tuned engine operates at maximum performance levels. During a tune-up, engine parts that affect performance are checked and replaced. Spark plugs create an electrical spark that ignites the gasoline/air mixture in your engine. They create, and must be able to withstand, a tremendous amount of voltage and heat. If your engine’s spark plugs aren’t working properly, your engine can stall and may not even start. Spark plug wires are also very important. They have to be able to transfer and withstand the voltage created by the spark plug. If they are old, they can burn out and cause a misfire. Fuel and air filters are two more items that are checked during an engine tune-up. These two items affect engine performance and gas mileage. Fuel filters help protect your engine’s fuel system. They trap dirt and other debris in your fuel and don’t allow them to reach your engine. Over time, a fuel filter will clog and won’t allow fuel to flow freely. This can lead to poor acceleration and poor engine performance. Engines also require a free flow of clean air to operate. Outside air travels through the air filter and mixes with your vehicle’s fuel to power your engine. Air filters trap the dirt and other debris from the outside air. As with fuel filters, air filters can clog over time. A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to lose up to 20 horsepower, while making your engine work harder, since it restricts airflow. A dirty air filter will also reduce your gas mileage. Your engine requires the exact amount of air and fuel, but with decreased airflow there is less air mixing with your vehicle’s fuel; therefore, your engine uses more fuel to compensate
Why do you need automatic transmission service?
Automatic transmission service is necessary in order to keep your transmission running smoothly and prevent it from failing. There are many things that can damage your transmission including overheating, hauling heavy loads, poor transmission fluid, and even a lack of supervision and maintenance. Since automatic transmissions are so complex, they are very expensive to replace, which makes it even more important to keep it in good condition
When do you need to service your manual transmission?
Manufacturers recommend that you have your manual transmission serviced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on driving conditions. It is also recommended that you have your service technician check your transmission fluid each time you have your oil changed. Again, having clean transmission fluid is key to keeping your transmission running efficiently and extending its life.
When do I need an oil change?
Generally, you should change your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. However, some newer vehicles require oil changes every 5,000 miles. In order to keep your engine running smoothly, you should consult your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations on oil changes.
What function does an oil change serve?
Without oil a vehicle’s engine would never function. Oil circulates throughout the engine and is responsible for lubricating all of the moving parts. In a vehicle’s engine there are many moving parts that operate together. Without oil, these moving parts would rub against each other, create extreme levels of friction, and tear each other apart. Without oil, these parts would wear excessively, and the engine would ultimately fail. With the extreme levels of friction created by the engine’s moving parts, some microscopic wear particles eventually fall from the engine’s parts. These tiny particles can do much damage to the engine. Engine oil absorbs these wear particles and transfers them out of the engine and into the oil filter. Oil serves another function; it minimizes the engine’s exposure to oxygen, therefore limiting oxidation (rust) and corrosion. Oil also serves as an engine coolant. The engine’s moving parts create much heat energy, and oil is responsible for absorbing some of that heat. An oil change replaces the engine’s old, dirty oil with new oil that will help the engine operate at a more satisfactory, safer level.
Ohio State Emission Inspections
This mandatory emissions inspection was created to meet specific regional air-quality issues and improvement goals. These inspections are part of Ohio’s plan to protect the environment and improve air quality by inspecting every vehicle’s emissions system. The Ohio state emissions inspection can be performed by any official Ohio Department of Transportation service station. Any such station will have a sign to let you know they are an official DOT service station. During the emissions inspection, your vehicle goes through four different inspections. First, your vehicle’s emissions are checked. This includes idle testing, Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) testing, and evaporative system function tests. Second, the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system is checked. The OBD system is a device that detects problems in your engine. The system was put in place to help control vehicle emissions. Third, your gas cap will be inspected. This just means that your gas cap is checked to make sure that no harmful gases are escaping from your gas tank into the atmosphere. Finally, your vehicle undergoes a visual inspection. During the visual inspection, the following items are checked: catalytic converter, exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) valve, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, fuel inlet restrictor, air pump, muffler, tail pipe, and evaporative control system components. If any of these items or inspections fail, the necessary part will need to be repaired or replaced, or your vehicle won’t pass the emissions test.

It is required that your vehicle has a safety inspection performed every year. This mandatory safety inspection has been implemented to ensure that all drivers are safe on the road. The safety inspection is designed to find any unsafe vehicles and remove them from the road in order to prevent crashes and serious injuries.
Ohio State Vehicle Safety
Ohio requires this yearly safety inspection to make sure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to drive. The goal is to catch any damage or issues with vehicles before they cause an accident. The Ohio state safety inspection can be performed by any official Ohio Department of Transportation service station. Any such station will have a sign to let you know they are an official DOT service station. The following are checked during the safety inspection: brake system, body and chassis, defrost, electrical system, exhaust system, fuel system, glass and mirrors, horn, lighting system, odometer, steering, suspension, tires, and windshield wipers/washing system. Your vehicle will also be checked for any signs of tampering with your emissions system.

Your vehicle is required to be inspected on or before your annual (once a year) inspection date.
Why do I need to replace them?
Air filters are one of the most overlooked parts of your vehicle. They play a significant role in the performance of your engine. Your vehicle can lose up to 20 horsepower from a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can also affect your vehicle’s gas mileage. Air filters have to allow air to pass freely into your engine. If an air filter gets dirty, it can restrict the amount of airflow and make your engine work harder. Your engine requires an exact amount of air and gas to power your engine. If your engine is not getting enough air, it will have to use more gas to compensate. This will reduce your gas mileage as well as your engine’s
When do they need to be replaced?
Dirt and debris build up over time and clog the pores on your engine’s air filter. Generally, you should have your air filter replaced every other time you have your oil changed (about every 6,000 miles). At the very least, you should have your air filter changed once a year. However, depending on where you live and the conditions of roads on which you drive (dirt or dusty roads), you should check your air filter every time you change your oil. This regular maintenance can lead to better engine performance and gas mileage.
Why do I need to replace them?
Air filters are one of the most overlooked parts of your vehicle. They play a significant role in the performance of your engine. Your vehicle can lose up to 20 horsepower from a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can also affect your vehicle’s gas mileage. Air filters have to allow air to pass freely into your engine. If an air filter gets dirty, it can restrict the amount of airflow and make your engine work harder. Your engine requires an exact amount of air and gas to power your engine. If your engine is not getting enough air, it will have to use more gas to compensate. This will reduce your gas mileage as well as your engine’s
When should you replace your alternator?
Dirt and debris build up over time and clog the pores on your engine’s air filter. Generally, you should have your air filter replaced every other time you have your oil changed (about every 6,000 miles). At the very least, you should have your air filter changed once a year. However, depending on where you live and the conditions of roads on which you drive (dirt or dusty roads), you should check your air filter every time you change your oil. This regular maintenance can lead to better engine performance and gas mileage.
Why do I need to replace them?
Ball joints will eventually wear from the amount of movement and friction they undergo(eliminate comma) and can become loose. A ball joints is made to fit tightly into its steel casing; excessive wear will allow for more room for the ball to move in the socket, which can affect wheel alignment, tire wear, and suspension noise. Bad ball joints can lead to abnormal wearing of your tires. A ball joint’s lubrication can also dry out. This will allow road water to get inside the ball joint and will eventually lead to rust. As ball joints wear, this can hamper your ability to steer and control the vehicle. If a ball joint fails, a vehicle’s suspension can collapse or the wheel could fall off causing the vehicle to lose control. A bad ball joint is extremely dangerous and can cause serious accidents.
When should you replace the ball joints?
Any joint that exceeds the vehicle manufacturer’s maximum allowable wear needs to be replaced. Ball joints typically last 70,000 to 150,000 miles depending on their usage and road conditions. Clunking noises, poor handling, pulling, and abnormal wearing of your tires are all signs of a worn ball joint. If you see uneven tread wear patterns on your tire, you should have your ball joints checked. This can save you much money in the long run. Ball joints should be checked whenever the vehicle’s lubrication is checked. If the rubber boot which holds the joint’s lubrication is damaged or missing, chances are water has gotten into the joint. This can lead to rust and wearing, and your ball joint should be replaced. You can also check on your own to see if your ball joints are bad. You can give your tire a strong tug and see if you feel any extra pull or play. You can also jack the tire up and give the top and bottom of the tire a pull. If you feel any extra pull or play, you should have your ball joints checked immediately by a professional.
Why do I need to replace them?
Your vehicle cannot operate if your Serpentine Belt breaks. The Serpentine Belt is needed to drive many engine functions, such as power steering and your water pump. If your belt breaks, you may be able to drive your vehicle for a very short distance before your engine fails from overheating. Steering will also be very difficult at low speeds since your power steering will be inoperable.
When should you replace the serpentine belts?
Serpentine Belts don’t last forever. They will eventually wear with extended use and should occasionally be inspected. To inspect your Serpentine Belt, wait for your engine to cool completely, pop your hood and look for any damage, such as fraying or cracking, on your belt. Also, check that the belt is securely on all of its pulleys. If the belt appears to be damaged or loose, have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. If you are experiencing difficulty turning at low speeds, your power steering may be failing due to a loose or damaged Serpentine Belt. If this happens, check your belt or have your vehicle’s belt inspected by a professional. It is recommended that your Serpentine Belt be replaced every 60,000 miles. To be on the safe side, whenever you change your engine’s oil, give your Serpentine Belt a check to make sure it is in good condition. It is much easier to catch a damaged belt early and have it replaced, than it is to have your engine fail while you are driving.
What do radiator hoses do?
When your engine is running, it produces tremendous amounts of heat. Your cooling system is responsible for keeping this heat in check and preventing your engine from overheating. One of the most important parts of your cooling system is your radiator. Radiators store and cool your engine coolant. Your radiator is controlled by a special thermostat which constantly watches your engine’s temperature. When the engine gets too hot, the thermostat releases engine coolant, or antifreeze, from your radiator into your engine. The antifreeze travels through the engine’s pipes and passageways to absorb heat and cool the engine. Then, the antifreeze returns to the radiator to be cooled. Once the antifreeze is cooled, it is ready to be re-released into the engine to keep your engine cool and running smoothly. It is the radiator hoses that are in charge of transporting engine coolant to and from the radiator and to and from the engine. Your engine has two radiator hoses: an inlet hose, which takes the hot engine coolant from the engine and transports it to the radiator, and an outlet hose, which transports the engine coolant from the radiator to the engine. These radiator hoses are made of thick, durable rubber in order to withstand the hot engine coolant passing through them.
When do you need to replace a radiator?
The most common problem with your engine’s radiator is a leak. A leak is obvious enough to detect and can usually be fixed quite easily. If you find any engine coolant/antifreeze leaking from your engine, have your vehicle inspected for any leaks or damaged radiator hoses. When you have your engine flushed or your antifreeze changed, you should have your radiator inspected. Your antifreeze should be changed every two years or 30,000 miles. Remember, your radiator is a very important component of your vehicle. Without it, your engine will overheat and fail.
When do you need to replace your radiator hoses?
Radiator hoses can last for several years; sometimes they can last for over ten years. However, it is important to check the condition of your radiator hoses periodically. Wait until your engine cools completely, and then feel your radiator hoses. They shouldn’t feel too hard and brittle or too soft and mushy. Inspect the hoses for any cracks as well. You should also check the clamps that hold the radiator hoses in place. If there appears to be any excessive wear or any cracks in your radiator hoses, have them replaced immediately.
Why do you need to replace your engine's timing belt?
If the timing belt fails, your entire engine will fail. If a timing belt is worn or stretched, it can throw off the timing of the valves and pistons. This can cause the pistons to hit a closed valve and damage or bend the valves and pistons. Again, if a timing belt is worn or stretched, it can disrupt the timing of your engine and cause serious damage to your engine’s valves and pistons, which will lead to a much more expensive repair.
When do you need to replace your engine's timing belt?
A timing belt typically lasts from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The owner’s manual for your vehicle should be followed regarding the replacement of your vehicle’s timing belt. Replacing a timing belt should be done by a car-care professional only. It is a difficult process that may require moving other parts in your engine, such as the water cooler. Then, after the new timing belt is installed, it must be synchronized with the crankshaft and camshaft in order to operate properly and precisely.
What certifications do you have?
We’re proud to be a AAA-approved repair facility, certified by BBB, and deliver the promise of great service and quality workmanship. Additionally we are ASE, ASA and MOOG Steering & Suspension certified.
Are you hiring?
At the moment we are not hiring. We will update according to wether we have positions open.
Do you offer financing
Yes, we offer special financing with the cooper tire credit card. The Cooper Tires credit card helps make it easy for you to get a new set of tires for your vehicle so that you can get in, out, and back on the road again fast. Use your card for qualifying tire purchases or other automotive services. (6 Months promotional financing available on purchases of $199 o more.*)

*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See store for details. We reserve the right to discontinue or alter the terms of this offer at any time. **For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. ***Gas station purchases are not eligible for promotional financing. Valid everywhere Synchrony Car Care is accepted in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Subject to credit approval.
Is pickup and dropoff allowed?
Yes, we understand that everyone has a different schedual so we are good with vehicle pickup and dropoffs.