Welcome to Big Bend Auto Center!  Listed on this page are common questions asked by our customers over the years.  Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Change My Oil "How Often?"

Change Your Oil! People are always asking us what is the most important service on their car. Oil changes have always been the best thing you could do to maintain you car. With today's new cars, it has become an absolute necessity. Engines in new cars today are running up to 60 degrees hotter than those hot, high-performance engines 20 years ago. These hot temperatures are necessary to produce an emissions efficient engine, but are Bad News for your oil. Today's oils do a great job of lubrication, but no oil can last under the conditions in engines today.

Big Bend Auto Center recommends changing your oil every 3000 miles or 3 months. If you change your oil this regularly, you will never have a lubrication related problem. Your emission system will last much longer, your injection system will work better, your oil seals will seal longer, and tune-ups will be needed much less often.

Your car will LOVE you for it!

Get That Great A/C Feeling

By now I am sure everybody is totally confused about a/c, freon, ozone, R-134A, etc. To try to keep this simple R-12 (the old freon) is no longer being produced. Most cars made prior to 1994 have this old freon (R-12). The supply of R-12 is quickly depleting and the price is steadily increasing. Soon, maybe by next summer, R-12 may no longer be available.

R-134A (new freon) is the only replacement freon accepted by all of the major car manufactures and parts suppliers. Other replacement freons are available, but all have their particular incompatibilities.  Big Bend Auto Center does not recommend any of them. R-134A will work just fine in your new or older car.

WOW! Now just what does this mean to you? If your car's a/c is working properly, its not necessary to fix what's not broken. If your system has a problem, then it is time to have your car converted to the new freon (R-134A).

The best time to to convert is when you already need repairs. The process of conversion includes flushing out all of the old oil in the a/c system and replacing it with a new oil that works with the new freon. If your system is already being repaired, this process is less expensive. Also, with the high cost of the old R-12, the savings on the cost of freon makes the conversion expense more reasonable.

All cars are made differently, so the price changes with different makes and models. Please don't hesitate to call, we will be glad to discuss the procedures and cost in more detail with you.

"We are here for you."

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question: What should I check if I am going on a trip?
  Answer: All fluids, belts and hoses, tire condition and pressure including spare tire

• Question: When should I change my automatic transmission fluid and filter?
  Answer: Every 30,000 miles. A must with St. Louis driving conditions

• Question: I do not drive my car that much, so how often should I change my oil?
  Answer: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months which ever comes first

• Question: Why is my repair expense getting so high?
  Answer: With all the electronics in today's cars it takes much more specialized equipment and knowledge for diagnostics and repairs

• Question: How often should I check my fluid levels and tire pressures?
  Answer: At every other fillup or more often if you notice fluid leaking or a low tire

• Question: How often should I change my timing belt?
  Answer: Click here to view our timing belt replacement interval guide

• Question: How important are the recommended service intervals?
  Answer: Your vehicle is a mechanical device and requires regular servicing. Click here to view a sample maintenance schedule

• Question: Are gas prices getting you down?
  Answer: We have suggestions

• Question: How often should I get a tune up?
  Answer: Click here for information

• What should I do to get my vehicle ready for summer?
  Answer: Click here to help prevent summer breakdowns

• How can I be sure that Big Bend Auto Center is t he right shop for me?
  Answer: Click here to view our qualifications