BG Services

Lubricants and coolants come in a large variety of types and specifications, depending on the vehicle they’re going in or the application of the fluid. Steering systems need precision steering fluid, the crankcase and heat-generating components of the engine need oil for lubrication and heat dissipation, and the transmission needs a fluid of its own for the same reasons. Knowing the right fluid for the right system and how to perform a successful flush takes training and education provided by industry experts. In order to acquire this knowledge, automotive technicians seek out the gold standard in vehicle service and repair: the ASE Certification.

Brake Fluid Flush

To ensure the safe operation of any car, truck, van, or SUV, an effective braking system is absolutely crucial. The brake system of most modern vehicles isn’t made up of just the brakes themselves, there are also brake lines, master cylinders, and various seals or gaskets that must all be maintained for optimal performance.

When brake problems arise or it’s time for a brake fluid flush, your best course of action is to arrange for an ASE-certified mechanic to inspect your brake system for any potential faults, leaks, or malfunctions. Here at Thompson Automotive, Littleton’s trusted auto shop, we proudly provide brake services, including repairs and brake line flushes.

Cooling System Flush

Did you know that an overheating engine is just one of many indicators that you’re overdue for a coolant flush? Keep an eye out for all of the following signs that it’s time to bring your vehicle into the shop for service. Radiator flushes can save your car from wear and tear, keeping your vehicle on the road for tens of thousands of miles.

Overheating Engine: Keep an eye on that dash thermometer. If your engine overheating then your radiator isn’t doing its job. You may have bad coolant, a clog, a leak, or you may have issues with the water pump or blower fan (which cools the coolant coursing through the radiator blades).

Leaking Coolant: Your cooling system is liable to spring a leak. If you have a cracked radiator or a leaky line, you may see coolant pooling under your vehicle. You may also smell coolant burning off as you drive.

Odd Smells From the Engine Compartment: When leaking coolant burns off, it’ll produce a burnt rubber smell and you may see smoke pouring out of the engine compartment.

Debris in Coolant: Over time, impurities and debris can accumulate in your radiator and radiator lines as coolant courses through the system. With enough debris, your coolant may not travel through the radiator as it should.

Passed the Recommended Interval: Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service interval, and stick to that recommendation to ensure that your engine never overheats.

Power Steering Flush

You turn the steering wheel and your vehicle goes in the direction you want. It’s so simple, right? Not necessarily. Power steering is a complicated modern technology that requires the orchestration of multiple precise components in order to work smoothly. At the very least, a power steering system as a whole consists of a fluid reservoir, a steering fluid pump, and a rack and pinion assembly. Each of these critical components must operate in unison in order to function well, which demonstrates the importance of the regular flushing and replacement of the hydraulic fluid that runs through this system.

Having your power steering fluid flushed is a fairly quick and straightforward procedure. However, specialized tools are necessary to ensure that the process is performed correctly. Thompson Automotive has the expert staff and requisite tools to ensure that your power steering fluid flush is performed according to the specifications of your vehicle manufacturer, every time.

Transmission Fluid Flush

Depending on the type of transmission in your vehicle — automatic, CVT, or manual — a transmission fluid service may be performed by various methods in order to replace the old fluid with the correctly rated fluid per manufacturer recommendations.

For a manual or CVT transmission, a basic drain and fill are all that is required. But for an automatic transmission, there are two different methods that may be used. The first option is to drain the old fluid by dropping the oil pan. Next, the technician would reseal the oil pan, and then fill the transmission with the correct fluid. The problem with this method is that less than half of the fluid capacity will come out, so you end up mixing old fluid with the new! We believe our customers deserve far better service, so we perform the second option: a complete transmission flush using BG Automatic Transmission Fluid Flush System.

If you’re not sure about the condition of your transmission fluid, just stop into Thompson Automotive and receive an evaluation of your transmission. We’ll do the work of checking to see what the manufacturer recommends for your specific vehicle make and model, and we’ll match that with the right service or repairs, so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.