Mills Boys Automotive

Mills Boys Automotive Performing automotive repair and service from tires and oil changes to electrical. We work on all makes and models

12/30/2025

Thanks for visiting the Mills Boys Automotive auto care blog. Today's post lists 5 important reasons HINTON drivers should follow recommended maintenance schedules.

1. Be Safe
A well-maintained car doesn't put you and your passengers at unnecessary risk. Think brakes, headlamps, tires.

2. Get Better Fuel Economy
Regular maintenance is an investment in optimum fuel economy. Inadequate tire pressure, a dirty fuel system and a clogged air filter are just a few things that reduce fuel economy.

3. Preserve Resale Value
How many HINTON used car buyers will pay full Blue Book for a car with a filthy engine, clogged filters and bald tires?

4. Don't Void Your Warranty
Your warranty claims may be denied if your service history doesn't fulfill the minimum requirements recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

5. Save Money
Regular maintenance reduces the chance of catastrophic failures and repairs.

Here are some Mills Boys Automotive tips to help you remember the main items:

First: Fluids. Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, etc. We can take care of all of these for you at Mills Boys Automotive in HINTON.

Then think Tires. Air, rotation, balancing, and alignment. And while you're thinking tires, think brakes and shock absorbers.

Air and Fuel. Air filter replacement, fuel filters and Mills Boys Automotive fuel system cleaning.

This doesn't cover everything, but Mills Boys Automotive will help you with the rest.

Give us a call

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327

At Mills Boys Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

06/25/2025

The Harm in Skipping an Oil Change

Some new vehicle manufacturers are now recommending much higher oil change intervals than they have in the past. As much as 5,000 to 8,000 miles or more. Following these recommendations is very important to avoid engine damage. When you go too long between oil changes, oil starts to turn to sludge. This causes small oil passages to clog and engine parts to fail.

What causes oil sludge? It’s a factor of time and mileage. There are hot spots in every engine that cause oil burn off that leads to sludge. Also, water from normal condensation can build up in the oil. This water also creates sludge. Severe driving conditions lead to more rapid sludge formation.

Severe driving includes short trips under four miles or trips under ten miles in freezing conditions. The engine just doesn’t get warm enough for the water in the oil to evaporate.

Severe conditions are at the heart of the problem. Stop and go driving, towing, dusty conditions, heavy loads, very hot or very cold temperatures, a car top carrier – these are all conditions that would suggest that the severe service schedule should be considered.

The severe service schedule has much shorter oil change intervals. People just need to honestly evaluate how they drive to determine if they should change their oil closer to the severe service schedule, or to the standard schedule.

Some cars give oil change reminders. But it’s important to know how that reminder is determined. For some, the reminder simply comes when the standard mileage interval has rolled around. Others use a computer algorithm that takes into consideration the number of cold starts, trip length, engine temperature and so on. It’s programmed to approximate where on the standard/severe service spectrum you fall. Some more expensive vehicles have sensors that test the cleanliness and effectiveness of the oil.

For the rest of us, better safe than sorry should be the guiding principle. Talk with your service advisor and work it out together. Find out what kind of oil the factory sends out in your vehicle. Sometimes it’s a premium grade that costs more than standard oil – but it may be what’s needed to meet a higher factory recommended interval.

Give us a call

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327

02/04/2025

You wouldn't walk into a different dentist's office every time you needed a tooth looked at. You wouldn't pick out someone at random every time you needed your hair cut. And on Tax Day? You probably wouldn't trust your taxes to a stranger.

There are some professionals for whom you feel your relationship is more than just client and customer. They're almost like friends, and since you know them well after years of going to them, you know the quality of their work and that they have a track record of doing their best for you.

You may not realize it, but the relationship with your automotive service professional should have that personal connection, too. It may take some time to find the one place where the rapport just feels right. But when you do, you know when you walk in the door, and your service advisor greets you with a smile, things are going to be done right. And you'll be confident that they'll only recommend and perform work your vehicle really needs.

Just as with your accountant, lawyer, or person who cuts your hair, the relationship with your auto repair center is a two-way street. The longer we get to know you, the more we understand your needs and expectations of us. And you get to know our work, our professional ethics and the quality of work we do. That mutual trust is something we both value.

Facilities that have been in business for a long time know how important that long-term relationship is. That's why we hire and train professional technicians who take their job and training seriously… but also know the human side of automotive repairs and trust.

So, don't be a stranger. It's a relationship that is a win-win for both of us.

Give your friends a call for all your automotive needs.

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327

01/20/2025

Question

My friend just had a very expensive transmission repair. How can I avoid transmission trouble?

Answer

Next to your engine, your transmission is the most expensive component in your vehicle – so you want to do all you can to avoid transmission repairs.

You may have noticed a trend of engines becoming more and more powerful in recent years. At the same time, fuel economy has been improving in nearly every motor vehicle segment. More power and better fuel economy have always been at odds. Some of the improvement in fuel economy has been due to engine design, but most of the increases in fuel economy can be credited to advances in transmission technology.

Every engine has a sweet spot in which it most efficiently makes power. This is often referred to as the power band – the optimal engine speed (measured in revolutions per minute, or RPM). The computers that control what gear your automatic transmission is in try to keep it in the right gear in order to maintain optimal engine speed – whatever your driving conditions may be.

Modern automatic transmissions have anywhere between four and ten speeds. The more “speeds” your transmission has, the more time your engine can operate at peak efficiency. Needless to say, transmissions have become more sophisticated and expensive.

Transmissions are cooled and lubricated by transmission fluid. This pressurized fluid is directed through small passages to effect gear changes. When transmission fluid gets old and contaminated, the small passages can become plugged which adversely affects shifts. The dirty fluid circulating in the transmission can eat away at gaskets and seals causing internal leaks that also hurt shifting.

Therefore, some vehicle manufacturers recommend that transmissions be serviced from time to time. The interval varies by vehicle, so check your owner’s manual or with your Service Advisor about when service is due. Old, contaminated fluid is removed, and new fluid is installed. Keeping up with the recommended service schedule helps prevent internal damage that may result in an expensive transmission rebuild.

Let us help you extend the life of your vehicle and prevent costly repairs with recommended preventive maintenance service.

Give us a call

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327

09/30/2024

Your serpentine belt drives your alternator and air conditioning compressor. The power steering and power brake pumps are driven by the serpentine belt in many vehicles. In some vehicles, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt (in others it's driven by the timing belt). The radiator cooling fan on some vehicles is also driven by the serpentine belt. Some have separate electric motors.

Serpentine belts do a lot of work for HINTON vehicles. They're tough and can last a long time, but just how long will they last? That'll vary for each individual vehicle. Your vehicle manufacturer will have a recommendation for when it should be changed, but it could need changing sooner. The good news is that a visual inspection at Mills Boys Automotive in HINTON can reveal a belt that's worn.

It's often recommended that the tensioner pulley that keeps the belt at the proper tension be replaced along with the serpentine belt. This pulley is mounted to the engine block with a spring loaded arm.

What are the warning signs that there's a problem with the serpentine belt? HINTON drivers may hear a squealing sound from under the hood when accelerating. A loose belt might give you a slow, slapping sound.

If you suspect a problem with your serpentine belt, or if it's just been a while since it was last checked, ask your friendly and knowledgeable Mills Boys Automotive service advisor to have it looked over.

Give us a call.

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327

09/09/2024

Today at Mills Boys Automotive we're going to talk about windshield wiper blades. Now that may seem like a pretty mundane topic, but think about how important your vision is: We protect our eyes. If we need contacts or glasses, we taken care of them too. And, well, wiper blades are critical to our vision when we drive around the HINTON area.

We really ought to think about wipers as part of an important safety system. We should think about maintaining safety – not just responding when our wiper blades fail. How many times have you been caught off-guard in HINTON by the first storm of the season with a streaky windshield you can barely see out of? Or with no washer fluid?

Wiper blades live outside the vehicle, exposed to heat and sun in the HINTON summer and cold and ice in the HINTON area winter. It's no wonder that they get dry, brittle and torn.

We recommend changing wiper blades twice a year – before they're so damaged that they don't work. If you replace them at the same time as one of your spring and fall oil changes, you should always have wiper blades that can get the job done.

Some of us live in areas with more extreme weather and temperature conditions. You might just live somewhere where it rains more so your blades wear out faster, or you travel a lot and use your wipers to clean bugs and road grime.

If that's the case, consider a premium grade wiper. There are special wiper material compounds, blade designs and wiper arms that really improve your vision in adverse conditions. There are even special winter blades that don't get all clogged up with ice and snow.

We can also apply a special windshield treatment that repels rain, sleet and snow as you drive. The increased visibility can improve your driving response time.

When it comes to wiper blades, it's important to think of it as maintaining this safety component by replacing your blades before they fail. That'll keep you seeing clearly in all conditions.

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327



At Mills Boys Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

07/30/2024

There has been rumor going around that our shop has moved or closed this is not true NAPA Parts has been purchased by someone else and has moved the parts store to Broadway our shop is still in the same place we have always been

04/17/2024

As your engine runs, the intake valves need to open to allow air into the engine. They remain closed while the air and fuel are compressed and ignited, powering the piston. Then the exhaust valves open to release the exhaust. This all must be timed very precisely. It is the job of the timing belt or timing chain to make sure all of this is synced up properly.

Timing belts are made of a very tough compound that can last for tens of thousands of miles. Timing chains are made of metal and last for a very long time as well. If your vehicle has a timing belt, your owner’s manual has a schedule for replacing the belt. If your vehicle has a timing chain, there may not be a specified schedule for replacing it, but that doesn’t mean that the timing chain system is indestructible and never needs attention.

For example, the chain runs on sprockets on the crankshaft and the camshafts. A broken tooth on a sprocket can cause the chain to slip a little. When timing is off a little your engine will not run as smoothly. When timing is off enough your engine won’t run at all and could even be severely damaged. There is also a tensioner that keeps appropriate pressure on the timing chain. This keeps the chain tight while allowing it to absorb pulsations from the engine. The tensioner can wear out. There are also guide rails that keep the chain on the proper path that can become worn.

The bottom line is that at some time, one or more of the timing chain system components will become worn to the point that they are no longer performing within specification. Your service advisor can help you with recommendations for when timing chain components should be replaced on your vehicle and have it inspected for signs of timing chain system wear.

Since timing chains are lubricated by engine oil, staying on top of your regular oil changes is very important to prolong its life. Always use a high-quality oil filter and oil of the recommended type and grade.

Give us a call

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327

04/10/2024

It’s no surprise that your vehicle will drive better if all the wheels are pointed in the same direction. That’s called wheel alignment. If your wheels are out of alignment you may notice that your vehicle pulls to one side or the other.

Something that you won’t notice right away, but you will if you keep driving when you’re out of alignment, is that your tires are wearing unevenly and quickly. That’s because when the vehicle is pulling to one side, you must steer it back straight. The outside of the tire just wears out fast because you’re constantly turning, which can be very exhausting on a long road trip – fighting to keep the vehicle going straight down the road.

Some of the things that commonly throw a wheel out of alignment are slamming into a pothole, smacking a curb or something like a rock. And it doesn’t have to be a big shock, it can just be the regular bumps and bangs of daily driving that add up and eventually take your vehicle out of alignment. That’s why your owner’s manual or service advisor may suggest having your alignment checked periodically.

With an alignment service, we measure each wheel’s alignment and to see where they are relative to factory specifications. While we have the vehicle on the alignment rack, we inspect the tires for wear as well as the suspension and steering components for damage or wear – things that can contribute to alignment problems. With some vehicles you can adjust all four wheels, so we bring all wheels into alignment. On those vehicles where you can only adjust the front wheels, we bring the front into alignment relative to the rear.

Cost varies by whether it’s two or four wheel adjustable. Four-wheel drive vehicles may have an additional charge because they’re more difficult to align. At any rate, it’s cheaper than having to replace tires every few months.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your wheels aligned, bring your vehicle in for an alignment check.

Give us a call

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327

03/25/2024

Your alternator makes electricity to start and run your engine and all the electrical systems in your vehicle. That’s everything from the on-board computers to the turn signals. And of course, there is the entertainment system, seat heaters, power windows, and everything you plug into the power outlets. After your alternator makes enough electricity to do all that, it recharges your battery with what’s left over.

When you constantly have a low or dead battery, the alternator is usually a prime suspect. However, the alternator is just one component of the starting/charging system and a problem with any of the other components could be the actual cause.

In addition to the alternator, the charging/starting system includes the battery, starter, serpentine belt system, and all the electrical cables that connect them. Your technician has a systematic process of testing components and connections to get to the source of your problem.

The initial symptoms determine where to begin the diagnostic process and he follows the procedure until he tracks down the culprit.

For example, diagnostic tests could reveal that the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged. Is the alternator bad? Not necessarily. A worn serpentine belt tensioner could be allowing the belt that spins the alternator to slip. So, the perfectly good alternator is not spinning at the proper speed. The solution is replacing the serpentine belt system – not the alternator.

The good news is that our highly trained technicians can properly diagnose all your vehicle problems and make the necessary repairs to get you back on the road.

Give us a call

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327

02/12/2024

It’s always exciting to get a new car – even when it’s used. But it can feel like you’re going out on a limb a bit when you buy a used vehicle. I mean, people sell vehicles for a lot of reasons. Maybe they just wanted a new car, maybe there was something wrong with it, and maybe there was something really wrong with it.

It’s a great idea to order a report from a vehicle history service. This can uncover title problems and may reveal serious accidents or flood damage as well as any recall notices for the vehicle. Maintenance and repair records are a plus, but most sellers don’t have them.

Of course the best thing is to get a professional to perform a used vehicle inspection. The inspection will go much deeper than just how good the vehicle looks and drives. You’ll get a feel for the vehicle’s overall condition, the status of major safety systems and an indication of how well it has been maintained. You’ll get a good idea of any work that needs to be done – and that will help you determine an appropriate value for the vehicle.

It’s pretty easy to see how a used vehicle inspection is worth the cost. If problems are uncovered, you can either steer clear of the vehicle or bargain for a better price. If everything is OK, you’ll have a plan for addressing any routine services that should be done, not to mention a whole lot of peace of mind.

It’s easy to fall in love with a vehicle – just don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment. Have us perform a used vehicle inspection so that you’ll know if you’re getting a peach, or a lemon.

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327



At Mills Boys Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

12/18/2023

New tire choices can be overwhelming for HINTON drivers. Suppose you have an SUV and are trying to decide between all season tires or some that are also rated for off-highway. How much do you drive off-road in OK? How important are looks as you drive on HINTON roads?

Let's suppose you have a sporty car. You may like to run a high-performance summer tire when the weather's good in HINTON. When the HINTON weather turns cold, you can put on high-performance winter tires. For the kind of driving you like to do in OK, you want full on performance tires.

If all-out performance isn't a big issue, all-season tires are a good compromise that works well for most HINTON drivers.

When it's time for new tires, visit with a tire professional at Mills Boys Automotive in HINTON. Describe your needs and wants. He'll come up with some selections for you to discuss. And once you settle on a type of tire, there are options for special needs: like pulling a trailer or carrying heavy loads around HINTON.

Tires are a large purchase for HINTON drivers. With so many choices, you'll be able to get what's best for you.

Give us a call.

Mills Boys Automotive
403 E MAIN ST
HINTON, OK 73047
(405) 542-7327

Address

403 East Main
Hinton, OK
73047

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14055427327

Website

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