FAQ — Tire Shop Long Beach
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON TIRE, BRAKE, WHEEL & SUSPENSION QUESTIONS FROM LONG BEACH DRIVERS. CAN'T FIND YOUR ANSWER? CALL US — WE'RE HAPPY TO HELP.
🛞 TIRES — SALES, INSTALLATION & REPAIR
HOW MUCH DO NEW TIRES COST IN LONG BEACH?
Tire prices at Ochoa's Tire Service start around $50 per tire for standard passenger vehicles and can range up to $300+ for performance, truck, or commercial tires depending on brand and size. Our prices include professional mounting and balancing. We carry all major brands and offer financing through Snap Finance, Affirm, Acima, and Klarna so you can get tires now and pay over time. Call us at (562) 422-4449 for a free quote on your specific vehicle.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I NEED NEW TIRES?
You should replace your tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch or less. An easy test is the penny method — insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it's time for new tires. Other signs include uneven tread wear, cracks or bulges in the sidewall, excessive vibration while driving, and your vehicle pulling to one side. Our technicians at both Long Beach locations offer free tire inspections — just walk in anytime.
WHAT TIRE BRANDS DO YOU CARRY IN LONG BEACH?
Ochoa's Tire Service carries all major tire brands including Michelin, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Cooper, Pirelli, Yokohama, Nitto, Toyo, Falken, Hankook, Continental, Kumho, and many more. We stock passenger tires, truck tires, all-terrain, mud-terrain, performance, all-season, and commercial tires. If we don't have your exact size in stock, we can typically get it within 24 hours. Visit us at 6595 Cherry Ave or 6990 Paramount Blvd in Long Beach.
CAN A FLAT TIRE BE REPAIRED OR DOES IT NEED TO BE REPLACED?
A flat tire can often be repaired if the puncture is in the tread area, is 1/4 inch or smaller in diameter, and the sidewall is undamaged. If the puncture is in the sidewall, shoulder area, or if the tire was driven on while flat, it will need to be replaced for safety reasons. Driving on a flat tire can damage the internal structure beyond repair. Bring it to Ochoa's Tire Service for a free inspection — we'll let you know honestly whether a repair or replacement is the right call.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ROTATE MY TIRES?
Tire rotation is recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or roughly every six months. Regular rotation promotes even tread wear across all four tires, extends tire life, and helps maintain balanced handling. Front tires typically wear faster than rear tires, especially on front-wheel-drive vehicles common in Long Beach. Our technicians can rotate your tires quickly with no appointment needed at either location.
DO YOU SELL USED TIRES IN LONG BEACH?
Yes, Ochoa's Tire Service offers quality used tires as a budget-friendly option for Long Beach drivers. All of our used tires are inspected for safe tread depth, sidewall integrity, and overall condition before being offered for sale. Used tires are a great option if you need tires fast and are working within a tight budget. We also offer financing on new tires if you prefer to go that route.
WHAT IS A TPMS SENSOR AND DO I NEED TO REPLACE IT?
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It's a sensor inside each tire that alerts you when tire pressure drops below a safe level. The TPMS warning light on your dashboard means at least one tire is underinflated or a sensor has failed. Sensors typically last 5-10 years and may need replacement when you get new tires. Ochoa's Tire Service handles TPMS sensor replacement and reprogramming at both Long Beach locations.
🔧 BRAKE REPAIR & SERVICE
HOW MUCH DOES A BRAKE JOB COST IN LONG BEACH?
Brake pad replacement at Ochoa's Tire Service typically starts around $150-$250 per axle depending on your vehicle and brake pad quality. A complete brake job including pads and rotors can range from $300-$500 per axle. We use quality parts and always inspect the full braking system including rotors, calipers, brake fluid, and brake lines. We provide a free brake inspection and honest estimate before any work is done. Financing is available through Snap Finance, Affirm, and Acima.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED NEW BRAKES?
Common signs you need brake service include squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises when braking, a soft or spongy brake pedal, your vehicle pulling to one side when braking, vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal, and the brake warning light on your dashboard. Brake pads should be replaced when they wear down to 2/32 of an inch. Don't wait — worn brakes increase stopping distance and put you and your family at risk. Walk into either of our Long Beach locations for a free brake inspection.
HOW LONG DO BRAKE PADS LAST?
Brake pads typically last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, but this varies widely depending on your driving habits, vehicle type, and driving conditions. City driving in Long Beach with frequent stop-and-go traffic wears brake pads faster than highway driving. Heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs also wear pads faster. Regular brake inspections help you stay ahead of any issues.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DISC BRAKES AND DRUM BRAKES?
Disc brakes use a caliper to press brake pads against a rotating disc (rotor) to slow the vehicle. Drum brakes use brake shoes that press outward against the inside of a spinning drum. Most modern vehicles use disc brakes on the front wheels and either disc or drum brakes on the rear. Disc brakes generally provide better stopping power and heat dissipation. Our technicians at Ochoa's Tire Service are experienced with both systems.
📐 WHEEL ALIGNMENT
HOW MUCH DOES A WHEEL ALIGNMENT COST IN LONG BEACH?
A 4-wheel computerized alignment at Ochoa's Tire Service is competitively priced for the Long Beach area. Alignment costs vary by vehicle type — standard passenger cars are less than trucks, SUVs, and vehicles with lifted or modified suspension. Call us at (562) 422-4449 or (562) 395-4449 for a quote specific to your vehicle. We recommend getting an alignment whenever you install new tires, hit a major pothole, or notice your vehicle pulling to one side.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAR NEEDS AN ALIGNMENT?
Signs your vehicle needs a wheel alignment include the car pulling to the left or right, uneven or rapid tire wear on one side, a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, and squealing tires. Long Beach roads and potholes can knock your alignment out of spec quickly. We recommend checking your alignment every 6,000 miles, with every new set of tires, or after hitting a curb or large pothole. Proper alignment extends tire life, improves fuel economy, and ensures safe handling.
HOW LONG DOES A WHEEL ALIGNMENT TAKE?
A standard 4-wheel alignment typically takes about 30-60 minutes at Ochoa's Tire Service. If your vehicle has worn or damaged suspension components that need replacement before the alignment can be completed, it may take longer. No appointment is needed — walk in to either of our Long Beach locations and we'll get you taken care of.
🔩 SUSPENSION REPAIR
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BAD SUSPENSION?
Common signs of suspension problems include a rough or bouncy ride, the vehicle nosediving when braking, leaning or swaying during turns, uneven tire wear, clunking or knocking noises over bumps, and the vehicle sitting lower on one side. Worn shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods, or bushings can all cause these symptoms. Driving with bad suspension is unsafe and can damage other components. Visit Ochoa's Tire Service in Long Beach for a suspension inspection.
HOW MUCH DOES SUSPENSION REPAIR COST IN LONG BEACH?
Suspension repair costs vary depending on the specific components that need replacement. Strut or shock replacement typically ranges from $200-$600 per pair. Ball joints, tie rods, and control arms each have their own cost ranges depending on your vehicle. Ochoa's Tire Service provides a thorough inspection and honest estimate before any work begins. We specialize in suspension for cars, trucks, and SUVs at both our Cherry Ave and Paramount locations. Financing is available.
DO YOU INSTALL LIFT KITS AND LOWERING KITS IN LONG BEACH?
Yes, Ochoa's Tire Service installs lift kits, lowering kits, coilovers, and complete suspension upgrades at both Long Beach locations. Whether you want to lift your truck for off-road capability or lower your car for a custom look, our technicians have the experience to do it right. We also perform alignments after all suspension modifications to ensure safe handling and even tire wear. Check out our Instagram @otslongbeach for examples of our suspension work.
⭕ CUSTOM WHEELS & RIMS
DO YOU SELL CUSTOM WHEELS AND RIMS IN LONG BEACH?
Yes, Ochoa's Tire Service offers a huge selection of custom wheels, aftermarket rims, and OEM replacement wheels for cars, trucks, and SUVs. We carry popular brands and can help you find the perfect style, size, and offset for your vehicle. All custom wheel purchases include professional installation and balancing. Visit our Cherry Ave or Paramount location to see what we have in stock or browse options with our team. Financing available.
CAN I FINANCE TIRES AND WHEELS IN LONG BEACH?
Yes! Ochoa's Tire Service offers flexible financing through Snap Finance, Affirm, Acima, and Klarna. Get approved in minutes with no perfect credit needed. Finance new tires, custom wheels, brake repair, suspension work, and more. Apply online or in-store at either of our Long Beach locations. Don't let budget stop you from driving safe — get the tires and service you need today and pay over time.
📍 ABOUT OCHOA'S TIRE SERVICE — LONG BEACH
WHERE IS OCHOA'S TIRE SERVICE LOCATED?
Ochoa's Tire Service has two convenient locations in Long Beach, CA. Our original shop is at 6595 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90805 — open Mon-Sat 8AM-6PM and Sun 8AM-4PM. Our second location is at 6990 Paramount Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90805 — open Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM and Sat 8AM-4PM. Both locations serve Long Beach, Paramount, Compton, Lakewood, Bellflower, Carson, Signal Hill, Cerritos, Artesia, Downey, and South Gate.
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
No appointment needed! Ochoa's Tire Service is a walk-in tire shop. Just drive in to either of our Long Beach locations and we'll take care of you. Whether you need new tires, a brake inspection, alignment, suspension work, or a flat tire repair — we handle it on the spot. For large jobs, you can call ahead to check availability: Cherry Ave (562) 422-4449 or Paramount (562) 395-4449.
DO YOU SPEAK SPANISH?
¡Sí! Ochoa's Tire Service is a bilingual tire shop. Our team speaks both English and Spanish fluently. Estamos aquí para servirle en el idioma que prefiera. Visit us at either Long Beach location — 6595 Cherry Ave or 6990 Paramount Blvd.
HOW LONG HAS OCHOA'S TIRE SERVICE BEEN IN BUSINESS?
Ochoa's Tire Service has been serving Long Beach since 1988 — over 37 years of family-owned, community-trusted auto service. What started as a small neighborhood tire shop on Cherry Avenue has grown into two thriving locations. We're proud to be one of the longest-running independent tire shops in Long Beach, and we treat every customer like family.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE NEAR LONG BEACH?
Ochoa's Tire Service proudly serves drivers throughout Long Beach and surrounding communities including Paramount, Compton, Lakewood, Bellflower, Carson, Signal Hill, Cerritos, Artesia, Downey, South Gate, Lynwood, Wilmington, and all of Los Angeles County. Both of our locations are easily accessible from the 710, 91, and 405 freeways.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
OUR TEAM IS READY TO HELP. CALL US OR VISIT EITHER OF OUR LONG BEACH LOCATIONS — NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED.