Auto Repair Services: 5 Vital Maintenance Items
The signs of spring are finally here. Severe winter weather has been all over the country, causing our vehicles to work harder than ever to get you from point A to point B. Your vehicle may be experiencing the winter blues! It's time to give your beloved vehicle a little extra TLC with some basic auto repair services. By monitoring the health of your car, you can avoid extensive auto repair, save yourself a lot of money, and restore confidence in your wheels.
Here are five tips for auto repair services that every driver should heed.
- Oil – The various seals in your engine deteriorate with age, allowing oil to seep out, allowing for oil contamination and loss of oil. Check the dipstick—when the engine's warm—at least 2-3 times between oil changes. If the oil level is lower than recommended for a healthy engine, don't just "top it off" with an extra quart and hope for the best. Have your mechanic check it out before it turns into a larger problem.
- Tires – Tires play a large role in a vehicle's ability to stop and turn effectively. Check the pressure every thousand miles or so. Compare the pressures with the manufacturer's recommendations and add air as required. You will be able to stop when and where you need to, plus you'll get better fuel economy. Rotate your tires regularly to promote uniform tread-wear. If your tires show excessive wear, it's time to purchase a new set. Increased stopping and driving safety is worth the cost.
- Brakes –Ask your mechanic to check your brakes every time your car's in the auto repair shop. Be on the watch for indicators of brake failure, especially squealing noises, pedal softness, and pedal vibration. It may be time for new pads or rotors—or both.
- Transmission – Mechanics don't commonly road-test transmissions except as part of a major auto repair service, so watch for signs of transmission problems in normal driving, such as clunky shifts, an increasing reluctance to downshift, and "slipping." It may just be that fresh transmission fluid is needed, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If you're having transmission problems, make sure you get into an auto repair shop. Don't get stranded in the middle of nowhere, at the mercy of whatever garage is close enough to do the job.
- Recommended Maintenance Services – Scheduled vehicle maintenance can sometimes cost more than you'd prefer to spend, but it's worth it. It will prolong the life of the components that make your car function efficiently, saving you big bucks in auto repair services down the road.
Fun Facts: Do you know. . .
Q: What was the first official White House car? A: A 1909 White Steamer, ordered by President Taft.
Q: What city was the first to use parking meters? A: Oklahoma City, on July 16, 1935.
Looking for quality auto repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go online at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
The signs of spring are finally here. Severe winter weather has been all over the country, causing our vehicles to work harder than ever to get you from point A to point B. Your vehicle may be experiencing the winter blues! It's time to give your beloved vehicle a little extra TLC with some basic auto repair services. By monitoring the health of your car, you can avoid extensive auto repair, save yourself a lot of money, and restore confidence in your wheels.
Here are five tips for auto repair services that every driver should heed.
- Oil – The various seals in your engine deteriorate with age, allowing oil to seep out, allowing for oil contamination and loss of oil. Check the dipstick—when the engine's warm—at least 2-3 times between oil changes. If the oil level is lower than recommended for a healthy engine, don't just "top it off" with an extra quart and hope for the best. Have your mechanic check it out before it turns into a larger problem.
- Tires – Tires play a large role in a vehicle's ability to stop and turn effectively. Check the pressure every thousand miles or so. Compare the pressures with the manufacturer's recommendations and add air as required. You will be able to stop when and where you need to, plus you'll get better fuel economy. Rotate your tires regularly to promote uniform tread-wear. If your tires show excessive wear, it's time to purchase a new set. Increased stopping and driving safety is worth the cost.
- Brakes –Ask your mechanic to check your brakes every time your car's in the auto repair shop. Be on the watch for indicators of brake failure, especially squealing noises, pedal softness, and pedal vibration. It may be time for new pads or rotors—or both.
- Transmission – Mechanics don't commonly road-test transmissions except as part of a major auto repair service, so watch for signs of transmission problems in normal driving, such as clunky shifts, an increasing reluctance to downshift, and "slipping." It may just be that fresh transmission fluid is needed, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If you're having transmission problems, make sure you get into an auto repair shop. Don't get stranded in the middle of nowhere, at the mercy of whatever garage is close enough to do the job.
- Recommended Maintenance Services – Scheduled vehicle maintenance can sometimes cost more than you'd prefer to spend, but it's worth it. It will prolong the life of the components that make your car function efficiently, saving you big bucks in auto repair services down the road.
Fun Facts: Do you know. . .
Q: What was the first official White House car? A: A 1909 White Steamer, ordered by President Taft.
Q: What city was the first to use parking meters? A: Oklahoma City, on July 16, 1935.
Looking for quality auto repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go online at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
