What does vehicle maintenance consists of?

Vehicle maintenance involves routine checkups, servicing, and replacements to keep a vehicle running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Key components of vehicle maintenance include:

• Oil and Filter Change: Regularly changing the engine oil and oil filter to ensure smooth engine performance and prevent wear.
• Tire Maintenance: This includes inspection of tire pressure, tread depth, and rotating tires to ensure even wear and prolong tire life.
• Brake System Check: Checking brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid levels, and ensuring the brakes are functioning properly for safety.
• Fluid Levels: Inspection and topping off essential fluids like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
• Battery Checkup: Ensuring the battery is charged and the terminals are clean to prevent starting problems.
• Air Filter Replacement: Changing the air filter to ensure proper airflow to the engine, improving fuel efficiency and engine performance.
• Belt and Hose Inspection: Inspection for any wear or damage in belts and hoses to avoid breakdowns or failures.
• Suspension and Steering: Checking shocks, struts, and other suspension parts to ensure a smooth ride and safe handling.
• Lights and Wipers: Ensuring all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) and wipers are working properly for visibility and safety.
• Exhaust System Check: Check the exhaust system for leaks or damage that could affect engine performance or emissions.
• Alignment and Balancing: Inspection wheel alignment and tire balancing to ensure smooth driving and even tire wear.
• Cabin and Engine Air Filters: These filters are changed to maintain good air quality inside the vehicle and optimize engine performance.

Regular vehicle maintenance helps avoid expensive repairs, increases fuel efficiency, and ensures the vehicle remains safe to drive. Maintenance schedules are typically recommended by the manufacturer and are based on time or mileage intervals.

Wondering about what does vehicle maintenance consists of? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about car maintenance and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What happens when you get your car serviced?

When you get your car serviced, several key inspections, maintenance tasks, and repairs may be performed to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. Here's what typically happens during a car service:

Fluid Checks and Changes

• Oil Change: The engine oil is drained and changed with fresh oil to keep the engine lubricated and running efficiently. The oil filter is also generally changed.
• Fluid Levels: Other essential fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid are inspected and topped off if compulsory.

Tire Inspection and Rotation

• Tire Pressure Check: Tires are checked for correct inflation levels, which is important for safety and fuel efficiency.
• Tire Rotation: Depending on mileage, tires may be rotated to promote even wear and extend their life.·        
• Tire Condition: Tread depth and tire wear are checked to ensure they’re safe for driving.

Brake Checkup

• Brake Pads and Rotors: Brake pads, rotors, and discs are checked for wear. If they are thin or damaged, replacements may be recommended.·         
• Brake Fluid: The brake fluid is inspected for correct levels and quality.

Battery Inspection

The battery’s condition is tested, including the charge level and terminal cleanliness. If the battery is old or weak, it may be changed.

Filter Replacements

• Air Filter: The engine air filter may be changed if it’s clogged with dirt and debris, which improves fuel efficiency and performance.
• Cabin Air Filter: This filter, which keeps the air inside the vehicle clean, may also be changed if compulsory.

Suspension and Steering Inspect

• The suspension system (including shocks, struts, and bushings) is checked for damage or wear. The steering parts are also inspected for proper functioning.

Exhaust System Checkup

• The exhaust system, including the muffler and catalytic converter, is checked for leaks, rust, or damage, ensuring it operates efficiently and within emissions regulations.

Lights and Electronics Inspect

• All lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) and electronic systems (wipers, A/C, and radio) are inspected to ensure they’re functioning correctly.

Diagnostic Test (if compulsory)

• Some services may include connecting the car to a diagnostic tool to inspect for any error codes in the engine, transmission, or other systems. This helps identify any hidden problems.

General Inspection

• The mechanic will perform an overall inspection of the vehicle’s condition, looking for any signs of wear or potential issues, such as leaks, rust, or unusual noises.

Road Test

• After servicing, the mechanic may take the car for a short road test to ensure everything is functioning properly and to identify any problems that weren't apparent during the stationary inspection.

Getting your car serviced regularly helps maintain performance, prevents expensive repairs, and ensures your vehicle is safe to drive. Most car manufacturers recommend specific service intervals, often based on mileage or time (e.g., every 5,000-10,000 miles or once a year).

Wondering what happens when you get your car serviced? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about car repair and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How often do you really need to get your oil changed?

How often you need to change your oil depends on several factors, such as the type of oil you use, your vehicle's engine, and your driving style. Here’s a general guide:

• Conventional Oil: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This is the traditional recommendation for conventional oil, though modern engines and oils have improved, sometimes allowing longer intervals.
• Synthetic Blend Oil: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Synthetic blends can extend the oil change interval slightly over conventional oil.
• Full Synthetic Oil: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or more). Many vehicles using full synthetic oil can go much longer between changes. Some manufacturers even recommend up to 15,000 miles, but this depends on the car and driving conditions.
• Manufacturer’s Recommendation: Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval. Many modern vehicles are designed to go longer than the traditional 3,000-mile interval, sometimes up to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil.
• Driving Conditions: Severe driving conditions—such as frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, towing, extreme temperatures, or driving in dirty environments—can require more frequent oil changes. In normal driving conditions, you may be able to follow the longer interval recommended in your manual.
• Oil Life Monitoring Systems: Many modern vehicles are equipped with an oil life monitoring system. These systems track your driving styles and engine conditions to notify you when it’s time for an oil change. These can be quite accurate and allow you to go longer between changes based on actual conditions.

Key Considerations:

• Type of oil: Synthetic oils last longer and can handle extreme temperatures better than conventional oils.
• Vehicle age: Older engines or high-mileage vehicles may require more frequent oil changes due to wear.
• Driving style: Frequent short trips or heavy loads can lead to quicker oil degradation.

In general, a good rule of thumb is to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles unless your manufacturer or oil monitoring system indicates otherwise. Regularly check your oil level and condition to ensure it’s in good shape between changes.

Wondering about how often do you really need to get your oil changed? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about oil change coupons and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How do you know when your car battery needs to be replaced?

Avoid being stranded in unfortunate situations this summer by making sure you know when your car battery needs to be replaced. You might not have a working battery light on your dashboard to show you related problems, so how do you know when your car battery needs to be replaced? There are several signs that indicate your car battery might need to be replaced:

• Slow Engine Crank: If your engine is slow to start or cranks sluggishly, it may be a sign of a weak battery.
• Dashboard Warning Light: Many vehicles have a battery-shaped warning light that appears when there’s an issue with the battery or charging system.
• Battery Age: Car batteries usually last between 3 to 5 years. If your battery is older than that, it might be nearing the end of its life.
• Dim Headlights: If your headlights are dimmer than usual, especially when the engine is off, the battery may be struggling to hold a charge.
• Electrical problems: If you notice problems with electrical parts such as power windows, locks, or the radio, a weak battery could be the cause.
• Swollen Battery Case: A bloated or swollen battery case is a sign of a bad battery due to excessive heat or overcharging.
• Frequent Jump Starts: If your vehicle frequently needs a jump start, it's a clear sign that the battery is not holding a charge correctly.
• Corrosion on Battery Terminals: White, ashy deposits on the battery terminals can indicate the battery is leaking and may need to be replaced soon.
• Bad Smell: A rotten egg smell around the battery can indicate that it is leaking gas, which is a sign that it may need to be replaced.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s wise to have your battery tested by a professional to determine if it needs replacement. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent unpredicted battery failures.

Wonder how do you know when your car battery needs to be replaced? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about a car battery replacement and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What are the benefits of Regular Automotive Services?

Routine automotive services are vital for your car's efficient running, durability, and safety. When summer holidays coincide with cold weather, it is important to inspect on vehicles. Summer's thermal and dynamic stress, including high environmental temperatures, extended distances, and increased use of cars, may harm many vehicle parts. It is critical to ensure that your vehicle is correctly prepared for the end of summer to improve its efficiency and durability and reduce the risk of accidents. Delve in and learn the benefits of regular automotive services, especially after summer weather driving.

Intense heat during summer greatly affects your car's cooling system. Regular automotive repair keeps the vehicle from overheating. One must always inspect and later change the coolant, which can get dirty or less efficient over time. Moreover, inspecting whether the radiator has any leaks and clearing out any debris assists in avoiding the problem of overheating and promoting the efficient operation of the engine.

Another vital strategy is tire maintenance after summertime travel. Tires are highly affected by distance, velocity, and high temperature. The heated climate affects tire pressure, so it is important to check it. Correct tire pressure also impacts fuel efficiency and safety; it is advisable to check the tire's status when it feels foul. Additionally, checking the tire's tread is crucial as it aids in identifying tires that may have worn out due to use, which can lead to poor handling and an increased risk of a blowout.

Summer and frequent driving through city traffic or over hilly landscapes can also influence braking efficiency. Therefore, it is vital to inspect the efficiency of the brake pads, rotors, and brake fluids. If these issues are not addressed on time, they may become even bigger issues and compromise your car’s braking system.

In case you have questions on what are the benefits of regular automotive services, then it is important to note that basic automotive repair and maintenance are crucial regardless of how well-equipped cars are. They are even more important after the stress of the summer season. These services improve the effectiveness and safety of your automobile and help maintain its long life. Dedicating some of your time to these vehicle wants prevents roadside breakdowns and avoids incurring high repair costs.

Wondering about what are the benefits of Regular Automotive Services? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about automotive repair and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What are the signs of bad brakes?

Effective brakes are important for vehicle safety. Identifying poor brakes helps to avoid accidents and also boosts vehicle performance. Knowing when to opt for brake replacement is critical to ensuring your car's braking efficiency. 

What are the signs of Bad Brakes? Here are some common signs that indicate your vehicle's brakes may be bad or need attention:

• Squealing or Grinding Noise: A high-pitched squeal usually means the brake pads are worn down. Grinding may indicate the pads are so worn that the metal of the calipers is contacting the rotors.
• Vibration or Pulsating Brake Pedal: If the brake pedal vibrates or pulses when you press it, it can be a sign of warped rotors.
• Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: A brake pedal that feels soft or spongy when pressed could indicate air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak.
• Longer Stopping Distances: If it takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop, the brake pads might be worn or the brake fluid might be low.
• Pulling to One Side: If your car pulls to one side when braking, it might be due to uneven brake pad wear or a brake fluid problem.
• Brake Warning Light: Many vehicles have a dashboard warning light that comes on when there's a problem with the braking system.
• Burning Smell: A strong chemical odor after hard braking can indicate overheated brakes, which could lead to brake failure if not addressed.

Why Timely Brake Replacement is Important?

By replacing your brakes ahead of time, you keep your car safe to drive and protect all the other components of the system from excessive wear, like rotors and calipers. If brakes are replaced in time, they are more likely to prevent the expensive repair that comes from letting brake problems persist.

Regular inspections and maintenance can help avoid major brake issues and keep your vehicle safe on the road.

Wondering what are the signs of bad brakes? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about a brake replacement and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What causes front end alignment problems?

Front-end alignment issues can result from a variety of factors, which affect the angles of the wheels and the direction they point. Here are some common causes:

• Hitting Potholes or Curbs: Sudden impacts from hitting a pothole, curb, or other road obstacles can knock the wheels out of alignment. Even small bumps can accumulate damage over time.
• Worn Suspension Parts: Components of the suspension system, like ball joints, tie rods, or bushings, can wear out or become loose. This wear can cause the wheels to lose their proper alignment.
• Accidents or Collisions: Any collision, even minor ones, can damage the alignment of the front end. The force from the impact can bend suspension Components, steering parts, or the frame.
• Tire Wear and Rotation: Uneven tire wear or not rotating tires as recommended can lead to alignment problems. If one tire is more worn than others, it can affect the way the vehicle drives and cause alignment issues.
• Improper Installation or Adjustment: Poor installation of suspension parts or incorrect alignment settings during a previous alignment service can cause ongoing issues.
• Heavy Loads: Carrying heavy loads regularly can strain the suspension system, leading to misalignment. Over time, the added weight can cause the front end to sag, altering the alignment.
• Worn-Out Tires: Tires that are unevenly worn or have different tread depths can cause the vehicle to pull to one side, indicating a possible alignment problem.
• Aging Components: As vehicles age, the natural wear and tear on various components, such as springs and shocks, can cause the alignment to drift out of specification.
• Natural Wear and Tear: Normal driving over time can cause gradual changes in alignment. Even without specific incidents or damage, regular driving can lead to alignment drifting out of specification.

Regular maintenance and checkups can help prevent alignment problems from becoming more severe, improving both the safety and long life of the vehicle.

Wondering what causes front end alignment problems? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about wheel alignment issues and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.