Are you wondering when should you replace tires?

There are a few signs that are indicators as to when you should replace tires.  There are some factors that determine the lifetime of a tire.

• Design of the tire, 
• Driving habits, 
• Climate, 
• Road conditions, and 
• Maintenance, such as periodic tire rotation.

As the miles add up on your tires, keep these tips in mind:

1. Note 5 Years - After five years or so, make sure to have your tires thoroughly checked at least once a year by a tire repair technician.
2. Maximum of 10 years - As a precaution, replace your tires after 10 years even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. 
3. Proper care - You can increase the lifetime of your tires by maintaining the correct air pressure, periodic tire rotation, and regular inspections for tread wear and damaged areas.

If you are starting to notice vibrations or other issues while driving, slow down and drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road.  If a tire is damaged, replace it with your spare and then drive to the nearest tire repair shop for a thorough inspection. Has your whole vehicle checked if you can’t identify the source of the vibration?  It could be an axle going bad.

Remember:  Tire maintenance is one of the most critical and important aspects for maintaining a safe vehicle.

Have questions about how when should you replace tires?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about tire rotation and other tire services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

Wondering when should transmission fluid be changed?

You may be wondering just what is the purpose of transmission fluid?  It keeps the surfaces and components of the transmission system lubricated to prevent excessive friction and overheating that would lead to transmission issues.  It also serves as a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission.  

So, when should transmission fluid be changed?  Technically, transmission fluid could remain in your vehicle without ever changing it.  Though, you will find that most auto repair mechanics advise that you should have a transmission flush about every 50,000 miles.  Over time, the components of transmission will wear out and start to present issues, such as the problems described below:

1. Delayed Shifting.  There may be a temporary delay after you move the gear stick to reverse. The gear change cannot be activated instantly if there isn’t sufficient pressure. 
2. Difficult or Erratic Shifting.  If there is a lot of dirt or residue in the transmission fluid, the gears will either change too fast or too slow. Other symptoms include abrupt up/down shifts, unusually high RPMs before a shift, erratic shifting, and groaning or grinding noise coming from the transmission.  
3. Gear Slippage.  You may change gear, but then it appears to fall back out of that gear. The friction material on the clutches and transmission bands are no longer able to securely engage a gear. 
4. Transmission Overheats.  In an automatic, the transmission fluid keeps the transmission unit from overheating.  If overheating occurs, pull over instantly and let everything cool down. If the temperatures get to be over 240°F, serious damage could have taken place inside the transmission unit.

Tip to Remember:  At least once a month, have the transmission fluid inspected to see if it has the appropriate level or it still effective.  If you put a lot of miles on your vehicle or tow heavy loads, have it inspected at least every two weeks. 

Wondering when should transmission fluid be changed?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about transmission repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.