Wondering How Often Do You Need Your Car Serviced?

Like most motorists, you want to take good care of your vehicle and may wonder how often do you need your car serviced?  It is quite simple--follow the suggested maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for your car.  Each service item will be listed along with the appropriate time or mileage interval that it should be taken care of.

There are two different ways in which you will be reminded as to when to get your car serviced:

• Mileage-Based Service Intervals The service intervals for older cars are normally based on mileage. There are usually two different maintenance schedules listed in your owner’s manual--one for cars driven in “normal” operating conditions and one for cars driven in “severe” operating conditions.  Severe driving condition is normally defined as primarily short trips of five miles or less, extreme hot or cold climates, stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads.  
• In-vehicle Maintenance Reminder Systems Newer cars are now equipped with an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system.  This reminder system relieves the driver of watching odometer for a certain mileage. They take a number of car operating conditions into account and offer an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level checks, component checkups, and other vehicle maintenance services. 

Tip to Remember:  Find a reliable car repair shop and auto technician for basic vehicle maintenance before you really want them for a major car repair.

Wondering how often do you need your car serviced?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about our car repair services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.

Wondering What causes the Check Engine light to come on?

Wondering what causes the Check Engine light to come on or start blinking all of a sudden?  Do you want to stop instantly and call a tow truck, or can you keep on driving to your destination?  This little warning light can mean various things, from a loose gas cap to a more serious misfiring engine. It could also be an indication that your vehicle is getting poor fuel economy and polluting the environment more than approved limits.  Though, the critical factor is to make sure that long-term damage is not taking place in your engine and that the driving safety of your vehicle is not compromised.

So, what causes the check engine light to come on?  When the electronic-control system finds an issue it cannot adjust, the vehicle’s computer stores a diagnostic trouble code in its memory and turns on a warning indicator light. This stored code helps your mechanic pinpoint the source of a potential issue.  It may simply be that a sensor is malfunctioning, or it could be more serious, such as low oil pressure or the engine overheating.  It can be caused by an issue in the ignition system, the fuel system, or damage to the internal components of the engine.

The best way to diagnose and repair an engine issue is to ask your mechanic to run a diagnostic test.  From the report generated, the issue can be confirmed and the required repair be performed.  Misdiagnosing or ignoring an engine issue can become very expensive later on.  To maintain driving safety, good fuel efficiency, and a longer life for your vehicle do not put off taking care of engine repair problems.

Need to know more about what causes the Check Engine light to come on?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about engine repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.