What Car Maintenance is Necessary for summer?

Summer has arrived in all its glory.  Do you know what car maintenance is necessary for summer?  Your car got you through the winter, but now you want to make sure it will not only keep you cool and relaxed through the hot days ahead but be as reliable as possible to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. It isn’t a secret--just follow the vehicle maintenance schedule listed in your owner’s manual. 

Here are some of the most important vehicle maintenance items that should be taken care of on a periodic basis:

• Every week or month
• Dashboard Indicator/Warning Lights
• Lights, exterior and interior
• Condition of the tires
• Windshield Washer Fluid
• Engine Oil Level
• Every 3 Months/ 3,000 Miles
• Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Battery and Cables
• Engine oil and filter
• Exhaust and muffler
• Hoses and belts
• Power Steering Fluid
• Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles
• Chassis Lubrication
• Wiper Blades
• Every 12 Months/ 12,000 miles
• Brakes
• Cabin Air Filter
• Coolant
• Steering and Suspension
• Wheel Alignment

Do you want to know what car maintenance is necessary?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about the car maintenance schedule and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.

Wondering What Happens If Your Muffler Falls Off?

This is a scary question!  As you know, the muffler is a vital part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. Its job is to route toxic fumes away from the interior of the vehicle and out into the atmosphere. The entire exhaust system helps your engine maintain optimum performance and reduce pollution. 

So what happens if your muffler falls off?  Here are some things to know about driving with a bad muffler or no muffler at all:

• If the muffler has a hole in it, carbon monoxide can leak into the passenger cabin and your vehicle is unsafe to drive. Carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches.  Unconsciousness and death can occur if you are exposed to this gas for a long period of time.
• Many cities have noise ordinances that have limitations for mufflers. You could get pulled over because of excessive muffler noise.
• If you hear a clunking sound while the vehicle is running, it is potential that a broken piece of the muffler may have come off and is rattling in the exhaust system.
• Over times, mufflers will begin to show signs of wear as well as defects, such as rust or holes.
• A bad muffler could start to emit unusual thick smoke from the exhaust, which can turn into a dangerous situation.

Remember:  If you start to notice any loud noises smoke coming from the muffler, or anywhere else in your car, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic for safety as soon as possible!

Wondering what happens if your muffler falls off?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about exhaust systems and to Make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.