When Should You Get Transmission Service?

Noticing shifting issues lately?  Many car drivers really don’t think too much about their transmission until they start to notice issues while shifting gears.  That’s when drivers start to worry about the cost of a potential transmission repair.  Because transmission components are subjected reliably to friction and high temperatures, clean fluid is vital to keep them lubricated, which helps to prevent extreme friction and overheating.  

So when should you get transmission service?  Do you want to flush the entire transmission unit, or simply replace the transmission fluid?  Many transmission repair specialists will say that transmission fluid never wants to be changed while others may recommend changing it about every 50K miles.  A good compromise is to have your transmission fluid inspected between 50K and 100K miles to make sure it’s still effective.  Even if it is considered to be what’s called “lifespan” transmission fluid, moisture and dust can still contaminate it by getting into the vent tubes. 

What is the difference between a transmission fluid change and a transmission flush, you ask?  

During a transmission fluid change, only about 40 to 50% of the fluid really drains out.  The rest of it remains in the valves and other parts of the transmission.  By comparison, a transmission flush service totally removes all of the old fluid which is then replaced with fresh fluid.  Though, flushing a transmission, rather than simply changing the fluid, is only recommended if the fluid is in good condition and shows no signs of damage. If there is transmission material in the fluid, it can cause issues in the valves, leading to an expensive transmission repair.

Ask your auto mechanic to inspect the color of your vehicle’s transmission fluid on a regular basis.  The bright pink color indicates it is still fresh and does not want to be changed. Light brown means it would be good to change it.  Though, if the transmission fluid is a dark brown color, it means it has possibly never been changed.  In addition, it could have metal particles in it from the transmission floating around.  If this is the case, you could be looking at an expensive transmission repair. 

Tip to Remember:  Because all vehicles are different, read the transmission service guidelines in your owner’s manual to find what is recommended for your vehicle!  

Do you want to know more about when should you get transmission service?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about the transmission repair service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What To Do When Your “Check Engine” Light Comes On?

If you’re like many drivers, when the “Check Engine” light starts to glow in the instrument panel of your vehicle, you start to feel fearful and anxious.  Wondering what to do when your “check engine” light comes on? You may be asking yourself why you didn’t listen to your auto mechanic when engine service was recommended.  At this point, all you can see is dollar signs for a major engine repair.  

The first thing to do when you see the “check engine” light come on is to stay calm.  This sensor is part of your car’s on-board diagnostic system, constantly monitoring engine performance, air to fuel ratio, and ignition timing. This little light is there to alert you that a “fault” has been noticed within the system.

Can you continue to drive when you see the “check engine” light come on?  Unless the engine is overheating, go ahead and continue to your destination.  But be sure to make an appointment for an engine diagnostic test to pinpoint a potential issue.  It’s safe to say that the majority of times the “check engine” light comes on is a relatively simple and inexpensive fix.  

Here are some tips on what to do when your “check engine” light comes on:

• Try tightening your gas cap. A loose gas cap can trigger a sensor causing the “check engine” light to illuminate.  If the gas cap is broken, it should be replaced.
• Inspect the gauges. If one of the gauges on your instrument panel shows an abnormal reading, pull over instantly, and turn off the motor.
• Reduced engine performance.  If your vehicle is loosing power, slow down, and avoid towing or carrying heavy cargo.  
• Postpone emissions test.  Your vehicle will possibly fail the emissions test so delay to schedule the test until your car is checked and repaired and the light goes off.
• Schedule diagnostic tests. Is the “check engine” light on all the time, or does it flash intermittently?  If the light is flashing, your car wants instant attention.  If the light is solid, you can keep driving for a little while, but schedule an inspection as soon as possible. 

Do you want to know more about what to do when your “check engine” light comes on?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for information about recommended engine service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How Many Miles Can You Go Before You Need Car Maintenance?

As a conscientious driver, you want a safe and dependable vehicle.  You may be wondering just how many miles can you go before you need car maintenance?  It’s quite simple, you have two sources of information; your vehicle owner’s manual and your auto repair mechanic.  

Are you wondering how many miles can you go before you need car maintenance?  Most auto mechanic will recommend a full service about every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first.  The purpose of this service is to evaluate the components and the operating systems for general wear and tear, which includes the condition of the fluids, brakes, engine, tires, and more. 

Here is a list of most of the vehicle maintenance items covered at several intervals:

• Oil changes, including filter replacement
• Lights, tires, exhaust system
• Brakes and steering systems
• Tune up, including spark plugs, wiring, fuses 
• When to replace fluids, such as hydraulic fluid, transmission, and coolant
• Air Conditioner system, including the radiator, belts, and hoses
• Car Suspension system--shocks, axles, struts
• Car alignment and tire balancing
• Car Battery-including the alternator and starter

Most of today’s newer vehicles are equipped with a built-in computer reminder system for vehicle maintenance items.  Unless you own an older car, mileage-based service schedules are now normally obsolete.  This reminder system takes a number of vehicle operating conditions into account and provides an alert on the dash when it is time for several services, such as oil changes, fluid level inspects, and brake inspections, just to name a few.  You should be able to trust this system, but it is still a good idea to ask your auto technician about how many miles can you go before you need car maintenance.

Are you wondering how many miles can you go before you need car maintenance?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about the recommended vehicle maintenance for your vehicle and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How Often Should You Get Your Brakes Replaced?

If you are wondering how often should you get your brakes replaced, the answer is quite simple.  As soon as you start to notice braking issues!  There is no set schedule for brake repair and service on brakes.  Just consider various factors, such as your driving habits, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the brake materials, and how you use your vehicle.  For example, if you drive only 8K miles a year but it's mainly in city stop-and-go driving situations, you will brake pads need to be replaced more often than someone who drives 28K miles a year on straight level highways.

So what are several signs indicating it’s time for brake repair?  Many vehicles have electronic wear indicators that alert the driver with a dashboard warning light when the pads reach a minimum thickness.  Most of the time, you will start to hear a squealing sound when you step down on the brake pedal.  This could be a built-in wear sensor that scrapes against the brake disc when the pads want replacing.  Listen for squeaking, squealing, or metal-on-metal grinding.  Cleaning the brakes could eliminate several minor noises, but if the noise is persistent and loud, it typically means parts are worn out and it’s time for a brake replacement.

Have you noticed the brake warning light that flashes on the instrument panel for a few seconds when you start your car?  This is normal.  Though, if this little light comes on while you are driving, you are headed for a brake repair.  This warning light usually means that there is either an issue with your master cylinder or your brake system is low on fluid.

A good reminder that a brake inspection is due is when you have your tires rotated.   Ask your auto mechanic to inspect the thickness of the pads and the condition of the rotors and calipers.  A visual inspection is the best way to determine the amount of life left in your brakes!

Still, wondering how often should you get your brakes replaced?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about a brake replacement and to make 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 Needs An Oil Change?

It’s fairly common knowledge that treating your vehicle to regular oil changes is one of the most significant ways to help extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its overall performance.  You may be wondering how do you know when your car needs an oil change.  If you follow the recommended oil change interval for your car, you will help prevent excessive engine wear and tear, plus optimize your engine’s performance level. Fresh, clean oil keeps the engine lubricated as well as protects it against overheating.

Many drivers think they will save money by extending the time interval between oil changes, but an oil change service is relatively simple and inexpensive when compared to the cost of an engine repair. Ask your auto repair shop if they offer oil change coupons to help make frequent oil change services more affordable.  

So how do you know when your car needs an oil change?  Over time, oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness.  If you start to experience one or more of the warning signs below, it’s time for an oil change!

1. Oil is dark and dirty – Clean oil is an amber color and you should be able to see the dipstick through the oil.  Over time, the oil gets dirty and fluid darkens from the particles it collects from the engine.
2. Loud and noisy engine – You may start to hear knocking, rumbling, and even roaring coming from the engine.  The oil is not lubricating parts as well as it should.
3. Oil change warning light comes on – An illuminated oil change light on the dash panel indicates that the oil level is too low. You may get by with adding a quart or two of oil but if the oil is dark, it’s time to change the oil.  
4. Smoke from the Exhaust – If you notice smoke coming from the Exhaust, there could be an oil leak or faulty parts in the engine.
5. Oil Smell inside the cabin – This could mean that oil is leaking. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas or exhaust fumes, your vehicle is overheating and oil is burning into the exhaust area.  An overheating engine can cause serious damage to your car or even ignite a fire.

Do you want to know more about how do you know when your car needs an oil change?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for oil change coupons and to make 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 a Bad Alignment?

You may be noticing that your car isn’t driving as well as it should.  You might think there is no hurry to have your wheel alignment inspected, but if you keep ignoring the issue, you may start to notice even more serious issues, such as:

• Tires wear out prematurely,
• Poor fuel efficiency, and
• The safety of other components, such as brakes, shocks, and suspension, is compromised.

So what are the signs of a bad alignment?  There are four easy-to-recognize signs of needed wheel alignment:

1. The tires are unevenly worn
2. The vehicle pulls to one side 
3. Strange vibrations are felt when the car is moving
4. The steering feels sloppy

If your vehicle is misaligned, not only will you notice the above issues, but your passengers, you, and other drivers are at increased risk of an accident from driving your car. If repairing a bad wheel alignment can prevent having an accident, then the price of a wheel alignment service is money well spent.

An auto repair technician can easily determine whether you want a wheel alignment or any other service to keep your car in good working condition so that you are driving as safe as potential.  

Do you want to know what are the signs of a bad alignment? Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about our wheel alignment services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How Often Do You Need to Get Your Car Serviced?

Have you been putting off visiting your auto shop for a needed car repair or maintenance service?  You may be wondering just how often do you need to get your car serviced? Many drivers may think they’re saving money by extending the time between service intervals.  Or they may put off a needed car repair because their car still seems to be running just fine.  The truth is, the potential cost of car repair due to lack of maintenance is much greater than the cost of the service.  Or allowing a small issue to turn into a bigger car repair problem will cost you a lot more money in the long run!

Neglecting regular maintenance could result in experiencing one or more of the problems described below:

• Decreased fuel economy
• Loss of performance power
• The air inside your vehicle loses its clean quality
• Noisy engine due to build-up of oil sludge

There are several types of engine damage that do not necessarily impact your ability to drive your car.  For example, you can drive with little or no oil for a period of time, but, this can cause severe damage to the head gasket or the pistons.  This type of engine repair can cost a small fortune.  For just a few dollars out of your budget, keeping up with regular oil changes would have prevented the damage in the first place.

Tip to Remember: Please don’t delay for the service warning lights to come on before scheduling car service. If you follow the maintenance schedule suggested in your owner’s manual or by your car repair technician, you can drive your car down the road with confidence knowing you will arrive safely at your destination.

If you want to know more about how often do you need to get your car serviced, Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care 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 the surrounding area.

How Many Miles do Tires Last?

Well, the time has time to buy a new set of tires.  You have exhausted the sensibility of tire repair on your old tires.  Though, shopping for tires is generally not what most people want to do on their Saturday afternoon.  Because of the many different brands and types of tires, it can be a confusing and time-consuming chore, as well as costly!

Don’t buy the cheapest tire you find.  If you are wondering how many miles do tires last, make sure you read the specifications of every tire before making a decision.  The purpose of the tire, how many miles you drive, and the condition of the roads you usually use, are all factors to consider when looking at tires.  Temperature changes, sun exposure, storage conditions are also factors that impact the life of your tires.

However, tire manufacturers do publish guarantee guidelines for their tires, including replace the tire every 6 years at least, as warranties expire at 6 years.

Here are some guidelines to help extend the life of your tires and prevent an urgent tire repair:

• Inspect tire inflation pressure every 3,000 miles. This will also help with how your vehicle handles on the road, acceleration and deceleration and fuel economy.
• Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles for even treadwear.
• Inspect the wheel alignment and have it adjusted as needed.
• Inspect for irregularities in treadwear.
• Inspect for cuts or tears in the rubber and sidewalls.
• Don’t exceed the maximum load capacity as it adds excessive pressure on tires.

If you are starting to notice vibrations or other steering issues while driving, slow down and drive with caution until you can either safely pull off the road or make it to a close-by tire repair shop. 

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

How Do You Know If You Need A New Muffler?

Mufflers are required components on all vehicles that run on U.S. roads.  The job of the muffler main purposes is to reduce the noise produced by the exhaust system, so a sudden loud noise while accelerating could mean that the muffler is no longer working. Unfortunately, because mufflers are most effective when unheard and unseen, they are also out of mind”, “out of sight when it comes to maintenance. 

Typically, mufflers can last 5 to 7 years on most vehicles.  Of course, there are some conditions that can cause a muffler to go bad sooner than that, such as:

• Driving on salted roads in wintry conditions, or living near the ocean. 
• Hitting potholes, speed bumps, or other objects in the road.
• Excessive use or changing the design not recommended by the manufacturer.
• Condensation from the exhaust pipes causing rust in the muffler.

So how do you know if you need a new muffler? Regardless of the cause, there are several signs that either the exhaust system wants help:

1. Your muffler is making loud Noise – A muffler in good condition will operate quietly in the background. Exhaust noise that is louder than usual is generally the result of an exhaust leak in the muffler, caused from a hole or other damage to the muffler, losing its efficiency in directing emissions away from the vehicle and reducing engine noise.  It can really increase the noise by causing misfiring in the engine, particularly when slowing down. 
2. Decreased Fuel Efficiency – An exhaust system that is working correctly will mean better fuel economy.  If there is an issue, you will notice that you are filling up the tank more frequently.
3. Bad odor – This is one of the most dangerous issues of a bad muffler and exhaust system.  If there is a leak or other issue, it could cause the fumes to become trapped.  This is hazardous for the health of passengers, which could lead to sickness or even death. If you smell anything unusual, have your exhaust system checked by a certified auto mechanic as soon as possible.

Do you want to know more about how do you know if you need a new muffler? Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about your vehicle’s exhaust system and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.

What Causes a Transmission to go Bad?

As an essential part of a vehicle's mechanical make-up, the transmission is responsible for allowing the vehicle to move, transferring the engine’s power to the wheels while regulating engine speed.  The transmission is made up of a variety of interrelated parts and mechanisms. These parts can develop several issues that can cause the transmission to fail, resulting in an expensive transmission repair.

So what causes a transmission to go bad?  Here are some important problems to watch for:

1. Leaking transmission fluid.  Look for signs of a transmission fluid leak (usually red in color) near the drain plug or seal between the transmission and the engine.  Low automatic transmission fluid, one of the most common causes of a slipping transmission, reduces the hydraulic pressure compulsory to properly shift.  If there’s not enough fluid or it is starting to lose its effectiveness in lubricating and cooling, the transmission will perform poorly or stop working altogether.
2. Clogged transmission fluid filter.  This filter helps keep the transmission fluid clean and of high quality. Unobstructed transmission fluid flow is compulsory for the optimal operation and function of an automatic transmission, including the bands and gears.  If the filter becomes clogged, it prevents the normal flow of fluid, preventing the fluid to lubricate and cool the transmission components.
3. Broken transmission bands.  An automatic transmission uses a series of small rubberized transmission bands to synchronize gear operation. Transmission bands that are too tight can cause premature wear of the gears and cause the bands to break; bands that are too loose can cause gear slippage and a situation where a gear fails to engage properly
4. Broken transmission gears.  In rare instances, transmission gears can break which prevents normal shifting and disrupts the normal rotation of the transmission drive axle.
5. Faulty Torque Converter.  The torque converter pumps and pressurizes transmission fluid throughout the entire transmission system.   A faulty torque converter prevents the fluid from being pressurized and propelled throughout the transmission, thus allowing gears to slip out of place or operate erratically.
6. Ruptured Transmission Seals.  Ruptured or faulty seals can allow the fluid to leak, resulting in serious damage.

Are you wondering what causes a transmission to go bad?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about the transmission repair service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What Are Reasons the Check Engine Light Comes on?

When a driver sees the check engine light illuminate on their instrument panel, a sense of fear may come over them. Their first worry is--can they keep driving or should they pull to the side of the road and call a tow truck?  You can relax!  It is okay to keep driving for a little while, but please take your vehicle to your auto repair shop at your earliest convenience to make sure that long-term engine damage is not taking place.  Don’t let a small issue turn into an expensive engine repair.

So what are reasons the check engine light comes on?  Five of the most common reasons are: 

• The gas cap is loose
• Damaged vacuum hose
• Spark plug/ignition coil problems 
• Catalytic converter failure
• Worn out spark plugs  

With advanced technology, most of today’s cars have an on-board diagnostic system that provides a code identifying the specific problem at hand.  As soon as you are able, have your car checked by a certified mechanic.  A diagnostic test can diagnose the issue rapidly and the right engine repair can be performed in a timely manner.  

Don’t panics when you see the check engine light come on? It rarely means anything disastrous.  An engine service will let you know for sure what’s going on in the engine and avoid a potentially expensive engine repair. 

Are you wondering what are reasons the check engine light comes 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.

How Many Miles Can You Go Over On An Oil Change?

Cold temperatures have arrived in various parts of the country.  So, you may find that your vehicle is a little noisier and more sluggish than normal.  You may want to ask if you should change the type of oil you are using, or is it time for an oil change?  Some drivers think that as long as their car gets them from point A to point B, they aren’t having any car issues.  

What is wrong with low-quality motor oil, you ask?  Low-quality oil can deposit harmful contaminants into the engine’s lubricating system.  Even before there are any visible symptoms of issues, damage may have already occurred in the engine, and the engine’s performance level has been negatively impacted.  The extra cost for high quality, a guarantee-backed oil change is worth it for maximum engine safety.

Why pay for high-quality oil changes?  

• Older engines are more prone to wear and tear and have passed the manufacturer’s guarantee period so regular oil changes provide better lubrication for the safety and long life of the engine.  
• Good-quality oil keeps contaminants separated and held in suspension. Low-quality oil can contribute to sludge build-up formed by a combination of dirt, soot partially burned fuel, oxidized motor oil leaked coolant, and condensed water vapor produced during combustion. At every oil change, these contaminants are drained out with the oil rather than left behind to create sludge.  
• Stop-and-go driving, short-trips, and frequent towing create tough conditions for an engine.  The oil change interval for these conditions is about half as long as for “usual” driving. 

So how many miles can you go over on an oil change service? This is the most controversial question going around in the automotive industry today. However, regardless of the mileage interval recommended for your vehicle, it is just as important to keep up with them on a regular basis. This is the most cost-effective maintenance item needed to keep your vehicle operating at its highest level of performance and prevent breakdowns.

Are you wondering how many miles can you go over on an oil change?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for information about our oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

Are you wondering how to know when you need new brakes?

Inappropriately, there is no clear-cut timeline that tells you when it’s time to replace your brakes.  Consistent stop-and-go driving in big cities will cause your brakes to wear faster than if you only drive through the flatlands of South Dakota.  If you’re wondering how to know when you need new brakes, the answer will depend on some factors, such as:

• Your style of driving,
• The weight of your vehicle,
• The quality of your brake materials, and
• How you use your vehicle.

The best advice from brake repair experts is to rely on how your brakes are performing, plus what you hear, see and feel!

Do you hear a screeching sound when you step on the brake pedal?  This could be the built-in wear sensors scraping against the brake disc when it’s time to replace the pads.  If your car does not have a built-in sensor, listen for squeaking, squealing, metal-on-metal grinding. Some minor noises can be eliminated by cleaning the brakes, but persistent, prominent noises generally mean parts are worn out.

You have possibly noticed the little brake warning light that comes on for a few seconds every time you start your car.  If you see it come on while driving, that possibly means your brake system is low on fluid because of a leak or an issue with the master cylinder.  Some vehicles incorporate electronic wear indicators that alert the driver with a dashboard warning light if the brake pads reach the minimum thickness.

Tip to Remember:  Most auto mechanics recommend a tire rotation at least every 6 months.  Have your mechanic check your brakes at the same time, an inspection of the thickness of the pads and the condition of the calipers.  A visual checkup is the best way to determine the amount of life left in your brakes!

Are you wondering how to know when you need new brakes?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about a needed brake repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.