How Often Do You Need to Change Your Tires?

Buying new tires is a big investment in your car.  A whole set of tires normally includes four matching tires and a spare.  If you are like many people, it may be hard to come up with that much money very often.  So a question often asked by car owners is, “How often do you need to change your tires?”  

It is a common practice for tire manufacturers to list the specific lifespan of a tire, which is normally about 25,000 to 50,000 miles.  However, the number of miles driven every year plus the quality of the tires are two factors in determining how many miles your tires will actually last.  

Here are several easy and inexpensive tips that will help you take care of your tires:    

• Visual Checkup – Look for excessive tread wear, nicks in the rubber, or nails or punctures.  
• Inspect Inflation Pressure – The right inflation pressure ensures optimal contact with the road, improves fuel economy, and helps the tread wear more evenly.  Icy temperatures cause air pressure to fluctuate more speedily so inspect the air pressure frequently as winter approaches.
• Load Index – This is the amount of weight your tires are designed to withstand.  Overcapacity can lead to overheating and damage to your tires.  Consult your owner’s manual for the right size of tire for your vehicle.  
• Rotating Tires – Moving tires around to a different position on your car protects against uneven tread wear.  Have your tires rotated about every 6 months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles?  
• Car Alignment – Alignment refers to an adjustment of the car’s suspension so that the angles of the tires affect how they make contact with the road.  
• Tire Balancing – Keep your tires in balance for smooth rolling of the tire. 

Compared to the cost of new tires, inspecting your tires on a regular basis is relatively inexpensive and will help prevent emergency tire repairs that could leave you stranded on the side of the road.  The time and frustration you may experience are not worth trying to save a few dollars.

Are you worried about how often do you need to change your tires?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about needed tire repair service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

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.