Wondering why Get a Tune Up for your Car?

Many vehicle owners may be wondering why get a tune up for your car.  With today’s computerized vehicles, is an auto tune up really compulsory?  A tune-up is identified as a major service in your owner’s manual and remains an important part of vehicle maintenance.  

So why get a tune up for your car?  Consider these 4 benefits of an auto tune up:

1. Increases reliability -- Regular tune ups and service will reduce the risk of roadside breakdowns.  No matter the age of your car, tune up your car for long-term reliability.
2. Saves fuel -- An auto tune-up is one of the best ways to increase your fuel efficiency.  A dirty air filter can cost you up to 20% of your fuel effectiveness! 
3. Increases resale value -- A buyer will be more likely to purchase your car if you have detailed records of routine maintenance and repairs performed. Save receipts and proof of work done.
4. Reduces emissions -- A poorly running car emits more toxic fumes into the environment.  A tune-up will reduce the number of emissions and pollutants your car produces.  

Are you having issues with engine performance or poor gas mileage? Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about the benefits of an auto tune up and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.

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.

How Do You Know When You Need New Brakes?

Ever wonder how do you know when you need new brakes?  One sure sign is if it is taking you are sliding to a stop at red lights even though you are pressing hard on the brake pedal.  If this is happening, it may be time for a brake replacement.    

Unfortunately, there is no stated schedule in your owner’s manual as to when brakes should be replaced.  It mainly depends on how your brakes are wearing, which is largely determined by your driving style and conditions.  

So how do you know when you need new brakes? Here are six obvious signs to watch out for:

• Noisy brakes – Screeching sounds or a metal-on-metal grinding sound is created when the built-in wear sensors scrape against the brake disc when the pads need replacing. 
• Vibrating – A warped disc will cause the brake pedal to pulsate under light or moderate braking.
• Leaking brake fluid – A scorching smell while driving could mean brake fluid is leaking onto the hot motor.
• Longer stopping distances – If you have to push the brake pedal down to the floor, it is taking you too long to come to a stop. Because brake linings wear gradually, it could reach the risky stage before you notice it.
• Steering problems – If the steering wheel tugs or the car pulls to one side or the other while braking, the front brake pads are worn down too far.
• Dash Warning light – Newer cars have electronic-wear indicators if the pads wear down to a specified measurement.  However, a visual checkup is still the best way to check the condition of your brakes.

Tip to remember:  Ask for a brake inspection at every tire rotation service (about every six months).

Wondering how do you know when you need new brakes?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today 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 surrounding area.

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.

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.