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.

How Often Do You Get Your Car Serviced?

Are you confused by the different types of car services available and wondering how often do you get your car serviced?  All you know is that you want to avoid unexpected and costly car repair.  How do you do that, you ask?  What you ask for depends on what your car needs.  

First, there is a basic service package that is generally suggested every 6,000 miles or every 6 months. This typically includes oil changes, including the oil filter, and a check of the main components of the car, which means your brakes, tires, lights, and battery.  This will help ensure that you are aware of what your car may want and whether or not it is an urgent matter. 

Second, a full service is generally suggested every 12 months or every 12,000 miles. This includes everything that is in a basic service plus additional filter replacements; in-depth brake inspects and checks of the engine. This is especially vital if you think your car is not performing well. 

Third, a major service is generally suggested every 24 months or every 24,000 miles and is the most vital service that your car will receive--basically a complete overall inspect of the vehicle.  At this point, certain components and systems will have experienced wear and tear or even some damage.  In addition to the problems included in a full service, there are even more in-depth inspects, spark plugs changed, brake fluid, suspension check, and replacement of other filters. 

Why should you have your car serviced? Here are 5 good reasons:

• Longer life expectancy. 
• Avoid expensive car repairs
• Save money on fuel.   
• Retains good re-sale or trade-in value.
• Insurance companies can use service history to determine pre-accident value. 

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

Why is Wheel Alignment Important?

If you’re wondering why is wheel alignment important for your vehicle, let’s first consider what will happen if your vehicle is not correctly aligned.  Here are four common problems you will start to notice:

1. Uneven tread wear
2. A steering wheel that is off-Centre when driving straight
3. Car pulling off to the left or right

You might think you can wait a while to have the front alignment inspected, but if you wait too long, there will be significant repercussions, such as:  

• You will have to replace your tires sooner than usual;
• You will start having to fill up the fuel tank more often due to poor fuel economy; and
• Damage could be occurring to other vehicle components, such as brakes, shocks, and suspension.

So why is wheel alignment important? Here are a few benefits of keeping your car in correct alignment:

• Boosts your car’s handling and safety,
• Increases fuel efficiency,
• Tires are wearing unevenly,
• The steering wheel feels loose or sloppy.
• Extends the life of your tires.
• The car pulls to one side or direction while driving straight,
• Strange vibrations

Need to have the front alignment checked out on your car?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about wheel alignment and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.