How often should a wheel alignment be done?

A wheel alignment should typically be done every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or at least once a year, depending on your driving style and road conditions. Some mechanics recommend having your wheel alignment checked every other oil change to ensure your tires wear evenly and your car handles correctly.

When to Get a Wheel Alignment:

• After hitting a pothole, curb, or road debris
• If your car pulls to one side while driving
• When you notice uneven or rapid tire wear
• If your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight
• After installing new tires or suspension components

Why It’s Important:

Regular wheel alignments help:

• Improve handling and safety
• Extend tire life
• Boost fuel efficiency
• Prevent suspension damage

Tip: If you drive on rough or unpaved roads frequently, you may need alignments more often.

Wondering about how often should a wheel alignment be done? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about front alignment and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

When should car tires be replaced?

Car tires should be replaced when they show significant signs of wear or damage, or based on certain mileage and age guidelines. Here are the main factors to consider:

• Tread Depth: Tires should be replaced when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. You can inspect this using a tread depth gauge or the penny test: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too shallow, and it’s time for new tires.
• Tire Age: Even if the tread seems fine, tires should generally be replaced after 6 to 10 years, as the rubber can deteriorate over time, even if not frequently driven. Check the manufacturing date on the tire’s sidewall to see when they were made.
• Visible Damage: Replace tires immediately if they show cracks, bulges, cuts, or other visible damage.
• Uneven Wear: If your tires are wearing unevenly, it could indicate alignment or suspension problems, and the tires may need to be replaced sooner.
• Mileage: Depending on the tire type and driving conditions, most tires are designed to last between 25,000 and 70,000 miles. Regularly rotating and balancing your tires and maintaining the correct air pressure can help extend their life.

To ensure safety and optimal performance, regularly check your tires and consult a professional if you notice any problems.

Why Regular Tire Service Is Important?

Tire service is important all year long. If your tires are in optimal condition, then your vehicle will have more traction. You will also be much less likely to get involved in a car accident. Tire service is even more important during the summer because the heat can cause your tires to expand. When an expanded tire hits the hot road, it can easily explode.

Wondering when should car tires be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about tire service and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

When do you need a transmission fluid change?

A transmission fluid change is generally recommended at intervals ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every 2 to 4 years, depending on your vehicle's make, model, and driving conditions. However, there are specific signs that indicate you may need a transmission fluid change sooner:

• Transmission Slipping – If the transmission slips between gears or doesn’t engage properly, low or degraded transmission fluid might be the cause.
• Rough Shifting – If shifting gears feel rough or delayed, this could indicate the transmission fluid is contaminated or low.
• Unusual Noises – If you hear whining, grinding, or clunking noises while driving, it could be due to dirty or low transmission fluid.
• Fluid Leaks – Transmission fluid leaks can cause low fluid levels, leading to overheating or shifting problems.
• Dark or Burnt Smelling Fluid – Check the transmission fluid’s color and smell. Healthy fluid should be a clear reddish color; if it's dark, dirty, or smells burnt, it needs replacing.
• Overheating – Overheating problems may also signal that the fluid is not adequately lubricating the transmission components.

Don’t Delay – Act Promptly!

Any indication that a car’s transmission is problematic requires visiting an authorized mechanic to determine when do you need a transmission fluid change or major transmission repair. Maintenance that you offer to your car will save you time and money, and you will not break at the roadside. Proper maintenance of your transmission fluid will go a long way in strengthening your vehicle.

Car transmission systems are susceptible; they require clean and quality fluid to excel. But then again, when do you need a transmission fluid change? The overwhelming majority of modern cars have "lifetime" fluid. Well, this does not mean it never needs attention.

Wondering when do you need a transmission fluid change? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How often do car brakes need to be replaced?

Every car owner must monitor brake signals and sounds to avoid accidents or eventual expensive repairs. If you drive on summer roads, you should have a reliable brake service because pads and rotors must be changed after a given mileage. Discover instances that define how often do car brakes need to be replaced.

Brakes Squeaking

Excessively worn-out brake pads produce a squealing sound, and they should be changed before further rotor damage occurs. It is estimated that brake squeaking will occur after driving for approximately 65,000 miles under standard summer road conditions and normal driving styles.

Grinding Sound

The occurrence of a grinding noise defines how often do car brakes need to be replaced anytime you press the pedal. Specific cars have special pads fitted with wear indicators that make a unique sound, alerting you to visit your brake service expert. Continuous and unattended brake grinding could lead to fatal accidents or costly repairs.

Abnormal Car Vibrations

You should consult your brake service expert when you feel abnormal shaking or vibration when braking. It might be a minor issue in the beginning, but you would rather incur an extra service charge to enjoy safe summer drives. Vibrations happen because of uneven brakes caused by rough rotors, and your service professional can fix the issue to warrant a perfect driving experience.

Delayed Stoppage

Whenever your braking system underperforms, you may not make emergency stoppages, which could be fatal. Worn-out pads or low brake fluid levels may cause delayed stoppages. It would help if you informed your brake service professional to arrest any leakages or change the pads.

Brake Indicator Lights

Always monitor dashboard warning lights to determine the brake system condition before embarking on a summer road trip. Pay attention to every braking aspect because the indicator lights do not always appear, even when a serious issue occurs. Sometimes, a brake light appears when all is well, and you must consult your car expert for further diagnosis.

Need to know how often do car brakes need to be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our brake service and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How often should you do car maintenance?

Car maintenance should usually be performed according to your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations, but a general guideline is:

1. Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (or every 6 months):

• Oil and filter change
• Tire rotation
• Brake checkup
• Fluid level checks (brake, transmission, coolant, etc.)
• General checkup of lights, wipers, and belts

2. Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles:

• Air filter replacement
• Fuel system inspection
• Inspect and possibly change the battery
• Inspect and change the cabin air filter

3. Every 35,000 to 60,000 miles:

• Change spark plugs
• Transmission fluid change (varies by vehicle)
• Check and possibly change brake pads and rotors

4. Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles:

• Timing belt replacement
• Water pump checkup/replacement (if compulsory)
• Inspect suspension parts (shocks, struts).

Following these maintenance intervals helps ensure your car runs smoothly, stays reliable, and avoids costly breakdowns. Regular checkups can also prolong the life of the vehicle and maintain its value.

Wondering about how often should you do car maintenance? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our vehicle maintenance and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What is the average lifespan of a car battery?

In most car models, a car battery is expected to last for 3 and 5 years, on average, with some aids. It is clear that climate, driving behavior, and car type significantly affect the duration of a car battery. Car batteries in warm climate zones are generally discharged more briskly because the batteries fluids evaporate more often. On the other hand, high temperatures can decrease the stability of the battery and the internal chemical reactions that occur, making it last longer in cold temperatures. 

Knowing what is the average lifespan of a car battery can assist drivers in getting ready for replacements. Taking several short voyages undermines the possibility of allowing the battery to charge fully, which shortens its life. While conversely frequent long drives, a person can preserve the battery capacity, thus increasing its usage. 

Here are a few signs that it might be time for a car battery replacement: 

• Slow engine crank: I only know that if your engine is struggling to turn on as quickly as before, your battery may be on its way out. 
• Headlights: If the car headlights are of a lower intensity than they are supposed to be, then the battery is beginning to fail. 
• Battery warning light: If this particular light comes up on the dashboard, then this can only mean a single thing.

In this way, you avoid getting stuck, for example, in summer when high temperatures can trigger battery failure earlier than it would have anyway. The final thing you would desire is for your car to halt on a very hot day, and you need to call for a jump start or a tow truck. 

To be safe from such mishaps, one should inspect on the battery's health frequently and, when compulsory, have it replaced. If you have any questions about the condition of your battery, you should consult your dealer or an automotive electrician. For this reason, car battery replacement warranties the dependability of your car regardless of the weather conditions prevailing at any given time. 

By being aware of what is the average lifespan of a car battery and taking appropriate measures, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and enjoy a stress-free driving experience.

Wondering about what is the average lifespan of a car battery? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a car battery replacement and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What does an oil change service include?

An oil change is one of the most vital regular maintenance tasks for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. While it may seem like a simple service, there is more involved than simply draining and filling the oil. An oil change service usually includes the following parts:

1. Draining the Old Oil: The mechanic will remove the old, dirty engine oil by draining it from the oil pan. This is done by unscrewing the oil drain plug, allowing the old oil to flow out.
2. Replacing the Oil Filter: The old oil filter, which traps debris and contaminants, has been removed and replaced with a new one. A clean filter ensures that the new oil stays cleaner for longer.
3. Adding New Oil: The appropriate type and amount of new oil are added based on your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. This can be a conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil.
4. Inspection of Key Parts: Many oil change services include a quick inspection of other parts of your vehicle, such as:
• Fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid)
• Belts and hoses
• Tire pressure
• Air filter (sometimes checked and replaced if compulsory)
5. Lubrication of Chassis Parts (if applicable): On some older vehicles or specific models, suspension components like ball joints, tie rods, and U-joints may require lubrication. This step is often skipped for newer cars, as they have sealed parts.
6. Resetting the Oil Change Indicator: For cars with an oil life monitor or dashboard indicator, the mechanic will reset the oil change reminder light so that it accurately tracks your next service interval.

Wondering about what does oil change service include? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about oil change coupons and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.