How Do I Know If My Exhaust Needs Replacing?

In order for your vehicle to keep running at its peak performance level, it’s important to keep all vehicle maintenance items up-to-date, including an inspection of the exhaust system and muffler.  A good exhaust system will keep your car running quietly, reduce toxic emissions, and increase fuel efficiency.  Visit your auto shop if you find yourself asking, “How do I know if my exhaust needs replacing?”

Unfortunately, that means that it is “out of sight; out of mind.”  Don’t wait until you hear the rumbling sounds of trouble before scheduling a maintenance service 

Your exhaust may need replacing if you notice any of the three symptoms below:

1. Loud noises – When the muffler is in good condition, it will operate softly in the background. Though, if it develops issues, it may sound like a roaring monster. 
2. Lowered fuel economy – Having to fill up the tank more often than usual could mean a problem in the exhaust system. Newer vehicles have a computer sensor that monitors fuel economy and total performance.  This sensor can pinpoint a problem before it gets serious.
3. Obnoxious odor – The job of the muffler is to funnel toxic exhaust fumes outside and away from your car. If there is a leak or some other issue, those fumes could be circulating inside your vehicle. This is hazardous for you and any passengers. 

A word to the wise:  At the first sign of exhaust problems, schedule an inspection of the exhaust system as soon as possible to prevent bigger and more costly problems down the road.

Wondering how do I know if my exhaust needs replacing?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about mufflers and exhaust systems and to schedule an appointment. 

Do you Know How Often Do You Really Need An Oil Change?

This is the controversial question going around in the automotive industry these days.  The most important thing to remember is that a simple oil change is the most cost-effective and vital maintenance needed to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.  Unfortunately, many auto shops often see vehicles come in with damaged engines because their owners went too long between changes, either because they didn’t know what oil to use or they thought they were saving money.  However, the repair for engine damage caused by dirty oil is far more costly than paying for regular oil changes, especially as many auto shops offer oil change coupons.

Here are five basic facts vehicle owners should know about oil changes:

1. The purpose of oil. Oil lubricates the parts of the engine so they don’t grind against each other; keeps the engine from overheating; and carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants that would otherwise clog up the engine parts.
2. The right interval. The oil change interval required for your vehicle will vary depends on its age, the type of oil used, and your driving conditions. The 3,000-mile interval is not as relevant as in years gone by.  With today’s upgraded oils, the interval for most engines is now between 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or you could go as far as 15,000 miles if you use full synthetic oil.  
3. The dash warning light. Some dash lights are programmed to come on automatically at 3,000-5,000 miles after the last oil change. In some cars, that light might not come on until the engine is already too low on oil so don’t rely on the dash warning light.
4. Temperature matters. Certain motor oils are designed to be thinner when cold and more viscous when hot. The Society of Automotive Engineers has developed designations that indicate the viscosity of the oil, for example, 10-30W oil.  The "10" refers to the lower viscosity when the engine is cold. The "30W" refers to the higher viscosity when the engine is hot and running generally.   
5. Conventional, premium, and synthetic oils. Certain high-tech engines require synthetic oils, while more mainstream engines normally use conventional oils. Premium oils have extra additives that may be useful for special driving needs. Blends that combine synthetic and premium conventional oils are regularly used for trucks and SUVs.

Follow your owner’s manual as to what type of oil is best for your vehicle and the appropriate mileage interval, or asks your mechanic for advice.

Looking for oil change coupons?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about how often do you really need an oil change and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding areas.

Are you Wondering when do you need to replace your brakes?

Are you starting to experience braking issues?  Schedule an inspection of your brake system as soon as possible.  Ask about when do you need to replace your brakes?  You may simply need the brake pads replaced or the rotors turned.

If you are starting to notice any of the following issues, it’s time for the help of brake repair specialists:

• Brake light comes on and stays on.
• Squealing, squeaking noises when braking.
• Wobbling, vibration when braking.
• Fluid leaks.
• Soft brake pedal.
• The car pulls to one side when braking.
• Burning smell while driving. 

So, how often do you need to replace your brakes?  There are several factors that determine when you need to replace your brakes:

• Style of driving – Brake pads will wear out quickly if you are an aggressive driver who brakes hard consistently or drives in a lot of stop-and-go town traffic.
• Quality of brake materials – The quality of the brake pads primarily determines when you need to replace your brakes.  Ceramic brake pads are the most costly but are lengthier lasting.  Semi-metallic pads don’t cost as much, but also don’t last as long.
• Purpose of your vehicle – If you use your vehicle to pull heavy loads, drive mostly in mountainous terrain, or make frequent stop-and-go trips, the brake pads and rotors will wear down more quickly because the brakes are applied harder and more frequently.
• The weight of your vehicle – Don’t overload your vehicle more than resolute by the manufacturer for optimum stopping power; calculated on the weight of the Car plus passenger limits.

Looking for quality brake repair?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about when do you need to replace your brakes and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Wondering what are the Signs of a Bad Radiator?

It’s the middle of summer and most people have either been on a summer road trip or are getting ready to head down the road.  If you have not already taken care of servicing your radiator and cooling system, it’s not too late.  It is wise to know the signs of a bad radiator so that you are not left stranded on the side of the road with an overheating engine, looking for a mechanic that can replace radiator.

Need to know what are the signs of a bad radiator?  Here are three common issues to watch for: 

• A hot engine – Overheating will occur when the coolant cannot get to where it needs to go to cool the engine.  The hoses could be clogged, or the level of coolant is too low.  If this is happening, there should be a warning light on the dashboard, or the temperature gauge will rise to the hot zone.  Get your car off the road immediately to prevent damaging your engine.
• Leaking coolant – If there is a cracked hose, or the radiator is corroded with rust, you may notice the smell of antifreeze or a tell-tale puddle on the garage floor.  You may want to replace radiator at this point.
• A smoking car – If there is smoke coming from under the hood, it may simply be coolant that has leaked onto the motor and is being burnt off. However, smoke coming from the muffler could mean that the head gasket has been damaged by the engine overheating.

Routine radiator inspections are important.  Ask your mechanic to inspect the hoses and radiator unit for leaking and to make sure the antifreeze/water mixture is still effective.  A flush of the cooling system may be suggested, or the coolant level may simply need to be topped off.