Wondering How Often Should You Take Your Car in for Maintenance?

Summer has arrived in all its glory.  You had your car serviced last fall, but now you may be wondering just how often should you take your car in for maintenance.  You want to make sure your vehicle is as trustworthy as the potential for the hot days ahead to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. This means that you should follow the car maintenance schedule listed in your owner’s manual.

Some years ago, Kelton Research published a study that is still true today.  It shows that nine-in-ten American car owners believe they maintain their vehicles correctly.  However, only 41 percent actually follow the manufacturer’s vehicle maintenance recommendations.  The study further reports that less than one in four (23 percent) of car owners work with a certified mechanic to develop a plan for ongoing vehicle maintenance.  From these statistics, it is easy to deduce that there are a lot of vehicles on the road that is greatly in need of some type of auto repair. 

Here are several of the most important vehicle maintenance items:

• 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 (Antifreeze)
• Steering and Suspension
• Wheel Alignment

Preserve the investment you made in your vehicle!  Taking care of your car could be one of the wisest economical decisions you make.

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

Wondering is a Tune Up Necessary?

Even with today’s newer cars and advanced technology, the answer to this question is “Yes!  Most vehicle manufacturers recommend a tune up service at around 100,000 miles.  Your mechanic can test the performance of your vehicle to determine just what is needed in a car tune up service.

Is your car slow when trying to go up a hill or passing a slower vehicle? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why?  Before summertime’s hot temperatures are here in full force, be sure to get a car tune up now to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. 

Because today’s vehicles are designed with computer processors, microchips and sensors, the best way to determine whether your car wants a tune up is to ask your auto mechanic to run a car diagnostic test.  This is done using a specialized computer that scans the sensors and operating systems, producing codes which will indicate a current or a pending issue.

So is a tune up necessary? The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessments, including a checkup of the engine, an analysis of your vehicle’s performance, and any needed adjustments made to the operating systems. 

Here is a car tune up checklist:

• Spark plugs.
• Fuel pump and filter.
• Fuel injectors.
• Timing.
• PCV valve.
• Points and condenser.

There is not a one-size-fits-all car tune up procedure.  It will be uniquely based on your vehicle’s age, the number of miles driven, and its maintenance history.  

Wondering is a tune up is still necessary?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a car tune up and to Make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.