Wondering when to Do Maintenance on Your Car?

Many drivers, you want to take good care of your vehicle and may wonder when to do maintenance on your car?  The first thing to do is to find your owner’s manual.  The next thing to do is to read it!  The third thing to do to take good care of your vehicle is to follow the suggested vehicle maintenance schedule listed in that manual. 

Fortunately, for those of us who are challenged when it comes to reading our vehicle service guide, there are two other ways in which you may be reminded as to when to do maintenance on your car:

• In-vehicle Maintenance Reminder Systems Newer cars normally have an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system that makes mileage-based schedules obsolete. These reminder systems take a number of vehicle operating conditions into account and provide an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level inspects component checks and other car maintenance services.  These systems have been found to be fairly accurate as to when service should be performed.
• Mileage-Based Maintenance Service Intervals Older cars have service intervals based on mileage. There are generally two different maintenance schedules listed in the manual--one for cars driven in “normal” operating conditions and another for “severe” operating conditions.  The definition of “severe” mainly means short trips of 5 miles or less, extreme climates, stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads.  In addition to reading your owner’s manual to know those mileage intervals, your auto technician can give you sound advice as to when to do maintenance on your car.

Tip to Remember:  Plan ahead for car maintenance items by finding an auto shop and auto technician for small problems so you know you can trust them for the bigger service items or repairs that will come up down the road!

Wondering when to do maintenance on your car?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about preventative car maintenance 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.

What are the Signs of Engine Failure?

If you’re experiencing issues with the performance of your vehicle, ask your auto mechanic what to do to help restore its power and trustworthiness.  Some good advice is to take care of all engine service items when suggested by your mechanic.   This will help keep your vehicle running strong and prevent unexpected and expensive engine repairs.  

So just what are the signs of engine failure?  Of course, the “Check Engine” light is your first hint.  When this little warning light comes on, many drivers become fearful of what might be happening under the hood.  If at all possible, head to your auto shop for a diagnostic service.   Your auto mechanic can then pinpoint what and where something is going wrong.  

In addition to the “check engine” light, here a few other common signs of engine failure: 

1. Loss of Power -- Combustion engines convert gasoline into the power needed to make your vehicle go. There could be a glitch in the combustion process. 
2. Decreased Fuel Economy -- There could be a problem in the compression stroke of the engine. 
3. Noisy Engine -- Knocking, backfiring, hissing, spitting and popping during the ignition process can occur when there is an abnormality in the combustion flow.
4. Stalling -- The intake stroke is not receiving the right spark or air/fuel mixture. 
5. Odors -- A noxious odor from the exhaust may be detected if the exhaust stroke of your internal combustion engine is starting to fail. 
6. High-performance Engines Don’t Turn Off -- This commonly happens when the octane in the gas is incorrect, a solenoid is failing, or the carburetor wants an adjustment.
7. Engine Run Rough -- This is usually caused by clogs in the system, old spark plugs, an improper octane level, or a low battery.

Are you looking for a quality engine service?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about recommended engine service 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.