How Often Do You Need to Service Your Car?

If you are a conscientious driver, you won’t take good care of your vehicle.  But you may be wondering just how often do you need to service your car?  The answer is actually quite simple. Follow the factory-recommended service schedule that is listed in your owner’s manual.  This will help ensure that you are driving as safe as possible, especially if you are planning to head out for a summer road trip.

With the advancements in technology, many newer cars have a maintenance reminder system built-in that makes mileage-based schedules obsolete. This reminder system is programmed to take a number of car driving conditions into account and provides an alert on the instrument panel when it is time for certain services, such as oil changes, fluid level inspects, component checkups, and other car services.  Even though you should be able to trust this reminder system, it’s still a good idea to double-check with your car repair mechanic about any recommended services, especially if you don’t drive put many miles during a year’s time.

Older vehicles have service intervals based on the number of miles driven within a certain time period. There are generally two different maintenance schedules listed in your owner’s manual—one for cars driven in “normal” conditions and another for those driven in “severe” operating conditions. The exact definition of “severe” varies, but it will usually include one or more of the following conditions:

• Primarily short trips (5 miles or less) 
• Sustained stop-and-go driving
• Extremely hot, cold, or dusty climates
• Mountainous terrain
• Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer.

Plan ahead for any needed car repair and service maintenance by finding an auto shop and technician you can trust before you need them.  Use them for small jobs to inspect them out for a shop’s appearance, technician training and certification, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction. 

Wondering how often do you need to service your car?  Consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, for more information about car services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Why Does the Service Engine Light Come On?

Taking care of your vehicle with routine engine service is the best way to make sure it provides you with reliable transportation as long as you need it to.  If you think you are starting to experience engine issues, the “Check Engine” light illuminating on your dash could be the first warning signal.  Unless your car refuses to run at all, head to your auto shop and ask for a diagnostic test.  Your auto mechanic will plug a small computer underneath your dashboard to “read” what is happening under the hood.  Any potential issue can be diagnosed early before it turns into a major engine repair.  

If you’re wondering why does the service engine light come on, there are various reasons.  It could be an easy fix or something more serious is happening in the engine.

1. Gas Cap is loose, Damaged – If the gas cap is loose, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions. The fix may be as simple as replacing the gas cap.
2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor – The oxygen sensor monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust system, and how much fuel is burned.  If it is faulty, it cannot provide the right data to the computer, thereby reducing gas mileage and increasing emissions.  
3. Failing Catalytic Convertor – The Catalytic Converter controls emissions in your car’s exhaust system. It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds. If it fails, your gas mileage will reduction and your car won’t accelerate when you step on the gas.
4. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor – The mass airflow sensor tells the car's computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air enters the engine.  If it fails, toxic emissions will increase, the car will start to stall, and gas mileage will decrease. 
5. Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires – The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gap for a spark to jump across and initiates combustion in your engine.  If they are starting to fail, they will misfire.  They simply want to be replaced.

What is the key to a well-running engine?  Take care of all service items as recommended, helping to prevent major engine repair issues.  

If you want to know more about why does the service engine light come on, call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our engine repair services and to make an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.