How do you know when your car battery needs replacing?

Many people don’t want to jump in there only to find that they have a dead battery!  If you are an experienced driver and know your vehicle, you can save yourself a lot of frustration by taking care of a needed car battery replacement before you get stranded in your driveway! 

So how do you know when your car battery needs replacing?  Here are several of the most obvious and common signs indicating that it’s time for a car battery replacement:

1. A car that is hard to start or won’t start at all.
2. You hear a quick clicking sound, signaling the available power is too low to crank the engine. 
3. The headlights are dim because they are not getting the power they want.
4. Electronic accessories, such as power seats, power windows, radio, dashboard warning lights, headlights, windshield wipers, and more, are unable to operate efficiently.  
5. A dashboard warning light is not only an indicator of a bad battery but that another part of the electrical system is failing, such as the alternator.
6. When the battery is consistently exposed to extreme temperatures the sides of the battery case can swell up, especially if it freezes, thaws, and freezes again on a consistent basis.
7. A car battery generally only lasts around 4 or 5 years, based on exposure to extreme temperatures and your driving styles.  
8. If the battery terminals are loose, it will seem as though the battery is dying.  Tightening the terminal connections may solve the issue.
9. Leaving a light on for an extended period of time may use up the charge in your battery.  If it is a good battery, a recharge may be all that is needed.

A word of advice:  If you notice any of the issues above, have an ASE-certified technician inspect your car battery to determine if it’s time for a car battery replacement!

Wondering how do you know when your car battery needs replacing? 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.

How Often Should You Replace Brake Pads?

If it’s taking you longer than normal for your vehicle to come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs, it’s time to have your brakes checked.  This may cause you to wonder about how often should you replace brake pads? Because the wear and tear on brakes are unique for every driver due to their driving conditions and styles, road conditions, and quality of brake materials, there is not a specific timetable stated in your owner’s manual for changing brake pads and rotors.  But as a general rule of thumb, it is wise to have your brakes checked at every oil change so you can be aware of their ongoing situation.

So, if you’re wondering how often should you replace brake pads, here are several common warning signs:

• Brakes screeching and squealing – A small, metallic shim indicator embedded in the brake pad will screech or squeal when it has worn too thin.
• Too thin – If it appears should be no less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.  
• Brakes grinding and growling – This sound comes from the metal-on-metal contact between the discs and calipers when the brake pads have worn too thin.
• Warning light – A warning light on the dashboard panel will illuminate indicating that it’s time to replace the brake pads.  

A word of advice: Normally, brake pads, and rotors need to be replaced about every 50,000 miles on most vehicles. For the best stopping performance, replace brake rotors and brake pads at the same time.

Wondering how often should you replace brake pads?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive for more information about brake repair, including brake pads and brake rotors and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What Are the Signs Your Car Needs a Tune Up?

For older vehicles with non-electric ignition systems, it was easier to know when it was time for a car tune up. The recommended interval for replacing spark plugs, fluids, and filters was pretty normal, about every 10,000 to 12,000 miles.  Newer vehicles are equipped with electronic ignitions and fuel injection systems are scheduled to go from 25,000 miles to as many as 100,000 miles without needing a major tune-up. This test can detect internal issues that may be connected with the transmission and engine, oil and gas tanks, exhaust system, and other operating systems. 

So what are the signs your car needs a tune up?  If your vehicle doesn’t seem to be performing like you think it should schedule a car diagnostic service.  When your vehicle is getting close to the time that a tune up is needed, you may start to notice the most common issues listed below:

• The check engine light illuminates your dashboard while driving. 
• The engine idles rough, or stalls when you try to accelerate or braking.
• Decrease in fuel economy, meaning you’re filling up the tank more often.
• Noticing shifting issues, such as slipping gears, jerking, or hard to put into gear.
• Feel more vibrations than usual in the steering wheel or in the seat.

Do you want to know more about what are the signs your car needs a tune up?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive for more information about car tune up services and to make an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.