How Often Should You Replace Your Car Battery?

You know the old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.”  Inappropriately, this is often what happens with your car battery.  Some car drivers forget all about the condition of their car battery, until one day, their car won’t start because of a dead battery!  This may bring you to ask, “How often should you replace your car battery?”  

Under normal driving conditions, your car battery could last from 3 years and possibly up to 5 years before becoming worn out.  If you drive under “severe” conditions, that time could even be shorter.  After a new car battery replacement, have the strength of your battery inspected each time you visit your auto shop for other services.  After a battery reaches the 4-year mark, it can become totally unreliable. 

So do you know how often should you replace your car battery?  Even though the manufacturers provide a guideline for the expected life of a battery, there are a few things that you can do to help it last a little longer:

1. Avoid Short Rides.  A battery can’t fully charge during short trips.  Driving frequently and for longer periods of time will help maintain the charge.  
2. Tighten Connections.  A loose battery can vibrate, damaging the circuits or inside the engine.  
3. Turn Off Lights—Shut the Door.  Leaving the headlights on overnight or leaving the door open with the interior light on can totally drain your battery’s charge.
4. Keep the Terminals Clean.  Corrosion builds up on the terminals and should be cleaned off sometimes.  
5. Test Voltage.  Frequently testing the output voltage on your battery will keep you aware of its condition.
6. Turn Off Accessories.  Turn off electrical accessories when idling or have the motor turned off. 
7. Regular Tune-Ups.  When the spark plugs and motor are clean and running smoothly, your battery does not have to work as hard.  
8. Storing Your Vehicle.  Storing your vehicle in a warm dry place helps your battery last longer.   

Ignoring a weak battery may leave you stranded, calling for a tow truck and a car battery replacement.

Need to know more about how often should you replace your car battery?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What Are The Most Common Engine Starting Problems?

Generally, many car drivers don’t have to think too much about how their car works.  Each morning as they head out the door, all they have to push the start button, and they’re off for the day.  Though, if you’ve owned a car for very long, it won’t come as a surprise that every car wants some type of basic maintenance for the systems that keep it operating reliably, regardless of whether it’s new or old.  

One important system to think about is the starting system. If any of the parts of this system have failed, you will experience starting issues. 

What are the most common engine starting problems?  Here are five issues that could cause starting issues:

• Bad Ignition Switch – This issue is usually indicated by trouble turning the key, flickering dash lights when you turn the key, or if the car doesn’t do anything at all when you turn the key. 
• Failed Starter – A failed starter will often make a loud single click when the key is turned in the ignition. The starter may be trying to move, but can’t really engage with the flywheel to spin the motor.
• Faulty Alternator – The alternator is responsible for creating a spark in the engine as well as charging the car's battery while the car is running. If the alternator fails, the battery takes over powering the accessories and will ultimately be drained of all its charge. 
• Fuel System issues – Fuel system issues, such as a clogged fuel filter, bad fuel pump, or dirty fuel injectors, can cause rough idling, loss of power, or a car that won’t start at all.
• Dead Car Battery – The battery is responsible for providing the initial electricity compulsory to start the car. It will die if accessories are left on without the engine running, if it has become weak and can’t hold a charge, or if the alternator has failed.

If you need to know more about what are the most common engine starting problems, call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a needed engine repair service and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What Happens When A Hybrid Battery Goes Bad?

When considering the purchase of a hybrid vehicle, many persons are cautious.  They may be anxious about the cost of hybrid service, how long does a hybrid battery last, and then what it costs to change it.  The fact is, whether your vehicle is a hybrid, electric, diesel, or traditional gasoline, they all want to be serviced on a regular basis.  Because the hybrid’s engine also runs on gasoline, it requires the same basic maintenance as traditional vehicles, including changing filters, belt replacements, tire alignment, and oil changes.  The hybrid battery’s air filter is the one exemption that may want additional hybrid service.  

Fortunately, hybrid batteries are designed to last between 10 to 15 years (about 120K to 150K driving miles) before they should start to fail.  Even though some batteries may start to go bad around 70K miles, others can go up to 200K miles without any issues.  Thus, it is important to have the battery in your hybrid vehicle inspected frequently at a certified hybrid service center.  Because manufacturers understand that replacing a hybrid battery can be costly, hybrid vehicles typically come with an 8-year, 80K mile guarantee, so a battery replacement should be 100% covered.

Here are some common issues of what happens when a hybrid battery goes bad:

• Fuel efficiency decreases
• The battery meter is more unbalanced
• Acceleration is more sluggish
• Reduced usable cell capacity for recharging
• Range of driving distance is shortened
• Code and computer errors become more frequent

Fortunately, there’re some options for replacing the battery in a hybrid vehicle:

• Install a new battery,
• Install a refurbished battery,
• Recondition current battery (the cells are rebalanced, restoring the battery to over 90% of the original capacity).

Wondering what happens when a hybrid battery goes bad?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive for more information about hybrid service and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding areas.

How Do You Know If Your Exhaust System Is Bad?

If you’re starting to worry about the muffler on your vehicle, you may also be wondering how do you know if your exhaust system is bad.  Is your vehicle losing power even when accelerating?  Does your muffler sound like a roaring lion?  There could be other indicators of a failing exhaust system, such as the “check engine” light starting to flash while driving down the road.  These are all signs that could indicate a leak is developing in your car’s muffler and exhaust system.

How do you know if your exhaust system is bad?  Here are five common, and obvious, indicators of issues in the exhaust system:

1. What do you hear?  Listen to your vehicle.  Thumping, clunking, or rattling noises are signs of a damaged muffler or a leaking exhaust.
2. What do you see?  Take a look at the muffler.  This should be done by an expert mechanic as it could require putting your car on a lift to look for holes and rust on the muffler. 
3. What is the temperature of your car?  High engine temperatures and loss of power is often caused by damage to the muffler or other parts of the exhaust system. 
4. How often do you fill the tank?  Exhaust leakages affect the oxygen sensors in the engine so that the amount of exhaust actually in the system is not measured correctly, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.
5. What do you smell?  A leaky exhaust system allows toxic fumes and gasses to enter the car, creating a risky situation. 

Looking for quality muffler repair? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about how do you know if your exhaust system is bad and to request an appointment. our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How Often Should Your Car AC Be Serviced?

Even though it may still feel like winter, the calendar says that spring has arrived.  This means it’s time to schedule an inspection of your car’s air conditioner.  You want to make sure that any needed auto AC repair has been taken care of so your vehicle is ready for summer’s hot days.  Don’t delay until you find yourself sweltering in a hot car.  All you may want is fresh coolant added to the radiator to keep you cool.  

You may be wondering just how often should your car AC be serviced?  Many certified auto AC repair technicians recommend having the air conditioner checked at least twice a year—in the fall after working hard in summer’s hot temperatures, and then again in the spring after surviving winter’s freezing temperatures. This will ensure that your vehicle maintains the best fuel efficiency while providing you with a relaxed ride.  At the minimum, service once a year can still be beneficial. 

There are several conditions that can cause issues with your car’s air conditioner:

• The engine’s hot temperatures
• Dirt and debris on the road 
• Vehicle’s continuous vibrations
• Quick and hard stops
• Running over an obstacle in the road or hitting a curb
• The condenser becomes blocked or broken
• The cooling fan breaks
• Faulty electrical connections

Any of the issues listed above can cause loose connections, cracks in a hose, or even a minute crack in the AC unit, allowing the refrigerant to leak out.  This means the compressor will not reach the pressure it wants to push hot refrigerant through the system to cool it down.  

Have questions about how often should your car AC be serviced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about auto AC repair and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How Often Should You Have Car Maintenance Done?

Whether you have been driving for many years, or just starting out, the vehicle maintenance schedule for today’s vehicle may be confusing.  You may be wondering just how often should you have car maintenance done? The first place to look for the answer is your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s service guidelines.  If you still have questions, ask your mechanic to explain the recommended vehicle maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle—what should be done, when it needs to be done, and how much it will cost.  

What are the benefits of following the vehicle maintenance schedule?  

• You can depend on your vehicle to get you where you want to go comfortably and safely.
• You won’t have to expend hours at an auto shop waiting for repair work to be done.
• You will save money by avoiding major auto repairs.
• The resale value of your car will be higher than if you neglected maintenance.

There are some other items that you can inspect yourself.  Give your vehicle a little extra attention by paying attention to the following:

Daily...

Take a few minutes to walk around your vehicle before heading out each day.  Look for damage to the bodywork, low or flat tires, cuts in the sidewalls, cracks in the windows, or puddles under the car.  Although these problems don’t seem very big, they could cause serious issues while driving down the road.  

Weekly, or as needed...

• Inspect tire pressure, tread depth, and condition of all four tires AND the spare.
• Inspect the level and condition of all fluids, including oil, coolant/antifreeze, brakes, windshield washer, power steering, etc.
• Broken or burned-out bulbs should be changed and lenses cleaned.  
• Check your windshield wiper blades and replace them if more than 6 months old.
• Wash your vehicle often and give it a wax job sometimes to protect the finish and repel water and dirt. 

Taking a little extra time checking your vehicle will provide you with confidence that you have a reliable vehicle.  

How often should you have car maintenance done?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive for more information about vehicle maintenance and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

When Should You Get New Tires For Your Car?

The answer to this question can have several variables.  Although most tire manufacturers say that tires on a new car can last for about 50K miles, the actual number of miles you can drive on a tire is dependent upon various factors, such as:

• What is the quality of the tire?
• Are your tires all-purpose for year-round driving, or snow tires?
• How is the tire mounted on your car?
• What is the tread-wear rating, or the expected tread life?
• How and for what purpose is the car driving? 

So how do you know when should you get new tires for your car?  By following the tire service tips below, the life of your tires is extended, preventing emergency tire repair:  

• Inspecting the inflation pressure – The right inflation pressure will ensure optimal contact with the road; improving fuel economy and helping the tread wear more evenly. 
• Rotating tires – Rotating tires to a different position on your car helps ensure they wear out in an even pattern. Many tire service shops don’t charge for a tire rotation service if you have it done at the same time as another service, such as oil changes.  Tires should usually be rotated every 6 months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles.  
• Wheel Alignment – The wheels are aligned with the suspension so that the angles of the tires maximize their contact with the road.
• Tire Balancing – Weights placed on the rim of the tire help balance the tire if one component of the tire is heavier than another portion.  This will ensure that your tires roll down the road as smoothly as possible. 

So why is quality tire service so important?  Because tires are the only components of your vehicle that really touch the road, taking good care of them will not only save you money on having to replace them, but it also increases the safety of your vehicle.

Did you know…Most tire manufacturers are rated with the specific lifespan of the tire so that car owners know how many miles to expect out of their new tires?  

Have more questions about how do you know when should you get new tires for your car?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about basic tire repair service and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Wonder How Often Should Car Alignment Be Done?

This is a question many drivers find themselves asking their auto mechanic. The signs of a misaligned car and tires out of balance are so similar it’s difficult for the average driver to know the difference.  Be sure to ask your auto mechanic to inspect the wheel balancing as well as the alignment as these problems are more damaging than one would think.  And of course, as with many other problems, some types of damage are irreparable!

How often should car alignment be done, and what does it mean when your car is out of alignment?  Out of alignment simply means that your car’s tires are pointing not in the same direction as the steering wheel.  And what does it mean when your tires are out of balance?  It means that the weight around the tire is unevenly distributed.  Have your wheel balancing and alignment inspected whenever you start to feel issues?  The cost of correcting the alignment or balance is much less than a new set of tires or changing shocks!

Although wheel alignment issues can develop as the miles add up on your car, they are more likely to be caused by a specific incident, such as going over speed bumps and potholes too fast, hitting a curb, driving consistently on rough roads, or an auto accident, even a minor fender-bender.  

If your tires are out of balance or misaligned, these problems may present themselves as you drive down the road:

• You feel the steering wheel and seat noticeably vibrate.
• Your tire tread is wearing faster than normal in an uneven pattern.
• Fewer miles per gallon.
• Your vehicle pulls to one side or other of the road.
• The steering wheel may feel loose and is crooked while driving straight.

Wondering how often should car alignment be done?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive for more information about wheel balancing and alignment services and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What are the Symptoms of Bad Struts?

Some auto mechanics advise that because there is no set mileage interval for replacing struts or shocks, it is important to your driving safety that you understand what are the symptoms of bad struts.  Though depending on how much wear and tear they have received, some auto mechanics say it is possible that struts or shocks should be replaced between every 50K to 100K miles.  

Just like all the other parts that make up a vehicle, it is inevitable that your car shocks and struts wear out as the miles up.  How you drive and the road conditions impact how long your car struts or shocks last. If you consistently travel over poor road conditions, they will wear faster than if you drive just short every day.  If the appropriate repair is neglected when needed, your brakes and car axles will be negatively affected and the driving safety of your vehicle is compromised.  

What are the symptoms of bad struts or shocks? Consider these two important problems:

1. Safety Compromised:  Bad struts or shocks will impact your braking capabilities.  It may take you longer or a further distance to come to a stop than normal.  Because the weight of the vehicle shifts during braking, it is possible to lose control of your vehicle.
2. Excessive Wear:  Driving with bad struts or shocks will accelerate the wear and tear on your tires.  Other parts of the suspension system, such as the springs and car axles, will also wear out significantly faster than normal.

If you notice that your vehicle is getting harder to control, have the car struts or shocks and car axles checked as soon as possible. When they are changed, you will notice improved stopping performance and increased control of your vehicle.  

Are you wondering what are the symptoms of bad struts?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about the suspension system and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.