How often should a wheel alignment be done?

A wheel alignment should typically be done every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or at least once a year, depending on your driving style and road conditions. Some mechanics recommend having your wheel alignment checked every other oil change to ensure your tires wear evenly and your car handles correctly.

When to Get a Wheel Alignment:

• After hitting a pothole, curb, or road debris
• If your car pulls to one side while driving
• When you notice uneven or rapid tire wear
• If your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight
• After installing new tires or suspension components

Why It’s Important:

Regular wheel alignments help:

• Improve handling and safety
• Extend tire life
• Boost fuel efficiency
• Prevent suspension damage

Tip: If you drive on rough or unpaved roads frequently, you may need alignments more often.

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

When should car tires be replaced?

Car tires should be replaced when they show significant signs of wear or damage, or based on certain mileage and age guidelines. Here are the main factors to consider:

• Tread Depth: Tires should be replaced when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. You can inspect this using a tread depth gauge or the penny test: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too shallow, and it’s time for new tires.
• Tire Age: Even if the tread seems fine, tires should generally be replaced after 6 to 10 years, as the rubber can deteriorate over time, even if not frequently driven. Check the manufacturing date on the tire’s sidewall to see when they were made.
• Visible Damage: Replace tires immediately if they show cracks, bulges, cuts, or other visible damage.
• Uneven Wear: If your tires are wearing unevenly, it could indicate alignment or suspension problems, and the tires may need to be replaced sooner.
• Mileage: Depending on the tire type and driving conditions, most tires are designed to last between 25,000 and 70,000 miles. Regularly rotating and balancing your tires and maintaining the correct air pressure can help extend their life.

To ensure safety and optimal performance, regularly check your tires and consult a professional if you notice any problems.

Why Regular Tire Service Is Important?

Tire service is important all year long. If your tires are in optimal condition, then your vehicle will have more traction. You will also be much less likely to get involved in a car accident. Tire service is even more important during the summer because the heat can cause your tires to expand. When an expanded tire hits the hot road, it can easily explode.

Wondering when should car tires be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about tire service 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.

When do you need a transmission fluid change?

A transmission fluid change is generally recommended at intervals ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every 2 to 4 years, depending on your vehicle's make, model, and driving conditions. However, there are specific signs that indicate you may need a transmission fluid change sooner:

• Transmission Slipping – If the transmission slips between gears or doesn’t engage properly, low or degraded transmission fluid might be the cause.
• Rough Shifting – If shifting gears feel rough or delayed, this could indicate the transmission fluid is contaminated or low.
• Unusual Noises – If you hear whining, grinding, or clunking noises while driving, it could be due to dirty or low transmission fluid.
• Fluid Leaks – Transmission fluid leaks can cause low fluid levels, leading to overheating or shifting problems.
• Dark or Burnt Smelling Fluid – Check the transmission fluid’s color and smell. Healthy fluid should be a clear reddish color; if it's dark, dirty, or smells burnt, it needs replacing.
• Overheating – Overheating problems may also signal that the fluid is not adequately lubricating the transmission components.

Don’t Delay – Act Promptly!

Any indication that a car’s transmission is problematic requires visiting an authorized mechanic to determine when do you need a transmission fluid change or major transmission repair. Maintenance that you offer to your car will save you time and money, and you will not break at the roadside. Proper maintenance of your transmission fluid will go a long way in strengthening your vehicle.

Car transmission systems are susceptible; they require clean and quality fluid to excel. But then again, when do you need a transmission fluid change? The overwhelming majority of modern cars have "lifetime" fluid. Well, this does not mean it never needs attention.

Wondering when do you need a transmission fluid change? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.