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 is Car Service Necessary on a regular basis?

New drivers may not always understand that car service is necessary.  Therefore, they put off suggested services, thinking they are saving money on seemingly needless items.  As long as their car is running, they think everything is fine.  The truth is, the damage could be taking place in the engine or transmission and they may be faced with a costly car repair bill later on.  Please realize that the cost of regular maintenance is considerably less than the cost of car repair.  For example, a damaged engine, transmission system. 

Why is car service necessary on a regular basis?  Your mechanic can inspect the overall condition of your car.  For example, if your suspension is wearing out, the appropriate parts can be replaced before the issue gets any bigger and damages other parts.  Regular car service can also find hidden damage.  For example, driving with low engine oil doesn't necessarily impact your ability to drive the car, though, after an extended period of time, the head gasket or the pistons will suffer damage.  This type of car repair can cost a small fortune instead of little bucks for an oil change.  Excessive wear on the steering and braking components can also be identified early on, preventing a failure on the road which could have devastating penalties. 

So why is car service necessary?  Consider these 4 benefits:

• You know your car – When something doesn’t feel right, sound right, you will be able to notice the difference.
• Your auto mechanic knows your car – By taking your vehicle to the same mechanic for service, problems can be recognized before they get too big.  They will also be able to tell you what is starting to wear out, or what wants replacing right away.
• Improved emissions – You don’t have to worry about passing the emission checkup.
• Confidence – You know your car is operating at its peak performance level and that you are driving as safe as potential. 

Do you know more about why is car service necessary?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car repair services 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.

Do you know what’s included in a Full Car Service?

Most of us fear to have to schedule a full car service because of the money and time it takes.  We may keep delaying it for a month, or two, or three, or indefinitely, waiting to see if there might be a leftover in the monthly budget to cover the cost.  Inappropriately, this could lead to an extensive car repair; costing us much more than if we had taken care of the suggested car service in the first place.  Although your car won’t look any different after spending several hundred dollars on a full car service, it will certainly run more efficiently with increased performance and fuel efficiency.

So what’s included in a full car service? Take a look below:

• Oil change: Black dirty oil is replaced with clean oil.
• Replace filters: Oil, air, fuel and pollen filters are all replaced.
• Replace spark plugs: Replaced to maximize fuel economy.
• Brakes Checked: They can be cleaned and adjusted if compulsory.
• Fluids flushed: Most all fluids, which include the transmission, clutch, brake, power steering and coolant fluids should be flushed and replaced.  
• Road test: Picks up issues that can’t be detected easily just by checking the engine.
• Safety inspection: To make sure all the systems and sensors are working correctly so you can have confidence in your car.
• Car Battery: Make sure your battery is still holding a charge, and that the alternator is working correctly to keep it charged.
• Other checks: Your auto mechanic should check out anything else that can be seen or touched, including the transmission repair, radiator, differential oil, shocks or struts, wiper blades, lights, just to name a few.

There are two reasons why it’s vital to schedule a full car service at the suggested interval:

• Your mechanic can let you know what is starting to wear out, what should be replaced right away or what can wait, and what’s looking great. 
• Your car will remain a reliable and safe source of transportation, allowing you to drive with peace of mind. 

Need to know more about what’s included in a full car service?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car repair and service items and to Schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.