Wondering How Often Do Radiators Need To Be Replaced?

A vital part of our vehicle that we often overlook is the radiator. Your radiator was stressed during winter’s cold temperatures as the coolant froze, expanded, thawed, and then froze again.  This can lead to cracks and leaks, resulting in damage to the transmission.   Before heading out on a summer road trip, schedule a vehicle checkup and avoid an emergency radiator repair in a strange town.  

Your radiator is working any time the engine is running. This is because coolant constantly cycles through to prevent overheating. It’s still technically on the job even when the engine is off, too, as it holds a significant amount of the coolant in the engine.  Without a working radiator, your engine would quickly overheat, probably causing catastrophic damage to your vehicle

So, how often do radiators need to be replaced?  Radiators’ do have a limited lifespan, but there’s no set number of years. A lot will depend on how well you maintain the coolant system. It should last for many years. 

Knowing the signs of a failing radiator can help prevent an urgent radiator repair, including:

• Coolant leaking on the ground under the radiator (this could also indicate a leak at a hose, the drain cock locations)
• Damaged fins on the radiator
• Temperature gauge rises quickly past normal operating temperature (this can also indicate low coolant, the air in the lines and other issues)
• Rust in the coolant
• Cracks in the plastic (many modern radiators are plastic, rather than metal)

Damage to the radiator can cause a ripple effect throughout the car, resulting in damage to the engine.  What could have been a minor radiator repair could turn into a major engine job!

Wondering how often radiators need to be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about radiator repair 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.

Wondering what are the Signs of a Bad Starter?

You head out the door to work and your car won’t start.  Is it an issue with the battery, the alternator, or the starter?  How do you know which one?  You wish you had paid more attention when your mechanic had discussed the signs of a bad starter with you a few weeks ago. 

The starter system was designed for repeated use under a variety of weather and road conditions. But the wear and tear of daily use, extreme conditions, and poor maintenance can all create issues.  

Though, your starting issue may not be the starter. It could be that the battery is not holding the charge wanted to start your vehicle, or maybe you left your headlights on all night. Or maybe the battery has reached the end of its life and just wants to be replaced.  

Another reason for your car not starting could be a bad alternator that’s not keeping the battery charged.  A big sign that your alternator is bad is if the warning light on your instrument panel is on. Your vehicle is possibly running strictly off the battery which will cause it to go dead in no time.

There are some signs of a bad starter: 

1. Your vehicle cranks slowly or labors to crank when starting.
2. Your vehicle won’t start at all.
3. Starting issues are intermittent.
4. The interior lights dim when you try to start the car. 
5. You hear grinding noise when the car is starting or running.
6. A burning smell or smoke is coming from underneath the hood. 
7. The starter is soaked with oil. 

Don’t’ take a chance of getting stranded somewhere, but ask your mechanic to check your car’s starter, battery and alternator as soon potential.

Want to know more about what are the signs of a bad starter?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about batteries, starters, and alternators and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Wondering what are the Symptoms of a Bad Transmission?

The transmission is subjected to heat and stress on a day-to-day basis, so even if all seems well and you are still able to drive your car, it is important to know what are the symptoms of transmission issues.  If you want your vehicle to keep running for a long while and prevent major transmission repair, it is crucial to follow the service intervals recommended in your owner’s manual (normally every 60,000 to 100,000 miles).  

What are the symptoms of a bad transmission?

• Shifting Issues:  It is hard to move the shifter into another gear, it seems to “pop” out of gear, or it simply refuses to shift at all.  You may hear a “whining” sound and thumping sounds, or jerking when you try to shift.
• Transmission warning light:  A warning light alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have a transmission issue.  But if in conjunction with any of the shifting issues above, you may be looking at a pending transmission repair.
• Transmission completely fails:  Your car won’t move.

If you are noticing any of the issues above, ask your transmission repair technician for a diagnostic test to pinpoint the issue.  It could be due to worn-out parts, or a blown transmission unit.

Need to find quality transmission repair?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about transmission service 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.

Are you wondering how often do you need to Buy New Tires?

Normally, the tires that come on a new vehicle will last for about 50,000 miles.  Most tire manufactures will state the specific lifespan of their tires so that you should be informed as to how many times they are good for when you purchase new tires.  

Of course, the actual life of your tires depends on some factors:

• The quality of the tire. 
• Is it a performance summer tire?
• The type of vehicle and how the tire is mounted.
• Treadwear rating, i.e., the expected length of tread life.
• How the car is driven. 

Did you realize that the four tires on your vehicle are the only parts of your vehicle that actually touch the road?  So it is important that you keep up with regular tire repair and maintenance, such as:  

• Correct inflation – This will ensure optimal contact with the road, improving fuel economy and helping the tread wear more evenly. 
• Tire Rotation – Moving your tires around to a different position on the vehicle will make sure they wear out in an even pattern. Usually, tires should be rotated every 6 months, or 6,000 to 8,000 miles, about every other oil change.  
• Wheel Alignment – Alignment refers to an adjustment of the vehicle’s suspension so that the angles of the tires affect how they make contact with the road.
• Balancing – Balancing is done with wheel weights to achieve smooth rolling of the tire. 

Quality tire service performed on a regular basis will ensure you get the most miles out of your tires while maximizing the safety of your vehicle.

Wondering how often do you need to buy new tires?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about tire repair and maintenance and to Make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Do you know What Does A Major Car Service Include?

There are some drivers on the road who don’t keep up the car repair and preventative maintenance needed to keep their vehicle in good operating condition.  It may be the farthest thing from their mind during their busy day.  Or it could be that they just don’t have the money in their budget for seemingly unnecessary items.  Though, the cost of repairs for the damage that could be taking place, such as in the engine, transmission, or suspension systems (just to name a few) will certainly be greater than really paying for the suggested maintenance.  It really is true—you don’t save money by extending the time between the suggested service intervals. 

The difference between major and minor service is significant. Usually, minor services are commonly performed at 7,500, 15,000, 45,000 and 75,000 miles while major services are performed at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000-mile intervals.  Though the major car services are not performed as frequently, they need to be done to protect the warranty, maintain safety, and boost the resale value of your vehicle.

Minor car service normally includes the following:

• Changing the oil and filter
• Tire service--rotation, alignment, balancing, air pressure 
• Checking and cleaning the battery
• A checkup of all fluids, filters, belts, hoses, brakes, and emissions
• Windshield wipers
• Replacing burned out lights

What does a major car service include?  Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, a major car service normally includes the following:

• All the minor services listed above.
• Replacement of different filters, fluids and spark plugs.
• Replacing the timing belt and/or serpentine belt at the suggested mileage interval.
• Servicing the air conditioner/heater
• Other services related to the fuel delivery, emissions and ignition systems.

There are two main benefits of keeping up with vehicle maintenance.  First, your mechanic can let you know what is starting to wear out, what needs replacing right away, and what’s looking good. Secondly, you can drive your car with confidence knowing that you have a reliable and safe source of transportation. 

Want to know more about what does a major car service include?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car repair and maintenance 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.

Are you wondering what are the Symptoms of a Bad Car Battery?

Are you worried about the condition of your car battery because of starting issues or dim lights?  Understanding how a car battery works might help you in diagnosing the issue.  

The typical battery is a “wet-cell” battery, a plastic cube containing sulfuric acid and lead, with two terminals on the top or side.  It stores electrical power generated from the alternator while your car is running. It also sends electrical currents to the engine and other electrical components. 

The first thing to do is to inspect the fluid level in your battery.  If the fluid is low and has been for a while, this will preclude your battery from generating power.  Then inspect the battery cables.  If the cable connections are loose or corroded, the electrical current cannot travel to from the battery to the other electrical components.

Wondering what are the symptoms of a bad car battery?

1. Your engine cranks but doesn't start.  If your engine cranks or turns over when you turn the key, but it won't start, the battery is probably the culprit.  It could be the starter, but possibly not. Even if an ammeter says the battery is good, it can still be a few volts short to start your vehicle efficiently.
2. There is no power at all to start the motor and lights don’t come on.  This is a major sign that the battery is faulty.  It could be a combination issue with the alternator not charging the battery.
3. Intermittent starting issues.  The engine may start one day, but not the next day. There are two issues to consider--the battery terminals are loose, broken, corroded, or calcified, or you have something drawing electrical power from the battery even when the key is out of the ignition.  

If you are noticing any of the signs above, ask your auto mechanic if it’s time for a car battery replacement.

Do you know the symptoms of a bad car battery? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How Often Should I Replace Shocks and Struts?

Even though city streets and roads are bumpy and filled with potholes, it seems your vehicle’s “ride” is getting worse faster than it should.  You may wonder if the car axles are going bad, or if it’s bad shocks or struts.  Do you know how the entire suspension system, including the car axles, can be affected by bad shocks?  

Are you asking, “How often should I replace shocks and struts?”  It is usual that shocks wear out as your vehicle accumulates mileage. Though, they will wear out even more quickly when it is compulsory to drive over bumpy streets that need repair.  When shocks go bad, the results can be risky, as it impacts the steering and stopping performance of your vehicle.  Replacing the shocks, or struts will recover stopping performance as well as increased vehicle stability and driver control.

Consider these common symptoms of bad shocks:

1. Excessive Bouncing when hitting a bump or pothole.
2. Vehicle nose “dives” or “squats” when braking or accelerating.
3. Tire "Cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire each time it hits the ground.
4. Leaking hydraulic fluid from inside the shock.

Any of the above signs look familiar?  You don’t have to put up with these problems any longer than it takes to get your vehicle to an auto service center.

Wondering if the stability of your car axles is being compromised by bad shocks?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car shock or struts and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.