How Do You Know If You Need Your Oil Changed?

Changing the oil in your car is generally a quick and relatively inexpensive service. Some drivers underestimate what timely oil changes can do for their car.  Good, clean oil increases the performance level and extends the life of the engine.  However, over time, the fluid breaks down and becomes ineffective in doing its job. So why do so many people procrastinate when it comes to oil changes?

How do you know if you need your oil changed?  A lot of drivers rely solely on mileage, but there are other factors to consider as well, such as the quality of the oil, the age of the car and how the car is driven. 

Here are 6 common signs that it’s time for an oil change:

1. Oil Change Light -- The oil change light in your car will illuminate when there’s not enough oil in the system so check the dipstick. The check engine light will illuminate for extreme issues, warning that the engine is at risk of damage.
2. Engine Noise and Knocking -- Oil provides a protective layer between engine parts, avoiding metal-to-metal contact and keeping the engine quiet. If the oil has lost its effectiveness, you may hear knocking sounds indicating that the engine is not being lubricated correctly.
3. Dark, Dirty Oil -- Clean oil is amber in color and slightly translucent. Over time, it becomes filled with particles collected from the engine and turns darker. It’s not obvious when this begins to happen, so check the oil at least once a month. If you cannot see the dipstick through the oil, it is time for an oil change.
4. Oil Smell Inside the Car -- If you smell oil inside the car, it can often signify an oil leak. If you also smell gas or exhaust fumes, the engine may be overheating. 
5. Exhaust Smoke -- Some translucent vapor will always come out of the muffler, but if this changes to smoke, it’s time for an engine check-up. you may have faulty engine parts or an oil leak.
6. Excessive Mileage -- If you travel a lot of miles on a regular basis you may want oil change sooner than the normal schedule.  Check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines.

Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by lubricating parts and keeping the engine clean and healthy as well as preventing excessive wear and tear on your engine, resulting in fewer repairs down the road.

Are you wondering how do you know if you need your oil changed?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about how to find their oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Wondering when to Do Maintenance on Your Car?

Many drivers, you want to take good care of your vehicle and may wonder when to do maintenance on your car?  The first thing to do is to find your owner’s manual.  The next thing to do is to read it!  The third thing to do to take good care of your vehicle is to follow the suggested vehicle maintenance schedule listed in that manual. 

Fortunately, for those of us who are challenged when it comes to reading our vehicle service guide, there are two other ways in which you may be reminded as to when to do maintenance on your car:

• In-vehicle Maintenance Reminder Systems Newer cars normally have an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system that makes mileage-based schedules obsolete. These reminder systems take a number of vehicle operating conditions into account and provide an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level inspects component checks and other car maintenance services.  These systems have been found to be fairly accurate as to when service should be performed.
• Mileage-Based Maintenance Service Intervals Older cars have service intervals based on mileage. There are generally two different maintenance schedules listed in the manual--one for cars driven in “normal” operating conditions and another for “severe” operating conditions.  The definition of “severe” mainly means short trips of 5 miles or less, extreme climates, stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads.  In addition to reading your owner’s manual to know those mileage intervals, your auto technician can give you sound advice as to when to do maintenance on your car.

Tip to Remember:  Plan ahead for car maintenance items by finding an auto shop and auto technician for small problems so you know you can trust them for the bigger service items or repairs that will come up down the road!

Wondering when to do maintenance on your car?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about preventative car 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.

What are the Signs of Engine Failure?

If you’re experiencing issues with the performance of your vehicle, ask your auto mechanic what to do to help restore its power and trustworthiness.  Some good advice is to take care of all engine service items when suggested by your mechanic.   This will help keep your vehicle running strong and prevent unexpected and expensive engine repairs.  

So just what are the signs of engine failure?  Of course, the “Check Engine” light is your first hint.  When this little warning light comes on, many drivers become fearful of what might be happening under the hood.  If at all possible, head to your auto shop for a diagnostic service.   Your auto mechanic can then pinpoint what and where something is going wrong.  

In addition to the “check engine” light, here a few other common signs of engine failure: 

1. Loss of Power -- Combustion engines convert gasoline into the power needed to make your vehicle go. There could be a glitch in the combustion process. 
2. Decreased Fuel Economy -- There could be a problem in the compression stroke of the engine. 
3. Noisy Engine -- Knocking, backfiring, hissing, spitting and popping during the ignition process can occur when there is an abnormality in the combustion flow.
4. Stalling -- The intake stroke is not receiving the right spark or air/fuel mixture. 
5. Odors -- A noxious odor from the exhaust may be detected if the exhaust stroke of your internal combustion engine is starting to fail. 
6. High-performance Engines Don’t Turn Off -- This commonly happens when the octane in the gas is incorrect, a solenoid is failing, or the carburetor wants an adjustment.
7. Engine Run Rough -- This is usually caused by clogs in the system, old spark plugs, an improper octane level, or a low battery.

Are you looking for a quality engine service?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about recommended engine 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.

How Often Should You Get New Tires On Your Car?

Some drivers may not think about the condition of their tires as long as they are still able to drive their vehicles. Inappropriately, if their tires are not in good shape, they could be endangering themselves and their passengers. Statistics say that nearly 11,000 tire-related accidents happen every year, many of them because of tire failure.  

There are 3 main signs indicating a needed tire repair:

• Uneven tread wear. This means one or more tires may wear faster than the others, or there are is an irregular wear pattern on one of the tires. 
• Vibration.  At speeds of 45 mph and upper, you may feel a vibration due to uneven tread wear. 
• Deflation.  If a tire is losing air faster than any of the others, it may have too much pressure put on it.

So how often should you get new tires on your car?  Most tire manufacturers to provide the specific lifespan of tires so that drivers know about how many tires a new tire should last, normally,  about 50,000 miles.

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

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

Wondering how often should you get new tires on your car?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our tire 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.

When Does a Muffler Need to be Replaced?

Are you wondering about when does a muffler need to be replaced?  If so, you may already be experiencing issues with your vehicles exhaust system.  To keep your vehicle running smoothly with the power you need, all of its components need to work together in harmony.  So when you schedule a car checkup, be sure to include the exhaust system. 

Even today’s newer cars have mufflers as part of their exhaust systems.  As long as cars have combustion engines, they will require some type of exhaust and muffler system.  A muffler not only reduces the noise level created by the engine, but it also plays a major role in diffusing the toxic fumes away from the passenger cabin.  Thus, it is just as vital to keep up on regular maintenance for your muffler as for the rest of your car.  

So when does a muffler need to be replaced?  An inspection by your auto mechanic will let you know if the muffler needs to be replaced, or it a simple repair will take care of an existing issue.  Here a few things to keep an eye on:

1. Increase in the exhaust noise level - Your car should run relatively quiet when the muffler is working correctly. If something is wrong, the noise level will increase dramatically.
2. Reduced gas mileage - Well-tuned exhaust systems typically produce the best fuel efficiency. If your driving habits haven’t changed but you're filling up your tank more often than usual, there could be an issue with your muffler.
3. The smell of exhaust fumes - Your muffler should be funneling the exhaust fumes outside and away from your car; but if they're going inside the car, there could be a leak in your exhaust system. Have your car’s exhaust system checked out as soon as possible. 

Are you wondering when does a muffler need to be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive for more information about the exhaust system 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’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.

Wondering How Often Should a Car Battery be Replaced?

Wondering how often should a car battery be replaced?  If you are, more than likely you have started to experience starting issues and it’s time to consider a car battery replacement.  When a battery fails it’s generally not at a convenient time or place.  Did you know that dead batteries are one of the top reasons for roadside assistance calls?  

So, how often should a car battery be replaced?  Batteries will become worn down and inefficient within 3 years of everyday use in usual conditions. Just like your computer or smart-phone battery becomes less efficient with every charge, so your car battery gradually deteriorates every time it’s charged up by the vehicle’s engine. 

After 4 or 5 years, most car batteries will be almost completely unreliable and can present a number of safety and reliability problems.  Consider the following problems:

• Auto electrical system --  Although your car can still start with a battery that is failing, features that have significant power demands, like headlights, may not function as well as they should.
• Battery drain -- Many new cars have powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the car is parked and switched off.  These computers can draw energy from your car’s battery at a slow, stable rate, wearing it down over time. 
• Stop-start technology -- Cars with engines that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill place a greater straining on their batteries than normal cars, and often want a special battery.

Before you get stranded with a dead battery, be proactive and ask your mechanic to check your battery periodically.  It could go from 90% performance to 20% over a short period of time.   Your mechanic can tell you if yours is getting close to the end.  The small price of a car battery replacement is worth it to avoid the stress of a roadside breakdown.

Wondering how often should a car battery be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about 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.