Serpentine Belt Service At Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee In Pewaukee

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Jim Nelson

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If you’ve ever heard a squealing sound under your hood, chances are it was your serpentine belt. Your serpentine belt is a long belt that’s driven by your engine. It winds around several accessories that power important automotive systems in your Sedan. Let’s go over them.

First, the serpentine belt drives your air conditioning system. It spins the compressor that makes the cool air that takes the edge off the summer heat in Pewaukee.

Serpentine Belt Service At Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee In PewaukeeNext, the belt powers the alternator. The alternator creates electricity that’s used by your Sedan’s electrical systems and also charges your car battery. Without the alternator, the battery will go dead in a few miles.

The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering (some are electric) and power brakes (some use vacuum boost).

And, on most Sedans, the serpentine belt powers the water pump. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine to keep it within normal operating temperatures. On some Pewaukee cars, the water pump is powered by the timing belt instead of the serpentine belt.

When they understand what it does, Pewaukee drivers realize that if it breaks, it affects a lot of systems. That’s why manufacturers have recommended that it be changed every so often so that it doesn’t fail.

At Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee, we can perform a visual inspection of the belt to see if it has any cracks that signal the belt could fail soon. If the belt has more than three or four cracks every inch, has deep cracks that penetrate half the depth of the belt, is frayed, is missing pieces or has a shiny glazed look, it needs to be replaced regardless of age or mileage.

If it has lost a significant thickness, it also needs to be replaced. There’s a special spring-loaded pulley attached to the engine called the tensioner pulley. Its job is to make sure there’s a constant tension on the serpentine belt so that it doesn’t slip. The spring can become worn and no longer provide the necessary pressure to keep the belt tight. At Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee, we recommend that the tensioner be replaced at the same time as the serpentine belt.

As mentioned, a squealing sound could be a sign that the serpentine belt needs to be replaced. It may be loose if you hear a slow, slapping sound when idling your Sedan.

All in all, the serpentine belt’s an important part for the function of your Sedan. And it’s not that expensive to replace at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee – so it’s good to do so before it fails.

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To Save Gas Around Pewaukee: Keep Up with Your Scheduled Service

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Jim Nelson

One topic that hits the news in Pewaukee on a regular basis is the price of gas. The answer for some people in Pewaukee is to buy a more fuel efficient vehicle. For the rest of use, we need to improve our fuel economy anyway we can.

Following recommended service intervals by coming into Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee is one of the best ways to keep your car running efficiently. That means better fuel economy. When you give it some thought, it only makes sense. Dirty oil or transmission fluid can’t lubricate or clean. That means more drag which reduces fuel economy.

Keeping up with scheduled oil changes and transmission services will save gas.

Dirty engine air filters are another efficiency pirate. They rob your engine of enough air to effectively burn the fuel, so you need more gas to get the job done. Replacing a dirty air filter can pay for itself in fuel savings before the next oil change.

You can imagine what dirty fuel injectors can do to your Sedan as you drive around Pewaukee. If your owner’s manual recommends a fuel system cleaning, come into Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee and ask us to get it done for you.

A simple, but very effective way to save gas is to keep your tires properly inflated. Low tires can cost you up to a mile per gallon. Check your tire pressure when you gas up – or at least once a month.

Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee
N49W22900 Commerce Center Dr
Pewaukee, WI 53072
262-691-7113

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Keeping Your ‘Old Faithful’ Auto Running

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Jim Nelson

At Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee we’ve had a lot of people asking how they can make their vehicles last longer. These questions are actually a reflection of a trend that’s been building for several years. The median age of personal vehicles is now over nine years. And 33 percent of all vehicles on the road have over 75,000 miles on them. It looks like it’s going to keep heading in that direction for a while. With high fuel prices a lot of folks are putting off buying a new car. Thanks to AutoNetTV, we can provide you with a video answer to this question.

So let’s say you’re one of the average people in the Brookfield area; you’ve got a nine year old car with 80,000 miles on the odometer. What can you to do make it last another year or two?

Let’s start with the premise that there’s no reason that a modern car can’t run for 200,000 miles with proper care. The engineering and manufacturing quality is there.

Of course, some parts will wear out along the way, but there’s no reason for a catastrophic meltdown if you stay on top of your recommended maintenance. The maintenance schedule in some owner’s manuals runs out at 60,000 miles or so: how do we know what to do when we’re way past that?

It is a challenge, for example: If a service is recommended every 15,000 miles for the first 60,000 miles you can just keep getting it done at least every 15,000 miles after you hit 60,000 miles. But, it gets more complicated because older engines lose some efficiency, are dirtier inside and are just more stressed. That means it’s very important to not miss any scheduled services. Skipping just one oil change, for example, leaves an opportunity for harmful sludge to build up.

So all the usual things like oil changes, transmission service, coolant service, brakes, power steering, fuel system cleaning – all that stuff need to be maintained. People responsible for fleet vehicles around Brookfield are positively religious about scheduled maintenance. They know that money spent on maintenance saves them three ways:

  1. it saves fuel;
  2. it prevents costly repairs, an;
  3. they can postpone purchasing new vehicles.

Having the oil changed may be the most important thing. A full service oil change means that all of your other fluids get topped off so they are never low enough to cause damage. It also gives your technician a chance to spot problems in the early stages so that you can fix them before they get expensive. And it gives you a touch point with a professional along the way to remind you of things that aren’t scheduled as often – things like differential service and timing belt replacement.

If you live in the Brookfield area and have an older vehicle, you may need to follow the severe service maintenance schedule. Check your owner’s manual and talk with your service advisor at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee. Conditions inside an older engine, transmission and cooling system can arguably be considered severe – so shorter intervals could well be called for.

And, we would strongly encourage you to consider using high mileage formulation fluids. They’re fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant that are formulated for older engines. They have special additives to clean deposits, and to condition and restore seals and gaskets that dry out with age. Some people start using higher mileage formulations at around 50,000 miles as a preventive measure.

Of course you also want to still look marvelous in your older car. Salt and road grime wreak havoc on your paint job and can lead to body rust – so regular washing is very important. Also, a good quality waxing is recommended at least twice a year.

Give us a call for more information:

Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee
N49W22900 Commerce Center Dr
Pewaukee, WI 53072
262-691-7113

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Tire Replacement

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Jim Nelson

You know you need new tires, but you’re not sure what type. You look at a tire to get the size: 225, 50, R, 16, 92, H. All the way to the service center you keep repeating it over and over. You even say it over in your mind while waiting in line. Then you get to the counter and the manager asks what size you need. Then your mind goes blank.

Tire size can be confusing. There’s so much on the side of the tire, and it’s hard to keep straight.

Even though there’s a lot on a tire – if you know what it all means, it’s actually more helpful than confusing. Let’s start with the size number.

For example, let’s say a tire reads: 225 50 R 16 92 H. The 225 part is the width of the tire in millimeters – the width between the sidewalls of an inflated tire with no load. The 50 is the aspect ratio – the ratio of the sidewall height to the tread width. Off-road tires will have a higher number and high performance tires will have a lower number.

The R signifies it’s a radial tire. And 16 is the rim or wheel size in inches.

The 92 is the load rating index – it’s the load carrying capacity of a tire. The higher the number, the more it can safely carry. Your empty vehicle can be safe with a lower number, but you’ll need a higher rating if you routinely haul heavy loads. The next letter is the speed rating. Not all tires are speed rated. The ratings generally follow the alphabet: the further up the alphabet, the higher the speed rating – with the exception of H – it comes between U and V (don’t ask why).

There’s a lot of fine print that you probably need a magnifying glass to read. But there are a couple of other large print items of interest. One is the tread type: highway, mud and snow, all season, severe snow, etc.

And then there’re the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System markings. The first is a tread wear index. 100 is the base line – a lower number is poorer and a higher number is better. All things being equal, a tire rated 200 would wear twice as long, on a government test track, than one rated at 100. These wear grades are only valid within a manufacturer’s product line – you can’t compare with other manufacturers. And it’s important to note that a lower rating might be just what you want – a high performance, sticky tire has a softer rubber compound and won’t wear as long, but boy, will it take those corners.

The next is a traction grade. This measures the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement in government tests. A – the best, B – intermediate, C – acceptable.

Temperature grade measures a tire’s resistance to heat build up in government tests. A, B and C – from best to acceptable.

It’s safe to go with the original equipment recommendations that came on your car. But if you want to make adjustments, you’ll now be better equipped to communicate with your tire professional.

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Suspension Service At Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Jim Nelson

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Suspension systems will continue to operate effectively for many years and tens of thousands of miles. Eventually Sedan components do wear out, but how long that takes depends a lot on how you drive in Sussex.

As you can imagine, if most of your driving is on smooth WI highways, your shock absorbers will last a lot longer than if you do most of your driving on bumpy roads or hauling heavy loads. In addition to just wearing out, Sedan suspension components can be damaged in an accident or by a hard impact – like a pothole, hitting a curb or a rock in the road. Because the life span of shocks can vary so widely, your Sedan manufacturer recommends periodic inspections.

Suspension Service At Nelsons Automotive of PewaukeeDuring an inspection at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee, your Friendly and professional Sussex service technician will check for worn, broken or missing parts. Let me give a rundown of the major suspension components.

First there are the springs. The springs hold the weight of the vehicle. There are several kinds of springs. Springs are obviously heavy duty parts that rarely break or wear out. Shock absorbers work in conjunction with springs to smooth out the ride and help keep the tires on the road. The shocks are key to handling performance and ride comfort.

You’ve probably heard of struts. They combine a shock absorber and a coil spring in one unit. Shocks and struts will wear out over time. There are some signs that shocks or struts are wearing out. The tires may have a cupped wear pattern. This is from the shocks bouncing unevenly. You may notice a floaty or drifting sensation when cornering. If the front of your Sedan dives excessively when stopping, or rocks back and forth after you stopped, your shocks may be worn out. And if they are leaking fluid, it’s definitely time to replace them.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee for a suspension inspection. Same if you’ve been in an accident that involved one of your wheels. If your Sedan suspension actually fails, it could lead to a serious accident, so take care of these things.

When you replace your shocks, it’s usually a good idea to replace all four at the same time. That’ll give you more even handling. Talk with your Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee service advisor because you don’t want a big difference between the performance of your shocks from wheel to wheel, and replacing all may be the safest bet.

There different grades of shocks and struts. You always want to use a replacement shock or strut that equals the one that came as original equipment when your Sedan was new. But remember, they were designed to meet the expected needs of the broad range of Sussex people who buy that particular vehicle. Your needs may be more specialized.

For example if you want increased handling performance for your Sedan, your Friendly and professional Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee advisor can recommend an upgraded shock or strut to give you what you want. If you haul heavy loads or trailers, you can get a more heavy duty shock absorber.

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Is Your Pewaukee Driving Severe?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Jim Nelson

People near Pewaukee WI often ask Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee how often they should have a particular service done. It’s a great thing to ask. You can look at your owner’s manual, or have your Pewaukee WI service advisor at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee look up your vehicle in a service database. What you find is often a surprise to people – there are actually two service schedules.

One is the regular schedule and the other is the severe service schedule. Service intervals are shorter on the severe service schedule. When asked, most folks in Pewaukee WI will say that their driving is normal and that the ‘regular’ schedule probably applies to them. ‘Severe service’ sounds pretty extreme – ‘I don’t drive like that’.

Well, here is what the manufacturers say constitutes severe driving conditions; you can draw your own conclusions.

  • Most of your trips are less than four miles.
  • Most of your trips are less than ten miles and outside temperatures are below freezing.
  • The engine is at low speed most of the time – not on the highway. You operate your vehicle in dusty areas.
  • You regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads.
  • Drive with a car-top carrier.
  • Stop and go driving.
  • Driving in very hot or very cold weather.

If that’s severe driving, what constitutes regular driving? Well, it would look something like this: I live somewhere with moderate temperatures all year round – I’m thinking San Diego here. And I live close to a freeway on-ramp. Everywhere I need to go is right off the freeway, at least four miles from my home. I can drive at a steady 60 miles per hour when I’m on the freeway.

I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound like my normal driving. It sounds more like ideal conditions. I live where it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. I run short errands around Pewaukee. Occasionally we load up for family trips.

For me, normal driving includes elements of severe service driving. So here’s what I tell people: think about how you drive, where you live, where you go and what you are expecting to with your vehicle in the near future.

Picture a line with ‘regular’ on one end and ‘severe’ on the other, and make a judgment on where you fall. If your regular oil change recommendation is 5,000 miles and the severe service recommendation is 3,000 – when should you change your oil? For me, it’s closer to 3,000 miles. For my wife, it’s closer to 5,000 miles. Your Pewaukee WI auto service advisor at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee will be happy to have this discussion with you and help you sort it out.

Just a quick word on why severe service intervals are shorter. One has to do with heat. That can either be external heat from the weather or engine and transmission heat from stop and go driving or working extra hard moving heavy loads or towing. The heat causes the fluids like oil and transmission fluid to break down more quickly and then they aren’t as effective.

Another factor is water. Moisture naturally collects in fluids as they cool. In your motor oil, for example, if you don’t drive long enough for the oil to fully heat up, the water won’t evaporate. Water in the oil can lead to the buildup of damaging sludge.

If you live where the air is dusty or polluted, fluids will become contaminated and filters will get dirtier more quickly.

So make an honest evaluation of your driving conditions. You’ve made the commitment to take care of your vehicles, so it only makes sense to follow the right schedule.

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Fuel Saving Tip: Check Engine Light

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Jim Nelson

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A question for our Pewaukee WI motorists: How long have you been enjoying the romantic glow of your check engine light?

Hey, it’s not there to create ambiance; it’s a warning that something’s wrong. When your check engine light comes on get it checked at a capable Pewaukee WI service station.

Check Engine Light Many conditions that cause the check engine light to come on affect fuel economy. Some very dramatically.

Always make sure you tighten your gas cap until it clicks. A loose gas cap can cause a false sensor reading that’ll make the check engine light come on.

If your date’s eyes are smoldering in the reflected glow of the check engine light, try to think of all the gas money you’ll save by getting it fixed. Give us a call when you are ready: 262-691-7113

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Recommended Pewaukee Service Intervals

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Jim Nelson

Everyone in Pewaukee WI knows we’re supposed to go to the dentist twice a year. We get our teeth cleaned and have a thorough dental inspection. Once a year, we get x-rays to look for problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. When the dentist is done, he tells us what he’s found – “Everything’s fine, see you in six months.” Or “You’ve got a small cavity starting, let’s schedule an appointment to take care of it.” By the time you leave, you have a plan for addressing any necessary repairs.

This system works so much better than waiting for a painful problem before going into the dentist. Small problems are fixed before they turn into big problems. And you avoid those huge bills.

If we buy into this way of handling our dental care, why do we resist so much when facing the same system for our car care?

Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee
N49W22900 Commerce Center Dr
Pewaukee, WI 53072
262-691-7113

Following the manufacturer’s recommended intervals can be confusing. First there are recommendations for so many things: oil changes, transmission, coolant, air conditioning, power steering, brakes, fuel system, filters, belts, hoses, alignment, rotation, balancing …you get the point.

Every item has a recommended interval and it’s hard to keep it all straight – even if you’re part of the 1% of the population that reads your owners’ manual in Pewaukee WI.

And if you have more than one car or Sedan, the complexity is multiplied. You’d need a computer to keep track of everything. Well, that’s how your Pewaukee service center does it. They subscribe to automotive databases that have your vehicle’s recommended intervals. You may have wondered how they know what else to recommend when you take your car in for an oil change – it’s all in the computer.

Well, it’s not all in the computer. There are other variables that can’t be accounted for in the schedule. Things like the weather conditions, altitude, and where and how you drive when you are out in our Pewaukee WI area need to be taken into account. Talk about these things with your service advisor at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee and you may decide that the severe service schedule in your owner’s manual is more appropriate.

Since anything that’s not highway driving in moderate weather is considered severe, most of us do at least some of that around Pewaukee WI and it should be taken into consideration.

Let’s take your basic oil change as an example – what issues are involved? The oil you put in your car is a blend of base oil and special additives. There are detergents to clean the inside of your engine and corrosion inhibitors. A good quality motor oil will not only lubricate your engine, it will help it stay clean inside and run cooler.

Now, these additives deplete with use and time. That’s why most maintenance recommendations include both a time and mileage element – like 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.

It’s easy to think, “Gee, I’ve only driven 2,000 miles in the last 3 months. I can wait on that oil change.” But you need to remember that the inside of your engine is a harsh environment. The oil is contaminated with combustion by-products that starts degrading its effectiveness even when it’s just sitting there.

A lot of people in Pewaukee WI don’t realize the harm that can be done by just skipping a single oil change. There are a lot of metal parts moving around in your engine. Small bits of metal wear off and are floating around in your oil. They can be carried to more delicate areas of the engine where they cause damage. Your oil filter is designed to trap metal particles and other dirt, but if it’s clogged up because you haven’t changed it, it can’t trap any more.

Oil sludge is another problem. Sludge is oil that has turned to a gunky jelly – think ‘Vaseline’. Obviously, sludge doesn’t lubricate. It can also clog small oil passages so that all the parts don’t get properly protected by the oil. That’ll lead to premature wear.

If you’ve missed some oil changes, don’t despair. Just talk with your service advisor at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee. Fess up – you’ll feel better. And he can help you get back on track. Following recommended intervals is the key to keeping your car on the road and avoiding major repairs in Pewaukee WI.

Take a look at the auto tips video in this post for more information.

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Why You Should Get Your Audi Serviced By an Independent Specialist

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Jim Nelson

Many Audi owners worry about taking their car to an independent specialist instead of taking it to the dealership. They believe independent service shops are going to try and sell them services they don’t need or do an inadequate job of fixing their vehicle. The truth is quite the opposite. Audi owners are more likely to get overcharged at the dealership than they are at an independent service shop. In general, Independent Audi specialists provide better service and better workmanship than the dealership.

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Price

Firstly, independent shops are generally cheaper than their counterparts at the dealership. Independent specialists don’t need to add a premium to their services to pay for a fancy showroom and waiting area. Some dealerships will add fees for a rental car or a ride home, even if you plan on waiting for your vehicle. Independent shops provide the same services, but you only pay when you use them, not every time you go in.

Compare service prices between a dealership and an independent specialist and you’ll find the independent specialist comes out cheaper. Watch out though, dealerships are notorious for providing a low estimate upfront and then tagging on extra services after they have your vehicle. Dealerships don’t care whether you come back because they have a stream of new car buyers to direct to their service department. Independent specialists have to be as accurate and fair as possible because they thrive on repeat business.

Customer Service

Dealerships live and die by their customer service scores and that’s why your service advisor asks you to give them all 10s on the survey – but they wouldn’t need to do this if they always provided the best service they could. Audi owners often leave the dealership feeling frustrated and overcharged, with the request to provide “all 10s” is rubbing salt in the wound.

Independent specialists don’t have to ask you to provide a false rating on a survey, because they already gave you great customer service. They’ll explain what they’re doing and why their doing it. Most will agree to show you the old parts and let you speak to the person who actually did the work. They do this because you’re a valuable individual to them, not a number to add into their bottom line.

Care For Your Car

Dealerships use a computer system to keep track of your vehicle’s needs. That sounds great, but shouldn’t they look at the vehicle first? You need an individually tailored plan for taking care of your vehicle. You’ll get that from an independent specialist, while the dealer will give you the same one-size-fits all every other customer gets. And let’s face it – one size fits all never quite fits anyone.

Skill of the Mechanics

Many dealerships boast about the skill of their mechanics, even though you’ll get the same skill from an independent specialist. Independent shops have the same equipment and the same skill, you’ll just get it for less. In fact, independent shops see a greater number of older vehicles than dealerships, so if you have an older Audi, an independent specialist may have more experience than the dealership. For newer vehicles, independent specialists receive all the same service bulletins as the dealership, so they know as much about repairing the vehicles as anyone else.

The one huge advantage independent shops have is time. A dealership is a giant production line where cars are cranked in and out as quickly as possible. Mechanics are under pressure to get the job done as quickly as possible, which doesn’t result in their best work. Independent shops take their time and do the best job possible.

Whatever the age of your Audi, taking it to an independent specialist will get you a better service for less money than you’d pay at the dealership. Skilled mechanics will take their time and lovingly repair your car without trying to sell you an unnecessary, expensive service, just to make up for the money they lost on the oil change of cheaper service. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to the dealership again.

Miles Walker is a freelance writer and blogger who usually looks at car insurance quotes over at CarinsuranceComparison.Org. His most recent review looked at the best Arkansas car insurance.

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Keep Your Cool In Brookfield: Air Conditioning Service

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Jim Nelson

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Most Brookfield drivers wait for their air conditioning to fail before they service it at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee. That’s because many Pewaukee and Sussex motorists don’t really understand that automotive air conditioners need periodic service. Let me share some of the reasons why they fail.

First, like every machine, the Sedan air conditioner parts need lubrication. The lubricant is actually mixed in with the refrigerant (that’s the stuff that makes the air cool). So sometimes, even though the air conditioner is still making cool air, the oil that lubricates the parts has just been used up: and unlubricated parts can fail in all WI cars.

Keep Your Cool In Brookfield: Air Conditioning Service

Now here’s a tip for Brookfield drivers: You should run your air conditioner every so often during WI winters. This circulates the lubricant to help keep the seals from drying out.

The air conditioner actually removes some of the moisture in the air. So if you have trouble with fogging on your windshield during WI winters or during a rain storm, running the A/C on the defrost setting should help. Now on some Brookfield cars you can’t run the A/C at the same time as the defroster. Don’t ask me why, but I suspect lawyers were involved.

Also, air and water can get into the A/C system. That can reduce the efficiency of the system and also lead to corrosion that causes damage. Brookfield drivers should periodically purge the system and replace the refrigerant to clear out the air and water.

Pewaukee drivers should be aware of early warning signs of trouble: One might be that the air’s not as cold as it used to be. You may hear an unusual noise when the A/C cycles on. Those are signs to get your vehicle into Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee in Pewaukee before the damage gets worse.

So following the recommended service intervals in your Sedan owner’s manual can help prevent mechanical failure of your air conditioning system. You’re A/C system contains some expensive components like the compressor, condenser, dryer, etc. Anything Pewaukee and Sussex car owners can do to lengthen the life of their A/C is well worth it.

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