Problems with Suspension Solved at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee in Pewaukee

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Autonet TV

A vehicle’s suspension system is tough. It can last for years and tens of thousands of miles for Pewaukee drivers. But it can be damaged quickly by hitting a pothole, curb or rock, and it can wear more quickly if you frequently drive off-road or on bumpy roads. A workhorse vehicle — one that hauls heavy loads — is also going to be hard on its suspension system.

Because the useful life of your suspension system contains these elements of unpredictability, it is important for Pewaukee auto owners to have them inspected periodically. Worn, broken and missing parts can be identified during a diagnostic examination. An ineffective suspension system will reduce the driver’s control over a vehicle, so when it is damaged it frequently leads to the worst kind of vehicular damage — dangerous and costly accidents.

The suspension system is composed of springs and shock absorbers (or shocks). Springs suspend the weight of the vehicle above its axles. They allow the vehicle to “bounce” over bumps, which reduces the force of the impact on the vehicle. Shocks impair the rebound of the “bounce,” smoothing out the ride of the vehicle. They also force the tires to retain constant contact with the road. Shocks are responsible for “handling performance,” or the ease with which the driver controls the vehicle.

The springs in the suspension system are heavy-duty and rarely break or wear out. Shock absorbers are tough, too, but they will wear out.

Your Sedan might be equipped with struts. Struts are a combination spring and shock absorber. Struts, like shocks, have a limited life span.

Inspecting shocks or struts for damage and wear should be part of your preventive maintenance routine. Since a good suspension system is ultimately a key safety feature of your vehicle, it’s always better to be proactive about its care. In this case, good car care can prevent accidents.

There are some signs that will warn you that your suspension system may be in need of essential attention. One of the signs might be a cupped wear pattern on your tires. This is caused by the shocks bouncing unevenly. Other vital signs of bad shocks manifest themselves in the handling performance of your vehicle. You may notice a drifting sensation when cornering, often referred to as a “floaty” feeling. If the front of your vehicle dips significantly when you brake or if it rocks back and forth after stopping, it’s time for new shocks. Your Friendly and professional Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee technician will check your shocks visually. If they’re leaking, they need to be replaced.

Any of these symptoms warrants an automotive analysis of the suspension system. You should also get your suspension system inspected if you are involved in an accident involving one of your wheels. Pewaukee drivers should never put off suspension repairs. If you actually experience suspension system failure, it can cause a serious accident. If one of your shocks needs to be replaced, then replace all four of them. This allows for even handling of the vehicle. Replacing just one of the shocks is rarely good auto advice.

When you replace your shocks or struts, use parts that are equivalent to or better than the original shocks on the Sedan. The original equipment was made for the weight and expected use of the vehicle, and Pewaukee auto owners should never downgrade.

Upgrading, however, is another matter for Pewaukee motorists. If your suspension system gets a workout or you just want to improve your Sedan’s handling performance, then you should reflect on upgrading to a better shock. If you haul heavy loads around Pewaukee or tow a trailer, then you should definitely think about getting heavy-duty shocks.

Most Pewaukee car owners are not likely to show off their suspension system to anyone admiring their Sedan, but it’s essential just the same. In the end, it’s something all of us Pewaukee drivers can be passionate about.

Posted in Suspension | Leave a comment

Below 45 Degrees in Pewaukee: Consider Winter Tires

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Autonet TV

Remember snow tires? They were basically just regular tires with big, knobby lugs to get them through deep snow. They were loud and rode hard, and Pewaukee drivers couldn’t wait to get them off the car. Then along came television advertisements for “all-season” radials. WI car owners ran out and bought some and we thought we were done with snow tires forever.

Tires have come a long way since then. Modern winter tires sold in the Brookfield area are much better designed for the wide range of dangerous conditions that come with WI winter weather. They are made with a rubber compound that helps them stay flexible in cold weather. Regular tires become hard and stiff at Pewaukee temperatures below 45°F, which reduces their traction. That’s a key concern in winter, especially with snowy or wet Pewaukee conditions. But it also means that Pewaukee auto owners are better off with winter tires in cold weather even when it’s dry.

The tread design on winter tires has been improved to actually move snow, slush and water. The lugs and grooves actually throw packed snow out of the tread as the tire rotates. This means the tread is open and ready to move more snow when it rolls around again. Summer tires can actually pack up with snow, which makes them more harmful than a bald tire.

Many winter tires use a micro-pore compound that lets the tire bite into ice and snow. They have wider grooves around the tire that help expel snow. They have a rounder casing to better cut into the surface of snow. Modern winter tires available at WI tire shops also have sipes, or thin slits cut into the tread. The edges of these sipes can grab ice and snow so that the tire retains traction on almost any surface. The sipes also help to expel water and slush from the tread. In short, a lot of time and engineering has gone into improving winter tires.

The all-season tire that is popular among Brookfield drivers is actually a compromise between summer and winter performance. This means they give adequate performance for Pewaukee motorists in either season, but aren’t great in either. Summer tires give great performance in hot weather, but lousy performance in winter. Pewaukee motorists need to put more thought into their tire choices these days, but that also means they get a lot better performance for their bucks.

If you want the performance that new winter tires can give you, you should have them properly installed at your Pewaukee service center or Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee. It’s best to purchase four snow tires and put them on all the wheels of your vehicle. But if you only want two, you need to put them on the rear of your vehicle, even if you drive a front-wheel drive vehicle. Pewaukee car owners always want to put the tires with the best traction on the rear of the vehicle.

Imagine this: You take a corner on an icy Brookfield road and your rear end starts to slide. What happened is that the front end slowed for the turn, but the rear end hasn’t figured that out yet. If you have high-traction tires on the front of your vehicle, that makes the problem worse. You’re slowing the front end faster and harder, which makes the back end fishtail even more.

Putting the higher traction tires on the rear will give Pewaukee auto owners more control for turns, regardless of the type of vehicle driven. Of course, that makes putting high-traction tires on all of your wheels even smarter. Why not give all of your tires the best traction they can get? Some Pewaukee assume that four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles only need winter tires on two wheels. Why? Doesn’t it make sense to give all four wheels the same level of traction and control? Four-wheel or all-wheel drive cannot compensate for poor traction.

Another false assumption held by many Pewaukee drivers is that if you have traction control and anti-lock brakes, you won’t need winter tires. Traction is important for good acceleration, steering and stopping. And tires provide traction. Traction control and anti-lock brakes can only improve on that traction. The better the traction, the better the traction control and anti-lock brakes will work. In other words, the better the tires, the better those systems will work for Pewaukee car owners.

A Canadian law requires all passenger vehicles, rental cars and taxis registered in Quebec to have winter tires on all four wheels from November 15th until April 1st.

If you’re shopping for winter tires and live where there is a lot of snow in WI, look for a mountain with a snowflake in it molded into the tire’s sidewall. This symbol means the tire complies with severe snow standards. All-season tires have an M&S stamped on the sidewall. M&S stands for mud and snow.

For more important auto advice about tires for any WI season, speak with your Friendly and professional Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee tire professional. They can help you opt for the right tire for your area and for your driving needs. For the best performance from your tires, whatever the season, don’t forget preventive maintenance. Keep your tires up to pressure for best durability, safety and performance, but don’t overinflate them. Remember, good car care provides the safest road for all of us Pewaukee auto owners.

Posted in Tires and Wheels | Leave a comment

Good Timing: Proper Timing Belt Replacement Saves Money for Pewaukee Drivers

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Autonet TV

Knowing how their engine works can help Pewaukee motorists make informed decisions about car care and prevent expensive repairs to their vehicles. This is especially true when it comes to timing belts.

An engine’s power is generated in the cylinders. Inside the cylinder is a piston that moves up and down while the engine is running. Power is generated in a cycle that includes four strokes of the piston. First, the piston drops and a valve at the top of the cylinder opens to let in fuel and air. The piston then rises, which compresses the fuel and air. At this point, the spark plug fires, igniting the fuel and pushing the piston down. This downstroke transfers energy to the engine, which provides the power it needs to run. The piston rises again, and a valve opens to release the exhaust.

All of this movement is orchestrated by a timing belt. The timing belt is so named because it keeps the pistons and valves operating in synch with each other, just as a conductor keeps all of the instruments in an orchestra in time with one another. Thus, the timing belt is critical to the proper operation of your engine.

Not all vehicles in the Pewaukee area have timing belts. Some have timing chains. A timing chain is more durable and rarely breaks, but timing belts are cheaper, so many automakers use them to save money.

Timing belts wear out and break, so an essential part of preventive maintenance for Pewaukee motorists is to replace the timing belt on schedule.

The results of failure of a timing belt depend on the type of engine in your vehicle, but they are always inconvenient and can be very costly for Pewaukee drivers. If your engine is a non-interference engine and the timing belt breaks, the engine simply stops running. Now that can be an incredibly detrimental situation depending on where you are driving around Pewaukee when it breaks, but it won’t cause any engine damage. On the other hand, if your vehicle has an interference engine and the timing belt breaks, the valves on your cylinders will actually fall into the path of the pistons. Then things start getting chewed up by the motion of the engine and it will cost thousands of dollars to get everything sorted out again. Compounding the problem is that there aren’t any warning signs before a timing belt breaks. A visual inspection of the belt is difficult also. In some vehicles, parts of the belt may be visible, but most vehicles hide the belt under a cover.

The timing belt doesn’t even have to break to cause major engine damage. If it slips, even one notch, the result could be engine damage with repair costs in the thousands of dollars.

Our only car care option is to simply replace the timing belt periodically. You can check your owner’s manual to find out how often your timing belt should be replaced. Many vehicles need a replacement at 60,000 miles, but the recommended replacement mileage could be as high as 90,000 or 100,000 miles. If your owner’s manual recommends replacement at 60,000 miles, however, don’t wait until 65,000 miles to get it done. Remember what you’re risking.

Replacing a timing belt is not a cheap part of preventive maintenance for Pewaukee auto owners. The belt is usually difficult to get to and often requires removal of some of the engine accessories. The cost of the replacement, however, is a lot less than the repairs may cost if the timing belt fails.

For more auto advice on timing belts and other engine components, you can always consult with your Friendly and professional Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee service professional. When it comes to car care, ignorance is not bliss. It can end up costing you in a big way.

Posted in Timing Belt | Leave a comment

Direct Injected Engines with Excessive Carbon Deposits Explained

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Jim Nelson

I’m sure you have noticed the increase in fuel efficient vehicles being sold in the last few years. The main reason for this is Direct Fuel Injection Systems. It’s basically a gasoline engine operating like a diesel with spark plugs. The problems with these new systems has been an increase in very heavy deposits on the intake valves which are restricting air flow into the engine and turning on check engine lights. This is not isolated to just one manufacturer as it is a flaw in the design, or is it. This problem happened on older style fuel systems but we were able to control it with cleaners run through the fuel system using many different methods. The fuel would in essence wash off the valves as it passed over them. Direct injected engines have the fuel charge placed directly into the combustion chamber and thus make the method of cleaning with fuel ineffective as the raw fuel never touches the intake valves.

 GDI engine

I believe if this were a flaw in the design, every car with 80,000 miles on it would need the valves accessed and sand blasted clean using the walnut cleaning method or manually scrubbed with brushes and cleaners; really the only two methods I have seen to effectively work. Interestingly enough this is not the case as many cars are being driven over double that distance without incident and still some are failing in as little as 40,000 miles.

The deposits that we find on the valves are very oily in nature and I believe they are a result of the crank case fumes passing through the breather system over the valves to be burned up in the combustion process. These oily fumes seem to easily stick to the valves, building up over time, which is causing all the issues. Since there is no real inexpensive way to clean them, the real question is how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

GDI Valves

The type of the engine oil base stock (POA, Hydrocracked, and Petroleum Etc.), the design of the oils additive packages and how often you change your oil are critical in keeping this problem in check. A Simple test of this theory is cooking with oil on a stove. You will notice that when you first start cooking, the oil is clean but as it heats up and it starts to darken you will notice an oily smoke coming off the oil. This vapor will stick to the sides of your pot, your stove and the walls. Your engine does the exact same thing to the oil and even though there are many special additives in the oil designed to slow this process down, it still happens over time. The longer you stretch out the oil change the faster the oil will be susceptible to vaporizing and the worse the buildup will be.

When we change your oil, we will show you a sample of what came out and review with you what interval or oil type seems to work the best for your specific situation. I have found that some oils don’t do very well in certain applications but have also found based on driver habits, the engine design, recent trips etc. that those same oils can do very well. The long and short is if your shop isn’t watching the condition of your oil every time it’s serviced, how will he know what to recommend to improve the situation. If your valves need to be cleaned, you now know your oil service procedures must be modified. Do not solely rely on the reminder system built into the car, the owner’s manual or the oil brand that “paid” to have their name placed under the hood. Be careful with recommendations on running fuel with better cleaners and additives that you can add to the tanks. Even the manufacturers will recommend these steps in TSB’s; I personally have not found one that actually cleans up and solves this issue.

Jim Nelson

Posted in Fuel System | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee Guide To Custom Wheels

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Autonet TV

If you’re interested in customizing the wheels and tires on your Sedan, there are a few things you should know first.

Most importantly, the wheels you buy need to fit your vehicle. Not all wheels are created equal. Too many Pewaukee car owners have bought a set of wheels that caught their eye, then, after going to the work of mounting them, have found that the wheels don’t fit right and the tires rub against the Sedan when they turn or go over a bump.

To ensure a proper fit, you can consult with your Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee tire professional. He/she can also help you find tires that are suited to your driving habits as well as your Sedan. You may find their auto advice invaluable, and you’ll probably be happier with your new wheels once you purchase them.

But if you just have to have that set of wheels, and you’re willing to pay for them, you can modify your vehicle to fit the wheels. Again, you should seek a knowledgeable Brookfield professional’s help ahead of time. For example, if you want a bigger set of wheels on your pickup truck, you can get a suspension lift so they will fit the truck. A professional Pewaukee custom wheel shop can help you get the work done right.

The anti-lock brakes and stability control system on your Sedan are engineered to work with a particular height of tire. This is another reason auto owners should be careful when purchasing custom wheels in Pewaukee. The new wheel and tire combo needs to match the height of the tires that came with your vehicle.

Your car’s computer gauges your speed by the revolution of your tires and sends commands to the brakes and traction control based on that speed. If you put larger or smaller tires on your Sedan, your computer is calculating the wrong speed and, consequently, sending incorrect commands to the brakes and traction control. This can have serious consequences as it may result in costly damage to your vehicle or, worse, an accident.

If you change the size of your wheels, you need to get your engine’s computer reprogrammed at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee to accommodate the new tire size. New wheels shouldn’t just fit your vehicle, they should also fit your lifestyle. There are hundreds of styles and sizes to choose from. You should do a little research about which wheels and tires will best fit your personality, give you the performance you want, and meet your handling needs. We’re not saying you shouldn’t personalize your ride, we just want you to be happy with the result. Talk to us at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee in Pewaukee.

After all, good car care isn’t just about preventive maintenance. It’s also about making good choices.

Posted in Tires and Wheels | Leave a comment

Put On The Brakes: Brake Service At Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Autonet TV

When it comes to preventive maintenance and car care, most Pewaukee car owners know how vital it is to check their brakes. But brakes are more than just brake pads and shoes. There are a lot of components in the brake system, and they all need to be in good working order.

The pads and shoes are known as the friction materials in the brake system. They push together, providing friction, which stops the vehicle. It’s no wonder they have to be checked regularly for wear, and that brake pads and shoes need to be replaced periodically.

Brake pads/shoes gradually wear out, but that doesn’t mean your braking gradually becomes less effective. The pads are engineered so that they maintain good braking until they wear too thin to provide adequate friction. At this point, they need to be replaced.

But your braking system also has mechanical parts. These pistons and springs can also gradually wear out or get gummed up by oil, dirt and other road spatter. A brake inspection in Pewaukee at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee includes a check of these parts as well as the pads and shoes. Your Friendly and professional Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee technician can then advise you of any parts that need cleaning or replacement.

The fluid component to the brake system needs a regular check-up at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee as well. The brake fluid cools and protects your brake system. Protective additives are gradually depleted by the operation of the brake system, and moisture build-up inside the fluid can diminish its effectiveness. When you have your brakes serviced at Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee in Pewaukee, the fluid should be checked and, if needed, replaced, which will clean out water, debris and dirt.

It is essential to remember that your brake system also includes your tires. No matter how well your brake system is performing, if your Sedan tires are worn, you won’t get good stopping power. Traction is the gripping power of your tires to the roadway. Traction is always better on tires with a good tread. Good traction translates to good braking.

This is particularly vital on wet Pewaukee roads. A good tire will give you good braking on either wet WI roads or dry. But stopping distance increases dramatically when worn tires meet wet roads. Tread on a tire acts to channel away water as the Sedan passes over the wet road, thus maintaining contact between the tire’s surface and the road, which maintains traction. But the thinner the tread, the less effective the water channels become, and water can get between the tire and the roadway, reducing friction. A loss of friction means a longer stopping distance and possibly the loss of control.

Braking depends on two things: the weight of your Sedan and the speed of the vehicle. The heavier the vehicle or the faster the vehicle, the more braking power it requires. Thus, brake systems vary from vehicle to vehicle. For example, a pickup that is designed for heavy loads has a more powerful braking system than a compact car. Sports cars also have higher-grade braking systems than minivans.

Regardless of what kind of car you drive in Pewaukee, it is always good auto advice to keep your brake system in good repair, and that means ALL of your brake system. Just one more way to keep your travels accident and worry-free.

Posted in Brakes | Leave a comment

Has my Beetle lost its mind!

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Jim Nelson

 

IMG_2400 cropped

This Bug was on a local errand when it suddenly jerked a couple times then drove fine. On her way back from her destination it just died. It would turn over but not start and everything they could check looked fine. They towed it to their regular maintenance shop where they informed her it needed a computer as they couldn’t even pull codes to get a starting point. Unfortunately they didn’t have the ability to perform that type of a repair so it would need to go to the dealer or another shop. She was calling around looking for a non dealer option and was referred to me by one of those shops as one of the local experts on German cars. When she got in touch with me, I explained it’s most likely not what they thought as VW computers are pretty tough and rarely fail. After going over her options, she decided to tow it to us for a proper diagnosis to determine if it in fact needed a computer, and if so, to make certain what exactly killed the old one. There is nothing more sad than to see smoke rolling out from a brand new computer.

To digress a bit, that brings back memories from my military days when I was working on one of the Warthogs Radar Jammers (A-10’s). A guy that was working with us burnt up not one $40,000 power supply but two and if my memory serves me, was in the process of ordering a third before being pulled aside. The powers to be vehemently explained to him the importance of properly trouble shooting electrical failures. His “Shot Gun” method of just throwing parts at the problem hoping for a fix was not a method they were willing to fund. The discussion was memorable to say the least. To this day I can remember watching the smoke roll out a hole in the side of the case every time he went to power it up and him saying “wow, another bad power supply”.

Back to the Bug problem, we began with pulling codes to verify the other shops findings and sure enough there was no communication.  A bit of interesting information was we couldn’t access the transmission computer either. Could we have two bad computers???  That would be rare, but most likely just another clue. We found fuse 10 was blown and when we installed another, it would hold for a bit then blow again. We installed our short finder and dove into the factory (not so user friendly) track wiring diagrams and proceeded to trace out all that fuse powered. We found it was the main power to a relay that also powered the engine control computer and interestingly enough, the ignition coil and ignition module assembly. We accessed the coil and unplugged it and just like that the fuse stopped blowing. When we tested the coil for current draw we verified it was our problem. Once we got the new fuse in and working, we were able to access the computer where we found many codes, some related to our coil problem and some to the power loss issue.

We found out the coil and wires were replaced about 20,000 miles ago and you could tell it was a lower quality aftermarket unit. We replace the coil assembly and the ignition wires with quality German made parts and all is working well. The moral of this story, don’t throw parts at a problem without performing the correct test procedures. And secondly make sure your German car is serviced by someone that knows German cars. Not saying your current  shop is unqualified but German cars are very different. If your shop doesn’t understand all the little idiosyncrasies even a simple oil change done with questionable quality parts, can leave you whishing you had gone with a more experienced option. 

Posted in Diagnostics | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Maintaining Your Diesel in Brookfield

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Autonet TV

Diesel engines have been used extensively in Europe and Asia for many years. They haven’t been as common in Brookfield because of the high sulfur content in our diesel fuel. But the government is now mandating lower sulfur content and, as a result, we are going to see more Pewaukee motorists driving diesel-fueled vehicles on the road, especially in passenger cars and SUV’s.

Diesels are popular in Pewaukee because they get better gas mileage than gas-powered engines. They also last longer. Modern diesel engines are quiet and powerful. And if you associate diesel engines with black smoke, then you’re not up with the times. That smoke is a thing of the past.

Diesels don’t produce any more pollutants than gasoline engines. The pollution standards for diesel-powered vehicles are as strict in WI as for other vehicles.

Also, diesel engines can run on bio-diesel fuels as well as fossil fuels. Diesel fuel can be produced from vegetable oil or from cellulosic waste like wood chips and sawdust. In Brookfield, we may soon see bio-diesel produced from algae. These fuel sources will lessen Pewaukee car owners’ dependence on fossil fuels and may even become truly renewable and sustainable.

Diesel-powered vehicles perform as well as other passenger vehicles, also. Most Waukesha people don’t notice a difference in driving one or the other. If you haul heavy loads or tow a trailer in Sussex, however, the diesel is a definite improvement.

So, you may be asking, if diesels are so great, why don’t all Brookfield drivers drive them? Surely there are disadvantages you haven’t told me about. That’s true. Diesel engines are heavier than gas engines, and they cost more in WI. The better fuel efficiency of the diesel engine is partially offset by the higher purchase price.

Because of higher fuel prices, diesel engines used to be more pricey to drive in Brookfield. But now, with higher volatility in the prices of both gasoline and diesel fuel in WI, that cost difference is less definitive. Whether a diesel or gas engine is more expensive for Pewaukee car owners depends now on the current price of fuel in WI and how many miles you drive.

Consider also that diesel-powered vehicles have a high resale value in the Brookfield area, and the costs of owning and operating a diesel vs. a gas-powered vehicle in WI becomes a real toss-up.

Preventive auto maintenance for diesel vehicles has also become similar to that of gas-fueled vehicles in recent years. The major difference is that diesels require cleaner fuel, air and oil, so their filters are more expensive in Pewaukee than those for gasoline engines. The engine air filter must be changed more frequently as well.

The costs for car care and repairs in Pewaukee are similar. Wait, you may be thinking, but you just told me that filters are more pricey and have to be changed more regularly. True, but that is offset by the fact that diesel engines have a much longer lifetime than gasoline engines. So if you are the type of owner who prefers to hang on to a vehicle for a long time, you will be more than rewarded with a diesel engine.

So if you have been looking for Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee auto advice on whether to switch to a diesel vehicle or stay with a gas-powered one, then we hope this helps. The answer as to which type of vehicle is better is that it depends on the Pewaukee driver and their driving habits. Now that you know the facts, you can make an informed choice based on your own priorities and needs.

Posted in Fuel System | Leave a comment

The Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee Guide To Servicing Your Differential

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Jim Nelson

Differential? What’s that? And what’s it for? I’ve been told by my service advisor that I need to get it serviced, but is that on the level?

Do these questions sound familiar? They’re not uncommon for Pewaukee auto owners. A lot of us in Pewaukee don’t know what a differential is or what it’s for. Every vehicle has a differential, and, yes, it does need to be serviced. In fact, it’s more important to the operation of your Sedan than the air conditioner or windshield wipers.

A differential allows your Sedan tires to move at different speeds. This happens more than you think. The best example is when a vehicle is turning. The inside wheel travels a much shorter distance than the outside wheel during a turn. This means the outside wheel has to move faster than the inside wheel. Without a differential, your tires would hop and skip while turning. They would also lose traction in sand or snow.

The location of your differential depends on what kind of vehicle you drive. On a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the differential is located in the back. For a front-wheel drive vehicle, it is located on the front, but it is usually called a transaxle. Four-wheel drive vehicles have three differentials: one on the front, one in the back, and one in the middle. This center differential compensates for differences in speed between the front and rear wheels.

Your differential contains strong gears that need to be protected from dirt, debris, water and other contaminants. A differential is sometimes referred to as a “gear box.” The work of these gears is to transfer power from the Sedan drive train to the wheels.

Your differential needs fluid to lubricate and cool the gears. This fluid, even though enclosed in the “gear box,” can get dirty because the gears grind down over time, releasing tiny bits of themselves into the fluid. Also, the additives in the differential fluid break down and need to be replaced. That’s why important preventive maintenance for your Sedan needs to include servicing the differential.

Your owner’s manual can give you recommendations on how often to service your differential. But you should also consult with your Friendly and professional Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee service advisor. Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee can give you some good auto advice on whether your vehicle needs to be serviced more frequently. For example, if you drive in hot or cold Pewaukee weather conditions, your differential will need to have its fluid changed more often.

Severe conditions will also affect your car care routine, and your differential. Check your owner’s manual for a definition of “severe service” conditions that affect your vehicle. Examples may include driving with frequent stops and starts, a lot of short trips around Brookfield, hot or cold WI weather conditions, and towing.

Off-roading is particularly hard on a vehicle’s differential. If you are an off-roader, especially if you cross WI streams or waterways, it is vital that you service your differential more frequently than the recommendations suggest.

Properly servicing your differential will extend its life and keep you out of Pewaukee auto repair shops. A smooth ride for Brookfield auto owners is the result of proper preparation and smart choices.

Posted in Differential Service | Leave a comment

Time Out: Suspension Problems in Pewaukee

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Jim Nelson

Your vehicle’s suspension system has two essential jobs: to prevent the passengers from getting tossed around inside the vehicle every time it hits a bump in the road and to keep the tires firmly planted on the road around every corner and over every bump.

To see your suspension system, you’ll have to look under your vehicle. Anything that connects the wheels to the vehicle’s frame is part of the suspension system. They’re heavy-duty parts that work hard while you’re driving and take a lot of wear and tear. Because of this, you should have your Friendly and professional Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee technician look at them once a year as part of your preventive maintenance routine. A good time for an automotive analysis is every time you get your alignment checked.

If your suspension is in trouble, you often feel it in how your vehicle drives. If the vehicle pulls to one side or wanders, if the steering is erratic, if your ride isn’t as smooth as it should be, or if your vehicle handles poorly, you should get a diagnostic examination of your suspension system. Uneven tire wear can also indicate worn parts in your suspension system. If your shocks are leaking oil then they definitely need to be replaced. All in all, if you don’t feel in control when you’re driving, go get your suspension inspected.

Shocks and struts wear out. Wheel bearings may need to be repacked every few years. Some parts of your suspension may need to be lubricated whenever you change your oil. Preventive maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle under control. Good car care can prevent accidents for Brookfield car owners.

If you are in an accident, even a minor one, it can damage your suspension system or knock your wheels out of alignment. Even hitting a curb, pothole or large rock can damage your suspension. A wheel balancing or alignment won’t correct a suspension problem, and after any suspension work, you’ll may need to get an alignment.

At Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee, we advise Pewaukee drivers never to procrastinate essential repairs to their suspension system. A damaged suspension system can lead to loss of control of a vehicle in an emergency situation and serious accidents.

Potholes are unsightly nuisances around Pewaukee, but they’re also a major cause of suspension damage for Pewaukee auto owners. To avoid this, Pewaukee drivers should always keep their tires properly inflated. This gives the tires maximum resiliency. When you’re driving around the Brookfield area, avoid potholes if possible. If you can’t avoid one, then slow down before driving over it. Slower speeds limit pothole damage. But if you’re a little late detecting a pothole, don’t brake on top of it. This will throw the vehicle’s weight forward and increase the damage.

The suspension system may not be pretty to look at, but it provides Pewaukee drivers with a safe, comfortable ride — as long as they maintain it properly. You don’t have to show it off, but you should be proud of it.

Posted in Suspension | Leave a comment