Understanding Your Vehicle’s Belts: What They Do and When to Replace Them Most drivers don’t give much thought to the belts under the hood—until something goes wrong. But your car’s belts play a big role in keeping essential systems running smoothly. Knowing the basics can help you spot early warning signs and avoid breakdowns or
Tire Rotation vs. Tire Balancing: What’s the Difference and Why Should You Care? If your car’s ride isn’t feeling quite right or your tires are wearing unevenly, you might hear terms like “tire rotation” and “tire balancing” thrown around. They sound similar—but they’re not the same thing. At Joe’s Slinger Service here in Slinger, WI,
The drive shaft is a critical part of your vehicle’s drivetrain, connecting the transmission to the wheels. Without it, the engine’s power would never make it to the ground. What Does the Drive Shaft Do? Transfers Power: Carries engine torque from the transmission to the wheels. Handles Movement: Absorbs bumps, turns, and flexing without losing
Your engine is the heart of your vehicle, and oil is what keeps it running smoothly. Over time, oil breaks down and collects dirt, reducing its ability to lubricate and protect your engine. That’s why regular oil changes are one of the simplest—and most important—things you can do to protect your investment. Clean oil keeps
Regular maintenance is the only way to keep your cars, trucks, vans on the road and making money for you! Routine services like brake inspections, tire rotations, fluid checks and flushes, battery testing, and alignments help extend the life of your fleet and improve fuel efficiency. Catching small issues early—like unusual noises, sluggish performance, or
One of the most persistent myths in the automotive world is the belief that purchasing a vehicle from a dealership means you must return to that dealership for repairs and maintenance to avoid voiding your warranty. This misconception often causes unnecessary stress for car owners and limits their options when it comes to maintaining their
Tire shopping has become much more complicated than it used to be merely because of the numerous varieties of vehicles sold today. Keep in mind that the brands and weights of vehicles vary so much! Also some cars or SUV’s have a different tire size on the front than they have on the back. So
Wheel locks are specially designed lug nuts with unique patterns that require a matching key to remove. They are an effective way to prevent wheel theft, but they can also become a hurdle during routine maintenance if your automotive technician doesn’t know where the key is stored. Telling your service advisor when dropping off your
These days people are keeping their vehicles longer than ever making extended car warranties and auto repair service plans enticing. Most of them are a total waste of your time and money. Car dealers may be trying to sell you a vehicle service plan, not a true warranty. The Federal Trade Commission says that a
Your vehicle should travel straight when you drive on a smooth flat road. If you notice that your car is pulling or drifting to the right when driving, this could be an indication of a tire problem, an alignment problem or a braking system problem. Tire Problem A tire that has developed a very irregular
