Car Air Conditioning Tips to Help You Keep Your Cool

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Steve

Keep Your Car Air Conditioning Running Cool!

When the heat starts to soar and you’re stuck in traffic, nothing can be better than winding up the windows and switching on the car air conditioning.  Having access to pure, cool air when the outside temperature is sweltering is a great feeling.

However, it’s important that you arrange for a regular car air conditioning service to ensure you always have access to the best quality air and the most reliable air conditioning system. If you’ve noticed a musty smell coming from your AC vents or you think your system isn’t working efficiently, you may be in need of a car air conditioning recharge.   A recharge involves a number of checks and maintenance tasks that will ensure your system
gives you the best possible performance when you need it the most.

The Importance of Car Air Conditioning Maintenance

Don’t leave your car air conditioning maintenance until summer comes around. Spring is the ideal time to take your vehicle for car AC repair as you’ll be ready to turn off the heat on the first hot day of summer.  Routine maintenance will prevent components from failing and will ensure you have access to clean, cool air whenever you need it.

There are many benefits to arranging regular car air conditioning maintenance, including the following:

  • Save on Repair Bills – By arranging regular vehicle air conditioning maintenance you can save yourself expensive repair bills and prevent total failure of your system.
  • Extend the Life of Your System – Routine maintenance of your air conditioning system will ensure many more years of reliable service.
  • Prevent Refrigerant Contamination – Your car repair shop will carry out checks for cross-contamination of refrigerant.  Contamination can stop your system from working efficiently and can also cause total failure of air  conditioning components.
  • Ensure Sufficient Refrigerant Levels – Another routine maintenance task is the checking and topping off of refrigerant levels.  It may also be necessary for the technician to check over the system to ensure there are no leaks.
  • You’ll Be Ready for Summer – Spring is a great time to arrange a car air conditioning service.  You’ll be ready for that first heat wave and have total peace of mind knowing that your system will work perfectly the first time you turn it on this season.

Now that you understand the importance of air conditioning maintenance, it’s time to arrange an appointment with your local car repair shop in South-Central Wisconsin.  They can give you all the assistance and advice you need to keep your cool this summer and to avoid hefty car air conditioning repair bills.  Why not speak to your local repair shop to see what services they have to offer?

Looking for a car repair shop that offers extensive maintenance services for customers living in the Dane County, Madison, and Mount Horeb areas? You should be able to arrange a booking online.  In addition, you can get expert advice over the phone. Sign up to join your local car repair shop’s mailing list today and receive the latest discounts and coupons for car air conditioner service and repair.

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Car Maintenance Tips to Take You from Winter to Spring

Posted on March 23, 2012 by tjholzk

Wisconsin winters are tough.  Whilst most people take the time to prepare their vehicle for the harsh winter months ahead, few consider the importance of making preparations for spring.  The moment the temperature gauge starts to creep up, you should think about booking a visit with your local car repair shop to give your trusty vehicle a little TLC.

Following a regular car maintenance schedule through the seasons will ensure your vehicle is ready to face the conditions ahead whether you’ll be negotiating icy roads or driving in humid or arid conditions.

Car repair shops offer a comprehensive range of seasonal checks that will prepare your car, truck or any other vehicle you drive for the months of driving ahead.  Truck maintenance is especially vital as these vehicles must be fit for purpose and transport their load safely.

Car Maintenance Schedule for the Spring and Summer

Springtime is a time of reawakening and renewal following the cold winter months.  Attending to the maintenance guidelines below will ensure your vehicle emerges from the winter in roadworthy condition.  A well maintained vehicle will give you years more reliable service and be less prone to major faults.

  • Swap out tires – If you’ve been using winter tires, it’s time to swap these out for all-season tires.  Check each tire is inflated and balanced and also ensure you have a well-maintained spare tire available.  Any car repair shop should be able to help you with checking your tire pressure and ensuring your tire tread is sufficient and most importantly, legal.
  • Check your brakes – Icy roads mean heavy braking and that can put your brake pads under a lot of pressure.  If you’ve noticed brake squeal or any grinding noises when hitting the brakes, you need to get them checked as soon as possible.
  • Top up your fluids – A well-lubricated vehicle is a happy vehicle.  So many engine parts rely on liquids to keep them cool, oiled and working at optimum levels.  Again, booking a seasonal check at your local car repair shop will identify any problems with fluid levels.  Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and windscreen washer fluid are all essential to the performance of your vehicle and levels need to be checked and topped up at regular intervals.  Over the winter, freezing temperatures can cause these fluids to become dull and ineffective so a complete drain out and top up with fresh fluids is recommended.
  • Automatic transmission – vehicles with automatic transmissions need special consideration when refreshing fluids.  Overheating is a real problem with these vehicles and it’s therefore important to keep vehicle fluids at the right level.
  • Air-conditioning and ventilation – You probably haven’t had your air-conditioning on during the winter months so it’s a good idea to have a complete service of the system to ensure it works perfectly on those hot days.
  • General component checks – lights, seatbelts, dashboard warning lights, wiper blades, spark plugs and hoses should be checked for general wear and tear and replaced or repaired if faults are found.

Keeping your vehicle in top condition throughout the year is important.  By booking your vehicle into one of the leading car repair shops in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, you can ensure your car maintenance schedule is taken care of.  You can sign up to our car repair shop mailing list today to receive the latest discounts and coupons.

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How to Reduce Car Engine Repair Visits?

Posted on February 21, 2012 by tjholzk

Reduce Car Engine Repair Visits

Car engine repair can be expensive, especially if you drive a foreign built vehicle. From body work to the engine, car repairs are a necessary part of being a vehicle owner.

One of the most important vehicle components is the engine.  The engine is the equivalent to the human heart, pumping energy and life into all other areas of your vehicle’s body.  If your engine goes, you won’t be driving your car anytime soon as the engine is the lifeblood of your vehicle.

As with anything, the older your vehicle gets, the more vulnerable your engine is to a breakdown.  Although you may not be able to completely escape motor car repair, performing simple maintenance and routine care can keep you out of the engine repair shops.

Avoid major car engine repair or diesel engine repair by maintaining your system:

  • Weekly maintenance: every week take a look at fluid levels such as your oil, coolant, brake, automatic transmission or clutch, windshield washer and power steering. Also check tire pressure and perform a visual inspection of the engine for leaks
  • Every 6 months/15,000 miles: consider replacing the air and fuel filters, check brakes, check belts and hoses, adjust and check the clutch, examine transmission gear oil, lube front end and lube door, hood and trunk hinges
  • Every 2 years/30,000 miles: refer to your owner’s manual for recommendations, but you should have a Dane County or South-Central Wisconsin mechanic perform a tune up, flush the cooling system, bleed the brake system and check the overall condition of your tires and exhaust system
  • Every 4 years/ 60,000 miles: at 60,000 miles you should replace the timing belt, water pump, timing belt tensioner, crankshaft seal and camshaft seal.  Additionally, you should consider replacing the thermostat, radiator cap, O2 sensors, belts and possibly, the clutch when wear and tear is causing these vehicle parts to under-perform or non-perform

In addition to regular maintenance, vehicle owners should visit engine repair shops in the Madison and Mount Horeb area the minute a problem is suspected. The longer you wait, the more strain and pressure you put on your system, making what could be a minor repair something major and expensive.

5 Signs That You Should Repair the Car Engine

When it comes to engine auto repair, vehicle owners need to know the warning signs that indicate it’s time to visit the Madison/Mount Horeb car engine mechanic. Here are the top 5 signs to look for:

  1. Dashboard warning lights. If the warning lights on your console turn on when you start the car but then don’t turn off, you may need to address a possible issue with the engine.  Some important lights to pay close attention to include check oil, oil pressure low and check engine.
  2. Sputtering engine while driving.  Is your smooth ride now surging, jerking, hesitating when you accelerate, or stalling as your drive?  An erratic ride may mean engine trouble.
  3. Clicking or popping noises.  Any irregular noise when you drive such as clicking, grinding, rattling or popping is a sign your engine may need attention.
  4. Odd smells.  Any odors being emitted from your vehicle may indicate that you not only have engine trouble but may have a dangerous situation on your hands.  If you smell exhaust while sitting inside your vehicle, have it checked  immediately—it could be emitting too much carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
  5. Smoke coming from either the hood or tailpipe.  Blue smoke from the tailpipe means that your vehicle is leaking oil whereas white smoke indicates that antifreeze may have combined with your fuel supply

Engine repairs can add up and hit you hard, so have a professional mechanic handle your repairs in order to save time and money. For discounts and the latest news on what to do if you experience any of the 5 warning signs or for preventative maintenance, stay in touch with a leading auto shop in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Sign up for a mailing list in order to receive special offers and coupons—including discounts on car engine repairs.

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When Should You Replace the Serpentine Belt? – And Why You Can’t Ignore it

Posted on December 12, 2011 by tjholzk

While there are no “hard and fast” rules as to when you should replace the serpentine belt in your vehicle, industry experts suggest you should start considering it around the 4th or 5th year of ownership.  Belt failure, often due to wear and tear increases greatly around the vehicle’s 4 or 5th year; however, some vehicles may require attention earlier.

Knowing what to look for before your belt system breaks down is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Once a belt breaks, your car won’t drive and all functions will cease to work. Belts play an important role in keeping your car “healthy.” The serpentine belt (which is also referred to as the V-belt or fan belt) is responsible for transmitting all the power to and from the engine, whereas the timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft perfectly synchronized in order to maintain engine timing.

Ignoring the belt system could cause you significant trouble—especially if you are stuck on the side of the road with an automobile or SUV that won’t start. Statistically, 10 out of 10 serpentine belt failures directly result in breakdowns.

On the upside you can replace and have your belt system inspected on a regular basis to avoid a breakdown.  In addition to making regular visits to your South-Central Wisconsin mechanic, keep alert. There are 3 noises you shouldn’t ignore:

  • Squealing: the high-pitched squealing noise you hear when you start your vehicle, suddenly accelerate or turn on your A/C may be due to serpentine belt slippage or a soft spring-loaded belt tensioning pulley
  • Chirping: don’t check for birds in your engine! Most likely the chirping noise is due to belt vibration. Belt vibration occurs due to faulty aligned pulleys, damp conditions or belt glazing
  • Growling : your vehicle isn’t angry with you; the growling noise may be due to a faulty bearing in the tensioner pulley or an idler pulley

In addition to specific noises, other symptoms that indicate your belt system may need to be replaced includes a quickly draining battery, excessive sidewall wear on a V-belt that causes it to ride lower than normal, a cracked V-belt underside and a noisy alternator.

What You Should Know About Serpentine Belt Replacement

Although some novice mechanics may attempt a serpentine belt or timing belt replacement, experts contend that a professional mechanic should handle this job.

FAQs about belt repair and replacement:

  • Serpentine belts should be replaced every 4 to 5 years or every 50,000 miles
  • Lifespan for an engine belt, V-belt (serpentine) and timing belt replacement depend not only on the mileage, but also on the load, tension and heat
  • Belt wear can be accelerated if the belt is loose and slips because it adds friction between the belt and pulley, producing more heat
  • Proper belt tension during installation will determine how long the belt will last
  • Once belt tension has been adjusted, it should be re-checked by a mechanic and possibly readjusted after the car has been driven (typically after 500 to 1,000 miles).  Then re-checked bi-annually or every 5,000 to 6,000 miles

Because proper belt alignment and tightening is key to its lifespan, make it a priority to visit a qualified Mount Horeb, Dane County or Madison mechanic for belt repair and installation. For discounts and the latest news on what to do if you hear a growl, chirp or squeal, sign up for a mailing list with a leading auto repair shop in Mount Horeb Wisconsin. You will also receive special offers and coupons including discounts on various auto repair and maintenance services, including serpentine and timing belt replacement.

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What to Do if Your “Check Engine” Light Illuminates – Why you shouldn’t ignore it

Posted on December 1, 2011 by tjholzk

When the “check engine” light illuminates it means that you may have a problem with your vehicle.  Although your truck or car’s “behavior” may provide you with clues, the only way to truly know why your check engine light is blinking is to visit a professional mechanic. A mechanic will use the latest technology to run diagnostic tests, repair the problem and then reset the check engine light.

If the check engine light illuminates here are a few steps you should take:

  • Look for a serious problem: examine your dashboard gauges and lights for indication of low oil pressure or overheating. If you suspect either of these problems, pull over immediately and power down the engine. In some vehicles, if the service engine light is yellow, it means you should attend to the problem as soon as you can, whereas a red engine check light means you should attend to the problem immediately
  • Tighten your gas cap: the flashing check engine light may appear if the gas cap is loose. Note—it may take several rounds of tightening your gas cap before the check engine light goes off
  • Reduce speed and load: if your vehicle has lost speed or appears to be experiencing a reduction in performance, reduce your speed and try to lessen the load on the engine. Experts say that you should have your vehicle checked as soon as possible to avoid extensive damage
  • Skip the state emissions test until you’ve identified the problem: in a late-model vehicle an illuminated service engine light will almost always make your vehicle fail the test—even if a loose gas cap is your culprit.  Wait to have the emissions test until after a professional has examined your vehicle and attended to the problem

Be sure you ask your Madison and Dane County area mechanic to reset your check engine light after repairs have been made. In some older models, the check engine light may not automatically go off, even after the necessary repairs were performed.

Reasons Why the Check Engine Light Goes On

In addition to a loose gas cap, there are several other reasons why your check engine light may turn on. Although some reasons may warrant repair, South-Central Wisconsin auto experts say that it’s far less expensive to attend to problems immediately than to ignore the problem, which may result in a costly repair job.

When you visit your Madison or Mount Horeb auto repair shop, your expert mechanic will perform a routine diagnostic test to determine why your check engine light is on.

Some reasons your check engine light may be flashing include:

  • A malfunctioning oxygen sensor: this sensor measures the amount of gas in the tank and the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system. If the sensor is malfunctioning it could be relaying incorrect information to your car’s computer, which can have a negative impact on your gas mileage
  • Compromised catalytic converter: this important piece of equipment is vital to converting toxic gasses from the vehicle’s combustion to less dangerous emissions. A malfunctioning catalytic converter can be extremely dangerous
  • Faulty mass airflow sensor: this sensor tracks the amount of air supplied to the engine, which ultimately decides how much fuel is transferred. A malfunctioning air flow sensor typically results in loss of power to the car and surges during acceleration
  • Malfunctioning spark plugs: in addition to causing damage to your catalytic converter, a misfiring spark plug can impact engine power and fuel economy

For discounts and the latest news on what to do if your “check engine” or “service engine soon” light illuminates, sign up to receive handy tips  from the leading auto shop in Mount Horeb Wisconsin. You’ll also receive special offers and coupons including discounts on vehicle repairs resulting from your “check engine” light illuminating.

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5 Symptoms of Transmission Repair Trouble – What are the signs you really shouldn’t ignore?

Posted on November 1, 2011 by tjholzk

Your light duty truck or car transmission is the lifeblood of your vehicle – when you experience a transmission leak or find the transmission slipping, it’s time to get to the automotive doctor… fast!

What makes your transmission system so vital to your vehicle’s health? In basic terms, the transmission ensures the engine output matches the speed and load conditions, allowing your vehicle to shift from gear to gear with ease. Transmission fluid cools, lubricates and protects your transmission, so overall maintenance and checking fluid levels is of the utmost importance.

Like any other automotive area, trouble can arise. Possible signs of transmission problems include:

• Leaking fluid: with automatic transmission, a small amount of visible liquid on the driveway could be serious. If the fluid is red and possibly emits a burnt odor, you may need transmission repair
• Check engine light: modern vehicles are equipped with sensors designed to detect vehicle irregularities. Even if it isn’t a transmission leak or problem its always important to have a qualified mechanic evaluate your vehicle
• Grinding or shaking: manual and automatic transmission systems respond differently when the system is not working properly. For automatic transmission repair, you may feel the car slip into gear whereas with manual transmission it will be more of a jarring experience
• Clunking, humming or whining: your vehicle may behave like a small child who doesn’t get his way when you need a transmission flush or possibly repair
• No response when putting car into gear: automatic and manual transmissions are supposed to put you into the right gear every time. You may notice the car’s engine rev up when you switch gears with a manual transmission, whereas an automatic will usually present itself in the “park” or “drive” gear

Although many Dane County residents may choose to ignore a few rattles and shakes, the truth of the matter is that these little signs and hints are your vehicle’s way of telling you that it may be headed for transmission repair.

Understand the Difference between Transmission Repair vs. Replacement

If you’ve gotten to the point where transmission repair or replacement is inevitable, it’s important you understand the difference between the two. Recognize if and why replacement may be a better option in some cases.

When you visit a trusted South-Central Wisconsin auto transmission shop, your certified mechanic will first evaluate the situation to determine if the problem can be simply repaired or if it makes better financial sense to have it replaced.

Some areas of transmission repair and maintenance include:

• Transmission flush: cleans out a dirty transmission, which promotes longevity
• Clutch replacement (for manual transmissions): if you’ve experienced transmission slipping or sticking
• Transmission fluid change: also referred to as a transmission oil change, vehicle owners should update and top off transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual, 60,000 to 100,000 for automatic cars

If your mechanic suggests that you should consider a new transmission because yours is beyond repair, don’t panic. A new trend, seen with many electronics, is to replace a system with a rebuilt transmission. This method allows the customer to enjoy a new transmission system without paying the price of a completely new product.

Transmission repair may sound like a scary thing, but it’s actually an area that can be maintained and supported with the right care. Listen to your car and visit your transmission repair mechanic the minute you spot one of the above 5 signs of transmission trouble.

For discounts and the latest news on how to maintain your vehicle, sign up for a mailing list with a leading auto shop in Mount Horeb Wisconsin. Enjoy special offers and coupons, including discounts on a transmission fluid change and more.

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MotorVac Top Engine Cleaning Service – Will make your engine purr like a kitten

Posted on November 1, 2011 by tjholzk

Can professional MotorVac top engine cleaning honestly make a difference in your vehicle’s performance? Can’t you just perform fuel injector cleaning service at home or use other products and methods to achieve the same result?

When your car rolled off the assembly line, brand-spanking new, it arrived clean and ready to face the world. However, the more you drove, the more dirt, varnishes and carbon deposits wedged themselves into your vehicle’s fuel system, making a home in the intake valves and combustion areas.

Contaminants and debris in your engine can reduce your vehicle’s performance. For example, what happens when you use a vacuum cleaner and the container or bag fills with debris? Unless you clean and empty it, the vacuum cleaner’s performance is reduced and it has to work harder to get the job done (or it just breaks!).

The same phenomenon occurs when you don’t clean your engine. However, just using any over the counter fuel system cleaner for fuel injector cleaning isn’t going to truly restore your vehicle to its original state.

Some telltale signs that it’s time to seek professional fuel system cleaning:

• Your vehicle loses acceleration or power

• You experience more engine hesitation, idling or stalling

• The reported gas mileage does not match and you are getting less miles per gallon

• You feel that your vehicle is contributing more pollution into the atmosphere than normal

Ignore the problem and you could be facing costly repairs. Instead, auto owners have ways to improve fuel economy by turning to the best fuel system cleaner in the business…MotorVac.

How Can MotorVac Make Your Engine Sing?

MotorVac is the professional’s preferred engine carbon cleaning system because it connects directly to your engine and circulates a mixture of MotorVac solution and fuel that permeates all components.

How does this approach provide you with the best fuel injector cleaning service? This method actually removes carbon, gum and varnish from the engine, the intake system and the vehicle’s exhaust system providing you with the cleanest engine possible.

What occurs when your fuel injector cleaning system actually works?

• Restores fuel economy and boost gas mileage

• Lowers vehicle emissions so you need not worry about a heavy carbon footprint

• The engine will function more efficiently, restoring power to your drive

The Automotive and Repair Association (AMRA) recommends that owners schedule professional fuel system cleaning once every 15,000 to 18,000 miles to keep your vehicle running in tip top shape.

When you use the most complete and highly effective fuel cleaning system like MotorVac, you can rest assured that your engine will run like it did when you drove it off the dealer lot.

Interested in MotorVac, the best fuel system cleaner, but aren’t sure you can afford it today? Join a mailing list with the leading auto shop in Wisconsin in order to receive special offers and coupons – an appointment for a MotorVac top engine cleaning will save more money than you’ll ever know.

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Typical Hybrid Maintenance and Repair Issues

Posted on August 18, 2011 by tjholzk

Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance – What to look for and how to fix them!

Hybrid car sales are on the rise thanks to exorbitant gas prices and America’s initiative to go green.  When gas was only $3 a gallon, a hybrid could save you nearly $800 a year – now as prices continue to skyrocket, car owners are saving even more. Plus car owners love hybrids because the vehicle significantly helps reduce your carbon footprint.

While hybrid automobiles may make commuting to Madison or Mount Horeb a little easier on your wallet, you still have to worry about the usual issues associated with owning a car. Repairs and maintenance still top the list of biggest concerns. However, should you approach hybrid maintenance and repair differently than you did with a traditional vehicle?

Diagnosing a hybrid is actually no different than any other vehicle.  For the owner, listening to clunking, rattling or humming means that it’s time to take the car to a mechanic. Also, a regular car maintenance schedule is imperative in order to stay ahead of the repair curve.

When it comes to actual hybrid maintenance and repair, your mechanic’s approach may be a little different:

  • Oil change cycle: The oil is changed less often than with the gas powered vehicle because the electric side takes some of the stress off the engine. Many experts recommend changing the oil in a hybrid between 5,000 to 10,000 miles
  • Pads and filter cycle: Brake pads also need to be changed less frequently and the air filter should be rotated out every 40,000 miles
  • Battery life: Hybrid battery life is shorter than with a traditional car battery – typical shelf life is 8 years or 80,000 miles.
  • Dashboard warning lights: Some hybrid owners complain about the engine light staying on without a problem being present. Experts suggest, having a qualified mechanic investigate and devise a plan should the light continue to appear

Advantages of Hybrid Maintenance and Repair By a Specialist

Hybrid maintenance and repair should always be handled by a trained and certified South-Central Wisconsin or Dane-County specialist. Like foreign-made vehicles, hybrid automobiles have a different applied electrical theory and component system, which creates challenges for the untrained mechanic. A Madison hybrid maintenance and repair specialist has knowledge of:

  • The alternating current and voltages underneath the hood: understanding the electric to gas system is imperative to performing maintenance and repair
  • Special charging and braking systems: regenerative braking capabilities requires a different approach to hybrid brake systems
  • Unique cooling and air conditioning system: the balance between gas and electricity creates a unique cooling system
  • Battery and charging challenges: battery life and operations are different than a traditional vehicle
  • Safety implications of high voltage wiring: a mechanic who is not trained in hybrid maintenance and repair could confuse the complex wiring system, putting you in danger

Also, working with a mechanic who stocks and has access to proper hybrid parts is important to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. A hybrid specialist will understand which parts are necessary and how to make replacements. Taking your vehicle to just any mechanic and having regular parts installed in your hybrid car can potentially ruin it.

Learn more about hybrid automobiles and how to care for and maintain them by joining the leading Wisconsin auto shop’s mailing list.  Receive special offers, coupons, and the latest news and information about hybrid automobiles and how to keep them in great shape.

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Helwig Auto Clinic Adds Solar Electric System For Energy Efficiency

Posted on August 3, 2011 by tjholzk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Steve Helwig, Owner

July 29, 2011                                                                                                                608-437-5112

HELWIG AUTO CLINIC ADDS SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM AND MAKES ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES

Helwig Auto implemented energy efficiency measures and installed a 15.3 kW solar electric system on the roof of their Mount Horeb facility.  Efficiency measures combined with the solar electric system will reduce his usage by over 36,000 kilowatt hours annually.

“By combining energy usage reduction with the installation of a solar electric system, I am proud to say we have significantly reduced our carbon footprint.  Plus, with incentives and tax credits, the project makes smart financial sense.  Solar panels on our roof, visible from Highway 78 are great advertising, plus produce power silently and without maintenance.  H&H was instrumental in guiding us through the process.  This project made us very aware of our energy usage and we are hoping to be an example for other businesses and homeowners in the area”  Steve Helwig, President and CEO, Helwig Auto.

H&H Solar Energy Services completed the installation of the 65 panel solar electric system in July of 2011.  Electricity from the flush-mounted array is supplied to a meter which will be monitored by Mount Horeb Utilities.  Two inverters convert DC power from the solar panels to usable AC power. This energy can then either be used on site, or send back to the grid. Installation time was approximately one week.  An engineering analysis was performed to ensure that the facility roof could accept the added weight of the panels and racking support.

Focus on Energy (www.focusonenergy.com) provided an incentive to assist with the installation. The Focus Cash Back Reward was enhanced by efficiency measures such as lighting retrofits and upgrades, lighting controls and equipment analysis.  Design life of the solar electric system is forty to fifty years.

An open house at Helwig Auto will be held on Saturday, September 17th from 11 am to 3 pm. Go to www.helwigauto.com and click on the RSVP button to sign up for this event.

Helwig Auto is an independent facility providing full-service repair and maintenance for Automobile, Light Trucks, SUVs and Hybrid vehicles.  Visit their website at www.helwigauto.com

H&H Solar Energy Services provides design and installation services for Solar Electric (PV), Solar Thermal/Hot Water and Wind power.  H&H is located at 818 Post Road in Madison.  608-273-4464.

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Improve gas mileage and extend your vehicle’s life with a car tune up

Posted on July 6, 2011 by tjholzk

A Quality Car Tune-Up Will Have You Singing a Happy Song

Did you know that a simple car or truck tune-up could save you thousands of dollars in repairs and gas each year? A well-tuned engine is similar to a healthy body. A person who mixes the right balance of healthy food with plenty of exercise is more productive, happier and experiences less down time from being sick.  The same holds true for your vehicle. The wear and tear on auto parts from regular use makes your vehicle “tired” and unproductive. While the vehicle may still drive the same, your sluggish engine puts more stress on other parts, wearing them down and even requiring additional fuel.

A professional auto-tune up specialist in the Madison-Mount Horeb, Dane County-Wisconsin area can help you determine when it’s time for a car tune up:

  • Spark plug replacement: Based on the spark plug type, the replacement interval can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles
  • Ignition system and/or emissions system: Replace system parts as needed or recommended by your auto tune up professional
  • Fuel and Air Filters: Filters have a certain shelf life and when clogged can compromise your vehicle’s parts and your gas mileage. A good and timely car or truck tune-up will help improve and increase mpg.
  • Ignition Timing and Idle Speeds: Regular vehicle use can knock the original timing and idle speeds off balance which may result in inefficient fuel usage
  • Onboard Computer Control System: Like your home computer or Smart Phone, your vehicle computer control system needs a check-up and typically some small adjustments to ensure your car is working efficiently

What to Look for in Your Auto Tune Up Mechanic

Plenty of mechanics offer an auto tune up. Some mechanics run special deals or tout special services, but how do you know you are going to receive the best service for your vehicle?  Because a car or truck tune-up is important to maintaining a high performing vehicle, it may be difficult to ascertain which mechanic is best.

Instead of selecting a random South Central, Madison or Mount Horeb mechanic from the phone book, consumers can use these tips to find the best auto tune up mechanic:

  • Personal recommendations: ask a friend or family member with a similar vehicle if they’ve had a good experience using a local mechanic for a car tune up
  • Locally owned independent repair shops: a locally owned auto repair shop will typically deliver the best service and should be priced lower than if you took your vehicle to the dealership. Investigate the shop using online review services such as Yelp
  • Professional affiliations: those affiliated with specific trade associations such as the Automotive Service Association (ASA) or American Automobile Association (AAA) may have a better track record than other local shops
  • Automotive certifications: like professional affiliations, going to a shop where the mechanics are ASE Certified (Automotive Service Excellence) may show areas of proficiency
  • Convenience and price: determine if the shop is conveniently located from your home/office; then conduct auto tune-up price comparisons with other local or nationally owned shops.  Ask for an itemized car tune up list from each shop to ensure you are comparing apples to apples

Also, once you’ve identified the right shop for you, ask the mechanic to perform a simple oil change so you can fully evaluate his or her work. This initial encounter should give you an idea of what it’s like to work with that shop and what kind of service they typically deliver.

Additionally, inquire about types of auto tune-ups and frequency. Some vehicles require a more intensive tune up than others based on their make model and age. One of the best ways to initiate a relationship with a car tune up mechanic is to join the Wisconsin shop’s mailing list.  By doing so, you may also receive ongoing news, special offers or coupons.

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