Kill Your Speed and Save Your Brakes

Speed is the evil nemesis of your brakes.  Driving faster than you need to can put a lot of unnecessary pressure on your brakes in the form of dissipated energy.  Here comes the science bit!  When a car is travelling, it is using kinetic energy.  Kinetic energy is calculated by multiplying the weight of your vehicle by the square of the speed it is travelling at.

When you bring your vehicle to a halt, brakes sacrifice some of their life (brake material) by turning that energy into heat.  The faster you travel, the more heat your brakes will expel and the more the material will wear away.  The term ‘burn rubber’ means exactly that!  By travelling just 10 miles per hour slower, you could lengthen the life of your brakes significantly.

Only Brake When You Need To – Be a Coaster

This might seem like a no-brainer, but so many people have their foot on the pedal when they don’t need to brake at all.  These we call the brake tappers.  These are the people who drive a little faster, then brake, drive a little faster and then brake again.  These are also the people who will find they need to arrange brake repairs and brake maintenance more often.  Then we have the coasters.  These are the people who allow their vehicle to coast down to a lower speed before needing to press the brake pedal.  And these are the people whose brakes will last a lot longer.  See how it works?

Look and Plan Ahead

The more you can preempt a stop ahead the more you can do to prolong the life of your brakes.  By looking as far ahead as possible you will be able to stop in a controlled manner at stop lights and other hazards on the road.  Remember, when you come to a stop from a higher speed this puts more pressure on your brakes causing them to need replacement sooner rather than later.

At Helwig Auto Clinic we can give you advice and assistance on any type of brake maintenance.  We offer some of the best automobile repair services in the Mount Horeb, Madison and Dane County regions.  If you are looking for an auto repair company that can give you expert advice on all aspects of brake repairs, you have found us.    We can arrange your brake check now and ensure that they give you miles of reliable performance.  You can also join our mailing list to keep up to date with our latest discounts and news.

Don’t Leave Home Without the Right Safety Restraints

Seatbelts and car safety seats are probably the number one safety consideration for kids on the road.  Until they are old enough or tall enough to be restrained by a seatbelt, your children will need to be secured in a properly installed car safety seat.  A study carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that these safety seats reduced infant fatalities by 71 percent and toddler fatalities by 54 percent.

If you are unsure which car safety seats you should be using or whether your teenager is allowed to sit in the front passenger seat, we can give you advice and assistance.

Avoiding Distractions

One major problem for parents when driving with children in the car is the high level of distraction.  Younger children don’t always understand that mommy and daddy are driving and will launch toys, food, yells and questions around the car.  It can all add up to a dangerous distraction that could lead to an accident.  Try to keep children calm with some verbal games you can all play, some music or even in-car DVD players.  Children will be less likely to cause such distractions if they are adequately distracted themselves.

General Car Safety and Maintenance

Now that you have the children safely restrained in the back with some nice soothing music playing on the radio, it’s time to turn your thoughts to general car maintenance.  When was the last time you arranged a tire check for example?  Do you know for sure that your brakes are working as they should and will stop your vehicle safely in an emergency?

Car maintenance is an essential consideration now that you have precious ‘cargo’ travelling with you.  At Helwig Auto Clinic we offer a wide range of vehicle checks to ensure your vehicle is fit for the road and less likely to let you down in the middle of nowhere.  Believe us, ‘the middle of nowhere’ is not fun when you have a back seat full of hungry and tired children!

At Helwig Auto we offer a wide range of vehicle checks that will ensure you and your family are as safe as you can be in your car.  Whether you are a resident of Mount Horeb, Dane County or Madison, Wisconsin, we can arrange a convenient appointment for brake repairs, a tire check or wheel alignment.

If you have any reason to believe that your vehicle is not performing as it should, call us immediately and one of our expert mechanics will take a look.  Don’t leave your family’s safety to chance.  We make arranging car maintenance so easy.  You can also join our mailing list to keep up to date with our latest discounts and news.

An emergency on the road can happen at any time.  From being caught for hours in traffic to crashing on a desolate road, you need to ensure you are prepared for anything.  Most people carry the obvious items such as a spare tire or a car jack, but what about those smaller items that could get you out of trouble and back on the road faster?

As a leading auto repair company we speak to a lot of drivers who have been caught out on the roadside.  This article should give you useful advice on those in-car essentials that should be with you at all times. 

Your Basic Emergency Kit

Cell Phone – While we would never advise you to talk on your cell phone while driving, it is an essential item when it comes to roadside emergencies.  Whether you need to call 911 or emergency automobile services, having a charged cell phone on hand could come in very handy.  Carry an in-car charger with you at all times so that you can top up the charge on the road and be ready for anything.  Nothing is more frustrating than a cell phone with no battery in an emergency situation! 

First Aid Kit – Always carry a basic first aid kit with you.  A few bottles of water, a blanket and some emergency food rations are also a good idea.  Make sure everybody in the car knows where to find your first aid box. 

Fire Extinguisher – A fire extinguisher is perfect for putting out a small car fire – fires that start in the engine often start out small but can spread within minutes.  Having a fire extinguisher on hand could keep your family out of danger if you can act quickly.  The most important thing to remember is to get everybody clear once a fire starts and to only tackle a small flame. Carry small extinguishers labeled 1A10BC or 2A10BC.

Warning Lights, Hazard Triangle and Flares – If your vehicle is stuck on the side of the road in the dark, it is a hazard for you and other drivers.  A battery powered warning light should be placed away from your vehicle so that drivers have plenty of time to slow down and take care. If you are stopped by the roadside, always ensure passengers stay out of the vehicle and somewhere safe on the roadside.  Reflective triangles are also a good precaution and flares are handy if you are in a deserted location.

Tire Gauge, Jack and Lug Wrench

Always have your tires checked as part of your auto troubleshooting schedule and general maintenance.  The inflation pressure on your tires should be checked along with the pressure in the spare tire.  We can arrange these checks for you and offer automobile services across the region no matter what make or model of your vehicle.

Spare Fuses

The electrical components on your vehicle are responsible for many important functions.  That’s why we always advise that you have a number of spare fuses with you at all times.  Your owner’s manual will tell you how to check and replace fuses and which ones you should have on standby. 

Jumper Cables or Battery Booster

Of course, you need a second car for jumper cables to be useful so if you are going to be driving on a busy road they are fine.  A portable battery booster may be necessary if you are driving in less populated areas.

Make sure you have these items with you at all times.  You should also carry a book on basic auto troubleshooting or keep our number somewhere handy as we are always happy to help.  At Helwig Auto we offer outstanding automobile services and advice that you can trust on the road.  Join our mailing list to find out about our offers and get valuable advice on car care and maintenance.

How to Tell When Tires Need Aligning

It is a good idea to check your tires on a regular basis especially before you embark on any long journeys.  At Helwig Auto, our auto and tire repair service is here for you whenever you need assistance and we can check your tires if you are unsure how to do so yourself.  If you have noticed your tires are worn more on one side then this could mean that you need your tires to be aligned.  You may also have noticed a problem with the way your vehicle handles the road.

Our tire service covers wheel alignment, tire checks and tire replacement.  We can supply tires for any vehicle and for any season.  Don’t take risks on the road—we can align your tires for you and replace any defective tires as necessary. Book an appointment with our team today.

Wheel Alignment is Just One Service We Provide

In addition to our outstanding auto and tire service we can also help you with general auto repair.  We can assist with oil changes, brake checks and many other services that will ensure your vehicle is safe and performing at its best.

No matter what the make or model of your vehicle, we provide the best tire service available in the region and can also fit brand new tires if we find your tires are too worn.

Years of Experience in Wheel Alignment and Tire Replacement

Our qualified tire technicians have years of experience and will ensure you get the very best service for your money.  We’ll also give you total peace of mind that your tires are aligned and fitted perfectly and able to carry and stop your vehicle without any performance or safety problems.

At Helwig Auto we take your vehicle’s performance and safety very seriously and we are on hand to help you no matter where you are in the region.  Speak to us today to find out more about our tire and auto repair in Mount Horeb, Dane County or Madison Wisconsin.  Wheel alignment has never been so easy to arrange and we can also carry out general auto repair to the highest standard.

Join our mailing list so that we can keep you up to date with our latest special offers and discounts. We will be glad to give you safety tips and advice on how to look after your tires in the coming months and before your next tire check.

1. The Flat Tire

A flat tire is one of the most frustrating problems you can experience on the road especially if you don’t know how to change a tire or do not have a spare tire available.  This is also the kind of problem that often occurs when you are least prepared to deal with it.  By having tire checks carried out on a regular basis you can help to avoid damage to your tire.  Your car repair shop can also equip you with a spare tire and show you how to change a tire if you suffer a blow out on the road.

2. The Dead Battery

A dead battery is one of the problems that a driver dreads the most.  Without a working battery there is no way of getting the engine started or powering any of the auxiliary units on board.  The good news is that you can avoid battery problems by arranging a battery test and replacement battery if necessary.  Don’t take the chance of being stuck by the side of the road or in a parking lot with no power.

3. Ignition Problems

There are many problems that can prevent a car’s engine from starting.  If you have requested a battery test then the entire ignition system will be checked.  By taking your vehicle to your local car repair shop you can ensure your car will start first time, every time.

4.  Leaks or Liquids at Low Levels

It is so important that you keep oil, water and brake fluids topped off at all times.  Oil and water should be checked every 2 weeks if you drive your car frequently or every 2 months if you drive less frequently.  Depleted water levels could cause your car to overheat while depleted oil levels could mean your engine grinds to a halt through lack of lubrication.  Brake fluid is also essential for ensuring efficient braking and will ensure your batteries last for as long as possible.

5.  Electrical Component Failure

Our vehicles rely so heavily on electrical components these days.  From your car’s onboard computer to parking sensors, you won’t know how much you rely on these systems until they fail.  Again, your car mechanic can give your vehicle the once over so that any potential problems can be detected before you set off on the road.

It’s easy to arrange automotive service and repairs online and to book full vehicle checks or checks of specific components.  Whether you are situated in Mount Horeb, Dane County or Madison Wisconsin, Helwig Auto Clinic, your local car repair facility can assist.  You can also keep up to date with the latest offers and discounts by joining our mailing list.

Many reasons why vehicles break down during a long road trip are down to poor checks being carried out before setting off.  Here are just some of the checks that can be completed by your car mechanics repair shop.

Check Tire Pressure and Tread

Your tires come under a lot of stress during their lifetime and it is important they are checked at regular intervals, especially before you expect them to take you hundreds of miles without any problems.  Your auto repairs shop can check tire pressure, the tread of your tires and their overall condition.  Any tires that show significant wear can be replaced and any that show incorrect pressure readings can be adjusted.

Windshield Checks

If you have stone chips in your windshield, it is sensible to get these repaired before you set off.  A stone chip can rapidly become a crack and this could impair your visibility or cause a safety hazard.  If you are going to be driving in cold conditions with the heat on, your windshield is at an even bigger risk of cracking. Your car mechanics repair shop can take care of chips using a specialist resin injection system.

Windshield Washer and Wipers

Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition.  The last thing you want is to be driving in heavy downpour, snowfall or blizzard and whiteout conditions with poor visibility.  It isn’t always possible to pull off the highway and who knows how long the storm will last?  Good windshield wipers will help ensure good visibility and, therefore, a safe drive.

Check Oil Levels

It’s amazing how many people forget to check their oil levels.  Ideally, you should be doing this every 2 weeks or at the very least every month.  Without the right amount of oil, your engine will start to run less efficiently and will eventually grind to a halt – not good when you are miles away from the nearest car repair shop.  For an efficient and quick oil change, get in touch with your car mechanics repair shop for the best service and total peace of mind.

Water

No matter what temperatures or conditions you are driving in, water is essential for the smooth running of your engine.  Always ensure your water levels are checked and adjusted to prevent your engine from overheating.  This is especially important if you are going to be driving in hot weather which can even be the occasional surprise in spring.

It’s easy to arrange automotive service and repairs online and to book an assessment of your vehicle before a long journey.  Whether you are situated in Dane County, Madison or Mount Horeb, Helwig Auto Clinic, your local car repair shop will be able to carry out the essential checks above to ensure you make it to your destination safely.  You can also keep up to date with the latest offers and discounts by joining our mailing list.

A little proactive car maintenance will ensure that your vehicle is ready for driving on ice and snow.  Fitting snow tires is one of the most important winter tasks and will ensure your vehicle has more traction when traveling on cold and treacherous road surfaces.  If you need to stop suddenly and your vehicle is not fitted with snow tires, your chances of getting into a skid or crash are high.

Get a Grip – Are Your Tires Ready for Driving on Snow?

To ensure your vehicle’s traction is adequate, your snow tires should ideally be checked or fitted by an expert.  Those high performance tires you had fitted in the summer are going to be no good for driving on ice and offer little or no grip.  Be careful with the all-season tires too.  These may be fine for wet conditions but don’t always offer the ultimate amount of traction on snow and ice.  Don’t take any chances.  Take your vehicle to your local auto repair shop to get your tires checked and replaced with snow tires. Tip: Snow tires that meet the tire industry standard will have a “snowflake and mountain” symbol imprinted on the sidewall of the tire.

Snow tires perform better in the snow because they have tread patterns that are designed specifically for biting and digging down into snow and ice.  When it comes to winter driving safety, these are the only tires worth considering.  They are made from softer rubber compounds which are able to retain their flexibility in the coldest weather.  This enables the snow tires to perform well in cold temperatures and when driving on snow and ice.  Grip is absolutely critical to the performance of your tires in winter.  Even if your vehicle is fitted with top of the range all-wheel-drive, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control, these features will be useless if your tires cannot grip the road surface.

Don’t Wait Until It Snows – Buy Your Snow Tires Online Today

You can buy tires online that are perfect for driving on ice and snow.  Simply order your snow tires online and then schedule a convenient appointment to pick them up.  Your trusted auto repair shop in South-Central Wisconsin offers this service and can even fit them for you while you wait.  There are many different snow tires available so it might also be worth speaking to your auto repair shop staff to ensure you choose the right ones for your vehicle.  Whether you own a car, light truck, Hybrid or SUV, snow tires are an essential winter driving safety consideration when the cold weather hits.

It’s easy to arrange an appointment online or to buy tires online.  Whether you are looking for snow tires well ahead of time or you need your existing tires replaced, your local repair shop in Dane County, Mount Horeb, Madison or South-Central Wisconsin can help you stay safe this winter. To keep up to date with the latest discounts and information you can also join their mailing list.

Winter

In the colder months you need to ensure that certain features of your vehicle are working properly.  The heating system is by far one of the most important.  You’ll need this for defrosting your windows and ensuring your vehicle is warm for yourself and your passengers.  A car repair shop can check that your heating system is operating at optimum levels and that all vents are working properly.  It is also a good time to get your tires and braking systems checked if you are going to be driving in icy conditions.

You can also stop fuel from freezing in your tank by keeping it at least half full at all times during the winter months.

If you are experiencing any problems with your heating or defroster systems, take your vehicle to your local car repair shop for a check-up.  You’ll also need to think about preparing your vehicle for spring soon.

Spring and Summer

Spring is a great time to spring clean your vehicle.  It’s likely that your car hasn’t been washed that much during the winter and it’s time to give it a little pampering.  It is recommended that you change your engine oil at this time too as during the winter, and especially if you have not driven your vehicle as much, oil can become less efficient and a little sluggish.  A good car repair shop will check over your oil system, replacing oil and filters as required.  They will also check the levels of other fluids such as water, power steering, automatic transmission and brake fluids.

Spring and summer is also the time when pollen levels start to increase and this can be a bad time for allergy sufferers.  It’s a good time, however, to check that your cabin ventilation system is working as it should be.  A good cabin filter for example, will ensure a comfortable and pleasurable drive if you or your passengers suffer from allergies.  Seasonal car maintenance is important if you want to keep your vehicle in tip top condition and ensure the safety and comfort of your passengers.  Your car repair shop will be happy to give you more advice.

Other car maintenance tasks that are helpful during the summer months are the checking of coolant in your vehicle and also a thorough check of your air conditioning system.  If your air conditioning system is not as efficient as it once was, it could benefit from a service.

Fall

Fall is the time when you can arrange your annual engine tune up.  This thorough check will ensure your vehicle is ready again for the colder months ahead and that any components that need to be replaced or repaired are dealt with.  Spark plugs, batteries, and even your car’s computer will be thoroughly checked to ensure they are working as they should.

These are just some of the seasonal vehicle maintenance tasks you should arrange throughout the year.  To get the best results, take your vehicle to your local auto repair shop for expert advice and assistance.  You can arrange an appointment online.

Get in touch with your local car repair shop serving Dane County, Mount Horeb, Madison and the rest of South-Central Wisconsin today for more information and to arrange a convenient appointment.  You can also be kept informed of the latest auto maintenance advice and receive discount coupons by joining their mailing list.

Arranging a regular engine tune up will ensure that your vehicle is operating at peak performance and that emissions are kept as low as possible.

Filters, spark plugs and exhaust components are some of the key areas checked during an engine tune up along with routine testing of the ignition system and the carburetor.  You may not notice a problem with these components until it is too late and you are stuck on the shoulder of the highway!  Better to arrange your auto tune up now to avoid this happening.

Modern Vehicles Need a Tune-Up Too

Calibration takes up much of the auto tune up process especially with older vehicles using more traditional parts.  Modern vehicles automatically calibrate a large proportion of their settings such as idle speed, carburetor balance, and ignition timing, but even the newest vehicles can benefit from a regular engine tune up.

If you have noticed your vehicle’s performance has slowed recently or that it doesn’t start up as quickly as it once did, an auto tune up could improve response times considerably.  Very often just one small component can cause a delay in the engine starting or a problem when the engine is idling.  By booking your vehicle in for an engine tune up, you can ensure that all components affecting ignition, idle speed and a whole host of other functions are checked and improved where necessary.

Whether you are looking for a tune up for your car, SUV, truck or hybrid vehicle, it makes sense to choose a vehicle repair shop with years of experience.

Arranging a Quality Tune Up Could Not Be Easier

Book your annual tune up today.  If your vehicle covers a lot of miles each year you might want to consider a bi-annual tune up.  Not only will a regular auto tune up ensure that your vehicle is operating at its best but it can also prolong the life of your car and give you the best returns should you want to sell your vehicle in the future. A modern day tune up will also take into consideration any onboard computer systems you have in place ensuring that these are working optimally for your vehicle.

It’s easy to arrange an appointment online for a complete tune up for your truck, car, or any other vehicle you drive.  Whether you are looking for spark plugs to be replaced or calibration of idle speeds or ignition timings, your car tune up service will cover all of that.

Get in touch with your local repair shop in Dane County, Mouth Horeb, Madison or South-Central Wisconsin today for more information and to arrange a convenient appointment.  To keep up to date with the latest discounts and information you can also join their mailing list.

If you’ve noticed that your engine keeps stalling or your gas mileage has decreased, it could be time to have your fuel system checked.  The fuel system is one of the hardest worked areas of your engine and it can become clogged, dirty and inefficient if not maintained correctly and on a regular basis.

Over time, your engine can become contaminated with carbon deposits, dust and grime.  This contamination can result in the poor performance of your engine and result in jumpy starts, rough idling and a loss in acceleration.  Even if you take your vehicle in for a regular tune-up, these problems can occur as the problem requires more specialist care in the form of a fuel system cleaner or fuel injector cleaning.

Fuel pump problems can also cause your engine to become less efficient.  Problems can range from a bad fuel pump to inadequate pressure.  When there is not enough pressure, the car will not start and can even stop while the engine is running.  If the pressure is okay, but volume is no longer adequate, the engine will operate but might lose power.  And if your fuel pump fails completely, the engine will fail to start at all.  The fuel pump is often the first port of call during fuel system checks.

Arranging a Fuel System Check and Cleaning

As part of your annual vehicle maintenance, why not book your car in for a fuel system clean?  There are many fuel system cleaner options available and which you choose will depend on what your local vehicle maintenance shop has to offer.  However, the premise is simple; your entire fuel system will be cleaned inside and out helping to restore fuel economy, improve engine performance and increase gas mileage.

The Automotive and Repair Association (AMRA) recommends the use of a fuel system cleaner once every 15,000 to 18,000 miles in order to keep the fuel system operating at peak performance.  Whether you own a car, truck or SUV you should arrange for regular fuel system maintenance.

Increase Performance and Reduce Pollution with Fuel System Cleaning

When your vehicle burns dirty fuel it’s not only bad for your vehicle, but bad for the environment too.  By ensuring that your vehicle is able to keep fuel as clean as possible during the combustion cycle you can do your bit for the environment as well as keep your vehicle in good shape.  An annual fuel check is the best way to ensure that all components within your fuel system are doing their job perfectly.

You can arrange an appointment online for a complete checkup and cleaning of your vehicle’s fuel system.  Whether you need a fuel filter replacement or a fuel injector cleaner service, your vehicle repair shop can take care of these services.  Get in touch with your local repair shop in Madison, Mount Horeb, Dane County or South-Central Wisconsin and book a fuel system check today.  Another great idea is to join their mailing list.  Doing so will give you access to the latest vehicle maintenance information and the very best discounts and offers.