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Located in Hartford, WI
262-673-2322
Located in Hartford, WI
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Your Car's Servicing Crib Notes

Details Are Important

  • How long has it been like this?
  • When did it start acting like this?
  • Was it noticed after any other repairs were done?
  • What does it feel and sound like?
Simple tips like this help us diagnose the problems faster.

Fluids and Colors

Most fluids in a vehicle are different colors and all can leak here is a list of the types and colors:
  • Coolant: Green/orange/yellow
  • Transmission: Red
  • Washer fluid: Blue/purple
  • Brake fluid: Golden
  • Oil: Dark brownish

Your Check Engine Light

  • A flashing check engine light is a run ability issue and should be serviced right away.
  • Also keep an eye on your other trouble lights on the dash as they are very important and usually mean something is failing and needs to be replaced.
Car Battery

About Batteries

  • Most batteries will not go past their warranty.
  • Know when to replace it: Check date scratched off on top of battery, this shows the month and year purchased.
  • Large number 36,48,60,72 etc. is months of warranty.
  • Replace battery or have tested if it's close to warranty end.
  • Also make sure to have a charging system check before winter.
Auto Tires

Do You Need Tires?

  • Insert a penny with head side down into tread of tire.
  • If you see Lincoln's head, tires should be replaced.
  • Check the wear of your tires i.e. look for smoothness on the inner or outer of your tire compared to the rest of the tire. Look for spots or bulges as well.
  • You should be rotating your tires every 9,000 miles or every other oil change.
Copy, paste and print a few out to keep in your cars.
Auto Repair

Intermittent Note Pad

Write down anything you think is important for the technician at the time of failure. Here are helpful hints.
  • Time of day
  • Length of drive
  • Outside temp
  • Engine temp
  • Road conditions
  • Any passengers and where they were sitting
  • What accessories are on
  • How many restarts between failure
  • Noise or vibration before failure
  • What did it sound like and feel like
Trust our experience as we are in this business since 1984. Call Westside Auto Center for all your auto repair needs!
262-673-2322
Whether you have questions about your fluids, check engine light, batteries or tires, We have the answers for you here so you'll know if your car is experiencing something normal or a little unusual. Visit us today!
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