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Oil changes: almost every automobile needs ‘em. If you’re like most, you know oil changes need to be done regularly. But why? What does motor oil do, what kind do you need, and what happens if you don’t change your oil? Read on for knowledge and advice from auto industry veterans. P.S. - Don’t forget to listen to the All About The Car podcast episode about oil changes here!   What Does Motor Oil Do?    Before there were oil changes, there had to be oil! Oil was first found to have lubricati...

You’ve examined the tread, worked out the math on your mileage, defined your driving style, and considered road and weather conditions...and now you’re ready to buy your next set of tires. But, where do you start? How can you be sure you’re finding the best deals and tire options for your vehicle?    P.S. -- If you’re just joining the conversation, be sure to check out this All About The Car podcast episode that will help you determine if your tires are ready to be replaced.    What Size Ti...

We live busy lives and often don’t have time for tasks like cleaning our car. Cleaning your car is an important aspect of car maintenance that many don’t realize the benefits of keeping up with. A clean car is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it can also increase the resale value of your car. While some clean their cars themselves, others pay a professional car wash to do the work for them. Ideally, you should get your car cleaned on a weekly basis. However, many car owners clean their ca...

Have your tires seen better days? Are you worried about safe winter driving? If so, you may be in the market for a new set of tires. But, how can you be sure? There is one telltale sign that will help you understand when your tires need to be replaced - and that's tread depth.  Psst - Listen to additional information in the latest All About The Car podcast! What is Tread Depth?    Tread depth is the measure of the amount of tread on your tires. Tread wears down over time, and watching for low t...

Have you ever experienced back pain? We’ve all been there. If you’ve paid a visit to a chiropractor, they help adjust your spine back to its optimal position. So, what does this have to do with cars? Just like your body, vehicles can fall out of alignment. Maintaining proper wheel alignment is necessary to promote top notch handling and prolong the life of your tires.  What is Wheel Alignment?    Wheel alignment is the act of adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels to match the manufactur...

What is tire rotation? Maybe you’ve heard of the term “tire rotation”. If so, you probably know that it’s important to have your vehicle’s tires rotated. But what does this mean, and why is it so critical to the health of your car?    The concept is simple. Tire rotation is nothing more than moving the tires from their initial position to a new location on your vehicle. This is done in a systematic way: typically, front tires are moved to the back of the car, and back tires are moved to th...

During those hot Wisconsin summer days, the air conditioning in your car can be a real lifesaver. In fact, with over 99% of cars today equipped with A/C, it’s hard to imagine driving without this “cool” convenience! But, air conditioning was not always a standard feature in vehicles. It wasn’t until the 1940 Packard came along that air conditioning systems were first factory-installed in automobiles.    Chances are good you haven’t needed to worry about your car’s air conditioning system ...

Are you moving furniture, hauling lumber, or clearing brush from your back yard? Sounds like you could use a utility trailer!  Utility trailers can be a great help for a variety of tasks. But, there are many safety precautions that should be taken when towing one. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or are looking to tow a trailer for the first time, read on for helpful tips and tricks from automotive industry veterans. Psst - you can also listen to this information in the new All About The Car podc...

Since motor oil lubricates the moving parts in your engine, it is one of the most important fluids in your car. It’s essential to choose an oil that meets the needs of you and your vehicle. So, what is the difference between synthetic and conventional oil? If you’re not sure, this blog (and your owner’s manual) will help answer this common question.  Let’s start with conventional oil. Conventional oil options are often recommended for vehicles made in or before the year 2000. This product f...

Summer will be here before you know it. As the weather warms up and drivers spend more time on the road, it is important to give extra attention to your vehicle during this time of year. It’s easy for wear and tear to go unnoticed over winter months; now is the perfect opportunity to assess your vehicle and take care of any cleaning, maintenance or repairs your car requires! Not sure where to begin? That’s okay, following the steps below will give you a great start.  Examine Your Vehicle  Fi...