West Bend & Hubertus Auto Repair

  A squeaking sound coming from any vehicle can be quite alarming. The squeaking can be caused by several things such as the vehicle's belts, power steering, suspension, wheel bearings or even the brakes.  Brake Issues: When brake components are nearing the end of their lifespan or are misaligned can produce a squeaking noise. When turning the brake pads or rotors be interacting differently with the wheels which may cause a squeaking noise.  Tire Issues: Uneven wear, low tire pressure, or tires that are old can cause a squeak when the tires interact with the roads during turns.  Suspension Components: Worn or out improperly lubricated suspension components like control arms, ball joints or bushing can create a squeaking sound when they move when the vehicle is turning. When the vehicle is turning the car's weight shifts and causes stress and friction on the suspension components.  ... read more

Run flat tires are tires that you can continue driving on after a puncture to get to an auto repair shop or a level area to change the tire. However, you may not drive on them for a long period of time. The manufacturer of the tires will have specifications on how fast and long to drive on the tire. There are two types of run flats, self-supporting and support ring system. The self-supporting system tire has a reinforced sidewall that will continue to support the vehicle when air is lost. The support ring run flats employ a ring of hard rubber that can support the vehicle's weight when air is lost. With running run flats, it may be hard to tell when you are driving on an under inflated tire. However, most vehicles do have a tire pressure monitoring system that would inform you when the tires air pressure is lower than the manufactures specifications. Call us today for a quote on tires. Our auto repair shops can get most makes and models of tires. 

If the wire harness has damage, it can cause electrical issues in your vehicle that can prevent it from starting. The wire harness is responsible for connecting different electrical components in the vehicle. If the wires are chewed on or damaged, it can disrupt the flow of electricity and cause problems. Depending on which wires are damaged and how severe the damage is, the vehicle may not start. The wires that are damaged will need to be replaced or repaired in order for the electrical system to function properly. Call us today to have our technicians inspect the wire harness. Our certified technicians will be able to diagnose the extent of the damage to determine the best course of action to get the vehicle back up and running! 

We often get the question if a vehicle needs an emissions test. The following seven counties require emission test: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha. A test is required for vehicles with auto or light truck plates. Vehicles between the years of 1996 and 2006 with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 8,501 pounds. Vehicles 2007 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating up to 14,000 pounds. Odd year vehicles are tested in even years and even year vehicles are tested in the odd years. A test could be required for the following: when a vehicle is purchased, when an owner is added or removed from a vehicle title, new residents transferring vehicle to Wisconsin. Vehicles 3 years or older will require an emission test as well. The test themselves are free of charge and take about 10 minutes. There is no appointment necessary; first come first serve.   

  It is very important that the tires on your vehicle are in great shape. Tires are on the only contact your vehicle has with the roadway. As we are approaching the snowy season in Wisconsin, we never know what to expect weather wise. We know the first snow fall is near and this is our reminder to you to check the condition of your tires.  There can be tread depth indicators found on most tires. These tread depth indicators are not able to be seen when the tires are new. Bars running perpendicular to the tread will start to show themselves as the tire tread gets low. If you notice the tread depth indicators, your tread depths are too low and you should replace your tires.  Another way you can check the tread depth, believe it or not, is with a penny. To determine if your tires are low on tread, place the penny in your tread with Lincoln's head pointed down. If you can see the top of his head, the tire tread is low and new tires should be purchased in the near ... read more