West Bend & Hubertus Auto Repair

Suspension Issues: Problems with your car’s suspension system can lead to bouncing. This could be due to worn-out shock absorbers, struts, or other suspension components. If these are not functioning properly, they can’t effectively absorb the bumps and shocks from the road.    Tire issues: Uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or imbalanced tires can cause your vehicle to bounce. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated and have even tread wear. If the tires are out of balance, it can also contribute to bouncing.    Alignment Issues: Improper wheel alignment can result in uneven tire wear and cause your vehicle to bounce. If the wheels are not aligned properly, it can affect how the tires interact with the road surface.   Damaged Springs: The springs in your vehicle’s suspension system help absorb shocks. If these springs are damaged or worn out, it can lead to bouncing.    Worn Bushings or Bearings: Bushings and bearings ... read more

  With the upcoming snowy season in Wisconsin, the unpredictable weather makes it important to keep our tires in tip top shape. As the snowfall approaches, we'd like to remind you to check the condition of your tires. Most tires come equipped with tread depth indicators, which may not be visible when the tires are new. These indicators, represented by bars running perpendicular to the tread, become apparent as the tread wears down. If you observe these indicators, it signals that your tread depths are too low and the tires should be replaced. Surprisingly, a simple method to check tread depth involves using a penny. Insert the penny into the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If the top of his head is visible, it indicates low tread depth, indicating the need for new tires soon. Cracks in the sidewall present a safety concern and may also indicate the need for new tires. Any cuts or gouges in the sidewall can lead to air leaks or potential blowouts. If you have any ... read more

  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. 

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.