West Bend & Hubertus Auto Repair

  What is a wheel lock you may be asking? A wheel lock is a locking lug nut that contains theft-deterring sockets. To remove the locking lug nut, you must have the wheel lock and each set of wheels has its own key. This is a safety feature that prevents the tire, rim, and wheel from being removed from the vehicle. These locks are meant to deter criminals from stealing the wheels off your vehicle. If you are not sure where your wheel lock may be a dealership or manufacturer can replace it if you have the code for your wheel lock. You also can sometimes order a replacement online if you have the make and model of your wheel locks. Our auto repair shop can also remove the wheel locks from the vehicle. We use a special socket that digs into the metal grip on the outside of the wheel lock. This will cause damage to the wheel lock and will not be able to be reused.  If there is a wheel lock installed on your vehicle, please be sure to have it easily accessible at the time&n ... read more

What is this digital courtesy inspection your team is always talking about? Each one of our technicians is equipped with an iPad. This allows our technicians to perform a multi-point inspection on every vehicle that comes in. This inspection is no charge to the customer and checks things over from fluids to suspension components. We will check light bulbs on all four corners of the vehicle to confirm no light bulbs are burnt out. We will check all fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, windshield washer, and brake fluid. The air filter will also be inspected which is what prevents any dust, particles, and sand or debris from reaching the engine. This inspection allows us to keep you informed about what is going with your vehicle. When the inspection is complete you, the customer gets a copy via e-mail or text message with pictures of your vehicle and the inspection report

Tire Tread Patterns When it comes to tire shopping, it can be a little overwhelming. When purchasing tires there are things to look at such as the tire tread patterns. There are symmetrical, directional, and asymmetrical.  Symmetrical  Symmetrical tread patterns are the most common tread patterns for tires. These tires are best suitable for passenger car tires but not recommended for high performance use. Tires with symmetrical tread patterns have continuous ribs or independent tread blocks across the entire face of the tread. These tires are known to drive smooth, high directional stability, and low rolling resistance. They are also quiet, long lasting, and fuel efficient. However, they are less adaptable to changing road conditions on the road. The pattern delivers grip on dry road however they will no be as effective in wet conditions as other tires.  Directional  A directional tire pattern is design ... read more

How to Properly Check Your Tire Pressure   Maintaining the proper PSI is easy and important to the overall tire performance of your vehicle. A properly inflated tire will help provide a longer life, better fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride. Over inflation and underinflation can cause premature treadwear and possible tire failure. The best way to make sure you're getting the most out of your tires is to check your tire pressure on a regular basis.  The tire pressure you use for checking your tire pressure can be standard or digital. Any auto parts stores typically carry both tire pressure gauges. They also sell portable air compressors that run from your car battery or the 12 volt power port. There are even a few gas stations left out there that have air available for a small charge.  Always start with your vehicle's tires being cold if possible. The manufacturer of the vehicle usually bases the specific PSI assuming the ... read more

Other than the lights that help monitor your engine, there is normally a tire pressure light on each vehicle’s dashboard. Most newer vehicles have a tire monitoring system which is a system that monitors the pressure in each tire. This is also known as your tire’s PSI (pound per square inch). The tire monitor light will come on when you need to add air to a certain tire. If this tire light comes on fairly often after you fill the tires back up, to the correct PSI, it usually means there is a leak somewhere within the tire. It is very important to keep your tires at the correct tire pressure. If the tire pressure is to low it can cause extra wear on your tires. If the tire pressure is too high it can cause blowouts on longer drives in hot weather. To find the correct PSI for your vehicle’s tires there is a plaque on the frame of the driver’s side door that will state your tire size and what the PSI should be filled to. Call Bob's Main Street Auto & Towing ... read more