Service the way it should be

Janesville, WI

608-373-9750


Keep Your Classic from Rusting

February 11, 2016

If you’re a classic car fan, nothing beats the pride of owning one. Whether you enjoy driving around with the motor revved in summer months or keeping your beauty shiny and polished in your garage, caring for it can be fun and give you many rewarding memories. Rust is a menace to an antique car owner. It can mar the appearance as well as damage essential engine parts. If you’re concerned about rust, here is some advice to keep your classic glistening and corrosion-free.

Routine Waxing

A thorough waxing every four months protects your car against oxidation. The extra layer also provides that freshly polished beautiful sheen under the lights.

Pay Attention to Storage

If you store your car long-term, be certain to keep it somewhere that doesn’t promote the spread rust. A storage facility with puddles or drips puts the vehicle in danger of moisture, which eventually causes rust. Generally, classic cars should be kept in a dry location free of any airborne waste material.

Clean Up Spills Promptly

We understand how much fun it is to take your classic for an occasional wild spin. Just be aware of interior spilling if you make a sudden turn. Clean up any liquids you spill as quickly as possible. The longer the interior is subjected to moisture, the greater the risk of rusting.

At CTR Automotive, we are committed to making your class automotive experience a happy one. We have a knowledgeable team of classic enthusiasts that make us the best place to bring your dream car for maintenance, servicing and restoration. Call 608-373-3511 and schedule an appointment today. We welcome you to discover why our reliability and reputation is first-rate.

Winter Driving in Janesville and Milton WI

January 7, 2016

What’s the ideal type of vehicle for winter-weather driving in the Janesville and Milton area? Or overall driving? Here is some useful information to consider when determining which type of system will suit you best.

Four wheel drive (4 WD)

This set-up is usually found in SUVs and pick-ups trucks. Most 4WD systems function only on the rear wheels until the driver or automatic computerized system appoints it to the front axles. When 4WD is engaged, the front wheels get half of the engine’s output and the rear wheels get the other half. Four wheel drive truck systems are designed for driving at a low speed in heavy snow or off-road driving.

Pros

A 4WD truck set-up is ideal for unplowed roads with deep snow or mud, off-road travel or uneven surfaces. The low gearing capacity allows the driver to get up any steep terrain and trudge through heavy snow or mud. This is a great system for drivers who live in rural regions that frequently contend with unplowed or rough surfaces.

Cons

Truck-type 4WD vehicles usually run in 2WD with only the back wheels getting engine power. This system provides less grip than a front wheel drive car which pulls the wheels instead of pushing the vehicle. Another reason for less traction is that the weight of the engine and transmission is placed on top of the wheel drive. Also, 4WD set up is not created for fast speed on paved roads. Four wheel handling on dry roads actually puts excessive wear on 4WD parts.

Lastly, this system reduces fuel efficiency due to a couple hundred pounds of extra weight. If you only need to use 4WD on rare occasions you’ll be wasting money for driving around with that dead weight.

Buy a 4WD:

  • If you travel in major off-road conditions, such unpaved gravel or dirt roads.
  • If you live where winters are severe and you will regularly drive through unplowed areas of deep snow.

All wheel drive (AWD)

This set-up sends engine power to all four, or individual wheels, as needed to ensure traction. Today AWD is available on many passenger automobiles and light duty crossovers.

Pros

AWD provides optimal all-season traction on snowy roads in winter and improved performance on dry or wet paved roads all year long. The system is designed for travel on smooth surfaces as well as snow, dirt or unpaved gravel. These vehicles perform superbly on dry paved roads with a superior capacity for winter and rainy weather also. With AWD no additional involvement of the driver is required. Engine power is automatically routed in various increments to get the best traction.

Cons

AWD has no low range gearing and is not built for off-road driving. It increases the purchase cost of the vehicle by as much as a few thousand dollars. In most models AWD adds substantial weight to the vehicle, which reduces fuel efficiency.
Buy an AWD:

  • If you have excellent performance in mind with high speed traction and cornering.
  • You’ll also appreciate the benefits of a superior grip when it snows or rains.

    • Front wheel drive (FWD)

    Most passenger cars SUV crossovers are equipped with FWD today.

    Pros

    Front wheel drive automobiles are actually pretty efficient in snow because the engine weight is placed on top of the driven wheels. It is much easier to operate in snow than rear wheel drive. You can purchase a good set of snow tires and travel safely unless there is an exceptional amount of snow. If you have enough ground clearance you won’t get stuck. A FWD system is more economical to buy as well as operate. You won’t have to pay for the extra gas from hauling around equipment you rarely use.

    Cons

    FWD cars carry more weight in the front, a design which restricts handling and performance. Front wheel drive automobiles are built with economy in mind and aren’t ideal for high speed operation.
    Buy a FWD

    • If your main goal is to simply get from one place to the other and you want fairly good traction when there is occasional snow on the road.

    At CTR Automotive Services, we can help you decide on the particular system that will be most beneficial for our Janesville area residents. We service new, used and custom classic vehicles with 4WD, FWD and AWD systems. Call us today at 608-373-9750 to schedule an appointment.

    Important Skills for Milton WI Drivers

    December 29, 2015

    The most common form of transportation in Milton, WI is driving. That’s how 95% of Milton residents get to work. There are some things drivers can be familiar with to keep their vehicles in reliable working condition before bringing them in to CTR Automotive Service Center in Janesville, WI.

    1. Know when your oil should be changed.

    Engines are not all alike. Refer to the owner’s manual to find out when the best time and/or mileage is for oil changes on your specific model. If you don’t have a manual, you can get it on-line.

    2. Where your check engine light is located and what steps to take if it goes on.

    Read your manual. Sometimes the light may display something you can fix simply, or you may need to bring your vehicle to our shop to determine if repair work is necessary.

    3. Windshield wiper blade replacement.

    You should probably put new ones about every six months. This is a simple and quick job. Your manual will designate specific sizes.

    4. Inspect your headlights and taillights.

    Headlights are known to dim when they get old. You should routinely check them, since some actually need to be replaced as much as once a year.

    5. Make sure you regularly check and adjust tire pressure.

    Most gas stations provide air pump to measure tire pressure and add or remove air. Again, correct tire pressure is listed in the owner’s manual.

    6. Know when to change your air filter.

    And yes, look it up in your car owner’s manual when your air filter needs to be replaced. Keeping up on these changes boosts your fuel efficiency.

    7. Find dependable and skilled mechanics.

    Milton drivers that have done their research know that the best mechanics in the area are right here at CTR Automotive. Don’t seek out the cheapest services because you’ll want technicians that actually care for your vehicle. Keep our information readily available in the event of an emergency. Call us anytime at 608-373-9750 with questions you have about servicing your vehicle.

    Serving Janesville WI, Milton WI, Edgerton WI, Fulton WI, Indianford WI, Afton WI, Emerald Grove WI and Anderson WI

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