Crosse Auto Repair

WARNING! reading this article may make you feel uncomfortable BUT could also strike a sense of calm for many of you. We are talking today about the CEL; also known as the Check Engine Light First, let's take a look at the "don't ignore me" CEL. This CEL is flashing yellow, or it could be red. If you see this light on the dash; you need to call us right away! The light is warning you of possible severe damage to the catalytic converter or other components. You should not drive at highway speeds, tow or haul heavy loads. Drive with care to our shop. Second, if the CEL light is glowing steadily, you should keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the light doesn’t go off, schedule an appointment with us to get it checked out. Thirdly, take a few deep breaths! Try not to stress too much over the CEL light. Give us a call at 608-782-1375 and we will get to the cause of the CEL so you can rest easier.  

Great! You're on your way to an important event and your car won't start! You immediately think that the battery is dead. But it could also be the alternator. The alternator feeds power to the electrical system for your entertainment system, accessories and charging ports. The battery gets recharged with any extra electrical power. A failing (failed) alternator may not be able to keep the battery charged. Most often, when the alternator fails it is due to bearings failing and seizing up. You might hear a grinding noise or even an electrical smell. There are other symptoms your vehicle may be showing as well. It's best to get your vehicle in for an inspection with a trained technician for diagnosing your vehicle's issue(s). You may contact us at 608-782-1375 or ... read more

October is Car Care Awareness Month. Bob would like to remind you of these important maintenance items to address in October (before the snow flies)! 1. TIRES- how is the tread? are they wearing evenly? do they need to be rotated? 2. BRAKES- think safety here 3. WIPER BLADES, defrosters and heater - you will be thanking yourself when the precipitation begins to fall (rain, sleet, snow) 4. BATTERY- you do not want to be left stranded in winter weather! 5. LIGHTS-- be sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights, fog lights, and hi-beams are in working order. - again, safety is the concern If your vehicle is in need of any of these services, give us a call or make the appointment online. 608-782-1375 or ... read more

What is a serpentine belt? How do I know if it needs to be replaced? A serpentine belt is a very important part of the engine. This belt's primary job is to transfer power to parts like the power steering pump, the alternator or air conditioning compressor. Without the serpentine belt all these parts would stop working. And you would be totally stranded wherever you are! How do you know if your serpentine belt needs to be replaced? These belts typically need to be replaced around 100,000 miles. Older serpentine belts, made of regular rubber, will start to crack over time. Newer belts, made of neoprene-- a specialized type of rubber, will not crack but will show signs of wear. It's common for the serpentine belt to start squealing or start making a chirping sound as they start to wear out. Your engine's serpentine belt is most definitely something you need to keep on top of. Here at Bob's Auto, we inspect your vehicle's serpentine belt at each oil change.  

It's that time of year when we finish up gathering all the papers and forms needed for filing our taxes for 2023. If you are expecting a refund and the state and/or federal level(s); how do you plan on spending that refund? Tax refunds are really nice to use to purchase something that you have been wanting or needing for a while. It's almost like a bonus birthday present! I'm going to plant the seed to perhaps put some of that tax refund towards some maintenance needs for your vehicle(s). What?? That's right, give your vehicle some "maintenance love"! As this video explains some preventive maintenance may just be what your vehicle needs to keep you on the road and possibly save you money in the long run. Take a look ... read more