• Unusual sounds
• Unusual odors
• Changes in acceleration
• Changes in engine performance
• Problems in handling, braking, steering and vibrations.
• Warning lights
• Leaks
• Visible signs of vehicle distress such as light or dark smoke (may indicate vehicle is burning oil leaking into the combustion chamber).
• Past normal scheduling of vehicle service and maintenance (example: 3000 mile oil change with Multipoint Vehicle Maintenance Inspection).

Choosing a Repair Shop Checklist Here are some tips from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on finding a good repair establishment:   Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations. Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location. Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions. Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work. Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards. Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE. Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty.

Why do I need a tune up?

A proper and routine tune-up allows your engine to work hand in hand with the rest of your car’s power train. This is how optimum car performance is achieved.

A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. Modern engines compensate for worn parts to a degree, giving you the sense that everything is fine with your car. A routine tune-up will restore your car to its normal operating state, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the engine and emissions system.

Possible Scam … Warning!“ “Engine Tune-ups” There is a very good reason service centers do not sell “engine” tune-ups anymore. Engine tune-ups involve sparkplugs, primarily, and constitute a maintenance item. They are not to  be left as “repair work”. Unfortunately, there are many outlets that do treat them as if they were repair work. These outlets know they can attract people who are hoping to find quick solutions, inexpensive “repairs”. These services then find alleged “solutions” for “problems” without doing accurate diagnostic work. In other words, you will pay for what you don't need in most instances. Since tune-ups primarily deal with sparkplugs, these are normally handled as maintenance items by reputable automotive service centers. In other  words, no responsible, certified automotive service center will handle maintenance items as if they were automotive repairs. The two categories -- maintenance and repairs -- should be kept separate in your thinking. Always check your maintenance schedule and keep up to date. Always use certified automotive service centers who will perform accurate diagnostics as well as responsible maintenance for your car. More Scams

When do I need a tune-up? Ask yourself these questions…

• How often does my car need a tune-up?
• If the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light comes on, does that mean it’s time for a tune-up?
• What other services must also be performed at the same time as the tune-up?

Typical Service

• Spark plugs replacement intervals range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the quality of the spark plug itself.
• Ignition system and/or emission system parts may need replacement.
• Replace fuel and air filters
• Adjust ignition timing and idle speeds where applicable
• Ensure onboard computer control system is functioning properly

Call us. Explain your concerns and we can help you make the necessary decisions for the safety and performance of your car.

Oil & Other Leaks

Do not overlook car leaks. Operating a vehicle low on vital fluids can be ruinous to the engine. Tell your repair shop technician what you are finding. Follow these steps:

1. Try to locate the source of the leakage.
2. Park your car overnight on a clean patch of pavement/garage floor. Place a clean piece of white paper (not newspaper which can change the color of the leak). Use commercial wrapping paper.
3. In the morning look for leakage after you move your vehicle.
4. If the leak is clear and watery and is found under the air conditioning unit, it’s normal condensation.
5. If you have an automatic transmission and the leak is red or pink and greasy, you may have a transmission leak.
6. If the leak is dark brown or black (and greasy), let your technician know and try to determine where the leak is located (under which part of the vehicle).
7. If it smells like gasoline it probably is gasoline. Gas is volatile, igniting easily. Get this checked immediately.
8. Light colored fluid (not watery) may indicate brake fluid leakage. Have repair service person look at it immediately.
9. Oily in texture and either red, green, orange, blue or rust color - and found under the engine or radiator – it probably is coolant

 

Smart shoppers, like smart motorists, make better decisions when they know all of the options. When your car or truck suffers major engine damage, often the first reaction of many consumers is to buy a new or used vehicle. However, many times that simply is not necessary or cost effective.

You should first discuss your options with your automotive technician. At Richfield Service Center, we will give you all the options we believe you need to make the best possible engine service decision necessary – both for the potentials costs involved and for the life of your car.

Often times you’ll learn that choosing to repower your current engine with a remanufactured/rebuilt engine is your most reliable and cost effective choice over the long term. This is especially true compared to trading in your vehicle, patching the specific engine problem, or installing a used or new engine!



You should seriously consider the pros and cons of the following options if you find out there is major damage to your car engine:

1. Trade-in the vehicle – keep in mind that the trade-in value of your vehicle will be reduced because of the damage to your engine. Also, by trading in your vehicle for a used one, you might very well be purchasing another vehicle with mechanical problems that you are unaware of. Used vehicles may cost less, but often you don’t know what you’re buying.
2. Do a patch job – depending on the type of damage to your engine, you could consider fixing the specific problem, but this is usually expensive and there are no guarantees that other engine related failures won’t occur.
3. Install a used engine – you could swap your damaged engine for one that came out of another vehicle. The downside to this option is that you don’t know the history of the used engine or if it was properly maintained. Although “junk yard” engines may be warranted, the labor to replace a used engine with problems will likely escalate your repair bill.
4. Install a new engine – this is a brand new engine, just like the one that came in your vehicle when it was purchased new. These units have one big downside…a much higher price!
5. Repower your engine. This is your best value option!

With repowering, your engine or an identical one from another like-vehicle, is completely remanufactured/rebuilt. Critically important internal parts get replaced with new ones that meet or exceed original equipment performance standards.

Frequently, remanufactured/rebuilt engines are even better than the new engines installed at the factory. This is because the original factory engine problems have been redesigned or repaired with better quality parts. They are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty programs that also usually cover installation expenses.


Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to a national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With nearly 400,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified professionals can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even municipal fleets.

Certification Benefits Motorists
ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Prior to taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult, national tests, ASE-certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers, and to their customers. Moreover, shop owners and managers who encourage their employees to become certified can be counted on to be concerned about the other aspects of their business

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Engine Service	Transmission Service
A/C Service	Brake Service
Steering and Suspension Service	Vehicle Computer Service
Vehicle Electric Service	Fuel Injection Service
Exhaust Service	Vehicle Inspection Service
Cooling System Service	Diesel Service

Richfield Service, Inc. Automotive & Trucking  Maintenance,  Repair Service Center 1810 Wolf Rd Richfield, WI 53076 Fax: 262- 628- 3030

Tom Helmers Service Manager 262- 628-1932 ext. #1 After Hours and Towing: 1-262-628-1932 ext. #3

Email: Contact Us SE Wisconsin Mitfuso Commercial  Trucks 262-628-1932 #2

SERVICE AND PARTS DEPARTMENT 1810 Wolf Road Richfield, WI 53076 (Just off Hwy. 167, W) Located Just North of Westbury Bank, 262-628-1932