Vehicle Maintenance: 10 Tips for Good Car Maintenance

Yes, 10 Tips!

According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by neglecting necessary vehicle maintenance. The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensure safer operation, and even benefit the environment. Always consult your owner's manual for individual car maintenance service schedules as requirements vary by manufacturer.

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Check out these 10 Tips for Vehicle Maintenance!

1. Change the oil filter regularly--consult your owner's manual, but a general rule of thumb is every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
2. Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent, and antifreeze. These fluids enhance the safety and performance of the vehicle.
3. Check tire inflation (at least once a month). Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance.
4. Keep your engine tuned up. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
5. Have the chassis lubricated frequently to help extend the life of the moving components of the suspension system.
6. Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid also should be checked and filled if it is too low, unless it is a “maintenance-free” battery.
7. Check the lighting system frequently, including headlights, turn signals, brake lights and taillights.
8. Check windshield wiper blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them at least once a year or sooner if streaking begins.
9. Inspect engine belts regularly for cracks and missing sections. Worn belts will affect engine performance.
10. Check the air filtration system frequently to ensure that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition. The air filter should be checked every other oil change for clogging or damage.

To stay safely on the road with good car maintenance, contact our ASE Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about vehicle maintenance. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served customers in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Car Tune Up Princeton MN: Car Shopping Tips from the Tune Up Specialists!

If you’re tired of your old “clunker” always needing some form of auto repair or tune up, you may be ready to turn it in and head out the door to look for a reliable used car or truck. You don’t want to worry whether it needs a basic car tune up, or has some other complex problem that is lurking just under the hood.

In a recent survey by Kelley Blue Book, the majority of car shoppers plan to buy used and spend less than $15,000. The competition is fierce, making it a buyer’s market. To help you through this daunting experience, here are a few tips:

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  THE SEARCH

  • Find the type of vehicle you want to purchase: websites, auctions, classified ads, reviews, on-line forums;
  • Locate the cars you’re interested in: selecting those within the Kelley Blue Book price range (you want to know the value of your current vehicle and the one you want to purchase);
  • Ask for a history report: this will tell you whether it’s had a regular car tune up schedule, been in an accident, or other important information;
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  THE EVALUATION

  • Ask questions. If buying from a dealership, ask about the documentation fee, or any other hidden charges. Is there a dealer’s guarantee, manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty left on the car, and if so, is it transferrable? Does the car have a clean title?
  • Consider the mileage. The ideal used car mileage ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 per year.
  • Go for a ride—hit the brakes, listen to the road noise, gun it a little, check for unacceptable blind spots, drive over bumps, inspect it for dings, inspect tire tread, check for fluid leaks and exhaust smoke.
  • Evidence that the car may be in need of a tune up or major repairs: poor gas mileage, sluggish acceleration, rough idling or stalling, “check engine” light flashes or stays on.
  • Schedule an inspection with a certified auto mechanic if purchasing from a private party. If you’re purchasing from a dealer, an inspection and a car tune up has most likely been performed.
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  THE PURCHASE

  • Negotiate the price you want to pay and stick to it.
  • Do the paperwork. If buying from a private party, you will need to go the DMV with a bill of sale to register and transfer the title. A dealership will usually handle this for you.

If you need our assistance to inspect your “new” used car, contact our ASE Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto shop Princeton MN has served customers in Princeton MN and in the surrounding areas with Milaca MN automotive repair services and Zimmerman MN automotive repair services, Minnesota area.