Tuesday 31 July 2012

Need Air Conditioning Repair? Keep your Cool with Air Conditioner Service!

Has your vehicle lost its cool? So that you can finish out the summer in comfort, you may need to schedule an air conditioner repair sooner rather than later. You’re A/C is getting some hard use during these hot summer days. To ensure that your cooling system is operating at optimum efficiency as you start a summer road trip, or just for your daily activities, you will want to consider an air conditioner service.

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The AC system relies on several key components: compressor, condenser, an evaporator, pressurized refrigerant, values and hoses—all controlled electronically. If any of these components start to fail, you may notice some of the signs below:

Symptoms of a needed Air Conditioning Repair

  • The dial is set on “cold,” but all you feel is hot air coming from the vents
  • Even though the A/C runs constantly, it never really feels cold
  • The A/C is “freezing” you out, operating colder than the dial setting indicates
  • You hear strange noises when the A/C is running
If you are noticing any of the above symptoms, you will want to get that air conditioner service scheduled as soon as possible so that you can keep your cool.

A Diagnostic Air Conditioning Service includes:

  • Visual inspection of all A/C components
  • Full system performance test
  • State of charge and system control tests
  • Leak test, using an approved-leak detector
  • Dye detection test (if a slow leak is difficult to detect)
For any necessary air conditioner repair, have it taken care of quickly so that you can finish out the summer in style. For help with any of your vehicle maintenance issues, including an inspection of your A/C system contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Thursday 26 July 2012

Auto Repair: Is your vehicle ready for summer?

Before you pack your car and head out on your summer road trip, make sure you are on schedule for all your auto repair services. A pre-trip inspection will help you avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down miles away from home, resulting in emergency auto repairs. An inspection will determine how road-ready your vehicle is so you can take steps to have the problems fixed before your road trip, providing you with peace of mind and a safer journey.
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Auto technicians say the key to make sure your vehicle keeps running well today, and down the road, is routine car maintenance. Yet many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto repair basics. A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:
  • 38 percent of cars had low or dirty engine oil.
  • 54 percent had low tire pressure.
  • 28 percent had inadequate cooling protection.
  • 19 percent needed new belts.
  • 16 percent had dirty air filters.
  • 10 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid.
Your auto mechanic can help you develop a Service Schedule to keep track of regular vehicle maintenance. Most of the checks and services can be done at little or no cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to do.

A pre-trip vehicle check should include:

  • Tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
  • Inspection of the brake system
  • Make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
  • Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power.
  • Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
  • Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
  • Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.
Need quality auto repairs? Whether you are going for a day trip or taking a week-long vacation, our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Friday 20 July 2012

Tire Repair: What if I’m stranded with flat tires?

What if I’m stranded on the side of the road with flat tires, and there is no auto shop close by? This can happen while you are driving on a desolate highway, or out for a Sunday drive. What can you do? If possible, you might be able to patch, or plug, the tire yourself. During your pre-trip check, ask your auto mechanic for professional advice about the proper type of tire repair.

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Here is a tip to help you out of a sticky situation: 

You may be able to “plug” the flat tire. This type of repair is effective and will hold until you are able to have a tire repair taken care professionally. You may not have any other option if you want to continue on your way.

Experts have lots of opinions on the best method of repairing tires. Some drivers have used plugs for years with great results and no safety issues. Others have reported that using a plug without a matching patch inside is dangerous. To be as safe as possible, seek the advice of a tire specialist. They can advise you on how to have the best possible tire repair if you have limited options on the side of a road.

It’s interesting to note that the National Highway Traffic Safety Association has stated that a plug is not considered a proper permanent tire repair. With this in mind, if you have tires with a patch or plug, it would be wise to have them checked by your mechanic for safe driving and to have them repaired properly, or even replaced.

The fact is, a proper tire repair will last forever. For just a few dollars and a few minutes, flat tires can be given a new lease on life, possibly using the combination of a plug and a patch.

A word of caution--never attempt to plug a sidewall! A sidewall is under different strains and pressures than the tread pattern that makes contact with the road. Plugging a sidewall can result in a blowout, and lead to a serious accident. If you are stranded in a desolate location with this type of a flat, then your best option is to phone for help or seek the assistance of a passing driver.

Need new tires? 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 repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.




Tuesday 3 July 2012

Need a Brake Replacement? 3 Failing Components Lead to Brake Repair!

As you're thinking about an up-coming road trip, are you confident in the stopping power of your car? Because brakes work hundreds of times each day without any apparent effort, they can become an afterthought. Vehicle owners will often forget to check their performance. Until at that crucial moment--are you and your family going to be able to stop in time? Then, how will you know if new pads, rotors, or some other form of brake replacement is required?

Give your brakes a break and have them regularly checked by a brake repair specialist.  This inspection typically involves removing all four tires and wheels to inspect the pads and rotors for wear.

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3 components of the brake system that could fail --

Brake Pads -- The alloys used in pads and rotors are sometimes very specific. The wrong pads can mean significant damage to rotors and other vital parts. Make sure you only have installed the pads and other components that are specifically engineered for your specific vehicle.

Brake Rotors -- The pads are just half of the relationship–without properly serviced rotors, your car will not stop as it should. It may be necessary at some point in time to have every rotor resurfaced and lubricated properly to make sure the pads get the maximum durability. This brake service can make a major difference in your car’s braking performance.

Brake Fluid – This is another component that is often overlooked. The “quantity” is generally checked, but the “quality” is often overlooked. The fluid can become dirty and create problems if it’s not flowing smoothly to the calipers. By adding clean fresh fluid, the life span of your entire brake system will be extended, plus save you money on a costly brake repair or brake replacement in the future.

Remember: To head out on your long-awaited for summer vacation, you will gain peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will perform in the manner that is required to keep you and your family safe when you have it inspected and repaired as needed.

Need expert advice on brake repair? Ask our brake replacement experts! 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 repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.