Car Tune Up: What Should I expect from a Tune Up?

Simply stated, a car tune up is an orderly process of inspection, diagnosis, testing, and adjustment that is necessary periodically to maintain peak engine performance or restore the engine to original operating efficiency. A car tune up is an investment that will pay back with improved fuel economy, longer engine life and cleaner air.

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The following is a list of engine components that are inspected, serviced or replaced during a tune up:

    * Vacuum and cooling Hoses - Hoses will start to deteriorate, crack and begin to leak fluids or air over time, causing the engine to overheat or run poorly.

    * Belts - Most later-model vehicles have a serpentine-belt system. In the case of a failed or broken belt, vehicle accessories will be disabled so be sure to have a regularly inspection of the belt for missing ribs and frayed plies.

    * Air Filter Element - Paper-style air filter elements should be replaced according to the owner's manual recommendation—more often in dusty conditions. The foam element inside the air-cleaner housing is typically replaced at the same time.

    * PCV Valve - The positive-crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve filters gasses from the engine. The PCV is a 90-degree piece of plastic that connects the air-cleaner return hose to the engine's valve cover.

    * EGR Valve - The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve uses exhaust to reduce cylinder temperature and should be checked and replaced as necessary during a tune up.

    * Cap & Rotor - The distributor cap and rotor degrade over time and should be replaced as necessary during a tune up.

    * Plugs & Wires - Plug wires that have external cracks will be replaced. Faulty wires will show visible sparks in the dark with the engine running.

    * O2 Sensor - The oxygen sensor monitors emissions and "tells" the vehicle's computer how to adjust the air/fuel ratio for optimal efficiency. These monitors will get clogged and need to be replaced ocassionally.

    * Fuel Filter - This filter requires frequent attention, inspection and replacement.

    * Timing Belt – Have it inspected at recommended intervals. A broken belt can inflict expensive major engine damage if left unattended.

If you need to restore and extend the life of your car, have a quality tune up performed by a certified auto service center.

Need a car tune up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for professional advice about our tune up services. Since 1997, oour auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Transmission Repair: Get into Gear for the New Year!

Well, it's the end of the holiday season and the time to make a few resolutions for the coming year. As in years past, this New Year will bring us several challenges as the economy continues to fight stubborn financial problems. If you are like many of us, budgets are tight and, as a result, you may need to hold onto your current vehicle a little longer than you had hoped. Therefore, it's important to take care of even the small details of vehicle maintenance, including a transmission repair and transmission flush.

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For those among us who are not mechanics, a transmission repair can be a traumatic event. The most frightening aspect is the looming financial outlay for this kind of vehicle service. This can be especially true if you have delayed in having your vehicle checked out by a professional mechanic. It can even be dangerous if your transmission fails.

So that you have the necessary information you need to keep your car or truck in peak performance throughout 2013, we've listed two important resolutions below:

• Resolution #1 - Schedule two checkups this year with a transmission repair technician. Regardless of how well you think you know your vehicle, a well-trained, trustworthy mechanic can diagnose issues before they happen. Most transmissions should be checked and serviced twice a year, which includes a transmission flush. To take the time to have a check up with a good mechanic twice a year for preventative maintenance is cheap insurance.

• Resolution #2 - Keep up with fluid and filter changes. Checking on your vehicle's fluids and filters is critical for its lasting performance. While some fluids like brake fluid, clutch fluid and coolant don't demand the attention as often as an oil change or a transmission flush, they're just as important. "X" out one day a month on your calendar to check the level of your vehicle's fluids. A typical transmission repair consists of changing the filter and filling up the level of transmission fluid. It's quick, easy and can save you some serious transmission repair dollars down the line.

Remember: As a major buying incentive for a potential buyer, keep all of your records so that you can provide them with documentation of the service history.

So, if your car or truck is 'out of gear,' take it to a transmission repair center and leave it in the trained and skilled hands of a trusted professional. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ to schedule a transmission flush. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Engine Service: Engine Rebuild or Replace my Vehicle?

No matter how well built or what promises made by the manufacturer, car engines just do not last forever. If they did, the auto industry would be history. It doesn't matter if you have a high-performance ultra-high end engine, it too will eventually give out after so many miles and require some form of engine service. Has your vehicle seen better performance days? When you push the accelerator is something missing that use to be there? If so, it may be time to consider an engine rebuild. Although it's dreaded, it's not the end of the world.

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It's Your Call – Not Your Favorite Decision To Make!

An older or high-mileage vehicle can often be given new life with an either a major engine service of an engine rebuild. There are factors, however, to consider and remember before you make a decision, such as the current operation and functionality of other major vehicle components, as well as the interior and exterior conditions. Expending too much work and expense on engine service, when the vehicle has other major mechanical issues, can be a very expensive and time-consuming mistake. On the other hand, an engine rebuild may be the wisest decision to make if you've recently invested in a replacement of the transmission or other major system, and then have the engine die a short time later. It's a decision that needs to be well thought out, giving consideration to all the aspects of a major engine service.

Unless you are a qualified and experienced auto mechanic, you will want to consult your auto repair shop for their assessment and recommendation before making that big decision about the type of engine service you will have performed.

Need an engine rebuild? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for professional advice. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.