Brake Service: Restore Your Grip with Brake Repair

For vehicle owners who know their vehicle, they will notice when something’s not quite right. For example, if the stopping distance of their vehicle is too long, it may be apparent that a brake service is needed to determine the cause. They understand that a vehicle’s braking system is its most critical safety item, but like most other components and systems, brakes deteriorate and fail. It is inevitable that a brake repair or even a replacement will be necessary.

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 There are several factors that affect wear:

    * Driving habits
    * Operating conditions
    * Vehicle type
    * Quality of the brake lining material

Familiarize yourself with the warning signs below and schedule a brake service if you notice the braking system is not working as it should.

    * Noise when stepping on the brake pedal.

A little squeaking when the brakes are wet or when you drive first thing in the morning is normal until they warm up. But how long should these sounds persist? If you hear a consistent squeak or whistling every time you step on the pedal, schedule a brake service as soon as possible. If you continue driving, you may cause more extensive damage to your braking system, leading to a costly brake repair.

    * The car pulls to one side during braking.

This could be one of many things—uneven wear, a problem in the calipers or lines, or even an alignment or suspension issue. Stopping shouldn’t cause your car to pull to one side, whatever the reason. Schedule a brake service right away.

    * Pulsating pedal:

This can “sometimes” be normal behavior—Anti-Lock Braking systems will pulsate a little under hard braking. Under certain conditions, such as sudden temperature changes, the rotors can bend or warp, leading to weird pulsations while stopping. This is a problem that can be corrected fairly simply and inexpensively as part of a brake service.

    * A “mushy” pedal:

A mushy or spongy pedal could indicate air in the lines, which means a technician will need to “bleed” the system. It could also be a symptom of low fluid, and that’s a big, red alert. Seek help immediately. Don’t drive your car until the cause of the problem has been found.

Are you needing professional brake repair? 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 about brake service. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Tire Repair: 5 Questions to Ask before buying new Tires

If one of your tires becomes damaged, it may continue to run a while longer with the appropriate tire repair. However, it should only be repaired if it meets the following criteria:

   1. Has not been driven on when flat;

   2. The damage is only on the tread section (sidewall damage ruins a tire immediately); and/or

   3. The puncture is no greater than ¼".

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Unfortunately, tires don't last forever. The two main reasons drivers may need to buy new tires are wear and/or damage beyond a simple tire repair. However, another reason could be that you choose to upsize, which some drivers do for improved traction and cosmetics. Because of the climate you live, you may also require (or prefer) seasonal tires and change them to match the season.

Buying new tires doesn't have to be intimidating. Before you make a purchase, do a bit of homework. We've provided five easy questions below to help you make the right decision. Remember, you don't have to settle for second best, ordering the right ones is always an option.

Ask these 5 Questions before making a decision:

    * Are my current tires the best for my vehicle?

    * What are the best ones that match my driving habits and my price?

    * Can you give me a pricing tier with three choices?

    * What is the mileage warranty (if any)?

    * Is the manufacturer highly reputable?

Need the right new tires for your vehicle? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ to answer your questions about tire repair. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Normal or Severe Driving? How does it affect Oil Changes?

You may have heard various estimates as to when you need to have an oil change on your vehicle. It seems like every person you ask has a different answer. Who is right? Oil change intervals rely on various factors. Knowing which factors affect the cleanliness of your oil can help you decide which is best for your vehicle. A recent study by AAA found that more than 50% of all motorists mistakenly assume they drive under "normal" conditions and so follow the wrong maintenance schedule for their vehicles.

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Which is the best interval for an oil change?

Typically, the most reliable source for the answer is your owner's manual. Most manufacturers have two sets of maintenance schedules; one for "normal" driving and one for "severe" driving.  If in doubt, ask your mechanic for their expert advice.

    * The "normal" driving schedule is based on ideal driving conditions – short distances, never over the speed limit, level roads, no load – something the average driver would be hard-pressed to accomplish. Your owner's manual will probably recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

    * The "severe" driving schedule is based on stop-and-go traffic, driving in hot weather, or transporting items on a roof-top carrier – which is actually closer to an average driver. Then your vehicle would be better off using the "severe conditions" maintenance schedule, which means more frequent filter and oil changes, about every 3,000 miles.

Of course, if you don't drive many miles at all, you'll be able to get away with longer intervals between oil changes. By erring on the side of caution with a regular oil change about every 3,000 miles, you will enhance the performance and longevity of your vehicle. You will find that most auto shops today offer oil change coupons to make frequent services more affordable for their customers.

If you're looking for affordable and quality oil changes, 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 and find our oil change coupons. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.