Vehicle Maintenance: 5 Rust-Prevention Tips!

Few problems can harm your car or truck's resale value like unsightly rust, so why not exercise good car maintenance to keep it safe from oxidation? The harsh environment we expose it to can create damage without preventative vehicle maintenance.

If you are looking for expert Alternators Princeton MN your search can be over with our Rum River Auto Repair Princeton MN. Meet us for Vehicle Maintenance Princeton MN to have safe driving.

First, what is rust? Simply stated, iron oxide is a product of iron and oxygen when water is present. During the reaction process, the iron is consumed, resulting in rust and a small amount of hydrogen. Since your vehicle's body is made up of steel, an iron alloy, it's susceptible to rust. Car manufacturers realized the best way to protect metal from oxidation was with paint. This seals the material off from oxygen and moisture, thereby stopping the reaction.

5 Tips for Rust Prevention:

   1. Store Your Vehicle Indoors or Covered - Storing your car or truck in a garage is one of the best ways to protect it against rust. Or, if not possible, use a car cover. Over time, extreme changes in temperature and exposure to sun and precipitation will weaken the paint and eventually rust will take hold. Small scratches can become big problems.

   2. Keep It Clean – Wash your car at least every two weeks; once a week if it is wet from salt on the roads. As you drive, dirt collects in various nooks and crannies. Where dirt resides, moisture follows, and the muddy mess will eventually wear down the protective paint to bare metal. Keep the interior clean too, wiping up any spills which can start rust from the inside out.

   3. Touch Ups – Try driving further behind other vehicles to prevent nicks from pebbles they kick up. The trick to minimizing the damage is to repair serious paint chips while they're still small. That means getting an appropriate vial of touch up paint and tackling chips as quickly as you can.

   4. Get it Waxed -- Protecting your paint is wise preventative car maintenance. That means taking the time a couple of times a year to use a good protective wax. This will help to keep at least a portion of harmful UV rays away from the paint, preventing it from cracking and eventually failing. There are a variety of quick spray-on waxes available, but a standard liquid or paste may be a better choice.

   5. Choose Quality Repairs -- Do your best to get your vehicle repaired by reputable technicians following any accident or fender-bender. If you get the repair done right the first time, then there is no need to worry about.

Proper vehicle maintenance will keep your vehicle rust-free, preventing serious damage and maintaining its looks and value.

For premium vehicle maintenance, 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.

Find an Auto Shop to keep your vehicle running smooth!

Even new vehicles require trips to an auto shop for regular maintenance and inspections. So don't fret about taking your used car to an auto center for needed maintenance. In the long run, it will save you money and give you peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle will start easily and get you to your next destination in comfort.

Need solution for problems associated with Radiator Service Princeton MN ? Find Air Conditioner Service Princeton MN mechanic at our Rum River Auto Shop Princeton MN shop.

Regular vehicle maintenance and servicing are typically required for the following:

    * Oil change and filter at least every 7,500 miles.

    * For long-term ownership, stop-and-go driving, and other severe driving conditions, change oil and filter at least every 3,000.

    * Change air filter every 15,000 miles (7,500 miles in dusty or dirty operating conditions).

    * Change spark plugs every 30,000 miles.

    * Change spark plug wires every 30,000 miles.

    * Change distributor cap and rotor every 30,000 miles.

    * Adjust valves (if required) every 30,000 miles.

    * Check and adjust idle speed and ignition timing (if required) every 30,000 miles.

    * Change PCV valve and crankcase ventilation filter (if equipped) every 30,000 miles.

    * Replace timing belt every 60,000 miles and check every 20,000 miles.

    * Check onboard diagnostic system (check for trouble codes) every 30,000 miles.

When you take your vehicle in to your local auto shop for any of these services you are adding future miles of use to your vehicle. With this in mind a trip to an auto center doesn't have to be as dreaded or painful as you might think. Yes, it will cost you a few dollars and some of your precious time, but it's an investment that will pay dividends in the long run. Be sure you have located an auto shop that is reliable and trustworthy of your repeated business. Don't piece- meal out your auto repairs. Instead, locate an auto center and give them your repeated business. They will welcome you and will track the regular service of your vehicle. There will be minimal surprises or unexpected breakdowns because you have serviced your vehicle regularly with dependable and reliable service.

Take note: Rum River Automotive now subscribes to "Repair Pal," an on-line service for their customers to become more knowledgeable about good car care. Click on this link for more information-http://repairpal.com/.

Looking for a quality auto shop? 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.

Engine Rebuild vs. Engine Repair: What is the difference?

Replacing an engine with a new one, a remanufactured one, or a rebuilt one can add years to a vehicle's life and save thousands of dollars over what it might cost to buy another vehicle. An engine rebuild is obviously a major engine repair that requires a sizable investment in a vehicle. For some older vehicles, the cost of an engine rebuild may be more than the vehicle is worth. Yet many owners will replace it anyway because they want to keep their current vehicle, or they may owe too much on it to trade it in.


If you are looking for Engine Repair Princeton MN your search can be over with our Rum River Auto Repair Services Princeton MN . Also find Car Service Princeton MN with our dedicated mechanic.


A vehicle that has had regular service, such as oil and filter changes, changing the spark plugs, timing belt and coolant at specified intervals, etc., should last 100,000 to 150,000 miles or more. But sometimes an engine may just wear out prematurely. When this happens, a painful choice has to be made: spend whatever it takes for an engine repair, or a complete engine rebuild, or get rid of the vehicle and buy another. Either way it is going to require a sizable financial investment.

Replacing the engine on a vehicle that is more than 12 to 14 years old is usually not worth the cost, unless the vehicle is a classic, an antique or has special value. A replacement or engine rebuild makes the most economic sense on vehicles that are four to 12 years old, and are still in good condition.
Replace or Rebuild?

The first step in replacing an engine is to confirm that the old one is beyond fixing. Many internal problems can be repaired without having to completely overhaul the engine--provided the rest of it is still in relatively good condition.

Replacement options include a used engine from a salvage yard (typically the least expensive), a remanufactured one or a new "crate" engine from the original equipment manufacturer. Good used engines for many vehicles are hard to find, and the salvage yard warranty rarely covers installation labor. Probably the safest option is to replace the old engine with a new or remanufactured one that is backed by a performance warranty as well as an installation labor warranty.

Whatever you choose, an engine rebuild or engine 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. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.