Car Slowing Down? It’s Time For A Tune Up!

Is your car starting to perform poorly, stalling at intersections or lacking the power to safely pass a slower vehicle? It's time for a tune up. In today's modern vehicles, the term tune up "car tune up" generally refers to a general maintenance service to inspect and/or replace various components of the vehicle at specified intervals.

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If you notice any of the following symptoms in your vehicle's electronic ignition system, it is probably time for a maintenance service, or in other words, a car tune up:

    * Engine runs rough, especially when idling, or accelerating.

    * The motor stalls frequently. The spark plugs may be corroded or worn, the gap between the spark plug electrodes may need adjusting, or an electronic sensing device may need to be adjusted.

    * The engine is hard to start. There may be a problem in the starting system [such as, a weak battery, a weak fuel pump, the ignition system, or a faulty electronic component, such as the electronic control unit (ECU)].

Because the intervals for a car tune up can vary from one vehicle to another, it's a good idea to read your owner's manual or consult with your auto mechanic to learn the correct intervals of basic service for your specific vehicle. Today's newer cars with electronic ignition and fuel injection systems can go from 25,000 miles to as many as 100,000 miles without needing a major tune-up (i.e., maintenance service). However, older cars with non-electronic ignitions generally require a service every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or every year, whichever comes first.

A wise vehicle owner will have the various components of the ignition system inspected periodically to keep it performing at peak operating efficiency. It's especially important if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving, pull heavy loads (like a camper or boat), or make a lot of short trips. Schedule a full diagnosis with a trustworthy auto mechanic. The correct maintenance service could prevent a future accident.

Need expert advice on a 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 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.

Vehicle Maintenance: It Doesn’t Pay To Ignore It!

Unless you are experiencing noticeable problems with your brakes or steering, it is tempting to ignore basic vehicle maintenance, thinking you are saving yourself money. You will probably spend more in the long run with unexpected auto repairs. You can't afford to wait for something to go wrong before you tend to car maintenance items.

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Save yourself some dollars (as well as frustration and stress) by taking care of any car issues before you start experiencing problems.

Here are five vehicle maintenance tips that every driver should take note of:

Check Your Oil – Potential problems ranging from oil contamination to full-on engine seizure could result from worn-out seals in the engine, thereby allowing oil to seep out. Make it a habit to check the dipstick several times between oil changes. If the oil level is consistently lower than it should be, report the problem to your mechanic before the "change oil" light comes on. Don't just "top it off" with an extra quart and hope for the best.

Check Your Tires -- Your tires pay a large role in your vehicle's ability to stop and turn effectively. Every 1,000 miles or so, check the tire pressure. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and a couple of minutes of your time. This could mean the difference between stopping quickly, or slamming into the car ahead of you! You will get better mileage too. To promote uniform tread-wear, have your tires rotated regularly. If the tread dwindles down to the wear bars, it's time to purchase a new set of tires.

Check Your Brakes -- Brakes work together with tires to ensure safe stopping distances. Every time your vehicle is in the shop, ask your mechanic to check your braking system. It shouldn't cost you anything, unless there is a problem that needs to be corrected. Be on the look-out for signs of brake failure, such as squealing noises, pedal softness, or vibration.

Check the Transmission – Don't let transmission problems take control of your vacation by stranding you in a strange town looking for a transmission repair. Because most mechanics do not road-test transmissions (except as part of a major vehicle maintenance service), it's up to you to report any signs of problems.

Perform All Recommended Services – Even though scheduled car maintenance can sometimes cost more than you would like, it will prolong the life of all the systems and parts that make your car function safely.

Remember: Regular vehicle maintenance will save you dollars, and give you confidence behind the wheel!

Whether you are just heading out for the day, or planning an extended road trip, 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 vehicle maintenance. 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: Is it Time to Change the Serpentine Belt?

If you have owned your vehicle for at least two to three years, you may have heard your mechanic recommend an engine repair to replace the serpentine belt. Unfortunately, many drivers do not know what a serpentine belt is and what it has to do with engine service. A serpentine belt is an important component of the engine—it is a single ribbed belt that drives the various pumps and accessories of the vehicle; such as the air conditioner, power steering, and alternator.

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Unfortunately, a serpentine belt won't last the life of your vehicle. It needs to be inspected fairly often. If your mechanic notices that the belt is starting to fail, it can be replaced at a time of your choosing--not when the belt decides to break, requiring an urgent and costly engine repair. Check your owner's manual for the recommended interval for replacing the serpentine belt. One way to remember is to check ribbed drive belts at every oil change, and the position of the self-adjusting mechanism indicator.

Warning Signs of Trouble:

If the serpentine belt gets oil soaked or glazed, it will slip and not provide the proper circulation to keep the engine cool. If there is an oil leak somewhere, it is important to have it repaired before putting on a new belt.

If there are tear or abrasions on the belt, it is probably rubbing against a pulley flange or bolt as it winds its way around. The flange may need to be filed smooth or bent out of the way.

If there are any pinholes or bumps, it means dirt and debris is getting in between the serpentine belt and the pulleys. Turn the belt around and see if there are chunks of the ribs missing. A few, small chunks are okay, but if there are many or they are close together, it is time to replace the belt.

Engine Service Guideline: Schedule an engine service on a regular basis to have belts and hoses checked. If there are any cracks on a belt or hose [about 1/8 inch (or 3 m) apart], it may be reaching the end of its serviceable life and need to be replaced.

For quality 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 about our engine service, other repairs and maintenance, and vehicle detailing. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.