Quality Car Service: Be Sure Your Teen is Safe behind the Wheel!

School is starting, which means that many teenagers will be getting behind the wheel to get back and forth to school and other activities. Parents have spent years protecting their children from all sorts of dangers on the road and off. They now face the fact that their teens are starting to drive on their own. One of the first steps of preparation is to make sure that all recommended car service and any needed car repair has been performed on the vehicle your teen will be driving. Teenagers generally are not experienced enough to recognize the signs indicating a pending car repair issue.

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Spell out the Rules – Surveys show that teens whose parents impose driving restrictions typically engage in less risky driving and are involved in fewer crashes. Don't just hand over the keys with no rules. Your teen should agree to the five basic rules below before getting behind the wheel:

#1: No Cell Phones - Talking on a cell phone while driving reduces reaction time, no matter how experienced you are as a driver. Texting is among the worst of all distractions, as it involves manual, visual, and cognitive actions.

#2: No Extra Passengers -- In a study analyzed by NHTSA, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with a teenage peer compared to when driving alone. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car.

#3: No Speeding -- Speeding is a major factor contributing to teen drivers involved in fatal crashes. Talk to your teen about the dangers of speeding and staying in control of the vehicle. Remind them to always follow the posted limit and of the potential consequences.

#4: No Alcohol – Young drivers 15 to 20 years old are at far greater risk of death in crashes involving alcohol than adults, even though they cannot legally purchase or possess it. If lucky enough to survive a crash, the teen will have to face the consequences of breaking the law. That could include a trip to jail, loss of a driver's license, and dozens of other expenses including attorney fees, court costs, other fines, and insurance consequences. The teen will also stand to lose academic eligibility, college acceptance, and scholarship awards.

#5: Always buckle up -- Remind your teenagers that whether they are driving across town or just around the neighborhood, wearing seat belts is the absolute best way to protect themselves and their passengers. Seat belts help drivers maintain control of the vehicle in emergency situations.

Remember: As a parent, you are the #1 influence molding your young adult into a safe and capable driver. Talking is important, but action is even better. Start by modeling good habits, such as turning off your cell phone and buckling up, any time you drive them anywhere, even before they begin to drive.

To help ensure the safety of your teen's vehicle, make sure all recommended car repair has been taken care of properly. 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 car service schedules. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Need Transmission Repair? Commonly Identified Problems

Your automatic transmission runs on fluid, which functions in various ways; lubricating, cooling, and providing the basic functions required in gear changing. The most common problems are related to the fluid, indicating that a transmission service is past due, and that a transmission repair may be eminent.

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4 common symptoms of transmission problems:

• Low fluid levels or leaks- Is there a persistent red oil leak coming from your vehicle? If so, have it checked to see where it is coming from. It can be difficult to determine because most power steering systems also use transmission fluid. If there is only a small amount, it may be possible to postpone repairs as long as the fluid level is checked regularly. To be on the safe side, check with your mechanic. If the fluid level falls below the minimum level, a transmission repair will be inevitable.
• Burnt or Dirty Fluid- Fluid levels should be checked when the vehicle is running and on level ground. Pull the transmission dipstick out and check the color and odor of the fluid. It should be red and transparent. If it is cloudy or muddy, or if it has a burnt odor, your mechanic should recommend a drain and refill, and possibly replace the filter.  Newer models may require computer program updating.
• Damaged Torque Converter- The torque converter takes the place of a manual clutch. It utilizes the transmission fluid and transfers the power of the engine to the transmission thus causing the gears to shift. Sometimes the torque converter can develop problems, the most common one being damaged needle bearings. This can cause metal on metal contact that leaves contaminants in the fluid.
• Grinding, slipping or shaking- When this happens, it may seem like the transmission is about to fail completely. More often than not the fluid is dirty and has small metal particles in it. A fluid and filter change generally fixes the problem. However, it is wise to schedule a transmission service as soon as possible to prevent more serious issues from developing.

Note: If you recognize any of the problems above, it is wise to address them quickly. You may be preventing a future accident!

Take your vehicle to a transmission repair shop 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/ for more information about transmission service. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.