Exhaust System What’s In Your Muffler?

Your vehicle's exhaust system is generally a silent partner working behind the scenes, but vital for the operating efficiency of your vehicle. The main job of the exhaust system is to release the toxic gas by-products of internal combustion. Unfortunately, the exhaust system goes unnoticed until a driver hears strange noises and smells strange odors coming from the muffler. By this time, damage has already occurred that will require a repair service.

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In addition to the normal aging process of the exhaust system, there are two common causes of damage to the muffler and exhaust system:

• Road conditions: Because the muffler is mounted on the underside of your car, it is exposed to damaging road conditions (especially salted or sanded roads in the winter). Have the exhaust system inspected frequently for leaks, especially if the muffler is starting to get noisy! A leak in the exhaust system not only creates a noisy muffler, but decreases fuel efficiency. Even more harmful are the fumes, such as carbon monoxide, that can potentially enter the cabin of your car. It doesn't take much to impair your driving and your health.

• Driving short distances: When driving short distances, such as your daily commute to work or school, the water vapor produced by the catalytic convertor doesn't have enough time to fully evaporate or get expelled. It condenses back into water, which can cause rust in the muffler. Another by-product of engine emissions is sulfur. As it mixes with the water, it creates a corrosive acid that will eat away at the muffler. However, modern cars are equipped with catalytic converters that convert the toxic exhaust into non-toxic water vapor and carbon dioxide.

A Quick Tip to Remember:  At each oil change, have the exhaust system inspected to make sure it stays in good shape! Prevent further damage to your car, and possibly your health, by taking care of problems as soon as possible.

Is your muffler emitting strange sounds and smells? You need an inspection of your exhaust system! 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.

Advice from an Auto Repair Shop Reduce Driving Stress!

Getting stressed out when behind the wheel can turn a daily commute into a dangerous event. It is easy to let the little things throughout the day create an unpleasant drive. Take some advice from an auto repair shop on ways to help reduce stress while driving. Don't find yourself needing major auto repair services because of a stress-related accident.

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Consider these stress-reducing tips offered by an auto repair shop:

1. Go Zen – Make your car a calming oasis--an air freshener with essential oils, a massaging seat cover, or subdued music. Remove items that might distract you, such as a water bottle rolling around in the back seat; a ringing phone (put it in driving mode, or silence it altogether), or papers sliding around on the seat beside you.

2. Allow Extra Time – Give yourself extra time to get to your destination (including a 'getting lost' buffer). It is better to be late than to be the cause of an accident or getting pulled over!

3. Check Your Route in Advance – Plan ahead to avoid major construction or traffic delays. With smart phones and in-dash navigation, it's easy to start your trip without a second thought.

4. Keep Snacks Handy -- Keep non-perishable snacks in the car for emergency situations. Being hungry and stuck in the car can cause irritable behavior.

5. Avoid Bored Kids. Minimize fighting or grumpy behavior by having games, videos, or other entertainment methods on hand.

6. Be Prepared – Plan ahead for things that make you nervous, (practice parallel parking, reversing, or turning). You will have less stress when you encounter them in real-life driving situations.

7. Use Technology -- Safety systems, like rearview cameras and blind spot warning systems, can take the pressure out of stressful driving situations. If you have the technology—use it!

8. Recognize Stress – If you recognize the symptoms of stress (such as a death-grip on the steering wheel or hunching over), take deep breaths, deliberately relax your hands and fingers, and try leaning back. If necessary, pullover, grab a cup of coffee, and relax for a minute.

Remember: Don't drive while stressed out! It could save your life or the lives of others.

Looking for a professional auto repair 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 and to find out more about our auto repair services. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Engine Repair: Is Your Check Engine Light Glowing?

The average car on the road today is almost 11 years old, and even though cars are built to last longer, all that wear and tear takes a toll. In fact, 80 percent of vehicles are in need of some form of engine service or engine repair right now. If you've been ignoring that "check engine" light on your dash, you're not alone. According to CarMD.com (which tracks repair trends on cars up to 10 years old), more than 9 million US drivers have ignored their car's "check engine" light for three months or more.

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Ignoring that message, and any corresponding engine service, could wind up costing you a bundle down the road. The light is alerting you to a problem with the car's engine or related systems. A blinking "check engine" light indicates there's a more severe problem that is doing mechanical damage to your car and should not be ignored. When this occurs, the best thing to do is limit driving and have the problem diagnosed by an engine repair techecnician as soon as possible.

Virtually all vehicles manufactured since 1996 are equipped with a "check engine" light, which is part of an on-board diagnostics system that constantly checks information from the engine to the transmission sensors to emissions-related problems. It covers about 80% of the systems on most cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans.

Common failures that could cause the "check engine" light to glow are:

• Oxygen sensor, which monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and tells your car's computer when there is either too much, or not enough fuel.

• Mass air flow sensor, which calculates the amount of air coming into the car and determines how much fuel to shoot into the engine.

• Spark plugs, which are responsible for igniting a car's air/fuel ratio. When they fail, they can cause an engine "misfire," reduce your gas mileage, and ultimately ruin your car's catalytic converter.

Turn the light off! Prevent car problems by having the proper engine service and maintenance performed on schedule!

Looking 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 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.