Need New Tires for Safe Winter Driving?

Don't be stranded out in the cold with an unexpected break down. Take a few extra minutes of your time and make sure your winter driving is as safe as it can be. Before you head out for that skiing trip, or even for your daily commute, take time to get a standard inspection service to make sure that your vehicle is up for the task of the cold weather and miles still to come. This inspection should include checking all fluids (transmission, brakes, battery, power steering, radiator), a needed oil change, inspection of your tires (purchasing new tires or snow tires may be necessary if you're headed to the slopes), braking system, and steering and suspension systems. Don't forget to check the spare too!

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Be sure to take of your tires before something goes wrong! A tire failure while you're driving can be catastrophic--causing your car to go out of control or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Here are a few things you can check yourself:

• Depth of Tread -- The tread on your tires should be at least 1/16 of an inch (1.6 millimeters) in depth. Don't let it get any thinner than that, and twice that much is better if you regularly drive on slick, wet surfaces.
• Cracked Sidewalls – This could be a sign that your tire is developing a leak.
• Bulges and Blisters – This is an indication that the outer surface of the tire has begun to weaken.
• Excessive Vibration – This can be caused for several reasons; tires out of alignment or out of balance, failing shock absorbers, or a problem in internal structure of the tire.

As much as you try to be prepared and your vehicle has received a clean bill of health, the unexpected can happen, such as engine problems, flat tires, accidents, road closures, and other issues. Make sure you carry a roadside emergency kit in the trunk. These are readily available at most retailers and auto part stores. Don't forget to add a couple of blankets, snacks, and water.

Need a set of high-quality tires for safe winter driving? 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. Rum River offers quality auto repair and auto detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Car Pulling Problems? It could it be the Wheel Alignment!

If your car is pulling to the left or right, it could be one or more of several different causes. Improper wheel alignment is just one cause, and actually not the most common. A car alignment technician will check out several things before actually performing a wheel alignment.

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Causes of steering problems:

• Road Crown -- If your car pulls to the side only on certain roads; it may be the "road crown." Roads are never built perfectly level, but are intentionally designed to slant about 1/2" per foot which allows the rain to drain off. However, it will also cause a vehicle to pull slightly in the direction of the slant. A skilled wheel alignment technician will offset the car alignment very slightly to allow for a road crown.
• Conicity – Conicity is when the belts are not perfectly aligned under the tread of the tire, causing the tire to inflate in a cone-shape. This defect causes a hard pull in one direction, and is a result of poor manufacturing. Properly aligned belts inflate squarely, across the tread. This type of pull gets worse as the vehicle travels faster.
• Belt Separation – Air can force the belts to separate from the tire carcass. This is dangerous, causing the tire to fail unexpectedly. A shake or shimmy may also develop, especially noticeable at low speeds.
• Air pressure – When air pressure is lower on one side, the height of the tire changes—also changing the wheel alignment. An under- inflated tire has more rolling resistance, making the pull more noticeable. A low rear tire can also change front wheel alignment, causing a pull.
• Tread Pattern -- Different tire brands, or even the same brand with different wear patterns, do not have the same rolling characteristic. For instance, replacing one tire in a set, or putting a new tire on the front with an older tire, may cause a pull to the side. Replacing tires in pairs is ideal, generally on the rear of the vehicle.
• Tire Rotation – A pull may be noticed after rotating tires. A mismatched tire may have previously been on the rear. When rotated to the front, the problem will be noticeable. Leaving it on the rear may be the best solution if the tire is safe to operate.
• Brakes -- A brake problem or a loose suspension component may cause a pull only when braking. With a sticking caliper, wheel cylinder or even a hydraulic fault, one brake may remain applied, causing the vehicle to drift in the direction of the problem, and for the brake to overheat. A burning smell, combined with a pull, might suggest a brake-related pull.
• Worn suspension -- Worn suspension parts may also shift position when the brakes are applied. When the brake is released, a quick pull may be noticed.

Tip: Find a reliable auto shop that will check the above items before trying to sell you an unnecessary wheel alignment job!

Wondering if you need a car alignment? 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 shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Regular Automotive Service A New Year’s Resolution!

The New Year is usually a time to make resolutions for the coming year. The year 2015 may bring financial challenges to many people and, as a result, you may be looking at keeping your older vehicle a little longer than originally planned. It's easy to overlook the small responsibilities of keeping up basic automotive service. Vehicle owners know that regular automotive service and timely automotive repair are investments that will pay off in the long run with a vehicle that will keep going strong for many more miles.

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Consider these three resolutions that will help maintain your vehicle, save you money, and keep you driving safely in the New Year:

Resolution #1 -- Schedule a basic automotive service check-up twice a year. A well-trained mechanic can spot problems ahead of time that you might miss. Taking the time to schedule an automotive service with a good mechanic twice a year may seem obsessive, but preventative maintenance is cheap insurance, and will help prevent major automotive repair later. A basic automotive service should include inspecting the tires, lights, windshield wipers, brakes, and car battery.

Resolution #2 - Keep up with fluid and filter changes. Checking on your vehicle's fluids and filters are crucial to its longevity, making sure to include radiator fluid and the air filter. Mark one day on your calendar each month to make sure all fluids are topped off and filters clean. It can save you some serious automotive repair dollars down the road.

Resolution #3 – Take care of small problems early. This is perhaps the easiest responsibility to overlook, but the potential consequences of doing so can lead to major problems and automotive repair costs. That strange noise you hear in your vehicle won't go away on its own.

Remember.... Don't put off minor automotive service. Your car will thank you by providing good service for many miles to come.

Need a quality automotive 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 professional advice about automotive service. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.