How to Communicate with your Auto Shop!

When you take your vehicle to an auto shop, it can be confusing as to what type of work the mechanic is actually going to do. As a vehicle owner, it is up to you to ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. An auto center that you're not familiar with can either make your repair or service a pleasant experience, or one that's not so pleasant.

If you understand auto shop "lingo" you can better understand what your mechanic is saying relating to labor, parts, warranties, and the specific type of repair to be performed. Don't be caught in the dark with regard to cost, time, or the expected vehicle operation.

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The next time you take your vehicle to an auto shop, here a few tips to help you communicate effectively with your auto mechanic:

• Ask Questions — Ask for things to be explained in simple terms. To obtain diagnostic information and to understand exactly how you would like to proceed with any car repair, your mechanic should also ask you questions.
• Don't be in a hurry – Take your time when talking with the mechanic. An on-the-spot diagnosis of the problem may not be the correct one, wasting both your valuable time and money.
• Be available – Leave a contact number so that the auto center can call you to apprise you of the problem, course of action, and the cost.
• Understand Policies -- Make sure you understand the auto shop's policies in terms of labor rates, guarantees, warranties, and acceptable methods of payment.

Remember: The more questions you ask and understand before the actual work begins, the more satisfied you will be with the service to your vehicle.

If you want a full-service auto center with high-quality professionals to service your vehicle, 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 customers in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN

3 Common Failures leading to Engine Repair.

The basic purpose of the engine is to convert air and fuel into rotary motion to turn the wheels of your car. It is the heart of the car, pumping air and fuel through its system. If the air and fuel is blocked, it can't be converted into motion, resulting in an urgent engine repair. Wise vehicle owners know that regular engine service by a professional auto mechanic will help prevent a major engine repair down the road.

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There are three main engine components that are prone to failure:

• Valve train: The valve train consists of valves, rocker arms, pushrods, lifters, and camshaft. Its job is to let air and fuel in and out of the engine at the proper time. The timing is controlled by the camshaft, which is synchronized to the crankshaft by a chain or belt. What wears out? If your car emits grayish/white smoke only when you start it, leaking valve seals may be the culprit. Oil can seep into the combustion chamber, collect there until you start your car, and then burn away.
• Pistons: Most motors have 4, 6, or 8 pistons which move up and down in the cylinders. The pistons have rings that keep the oil free of fuel and air and prevent it from entering the combustion chamber. What wears out? The rings wear out, allowing fuel and air to dilute the oil, reducing its ability to lubricate. Worn out rings also allows oil from the crankcase to enter the combustion chambers, where it burns and emits a grayish/white smoke from the tailpipe.
• Crankshaft: The crankshaft rides on bearings, supporting the crankshaft and rods, and connecting the pistons to the crankshaft. As the pistons move up and down, the crankshaft rotates and converts the straight line motion into rotary motion. What wears out? As these bearings wear down over time, you may start to hear a loud knocking noise. This may result in a costly engine repair as the crankshaft has to be removed to machine the surface where the bearings ride, or it may mean replacing the entire crankshaft.

Looking for quality engine service? We will be glad to help you, whether it's for a minor engine repair, or a complete engine rebuild. 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.

Car Tune-up Checklist.

When you take your vehicle to an auto shop for a tune-up, you are essentially asking technicians to inspect your engine, analyze vehicle performance, and make adjustments as needed. The engine tune up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessment, and final maintenance recommendations. These will vary from vehicle to vehicle based on age, mileage and unique manufacturer recommendations.

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To give you a better idea of what happens during a car tune up, here is a basic tune up checklist:

1. Check visual appearance of spark plugs.  Are they worn? What color are the insulator firing noses? An engine in good condition should have spark plugs with light tan or gray insulator firing noses. Any other color could be the sign of an engine problem.

2. Test the performance of spark plugs. What color is the spark? Is the spark properly igniting the fuel?

3. Check spark plug wires to make sure they are not hard or cracked.

4. Check the fuel filter to make sure it isn't clogged or dirty.

5. Check the engine's fuel pump for proper function.

6. Inspect the engine's fuel injectors to make sure dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel that can be delivered to the engine.

7. Make sure fuel injector buildup isn't affecting how the spark plugs fire.

8. Adjust the engine timing and idle if necessary.

9. Check that the PCV valve isn't clogged or leaking.

10. Inspect the vehicle's points and condenser.

Since the age of the vehicle, number of miles, and maintenance history all uniquely affect a vehicle's service needs, it's important to remember that there is not a one-size-fits-all tune up procedure. Remember that some vehicles will require analysis of more engine components than those listed above.

To learn more about the tune up procedure that's right for your vehicle, 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 andZimmerman, MN.