Affordable Transmission Repair?

Unfortunately, the average driver knows little about transmission service. When they hear the words "transmission repair," all they can see are big dollar signs in front of their eyes! By taking time to gain an understanding of the various terms and methods of transmission repair, their fear and confusion will lessen.

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A little research on transmission service can be helpful in understanding what it means when your auto mechanic refers to a "minor transmission service" or a "major transmission repair."

Some auto mechanics want to make transmission repair a little more affordable for their customers. Some adjustments or repairs can be made without removing the unit from the vehicle--less costly than a complete overhaul or replacement. Other types of repair can only be resolved by removing the transmission from the vehicle. Take a look at some general types of transmission repair:

In-Car Repairs – Less costly than having to remove the unit from the vehicle.

• Improper shifting: A computer-controlled unit may receive the wrong signals, or it may not react properly to a computer command. The computer may simply need to be reset. In a non-computer-controlled transmission, the throttle cable can be adjusted. Or, if the vehicle has a vacuum modulator, it can be adjusted, making sure that there are no vacuum leaks. In some older transmissions, bands can be adjusted to resolve "slipping" (when an engine races while shifting from one gear to the next).
• Resealing: Most external fluid leaks can be resealed with the unit remaining in the car. An exception is the front seal—it must be removed to gain access to the leak.
• Out-of-the-Car Repairs –Because these repairs require more hours of labor and involve various components that may need to be replaced, they are more costly.
• Rebuilding: During this process, the transmission is removed and completely disassembled. Each part is inspected for wear and damage, and then depending on its condition, either cleaned or replaced. Parts that have friction surfaces (such as bands and clutches, seals and gaskets), are typically replaced.
• Replacement: This option replaces the transmission with another rebuilt or remanufactured unit. This is more expensive, but you can be on your way much faster than the first.

For affordable transmission repair, leave it to the experts! 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.

Automotive Repair Get Ready for Summer!

Spring is here and the temperatures will start to rise as we get closer to summer. Now is a good time to get your car ready for summer's hot temperatures. Be sure to have the appropriate automotive service performed at the recommended interval. It will not only potentially save you $$$ in automotive repair expense, it can literally be a lifesaver in hot conditions.

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5 Automotive Service Tips:

• Regular Oil Changes -- Regularly change the oil and filter, as well check the other fluids and filters (coolant, brake and transmission) and refresh at the recommended intervals. Don't skimp on using high-quality filters.
• Inspect the Brakes – Have an inspection of the braking system before heading out on a long road trip. Check the condition of the brake rotors, pads, and calipers to determine if a brake repair is necessary. Are the pads warped or cracked with deep grooves? Are the pads worn close to their minimum clearance?
• Working Lights -- Make sure all your lights are working properly. New bulbs cost only a few dollars and are fairly easy to install. If you can't do it yourself, don't delay in scheduling an automotive service for safety.
• Clean the Windshield – Be ready for those sudden summer thunder storms with good windshield wipers and a full washer fluid reservoir. If necessary, replace a cracked windshield so the safety of your passenger cabin is not compromised.
• Check the Tires -- Have your tires rotated, inspected and filled with the correct air pressure before heading out on a long road trip. If your tires are worn, it is wise to replace them. Remember to make sure the spare is in good condition so you're not stranded with a flat tire on a hot summer day.

Why spend money on quality automotive service? It will. . .

• enhance the safety of you and your passengers
• enhance the safety of other motorists
• increase gas mileage will increase
• ensure a smoother running vehicle
• ensure your vehicle will come to a stop quickly.

Need the help of automotive repair experts? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com for information about our 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.

Quality Oil Changes Pay Big Dividends!

Everyone is looking for a return on their investment. As a vehicle owner, your vehicle is one of the biggest purchases you may make (outside of your residence).  Some people try to skimp on oil changes, believing they are saving money. They think that because they aren't having any car problems they don't need to pay the price for high-quality oil changes.

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The truth is, it is possible for problems to exist before any symptoms are noticeable. Using inferior oil can cause damage that may not be noticed until later down the road, costing more in the long run with engine problems.

A big pay-off for quality oil changes is that your auto mechanic can check out the other systems of your car for any pending problems at the same time.

Why use high quality oil?

Inferior motor oils can deposit harmful contaminants into the engine's lubricating system. Even before there are any visible symptoms of problems, damage may have already occurred, and the engine's performance level may not be brought back to normal. For maximum engine protection, it's worth the extra cost for a high quality, warranty-backed oil change. Regular oil changes ensure better lubrication for the protection and longevity of your engine.

Good-quality motor oil keeps contaminants separated and held in suspension. Poor quality oils can contribute to sludge build-up formed by a combination of dirt, soot, partially burned fuel, oxidized motor oil, leaked coolant and condensed water vapor produced during combustion. Regular oil changes will drain these contaminants out with the oil, rather than left behind to create sludge.

A Rule of Thumb: Your vehicle should have an oil change service about every 3,000 miles, or every three months. If in doubt, check your owner's manual or ask your auto mechanic for guidance on oil changes and other maintenance issues.

Looking for quality oil changes at affordable prices? 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 our oil change coupons. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Steering Problems? It could be the Wheel Alignment!

Has your car developed steering problems after navigating winter's icy roads filled with potholes? When driving on a straight level road, does your car pull or drift to one side or the other? Or are you feeling too much "play" in the steering wheel? It is hard for the average driver to know exactly what is causing the problem. Is it due to a poor car alignment or damage to the suspension or braking system?

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To determine whether your vehicle needs an alignment service, tire rotation, tires balanced, or some other type of repair, a skilled auto mechanic will look at four basic issues:

1. Eliminate tire problems:
   • Are all four tires inflated to the recommended pressure?
   • Is the tread and tire size the same on both front wheels?
   • Is there unusual tread wear or damage?
2. Examine the front-end alignment in rear-wheel drive vehicles:
   • Toe-in -- The front of each tire, when driving straight, points slightly to the centerline of the vehicle so that each tire has equal traction (i.e., bite) when cornering.
   • Castor -- The vertices angle of the centerline of the tire from front to back. Unless the ball joints, control arm bushings, or king pins are seriously worn, the castor won't vary much.
   • Camber -- The vertical angle of the centerline of the tire perpendicular to the cross-section of your car.
3. Perform a road test:
   • When driving on a straight level road, does your car pull to the left or the right?
   • Are there scraping, whining or grinding sounds coming from the front?
   • Are the front wheels tracking in the same groove as the back wheels?
4. Check for other car problems:
   • Worn struts or shock absorbers.
   • Worn out or loose wheel bearings, gear box, tie-rod ends, ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings, and other steering components.
   • Uneven distribution of heavy loads.
   • Poor driving habits--hard cornering, braking, or swerving.

Important Tip: It is wise to take your car for a test drive following a wheel alignment service!

Wondering if you need a car alignment service? 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 steering problems. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.