Visit Your Auto Shop for a Pre-Trip Vehicle Check!

Headed out on that long-awaited-for summer road trip? Have a pre-trip vehicle check at your preferred auto shop a couple of weeks beforehand to help ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle. If any service or repair is needed, your auto shop will have time to perform any necessary service or repairs.

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Some people spend months planning their summer trips. Car problems can be a real hassle, not to mention expensive! Don’t spend your precious vacation time and money in an auto shop.

Of course, that unexpected flat tire or break-down could still happen, but with the help of your auto shop, you can be as prepared as possible. Check out:

• Tires – check air pressure, tread, and look for bulges or bald spots. Under-inflation lowers fuel efficiency and increases the risk of tire damage. Uneven wear indicates a need for a wheel alignment. You may need to purchase new tires before your trip.
• Hoses and belts – These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and cooling system. They can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose, or show other signs of excessive wear.
• Filters and fluids – These include the motor oil, the power steering, brake, and transmission. Check the antifreeze/coolant mixture, as well as the windshield washer solvent.
• Lights (interior and exterior) – If needed, your auto shop can replace any burned-out bulbs.
• Windshield and wiper blades – Replace wipers as necessary for those summer rain storms. Don’t drive with a cracked windshield—it will only get worse!
• Brakes -- Make sure you stop in good time when you step on the pedal.
• Battery -- The battery connection should be clean, tight and corrosion-free.
• Tune up – A pre-trip tune up will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy.

Reduce the chance of unplanned, costly car trouble by having any necessary maintenance or auto repair performed at your trusted auto shop before hitting the road.

If you want a full-service auto center 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.

When Should I Get New Tires?

It’s inevitable that all tires, over time, get old and worn out. It can be puzzling in trying to determine when it’s time to purchase new tires. Many drivers want to wait as long as possible before putting out the expense.

Other than a tire specialist’s opinion, there are several visual signs indicating that new tires are necessary.

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Five Visual Symptoms to watch for:

1. Tire tread depth less than 1/16th of an inch – If you regularly drive on wet or slick pavement, more than this is better and safer. If there is less than 1/16th of an inch depth remaining, take your car into a tire service center and ask about purchasing new tires.
2. Newer tires have tread wear indicator bars. These bars gradually begin to appear as the tread wears down. They appear as flat rubber bars running perpendicular to the direction of the tread itself. If more than one or two of these are visible, the tread is getting low and it’s time to have your tires checked.
3. Tracks or cuts in the sidewall - Do a visual check of the sidewalls or your tires looking for grooves or cracks. This could be a sign that your tire is developing an air leak (or worse, ready to blow out). If the cracks in the sidewall are starting to look serious, have them checked. You may need new tires.
4. Bulge or blister on the outer surface of the tire – If you see these, it means the tire is beginning to weaken. This weak spot can cause a sudden blow out, and cause you to lose control of the car. So keep a close watch on any tire bulges and blisters that are apparent.
5. Extensive vibration while driving - There can be any of a number of causes for the vibration, but it could indicate an internal problem in a tire. Even if the tire isn't the root cause of the vibration, the vibration could damage the tire and wear it prematurely. If this is the case, have your tires checked.

Be sure to take care 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.

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