Exhaust System: Got a Noisy Muffler?

Whether or not a vehicle’s exhaust system is operating properly is usually the last thing on people’s minds as they start out on their summer road trip. That is until they face the stares of other motorists as they pull in to a gas pump with a noisy muffler. Some drivers don’t understand that the work of the exhaust system does more than keep your car quiet. Don’t just turn up the radio to drown out a loud muffler.

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Do you know the four primary functions of the exhaust system? They are:

• Route the waste gases away from the passenger cabin,
• Help the engine run properly,
• Maintain optimum fuel efficiency, and
• Reduce the amount of polluting emissions into the environment.

Watch out for these signs of problems:

• Catalytic converter – A failing catalytic converter may sound like someone shaking a box of rocks when your vehicle is idling when parked or stopped in traffic. Or, if it has been stolen, you'll immediately notice a loud sound and altered vehicle performance upon startup. The catalytic converter is one of the highest priced exhaust system parts and may be prone to theft by scrap metal thieves.
• Exhaust leak – An exhaust leak can be caused by road conditions and rust, as well as just normal wear and tear. Because the muffler is mounted on the underside of a vehicle, it is exposed to a lot of road conditions that can cause it to break down over time.
• Rust -- The water vapor produced by the catalytic convertor can also be problematic. If you only take your vehicle for short trips, the water vapor produced does not have a chance to be expelled. It condenses back into water, resulting in rust. ISulfer, another by-product of engine emissions, mixes with water left in the exhaust system, can form a corrosive acid that will eat away at the exhaust system.

Note to Remember: Delaying a needed repair to the exhaust system or muffler can be costly. Continuing to drive with an exhaust leak or bad catalytic converter can damage other things in your vehicle's operating systemy.

Need an inspection of the exhaust system for a noisy muffler?  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, MN and Zimmerman, MN.

Air Conditioner Service: Keep Your Cool!

Your cooling system works overtime during the long hot days of summer. The last thing you need is a malfunctioning air conditioning (A/C) system. Make sure it is operating at peak performance before you head out on your summer road trip. A couple of weeks before your trip, schedule an air conditioner service so that you can reach your destination comfortably. Keep your cool by having a necessary air conditioner repair as soon as possible, even if it’s for that short commute to work, or just taking your kids for a picnic in the park.

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A thorough inspection of your vehicle’s A/C should be performed annually so that you can keep your cool when temperatures soar. It is important to always have the A/C system properly maintained to keep it in tip-top shape and to avoid a costly air conditioner repair down the road. A vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps the interior cabin comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level.

A typical air conditioner service consists of:

• A service technician checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures.
• If the refrigerant is too low, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak. Leaking refrigerant is also damaging the ozone layer.
• Refrigerant may be added if necessary to “top off” the system. Your mechanic should know your state regulations, as some states do not allow “topping off.”
• A technician may also check for evidence of refrigerant cross-contamination, which is the mixing of refrigerants.
• An air conditioner service should also include a check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension.

Remember: Check the cooling system at least once a year to make sure it is running efficiently all year long. It will help improve your gas mileage, is more environmentally-friendly, and it will keep you feeling more patient and calm as you drive on.

Take care of any necessary air conditioner repair as soon as possible so that you can finish out the summer in style. For help with vehicle maintenance issues, including an air conditioner 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. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.