Wondering How Often Should You Get Your Car Serviced?

Like most motorists, you want to take good care of your vehicle and may wonder how often should you get your car serviced?  Simply stated, follow the suggested maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for your car.  There are two ways in which you will be reminded as to when to get your car serviced.

• In-vehicle Maintenance Reminder Systems If you drive a newer car, it possibly has an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system that makes mileage-based schedules out-of-date. These reminder systems take a number of vehicle operating conditions into account and provide an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level checks, component inspections, and other vehicle maintenance services. 
• Mileage-Based Maintenance Service Intervals Older cars have service intervals based on mileage. There are generally two different maintenance schedules, one for cars driven in “normal” operating conditions and another for those used in “severe” operating conditions, such as mainly short trips of five miles, extreme climates, stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads.  

Tip to Remember:  Plan ahead for vehicle maintenance items by finding a car repair shop and auto technician you can trust before you need them. 

Are you wondering how often should you get your car serviced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our car repair services and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

How do you know when your Brakes are going bad?

Wondering how do you know when your brakes are going bad?  One sure sign is if it is taking you lengthier to come to a stop at red lights and stop signs.  If this is happening, it is definitely time to schedule a brake service for a checkup of the braking components.  

There is no stated schedule in your owner’s manual as to when brakes should be replaced.  It will depend on how your brakes are draining, which is largely determined by your driving style and conditions.  

So how do you know when your brakes are going bad? Here are six of the obvious signs that you should be aware of:

• Noisy brakes – A screeching sound is created when the built-in wear sensors scrape against the brake disc when the pads need replacing.  Metal-on-metal grinding is also a sign that the brake pads are entirely worn down. 
• Vibrating – A warped disc will cause the brake pedal to pulsate under light or moderate braking.
• Leaking brake fluid – A burning smell while driving could mean brake fluid is leaking onto the hot motor.
• Longer stopping distances – If you are pushing the brake pedal down to the floor to stop your car, it means it is taking a long distance to come to a stop. Because brake linings wear gradually, it could reach the hazardous stage before you notice it.
• Steering issues -- If the steering wheel tugs or the car pulls to one side or the other while braking, the front brake pads are worn down too far.
• Dash Warning light – Some cars have electronic wear indicators that alert the driver if the pads wear down to a specified measurement.  But a visual checkup during a brake service is the still the best way to check the condition of your brakes.

Tip to remember:  Many vehicle owners will ask for a brake inspection at every tire rotation service (about every six months).

Wondering how do you know when your brakes are going bad?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive to make an appointment and to find out more about brake service.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.