Wondering How Often Should You Do Car Maintenance?

Do you want to know how often should you do car maintenance and why?  Many vehicle owners don’t understand why following a schedule for vehicle maintenance is so vital.  As long as their car gets them from point A to point B, they think all is fine.    

Adhering to the preventative vehicle maintenance schedule makes sure your vehicle keeps operating smoothly and efficiently!  Always refer to your owner's manual or your auto mechanic for the specific service intervals required for your vehicle.  

So how often should you do car maintenance?  Here is a common guideline provided by vehicle manufacturers:

• Every 3,000--7,000 Miles.  Change the oil and filter according to your service manual.  At each oil change, have the transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid and wipers, tires and all exterior lights inspected.
• Every 15,000--30,000 Miles.  Replace the air filter every 15,000 miles. Every 20,000 miles check the battery and coolant. Replace the fuel filter every 25,000 miles. Every 30,000 miles, replace the power steering fluid and air filter. Check the coolant, radiator hoses, HVAC system, brake pads, and suspension components.
• Every 35,000--50,000 Miles.  Inspect the battery and replace it if it is not holding a charge or if it 3 to 4 years old. Every 40,000 miles replace the spark plugs and plug wires and check the ignition system and suspension.
• Every 60,000 Miles.  Replace brake pads and fluid, coolant, radiator hoses, power steering fluid, and timing belt. Check the HVAC, suspension components and tires.  Have the engine, transmission, cooling, brakes and suspension components thoroughly checked. 

Tip to Remember:  Keep a vehicle maintenance log.  Maintaining the maintenance schedule can optimize the resale value of your car, help prevent costly repairs, avert potential roadside breakdowns, and increase the driving safety of your vehicle. 

Need to how often should you do car maintenance?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the suggested vehicle maintenance schedule and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

Wondering Why Does Your Car Battery Keep Dying?

When a battery fails it’s a serious issue that wants instant attention.  Inappropriately, this is generally not at a convenient time or place.  So you may be wondering just why does your car battery keeps dying.   Have your batteries checked and the charge inspected so you will know if it’s time for a car battery replacement.  A checkup of your car battery should be on your maintenance checklist, just like changing the oil, air filter, tires rotation, and windshield wipers.  

Here are a few things to check if you are having starting issues:  

1. The headlights were left on.  This will drain a battery if left on overnight.  
2. Battery terminals and cables may be loose, broken, corroded, or calcified, 
3. Extremely hot or cold temperatures.  If your battery is starting to fail, this will accelerate the issue.
4. The fluid level in the terminals may be too low,
5. An electrical current is drawing power from the battery even when the car is turned off.  Even small drains, like the memory function in your car radio, may kill a weak battery. 
6. The charging system is going bad.  This may include the starter or the alternator.  

Some of these issues are enough to kill a battery on their own, while others are generally coupled with a battery that is already weak or on its last legs.

Are you wondering why does your car battery keeps dying?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

Why is Wheel Alignment Necessary?

You are possibly wondering what is wrong with your vehicle if it is displaying these four symptoms: 

1. The tires are wearing unevenly,
2. The car pulls to one side or direction,
3. Strange vibrations when the car is moving,
4. The steering feels loose.

The above symptoms are that of a misaligned car.  So why is a wheel alignment necessary?  You might think there isn’t a rush to have your car alignment inspected, but if you wait too long to have a car alignment service, there will be significant repercussions, such as:  

• You will have to replace your tires sooner than usual;
• You will start having to fill up the fuel tank more often due to poor fuel economy; and
• Damage could be occurring to other vehicle components, such as brakes, shocks, and suspension.

Check out below why the proper wheel alignment is necessary:

• Your tires will last longer;
• Your vehicle will drive smoother;
• Your wheels will point in the right direction, which means you can cruise without continuously correcting course;
• Your vehicle will take less energy to keep going, which can save you money at the pump;
• Your vehicle will handle better, which means it will be safer.

Need to know more about why is a wheel alignment necessary?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our car alignment services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.