How Often Should You Get your Car Air Conditioner Serviced?

The warmer temperatures of summer will still be around for a while and most people still want to stay cool and relaxed in their cars.  Your car air conditioner has been getting a work-out and you’ve noticed that it isn’t getting as cold as it should.  Don’t delay in scheduling a car AC repair.  Your car air conditioner will still get a lot of use as you finish out summer.

Wondering, “How often should you get your car air conditioner serviced?”  The short answer is---at least once a year!  And, any car AC repair should be performed by an ASE certified mechanic. Not only will this keep your ride relaxed, but you will also reap the benefits of improved gas mileage and a more environmentally friendly vehicle.

There are several reasons your car AC is not getting cold: 

• The coolant has lost its effectiveness. Fresh coolant added to the radiator may be all that is wanted to keep your AC cold.
• The AC’s compressor isn’t able to create a high enough pressure in the system for the refrigerant to cool correctly.
• A clog in the system allows the high-pressure refrigerant to slowly decompress through the clog. 
• The AC unit is exposed to the extreme heat of the engine, dirt, vibrations, road debris, quick stops, and even run-ins with curbs.  This stress may create small cracks that allow the refrigerant to leakage.  
• The cooling fans could be burned out, poorly mounted, a fan blade is chipped, or there is a blown fuse or burnt-out relay.
• An electrical issue could be sending a faulty signal caused by a broken wire, bad module and sensors. 

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

What is the importance of car maintenance for winter driving?

Winter’s cold temperatures are knocking at the door!  An important part of getting ready for winter is scheduling preventative vehicle maintenance service.  Ask your auto repair technician to perform a thorough checkup of all the systems of your vehicle and of course, be sure to have any compulsory repairs taken care of as soon as possible.  This will ensure that you can drive your vehicle with peace of mind when heading out on icy and snowy roads.

If you have not yet done so, now is the time to take care of these simple vehicle maintenance items so that you are driving as safe as possible:

• Battery--Cold temperatures reduce a battery’s cranking power.  Cranking power at 0° F is only about half of that at 80° F.  If your battery is worn out, it’s time to replace it!
• Wiper Blades--Even the best-performing wiper blades start to lose their effectiveness in as little as 6 months. Streaks expanses of glass are sure signs that the blades should be replaced.  
• Windows--Make sure your windows are clear before heading out.  You're a risk to yourself and everyone around if you can’t see.  Use an ice scraper, not the wipers, to remove ice from the windshield. If you park outside, place the wipers in the raised position to keep them from freezing to the windshield.  Keep your windshield-washer reservoir filled with a washer solution that contains an antifreeze agent.  Also, make sure the heater is functioning correctly so that plenty of warm air is being directed to the windshield in the defrost mode.
• Lights--Inspect that all the vehicle's lights are working correctly and that the lenses are clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and other drivers can see you.
• Oil--Oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over. Normally, you should be using multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index, providing good oil flow at low temperatures.
• Radiator, Hoses, and Belts--Have the radiator and heater hoses inspected for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil. The hoses should be firm yet pliable.  Try to keep your coolant mixture in a 50/50 ratio of antifreeze and water to keep it from freezing until temperatures are well below zero.  Ask your mechanic for the correct mixture for your climate.
• New Tires--Your safety depends on tire traction.  If your area gets occasional snow, a new set of all-season tires rated to perform well in snow and ice tests should be fine.  If you live where snow and ice are continually present, consider buying winter tires which are made from special rubber compounds and tread patterns to grip snow and ice for optimum traction.  Keep your tires correctly inflated, as tire pressure declines with the thermometer.
• Brakes--Make sure your brakes are working correctly to meet the challenges of wet and icy roads.  If you feel any vibration, hear screeching, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes checked and repaired as soon as possible.
• Emergency kit--Even if going a short distance, carry a supply of water, snacks, jumper cables, flashlight, road flares, first aid kit, blanket, and cell phone and charger.

Are you looking for a quality vehicle maintenance service?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the importance of car maintenance 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.  

What Causes Car Suspension Problems?

The suspension system of your vehicle consists of springs and shock absorbers that work together to cushion the car from the uneven motion of the four wheels in contact with the road. A sudden shock from a pothole or other obstruction in the road can damage this system.  Over time, these shocks will wear out the components of your vehicle suspension, thus reducing the life of these components. 

As an experienced driver, you know that potholes and rough roads are part of life, especially during winter.  Many times, a large pothole in the road ahead can’t be avoided as it could be risky to try to swerve around it.  You find yourself cringing as your car takes the big bump.  Over time those bumps can add up to issues with your vehicle suspension and alignment. A big enough bump can even cause your car to “bottom out,” meaning the bottom of your car could hit the road.

The term “suspension” refers to all of the components that connect the vehicle to the road, such as tires, car axles, and shocks.  Although vehicles may vary in their suspension designs, they are all designed to do three things:

• Support the vehicle
• Absorb bumps and other shocks
• The vehicle turns in response to steering

When your vehicle suspension system goes bad, the results can be risky, as it impacts the steering and stopping the performance of your vehicle.  To regain stability and control of your vehicle, have the shocks, or struts, replaced.  This will also increase stopping performance.

Remember:  Don’t let damage from potholes and other obstacles in the road affect your car’s efficiency and safety. 

Wondering what causes car suspension problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about vehicle suspension problems 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.