Wondering what is Included in a Major Car Service?

Most car owners have procrastinated at some point in time in taking care of required maintenance service or needed car repair because of their busy schedules or tight budget.  They think that by extending a required service interval they are saving money.  Or, as long as their car can get them from point A to point B, they put off a needed car repair.  Though, they may actually spend more money on an emergency car repair than the cost of the maintenance service.

Taking your car to an auto repair shop for an inspection is just like us humans going to the doctor for an annual checkup.  We want to make sure that all in our bodies are running smoothly, and the same goes for our car!  The reason that vehicle manufacturers publish a service schedule is to make sure that the car operates reliably and safely for many miles.  Not only will regular car service prevent costly car repair, but it is also crucial for keeping your car safe and roadworthy, protecting yourself and other drivers.  

The best place to find out what type of service your car requires is your car owner’s manual.  It lists the mileage or time interval for every service, as well as the relevant details of each service.  There are usually 3 levels of car service:

• What is included in a Basic Service?  This basic service usually includes an oil and filter change and a visual checkup of the components of your vehicle.  Fluids (such as washer fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze, and steering fluid) will usually be topped-off.  Also, your auto mechanic should check key components (over 35 of them) of your car to ensure itis in the best condition potential.  This will include brakes, tires, etc., and also recommend any additional work needed.
• What is included in a Full Service?  This Full service usually consists of all the basic service work listed above plus an extra 15-30 additional inspect on the car’s components (compared to the basic service).
• What is included in a Major Car Service?  This major service includes all covered in the basic and full service.  A major car service is the most complete service available.  It also includes all wear, service and maintenance items recommended by the manufacturer.

The cost of major car service will vary depending on your type of car. Please ask your auto repair mechanic to provide you with a cost estimation before beginning any work.

Are you wondering what is included in a major car service?  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 vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

When should shocks and struts be replaced?

Are you having issues with your car suspension and wonder when should shocks and struts be replaced?  The components of the steering and suspension systems work together to keep your ride smooth and safe.  But these components do wear out over time as the miles add up.   Just like most of the other automobile parts and systems, shocks and struts have a specific maintenance schedule.  

So when should shocks and struts be replaced?  The lifetime of shocks and struts will depend a great deal on how and where you drive. If you consistently travel over bumpy streets and adverse road conditions, then they will want to be replaced more often than if you drive just short distances daily. Because of these factors, the range of when shocks and struts need to be replaced is between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.  

So what are the signs of a bad car suspension?

• Poor steering response.
• When turning lanes, you feel the car sway to one side or the other.
• Your vehicle bounces excessively when driving.
• Braking performance is unbalanced.
• Vehicle nose “dives” when braking.
• Tire "Cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire all the time it hits the ground.
• Hydraulic fluid is leaking from inside the shock.

If you notice that there’s something not quite right about how your vehicle handles on the road, have the car suspension checked out.  When it fails, the impact can be risky.  If you want to improve your stopping ability, increase the safety of your vehicle, and increase the control of your vehicle, it may be time to have the shocks and struts replaced.  

Are you wondering when should shocks and struts be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about car suspension problems and to 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.