What are the signs of bad tires?

Bad tires can compromise the safety and performance of your vehicle. Here are some common signs that indicate your tires may need attention or replacement:

1. Low Tread Depth
• Sign: If the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) or less, it's time to replace the tires.
• How to Inspect: Use a tread depth gauge or the penny test (insert a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down—if you can see all of his head, the tread is too low).
2. Cracks or Bulges
• Sign: Visible cracks on the sidewalls or bulges on the surface are signs of structural damage.
• Cause: These can result from hitting potholes, curbs, or normal wear over time, increasing the risk of a blowout.
3. Vibration While Driving
• Sign: Excessive vibrations or shaking while driving, especially at higher speeds.
• Cause: It could be due to unbalanced or misaligned tires, worn-out treads, or internal tire damage.
4. Uneven Tire Wear
• Sign: Some areas of the tire wear down faster than others.
• Cause: This can be a result of improper alignment, over- or under-inflation, or suspension issues.
5. Tire Pressure Problems
• Sign: Constantly needing to inflate the tires or noticing that they frequently lose pressure.
• Cause: Leaks due to punctures, valve stem issues, or damage to the tire's structure.
6. Blisters or Bubbles on the Tire Surface
• Sign: A bubble-like bulge on the tire’s outer surface.
• Cause: This indicates a weak spot in the tire, usually caused by impact damage, and could lead to a blowout.
7. Excessive Tire Noise
• Sign: Worn tread reduces traction, making it harder for your car to grip the road, particularly in bad weather.
• Cause: This could be a result of worn-out treads or uneven wear patterns.
8. Worn-Out Indicator Bars
• Sign: Many modern tires have tread wear indicator bars. If the bars become visible, it means the tread has worn down significantly.
• Cause: These are designed to alert you when the tire needs replacing.
9. Longer Stopping Distances
• Sign: Your vehicle takes longer to stop, especially in wet conditions.
• Cause: Worn tread reduces traction, making it harder for your car to grip the road, particularly in bad weather.

Wondering what are the signs of bad tires? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at River Automotive for more information about tire repair and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.

How often should a transmission be serviced?

The transmission is one of the most expensive components for any car. It's also among one of the hardest working systems in your vehicle. As time passes, the fluid in the transmission gets worse and can't clean and protect all the moving components. Regular maintenance requires a keen eye for the following telltale signs of when service is needed.

How Often Should a Transmission Be Serviced?

Generally, your vehicle's transmission service should be done between 30000 and 60000 miles. It depends on the manufacturer's recommendation, age, and make of your car. Also, if you tow heavy loads often, drive in rough terrains, or sit too long in traffic, you require transmission service more often.

Signs You Need Transmission Repair

After regular maintenance, you need to keep a keen eye for the following telltale signs of when service is needed.

• Shifting Gears issues: Whether you are driving a manual or automatic transmission, the gear shifts should be smooth and instant. Any delay in the vehicle's response when shifting gears or hesitating before engaging in gear may indicate issues with the transmission. When this is the case, you need transmission repair from a professional mechanic.
• Trouble Shifting Gears: If you’re experiencing jolting motions while shifting gears, your car's transmission is in trouble. When these signs appear, you should rapidly get a skilled mechanic to handle them. Delaying maintenance will ultimately damage more components of your transmission system.
• Strange Car Sounds: Uncommon noises like whines, clanks, or hums from your vehicle could indicate something wrong with its transmission system. These sounds can occur whether the automobile is moving or idling. Sometimes, unusual noises may be accompanied by odd smells.
• Engine or Transmission Light Goes Off: Every car has an internal diagnostic system that warns you via a light when it has identified an error in its performance. It illuminates the check engine or transmission light. When either comes on, it's best to have your car inspected by an experienced professional. 

Key Takeaways

Learn how often should a transmission be serviced and ensure you have your vehicle inspected by an expert mechanic for possible problems if you observe these signs. Prudent maintenance and instant response to such troubles could prolong the life of your car's gearbox and prevent future costlier repairs.

Wondering how often should a transmission be serviced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at River Automotive for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.

What is the most common cause of engine failure?

The most common cause of engine failure is a lack of lubrication, often due to low or dirty oil. Without proper lubrication, engine parts can overheat and wear out rapidly, leading to severe damage. Here are other common causes of engine failure:

1. Overheating: This can result from a malfunctioning cooling system, such as a broken water pump, radiator, or thermostat.
2. Detonation: Also known as engine knocking, detonation can cause significant damage over time. It occurs when fuel burns unevenly or prematurely.
3. Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and checkups, can lead to different engine issues.
4. Fuel Problems: Contaminated or incorrect fuel can cause engine damage or failure.
5. Timing Belt or Chain Failure: If the timing belt or chain breaks or slips, it can cause the engine’s internal parts to collide, resulting in catastrophic damage.
6. Cooling System Failures: Problems with the cooling system, such as leaks, clogged passages, or a failing water pump, can lead to overheating and engine failure.

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any problems can help prevent engine failure and prolong the life of an engine.

Wondering about what is the most common cause of engine failure? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Rum River Automotive for more information on engine service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.

How often should you get car alignment?

Car wheel alignment is not only a critical safety measure but also enhances the performance of your car. Therefore, alignment is very important and should be carried out more often to minimize the risk of vehicle instability. Wheel alignment means adjusting the wheel angles to be perpendicular to the ground. 

Aligned wheels are parallel to each other, which helps optimize their contact with the road and improve fuel efficiency. Long-time car owners may have the experience of knowing when their wheels require alignment, but it can be a challenging task for some new car owners. Knowing when your wheel requires alignment is critical; it helps you do it in time and avoid further costs. 

Personal factors that can cause a shift in wheel alignment include aggressive driving styles. There are also external factors, like road situations. So, how often should you get car alignment? The frequency of your alignment depends largely on these personal and external factors. The car's age is also a factor, as older cars tend to get misaligned wheels more often than new cars.

There are several benefits to having a timely wheel alignment. Some of the benefits are: 

• correctly aligned wheels enhance fuel efficiency due to reduced resistance.
• Leads to increased car stability. It also improves the handling of the vehicle.
• Well-aligned wheels will increase the life of the tires. 
• Having aligned wheels ensures that other vehicle components do not wear out prematurely, saving you future expenses on repairs. 

In normal circumstances, wheel alignment should be done at least once a year, regardless of whether you have noticed signs of wheel shifts. Moreover, if your car makes 12,000 miles, you should carry out another wheel alignment service, even if that comes within a year of the last alignment. 

Other conditions can, however, force you to get alignments more often. When your car is involved in a collision, wheel alignment will be needed alongside other car checks. Moreover, when driving on uneven roads, hitting curbs or potholes can shift the wheels, which must be inspected and adjusted. The factors notwithstanding, signs like crooked steering wheels, uneven wearing out of the tires, and car vibrations should not be ignored, and they could mean the alignment is off.

Wondering about how often you should get alignment? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Rum River Automotive for information about our wheel alignment services and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.

How often should an oil change be done?

The frequency of oil changes depends on several factors, including the type of oil used, the make and model of your vehicle, driving situations, and the manufacturer's recommendations. In the past, the general rule of thumb was to change the oil every 3,000 miles. However, advancements in engine and oil technology have extended the recommended oil change intervals for many vehicles.

Here are some general guidelines:

1. Conventional Oil: If your vehicle uses conventional oil, it's usually recommended to change it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Inspect your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's specific recommendations.
2. Synthetic Oil: Vehicles using synthetic oil usually have longer oil change intervals, often in the range of 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Some high-performance and luxury vehicles may even have longer intervals.
3. Manufacturer Recommendations: Always follow the oil change interval specified in your vehicle's owner's manual. Manufacturers have specific guidelines based on their understanding of the engine design, oil properties, and overall performance.
4. Driving Styles: If you frequently drive in severe conditions, such as extreme temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, towing, or off-road driving, you may want to change the oil more frequently. In such cases, following the "severe" maintenance schedule in the owner's manual is advisable.

It's important to note that many modern vehicles come equipped with oil life monitoring systems. These systems use sensors and algorithms to analyze driving conditions and determine when the oil needs to be changed. If your vehicle has such a system, it's a good idea to follow its recommendations.

Ultimately, regular oil changes are critical for maintaining the health of your engine and ensuring optimal performance. If you're unsure about the appropriate oil change interval for your specific vehicle, consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

Wondering how often should an oil change be done? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Rum River Automotive for more information about oil change coupons and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.