Caution: Kids in the Street! Safety Tips From a Car Service Center!

In the summertime, your neighborhood can be quite a hub of activity. The kids are outside, just wanting to have fun and the parents are either leaving for or coming home from work. As a reminder, a car service center wants you to remember that in residential communities, kids often play in the street, riding their bikes, throwing a football, or chasing the family pet. Drivers need to be on the lookout for small children darting out of nowhere, many times unaware of their surroundings.

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Safety Tips From a Car Service Center: Look out For Kids Playing In The Street

1.The first tip is to make sure you visit a quality car service center and have your brakes checked. Sometimes being able to protect a child means adequately being able to put on brakes. In fact, it could mean a matter of seconds! Your brakes must be able to respond to the sudden braking.

2.Pay attention to your surroundings. Look ahead of your vehicle 100 feet for children playing in residential neighborhoods. Expect to see them playing outside and in the street. Often times, most children that are hit by a vehicle occurs during the summer in a residential neighborhood.

3. Slow down! You may be running late, have to get dinner, or pick Susie up from practice, but proceeding with caution through a residential area, playgrounds, schools, or park (especially during the summer) is critical.

4. Be aware of the "children at play" sign. If you notice children at play in a particular area that doesn't have a sign, go ahead and petition for one. Remember a car outweighs a child by a couple tons. Think smart behind the wheel.

Make sure your vehicle is ready for safe summer driving by taking care of routine car service. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information and to schedule an appointment for a needed car repair. Rum River also offers quality auto detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Is an Engine Rebuild Worth the Expense?

As your car ages and gets more and more use, the engine can begin to experience issues. In some cases, simple engine repair is just not enough and an engine rebuild may be necessary. There are many pros and cons to going with an engine rebuild as opposed to just simple repair. Knowing these advantages and disadvantages will help you to figure out which option is best for you. Make sure you ask an expert auto repair technician for professional advice before making a decision.

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Going with an engine rebuild is obviously going to be a lot more expensive than basic engine repair. The reason for this is due to the fact that the entire engine will be rebuilt from what it once was. If your car is older and rebuilding the engine is going to cost more than what the car is worth, it is absolutely not worth it to go through with this project. If, on the other hand, you have a classic car or a vehicle that is still worth quite a bit, having the engine completely rebuilt will help to keep that car running well and also retain its value.

If you choose to go with an engine rebuild, it is vital that you have all work done by the experts. Sure, this project is quite expensive, but it is a must for classic cars and expensive vehicles that would otherwise lose value if the engine is not revamped. Be sure to contact a local auto repair shop so that the work can be done in a timely manner. Your car will be back up and running better than ever once the work is done.

Worried about a possible engine rebuild? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about engine repair. Rum River also offers quality auto repair and auto detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman,MN.

Save Money with Routine Vehicle Maintenance.

Many vehicle owners are interested in saving money. There are some simple ways to stretch your dollar at the pump and also protect the environment. Taking care of routine vehicle maintenance is one of those ways. Some drivers don’t realize that fuel efficiency is directly related to car maintenance, whether it’s good or bad.

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6 Vehicle Maintenance Tips to help you save money:

• Regular Tune-Ups: Regular tune ups can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
• Correct Tire Pressure: Keeping the correct air pressure in your tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.
• The Right Motor Oil: Using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer can improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent
• Change the Air Filter: Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy, performance, and acceleration.
• Tighten the Gas Cap: A damaged, loose or missing gas cap allow gass to vaporize into the air.
• Fix what’s wrong: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent.

There are several other ways that drivers can increase fuel efficiency (thereby saving money) in their vehicle:  

• Modify driving habits (observe the speed limit and avoid quick stops and starts),
• Consolidate trips,
• Avoid excessive idling, and
• Remove unnecessary items from the trunk.

Looking for quality vehicle maintenance services?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com for more information about car maintenance and other services.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN. 

Quality Oil Changes Pay Big Dividends!

Everyone is looking for a return on their investment. As a vehicle owner, your vehicle is one of the biggest purchases you may make (outside of your residence).  Some people try to skimp on oil changes, believing they are saving money. They think that because they aren't having any car problems they don't need to pay the price for high-quality oil changes.

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The truth is, it is possible for problems to exist before any symptoms are noticeable. Using inferior oil can cause damage that may not be noticed until later down the road, costing more in the long run with engine problems.

A big pay-off for quality oil changes is that your auto mechanic can check out the other systems of your car for any pending problems at the same time.

Why use high quality oil?

Inferior motor oils can deposit harmful contaminants into the engine's lubricating system. Even before there are any visible symptoms of problems, damage may have already occurred, and the engine's performance level may not be brought back to normal. For maximum engine protection, it's worth the extra cost for a high quality, warranty-backed oil change. Regular oil changes ensure better lubrication for the protection and longevity of your engine.

Good-quality motor oil keeps contaminants separated and held in suspension. Poor quality oils can contribute to sludge build-up formed by a combination of dirt, soot, partially burned fuel, oxidized motor oil, leaked coolant and condensed water vapor produced during combustion. Regular oil changes will drain these contaminants out with the oil, rather than left behind to create sludge.

A Rule of Thumb: Your vehicle should have an oil change service about every 3,000 miles, or every three months. If in doubt, check your owner's manual or ask your auto mechanic for guidance on oil changes and other maintenance issues.

Looking for quality oil changes at affordable prices? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com for more information and to find our oil change coupons. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Engine Service: Check out 3 Critical Components!

A smart driver will have an engine service performed by a trained mechanic to ensure their automobile will continue to operate smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your vehicle for very long, even with regular engine service, it's inevitable that a major component will probably fail sooner or later, resulting in a necessary engine repair.

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The basic purpose of an engine is to convert air and fuel into rotary motion, which then turns the wheels of the car. If the air and/or fuel become blocked, you won't have any choice but to schedule an engine repair.

To keep your wheels turning, there are three main components that should be inspected in a typical engine service:

Crankshaft: The crankshaft is connected to the pistons by a connecting rod. The crankshaft rides on bearings, supporting the crankshaft and rods, connecting the pistons to the crankshaft.  A loud knocking noise may indicate that the bearings are wearing out. There may be two choices of engine repair—remove the crankshaft and machine the surface where the bearings ride, or remove and replace the entire crankshaft.

Pistons: Most motors have 4, 6, or 8 pistons which move vertically within the cylinders. The pistons have rings that keep the oil free of fuel and air and keep it from entering the combustion chamber.  The rings wear out over time, allowing oil to enter the combustion chambers. As the oil burns, grayish/white smoke is emitted from the tailpipe. Worn out rings also allow fuel and air to leak into the oil and dilute it, reducing its ability to lubricate the engine, resulting in premature wear. Replacing the rings is a fairly common engine repair.

Valve train: The valve train consists of valves, rocker arms, pushrods, lifters, and camshaft. Its job is to let air and fuel in and out of the engine at the proper time. The timing is controlled by the camshaft, which is synchronized to the crankshaft by a chain or belt.  Grayish/white smoke when you start your car may be an indication of leaking valve seals. Oil can seep into the combustion chamber and collect there until you start your car.

Whether you need a basic engine service, or a more extensive engine repair, our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car on the road. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served customers in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Auto Shop Offers Vehicle Maintenance Tips!

If your car or truck isn't ready for winter driving, it's time to take it to an auto shop to make sure it is "up-to-date" on all of its maintenance services. Even a new vehicle requires regular service, such as oil changes, wheel alignment, or brake service. You can gain peace of mind for just a little extra time and money spent at an auto center, knowing that your car will get you safely and comfortably to your destination on time.

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Preventative vehicle maintenance typically includes the following services at the recommended intervals:

    * at every 3,000 miles -- Change oil and filter.

    * at every 15,000 miles -- Change air filter (7,500 miles in dusty or dirty operating conditions).

    * at every 20,000 miles -- Check timing belt for wear.

    * at every 30,000 miles -- Change spark plugs and wires, change distributor cap and rotor, adjust valves, check and adjust idle speed and ignition timing (as necessary), change PCV valve and crankcase ventilation filter (as applicable), check onboard diagnostic system (trouble codes).

    * at every 60,000 miles: Replace timing belt, or as recommended in owner's manual.

You are extending the life of your vehicle when you have it serviced at the appropriate intervals. Just like going to the dentist on a regular basis, you won't need to dread a trip to an auto shop. It's true that it will cost you a few dollars in the beginning, plus some of your valuable time, but it's an investment that will pay dividends in the long run. Once you have found a reliable auto center that you can trust, give them your repeated business. They will keep a history log of your vehicle's maintenance service, resulting in fewer unexpected breakdowns.

Looking for a quality auto shop? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ to answer your questions about our tire service. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Advice From A Tire Service Center About All-Season vs. Winter Tires

In order to stay up with your job, school, and other activities during the harsh winter months, you may be wondering whether you should purchase winter tires, otherwise known as snow tires, or just stick with all-season tires. For most severe winter weather conditions snow tires will help provide with enhanced traction. For help with purchasing the right type of tire for your specific vehicle and climate, ask your local tire service center to guide you through the process. 

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So that vehicle owners can make informed decisions about whether or not to purchase all-season or winter tires, consider the following tips offered by a tire service center:


Tread Compound & Design: Winter tires feature specialized tread compounds and advanced tread designs that help provide superior traction and shorter stopping distance, together with improved braking performance.
Road Conditions: You may have hills and sharp corners to navigate in addition to the harsh winter weather. In addition to inclement weather, you may have hills and sharp corners in your area, as well as unplowed snow, slush or ice. For advanced traction and control, winter tires can help you face those challenges.

Weather Conditions: If the winter temperature is consistently below 45°F or you're forced to drive in challenging winter conditions (snow, slush, ice, unplowed roads), winter tires may be a good choice for you. All-season tires do provide extra traction for wet and snowy conditions, but the enhanced traction and grip that winter tires provide assures that your winter driving is safer and more comfortable.


Performance: The amount and type of traction on your tires impacts your vehicle's starting, stopping and turning abilities on snowy or icy road surfaces.

For expert advice from a professional tire service center, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ to answer your questions about our tire service. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Car Battery Replacement: Stay in Charge!

As most vehicle owners know, a car battery is vital to the proper performance of your vehicle. Even though a car battery seems to be fairly simple, it is helpful to know how it works. A little knowledge will help you understand why, even with good maintenance, your vehicle may require a car battery replacement sooner than expected.

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You can learn how to keep your car battery running strong through the cold winter months. Remember these tips for the best cold-weather performance and avoid a premature car battery replacement:

• Purchase the correct battery for your vehicle with the right Group Size and sufficient cranking power.
• Purchase a good quality car battery.
• Have your car battery checked by a professional. Some corrosion can't be seen.
• Follow the oil change interval recommended in your owner's manual.
• Have the battery tested at every oil change

• Prepare your vehicle for winter by having preventative maintenance inspections and repairing any problems, including a necessary car battery replacement.

• Inspect the battery cables, posts, and fasteners to ensure cables are in good shape and secured firmly to the battery.

• Have your car's starting and charging systems inspected every six months.

• Use a charger to maintain charge levels and keep your car battery in good condition.

For a car battery to function correctly, it must be in good condition internally, working together with the connections that feed the current to the vehicle's electrical components.

Needing a car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.