How Do You Know If Your Car Has Electrical Problems?

If your vehicle is starting to act a little strange, such as a dash light coming on for a brief moment, dimming headlights, flickering gauges, or maybe an odd smell, it could one or more of some causes.  So how do you know if your car has electrical problems?  Without getting the right diagnosis, this issue can cause car trouble ranging from slow starts to a car that won’t start all.  Take your car into your auto repair shop for a diagnostic test as soon as possible so you don’t find yourself stranded wherever on a cold winter day.

The truth is, the alternator is often the culprit for electrical issues.  It is a relatively simple part but it plays a critical role in a car's operation.  The mechanical energy of the engine's rotating crankshaft is turned into electricity through the alternator, which then powers your car's accessories as well as keeps the battery charged.

A failing alternator can show itself in some different ways:

1. Dashboard Warning Light – This little light serves as a warning that there are issues looming with the alternator.    
2. Strange Sounds – Strange sounds coming from under the hood indicates that the pulley in the alternator could be bad. 
3. Burning Smell – A burning smell could be caused by an over-heating alternator, worn-out wires, or a circuit or fuse malfunction.
4. Dim Lights – The car battery isn’t getting a charge from the alternator to run the lighting system.
5. Dead Battery – This is especially common during the winter months when lights are on for longer and more often or if the lights are left on after turning the car off.  Although a jump-start to the battery took care of the instant issue, remember to have your battery and alternator checked in case they are starting to go bad.
6. Electrical Malfunctions – Broken connections a little wire can lead to malfunctions in the electrical parts, such as power windows, door locks, and accessories, just to name a few.  Simply reconnecting an in-line fuse can bring life back to your car.  

Are you worried about how do you know if your car has electrical problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about alternator issues and to request an appointment.  Our automotive shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

How Do You Know If You Have a Bad Starter?

Just what is a starter, you ask?  The starter is a small motor, powered by the battery that starts your engine.  A starter relay sits between the battery and the starter motor, transmitting power. Without a correctly working starter relay and motor, you can’t even move your car an inch!

So how do you know if you have a bad starter?  

1. Something doesn’t sound “normal.”  One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. Though, a starter can die without making any sound at all.
2. Lights only.  When trying to start the engine and only the dashboard lights come on, you possibly have an issue with the starter.
3. The engine doesn’t crank.  If your engine won’t start, even after a jumpstart, it’s time to call roadside assistance.  Remember this important note.  If a jump start won’t fire up your engine, nothing other than a certified technician can!
4. Smoke coming from your car.  As part of your vehicle’s electrical system, the starter is subject to blown fuses and short circuits. When you’ve been trying to start your car some times, the starter can overheat making electrical problems—and the accompanying smoke—more likely.  Call for help!
5. Oil has soaked the starter.  Pop the hood and look at your starter.  If it’s drenched in oil, you have an oil leak.  This can be a costly problem so keep an eye out for oil leaks to avoid starter problems.

So what causes starter issues?  There are some reasons, including:

• Loose wiring to and from the starter
• Dirty connections
• Battery corrosion
• worn-out parts in the starter system
• Oil leaks

Doesn’t delay to get strand somewhere before having your starting system checked out—even if your issues are off and on?

Need to know more about how do you know if you have a bad starter?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about starters, alternators 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.  

Are you Asking, “What Happens When a Starter Goes Out?”

What do you hear when you turn your key in the ignition?  Does your engine start-up smoothly and quietly?  Or do you just hear clicking sounds?  At last, the engine turns over and you’re on your way.  If this has happened to you, you will need to know more about what happens when a starter goes out.  Ask your mechanic to inspect the condition of the starter and let you know if you are looking at a pending auto electrical repair. 

The starter system is designed for repeated use under a variety of weather and road conditions. But the wear and tear of everyday use, extreme conditions and lack of maintenance can all create issues.  There are some symptoms that can indicate a bad or failing starter—many of which can also be caused by the alternator or the battery, key components of the auto electrical system. 

What happens when a starter goes out?  Here are six signs to look for:

1. Slow and intermittent starting.  If the issue is intermittent, it could be loose or dirty wiring or a damaged electrical component that is failing.
2. Your vehicle won’t start.  When you turn the key, you may hear no sound at all or you may hear a clicking or clanking noise.
3. The interior lights dim.  This could be a sign of a short circuit in the starter motor’s internal wiring.  If you notice a chugging sound along with the darkening lights, the bearings in the motor may be failing.
4. You hear grinding noise when the car is starting or running.  This is an indication of a mechanical issue---the gears in the starter motor may be worn or not engaging properly; they may not be disengaging after the engine starts.
5. A burning smell. The starter system is both electrical and mechanical.  Thus, a malfunction often combines electrical issues with overheated metal components, lubricated with grease, giving off a burning smell.
6. The starter is soaked with oil. The starter system sits near the bottom of the engine and gets very burning.  If motor oil leaks into the starter motor, it may cause permanent damage. 

Need to know more about what happens when a starter goes out?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about auto electrical repair and to make an appointment and to find out more about signs of car starter going bad.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

How do I know if my car battery is dying?

Are you noticing issues when you start up your car in the mornings?  How about when driving at night and your headlights are too blurry? You may be wondering, “How do I know if my car battery is dying?”  When a battery fails it’s a serious issue that wants instant attention, and commonly not at a convenient time or place.  Ask your mechanic to inspect your battery to see if it’s time for a car battery replacement.

If you’ve had to pay for a premature car battery replacement and want to keep it as long as possible, here are six simple tips to help extend its lifespan. 

1. Combine trips – Consider joining a carpool. 
2. Keep the battery tightly fastened – A loose battery can jiggle connections and cause intermittent electrical connections. 
3. Turn off the lights – When you arrive at your destination, be sure to turn off all lights and unplug electrical devices that use power, such as a cell phone.
4. Keep the battery terminals clean.  Corrosion inhibits the electrical current that flows from the battery to the engine and other electrical accessories. 
5. Check-up – Have the charge in your battery tested on a regular basis and top-off the cells with water if necessary.
6. Limit electronic use when idle – This causes a heavy pull of electrical current from the battery and the alternator may not be able to keep up recharging the battery.

Are you asking, “How do I know if my car battery is 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 car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

Automotive Service: Like the Color of Green?

Not only will keeping up with regular automotive service keep the green in your wallet, but it also helps save our earth’s natural resources and protects our environment. By spending relatively little up front on preventative automotive service, you can keep the green in your wallet and our environment by preventing an expensive and costly automotive repair.

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The automotive service tips below will help you keep your green:

Follow the Correct Automotive Service Intervals. During an automotive service, your auto technician will check the performance of your engine, check the tread and air pressure in your tires, replace a dirty air filter, perform a quality oil change, and check the gas cap for leaks. Your vehicle will operate cleaner with less toxic emissions, and you will save money with increased fuel efficiency.

Use a Rebuilt or Remanufactured Engine. It can be economically smart to consider a rebuilt or remanufactured engine rather than just junking your vehicle. It will give your old vehicle new life with greater fuel efficiency for about the cost of an average down payment on a new car.

Proper Recycling and Disposal. Help protect our earth’s resources and keep our environment clean by conscientiously recycling and properly disposing of used motor oil, tires, batteries, and other parts and fluids.

Extending the Life of Your Old Vehicle. When vehicle owners experience serious engine trouble, they wonder whether it’s time to purchase a new vehicle. However, they can extend the life-span of their old vehicle by having routine automotive service performed and by not neglecting a necessary automotive repair.

Remember: You can avoid monthly car payments and higher insurance rates by providing your car with a little TLC—quality automotive service!

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

How to Communicate with your Auto Shop!

When you take your vehicle to an auto shop, it can be confusing as to what type of work the mechanic is actually going to do. As a vehicle owner, it is up to you to ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. An auto center that you're not familiar with can either make your repair or service a pleasant experience, or one that's not so pleasant.

If you understand auto shop "lingo" you can better understand what your mechanic is saying relating to labor, parts, warranties, and the specific type of repair to be performed. Don't be caught in the dark with regard to cost, time, or the expected vehicle operation.

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The next time you take your vehicle to an auto shop, here a few tips to help you communicate effectively with your auto mechanic:

• Ask Questions — Ask for things to be explained in simple terms. To obtain diagnostic information and to understand exactly how you would like to proceed with any car repair, your mechanic should also ask you questions.
• Don't be in a hurry – Take your time when talking with the mechanic. An on-the-spot diagnosis of the problem may not be the correct one, wasting both your valuable time and money.
• Be available – Leave a contact number so that the auto center can call you to apprise you of the problem, course of action, and the cost.
• Understand Policies -- Make sure you understand the auto shop's policies in terms of labor rates, guarantees, warranties, and acceptable methods of payment.

Remember: The more questions you ask and understand before the actual work begins, the more satisfied you will be with the service to your vehicle.

If you want a full-service auto center with high-quality professionals to service your vehicle, 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 shop has served customers in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN

Smart Driving Tips: Save Your Wheel Alignment!

If you've completed all your summer road trips and are starting to settle in for the Fall Season, you may want to have your wheel alignment checked. Loss of the proper car alignment is a common occurrence after traveling bumpy roads for very many miles. However, preventive strategy is about preparation, driving skills and reacting appropriately if a big bump or a pothole sneaks up to surprise you.

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Smart Driving Tips --

As you get back on a busy schedule of work, school, sports, music lessons, etc., you can keep your ride comfortable and reduce potential damage to your vehicle by practicing these smart driving tips:

• Check your tire pressure on a regular basis. If a tire is too soft, it handles poorly and a sudden bump or pothole may cause it to rupture. Over-inflated tires are susceptible to damage as well.
• Keep the windshield clean! You want to make sure you can see any bumps or other obstacles in the road.
• Stay focused and pay attention to the traffic around you. What are the other vehicles doing? Don't tailgate—this restricts your ability to anticipate obstacles or sudden braking by the vehicle in front of you.
• Beware of hidden potholes lurking under puddles.
• Reduce your speed on bumpy gravel roads. Slower hits generally involve less damage from losing your car alignment or a punctured tire.
• If you do have to drive over a bump or hit a pothole, take your foot off the accelerator, brake lightly, if at all, and then let off the brakes entirely the moment before impact. Immediately pay attention to whether or not you have a flat tire. You may want to pull off the road at your next opportunity to check your tires or rims for damage.
• Try not to make a sudden swerve in an attempt to avoid an obstacle. It creates a hazard for vehicles immediately behind and beside you. You could also hit the bump on an oblique angle, potentially causing greater damage to your tires and wheel rims, and throwing off your wheel alignment.

Lost your wheel alignment? 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 alignment service. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.