Get Ready for Summer with Quality Auto Repair!

It's hard to believe that summer is almost upon us. Summer season officially begins Memorial Day weekend which means families will be hitting the roads in order to take advantage of the beautiful weather and outdoor activities. It also means that the increase in vehicle use makes it necessary to plan on taking care of a needed auto repair before an incident occurs during a road trip. Seeking the advice of professionals at a trustworthy auto repair shop prior to hitting the road could save a vacation from becoming a disaster.

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Checking the tires, oil, and fluid levels should be part of any basic maintenance routine. During hot weather, over or under inflated tires could lead to a blow-out or even a roll-over. Fluids are equally important during the summer months especially during extended road trips. When it gets hot the last thing you want is an engine overheating, an air conditioner that has stopped working, or wiper fluid that is too low to clear windows when needed. Many people don't realize that air conditioners lose 5% of their efficiency for each year of operation when regular maintenance has not been conducted. Checking an air conditioning system prior to leaving for summer vacation could ensure a much more enjoyable trip.

A professional auto repair specialist will ensure that tires, oil, and fluids are filled appropriately for the conditions to be encountered while on the road. They can also repair any issues associated with squeaks, groans, or other noises that could lead to an eventual breakdown.

With more people expecting their vehicles to remain road-worthy longer than ever before, utilizing the services of an expert auto repair specialist is essential for preventative maintenance as well as needed repairs and/or upgrades that will keep your vehicle in tip-top condition throughout its lifetime. Getting your vehicle ready for the busy summer ahead should be a top priority and it should start with a certified and highly qualified auto repair specialist.

Looking for affordable auto repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information and to schedule an appointment. Rum River 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.

How to Choose the Right Auto Repair Shop!

As most vehicle owners already know, all auto repair shops are not alike!   An auto repair shop (it may also be referred to as a garage) is where varying types of vehicles are repaired by auto repair technicians.  Some shops may specialize in only certain types of vehicles, or specific types of repair or services.  Take time to find the right auto repair shop before you need one!  For the average driver, a full-service auto repair shop that offers varying forms of repair may be your best choice!

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Auto repair shops can be divided into several categories, such as:

• Independently owned and operated – Generally, an independently owned and operated auto repair shop offers complete auto repairs and maintenance services for various types of vehicles.  They can also achieve certification to perform work on specific types of vehicles through manufacturer-sponsored programs, such as hybrid vehicles.

• Specialty shop – Specialty shops deal in only a certain component or system, such as brakes, mufflers and exhaust, transmissions, tires, electrical, air conditioners, glass repairs and installation, wheel alignment, or specific brands of vehicles. There are also shops that specialize in vehicle modifications and customization.  This type of shop may have a facility in various locations for specific jobs or vehicles, and technicians and mechanics with varying certifications.
• Auto parts store – These stores sell automotive parts to the general public, and some may also maintain a service center.

• Online auto repair shop – These online shops provide doorstep repair services and home delivery of new and used auto parts, generally not widely available in the market.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

The ASE is a professional, non-profit organization that certifies auto repair technicians and auto repair shops in the U.S. and Canada.  It was created in 1972 in response to consumers needing to distinguish between incompetent and competent auto repair technicians.  The organization aims to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals.

Looking for a professional auto repair shop?  Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians at http://www.rumriverauto.com for more information and to schedule an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served customers in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, Minnesota.

Advice from an Auto Repair Shop Reduce Driving Stress!

Getting stressed out when behind the wheel can turn a daily commute into a dangerous event. It is easy to let the little things throughout the day create an unpleasant drive. Take some advice from an auto repair shop on ways to help reduce stress while driving. Don't find yourself needing major auto repair services because of a stress-related accident.

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Consider these stress-reducing tips offered by an auto repair shop:

1. Go Zen – Make your car a calming oasis--an air freshener with essential oils, a massaging seat cover, or subdued music. Remove items that might distract you, such as a water bottle rolling around in the back seat; a ringing phone (put it in driving mode, or silence it altogether), or papers sliding around on the seat beside you.

2. Allow Extra Time – Give yourself extra time to get to your destination (including a 'getting lost' buffer). It is better to be late than to be the cause of an accident or getting pulled over!

3. Check Your Route in Advance – Plan ahead to avoid major construction or traffic delays. With smart phones and in-dash navigation, it's easy to start your trip without a second thought.

4. Keep Snacks Handy -- Keep non-perishable snacks in the car for emergency situations. Being hungry and stuck in the car can cause irritable behavior.

5. Avoid Bored Kids. Minimize fighting or grumpy behavior by having games, videos, or other entertainment methods on hand.

6. Be Prepared – Plan ahead for things that make you nervous, (practice parallel parking, reversing, or turning). You will have less stress when you encounter them in real-life driving situations.

7. Use Technology -- Safety systems, like rearview cameras and blind spot warning systems, can take the pressure out of stressful driving situations. If you have the technology—use it!

8. Recognize Stress – If you recognize the symptoms of stress (such as a death-grip on the steering wheel or hunching over), take deep breaths, deliberately relax your hands and fingers, and try leaning back. If necessary, pullover, grab a cup of coffee, and relax for a minute.

Remember: Don't drive while stressed out! It could save your life or the lives of others.

Looking for a professional auto repair shop? 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 out more about our auto repair services. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Is A Hybrid Car Battery Replacement Necessary?

Gas-electric hybrid vehicles have gone from the drawing board to the streets in just a few short years. But many consumers still have questions about the "electric" part. Hybrids use electric motors that are powered by battery packs. Will the batteries last, or are they disposable like laptop and cell phone batteries? Will you be looking for a car battery replacement for your Hybrid vehicle after just a couple of years?

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Hybrid Car Battery Basics:

Even though lithium-ion batteries (the default power source for consumer electronics) are starting to invade the automotive industry, most gas/electric hybrid vehicles on the road today use nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery packs. What are the advantages:

    * Less toxic inside than traditional lead-acid batteries, making them good for the environment;

    * More space-efficient than traditional lead-acid batteries; and

    * Cheaper than lithium-ion batteries.

In spite of this, it is expected that lithium-ion car batteries will become more prevalent in hybrids as time goes on. Due to their superior efficiency, they're already featured in some cars with full-electric modes. They are relatively new, so there's not much durability data to see how the lithium-based hybrid car batteries fare over time.

As a computer or cell phone user, you have probably heard that batteries will last longer if you neither charge it fully nor allow it to run down to zero. Hybrid vehicles are one step ahead. They have been manufactured with safeguards that limit both the maximum and minimum charge levels of the battery pack. This ensures that the car battery will keep working without prematurely losing its effectiveness, no matter how you treat your car. NiMH battery packs are designed and built to last the life of the vehicle. The industry reports that the number of car battery replacements is extremely low.

NiMH battery packs in general are a mature product with millions of miles and countless refinements already on the books. Hybrid drivers should enjoy many years of trouble-free motoring from their complex power systems.

Have questions about a hybrid car battery replacement? We will be happy to answer your questions. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for professional advice about transmission service. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Make A Car Tune Up One of Your New Year’s Resolutions!

For many people, the New Year is usually a time to make resolutions for the coming year. As the economy continues to fight a stubborn financial crisis, 2014 may present a unique challenge. Budgets are tight and, as a result, you may be looking at keeping your older vehicle a little longer than originally planned. It's easy to overlook the small responsibilities of keeping up good car care, which includes a tune up. Vehicle owners know that regular car tune-up and engine maintenance services are investments that pay off with improved fuel economy, longer engine life and cleaner air.

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Here are three resolutions to consider that will help keep up on your vehicle's maintenance, save you money, and keep you driving safely in the New Year:

#1 -- Schedule a car tune up twice a year. Regardless of how well you think you know your vehicle, a well-trained mechanic can spot things ahead of time that you might miss. There are many components of an engine that require attention and maintenance. Taking the time to schedule a tune up with a good mechanic twice a year may seem obsessive, but preventative maintenance is cheap insurance.

#2 - Keep up with fluid and filter changes. Checking on your vehicle's fluids and filters are crucial to its longevity. Mark one day on your calendar each month to make sure all fluids are topped off and filters clean. It can save you some serious repair dollars down the road.

#3 – Take care of small problems early. This is perhaps the easiest responsibility to overlook, but the potential consequences of doing so can be hazardous. Doing so can lead to larger problems and repair costs. It's easy to hear a strange noise in your vehicle and hope that it will go away. Unfortunately, there aren't any cars out there that can fix themselves.

Remember.... Don't put off minor maintenance or service, such as a car tune up. Your car will thank you by providing good service for many miles to come.

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Oil Change: Ready for Winter Driving?

The cold days of winter are at our door! If you haven't yet made time after the hot months of summer to schedule an oil change, do it now--it is not too late. Those high temperatures of summer probably played havoc on your vehicle's engine, especially relating to oil changes. Don't get caught out in the cold with unexpected engine problems.

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To get your vehicle ready for winter driving, here are a few tips.


    * Oil changes. When oil is cold, it thickens; when it heats up, it becomes thinner. It may have become too thin in hot weather and lost its cooling efficiency for the motor. Regular oil change are crucial when it comes to protecting your engine against extremes in weather.

    * Know the viscosity. Viscosity is measured using two numbers and a letter. For example, 10W-40; the first number (10) refers to the thickness at cold temperatures (0ºFahrenheit), and the second number refers to the thickness at high temperatures (212º Fahrenheit.) The first number is crucial for the cold months of winter--make sure your engine is protected at startup. The second number is more important once the motor is warmed up and running.

    * Types of oil and engine protection.

          o Synthetics - maintain a more consistent viscosity over a wide range of temperatures, but are more expensive and could be incompatible with certain older engines.

          o Synthetic blends - include a combination of both natural and synthetic, providing the benefits of synthetic without the higher cost.

          o Premium conventional oil – natural, and of a higher quality with increased levels of protection.

Your selection will depend on the climate in which you drive, compatibility with your vehicle, and of course, your budget.

To make sure your vehicle survives winter's cold temperatures, check your owner's manual for the best type of oil to use in your specific vehicle. If in doubt, be sure to ask your oil change specialist for advice.

Need to know more about the right oil change for winter? 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. Rum River offers quality vehicle maintenance and detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.