What Happens When Your Axle Breaks?

The answer to this question is relatively simple.  If your car shocks or struts are becoming worn, hitting a bump in the road could cause damage to the car axles.  It could even cause them to break. Because axles are constantly rotating and flexing to accommodate different road conditions, they can wear out and fail.  

Axles are involved in the steering, driving, and braking of the vehicle, linking the power from the engine to the tires, plus carrying the whole weight of the vehicle and its parts.  The performance of your vehicle's wheels and suspension system is essentially dependent on the condition of the axles.  If an axle is bad, it puts extra stress on the shocks or struts, causing them to wear out prematurely. Bad axles can also result in excessive wear on your tires. 

Even though most people don’t keep a vehicle long enough for a car axle to break, it’s still good to know what happens when your axle breaks.  Here are several fairly obvious signs:

• A sudden clanking sound heard when you put your vehicle into gear
• Feel vibrations in the car when driving, braking, or going around a bend.
• Power is not being transmitted from the engine to the wheels.

You may also be wondering what causes a broken axle:

• Overload. When there is too much load, such as too much cargo or too many passengers, the axles may not have enough strength to hold the wheels in place.
• Metal fatigue. As cars age, the axles become more brittle and/or corroded, thereby reducing the strength of the axles.
• Off-Road conditions.  Again, because axles carry the weight of the vehicle, excessive stress and force caused by bumps in the road can cause axles to break.

So that your vehicle will keep performing as it should, schedule regular inspection of the suspension system to make sure it is in good shape, especially the axles and shocks or struts.

What happens when your axle breaks?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information suspension systems and to make an appointment to check the axles and shocks or struts.  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.  

What Causes Car Suspension Problems?

The suspension system of your vehicle consists of springs and shock absorbers that work together to cushion the car from the uneven motion of the four wheels in contact with the road. A sudden shock from a pothole or other obstruction in the road can damage this system.  Over time, these shocks will wear out the components of your vehicle suspension, thus reducing the life of these components. 

As an experienced driver, you know that potholes and rough roads are part of life, especially during winter.  Many times, a large pothole in the road ahead can’t be avoided as it could be risky to try to swerve around it.  You find yourself cringing as your car takes the big bump.  Over time those bumps can add up to issues with your vehicle suspension and alignment. A big enough bump can even cause your car to “bottom out,” meaning the bottom of your car could hit the road.

The term “suspension” refers to all of the components that connect the vehicle to the road, such as tires, car axles, and shocks.  Although vehicles may vary in their suspension designs, they are all designed to do three things:

• Support the vehicle
• Absorb bumps and other shocks
• The vehicle turns in response to steering

When your vehicle suspension system goes bad, the results can be risky, as it impacts the steering and stopping the performance of your vehicle.  To regain stability and control of your vehicle, have the shocks, or struts, replaced.  This will also increase stopping performance.

Remember:  Don’t let damage from potholes and other obstacles in the road affect your car’s efficiency and safety. 

Wondering what causes car suspension problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about vehicle suspension problems 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.  

Signs of Vehicle Suspension Problems!

Is your car getting hard to handle? You may be experiencing the inevitable progression of a failing vehicle suspension system. This system is comprised of components that help make your car more stable and easier to drive, as well as make it more comfortable for your passengers.

Since the suspension system is closely connected with how the vehicle interacts with the road, a vehicle’s suspension system may be one of the first major parts of a car to show signs of wear and tear. There are a number of symptoms that may indicate that a vehicle has suspension problems, and if you pay attention, you may avoid having to spend a lot more money than necessary on repairs.

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Symptoms of a failing vehicle suspension system:

* The vehicle is rougher than usual to drive -- If you feel more bumps on the road while you drive, or if your car jumps more than usual when hitting a bump, your car may have a suspension problem.

* Unevenly worn tires -- The suspension system is built to keep the car stable, but if it is not working accurately, the tires of a vehicle may become unevenly worn.

* Bouncing -- Press down on your car with your body weight. If the car continues to bounce for awhile when you let up the pressure, then you may have suspension problems.

* Pulling to one side -- An alignment of the vehicle may be helpful to keep the vehicle stable during drives.

Recognizing the symptoms of problems with your car suspension system will help you know when it's a good time to get into your auto shop for professional help before it develops into other more extensive car problems.

Wondering if your vehicle suspension system is starting to fail? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about carsuspension repair. Rum River also offers 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 Cost?

Periodically, it is important to have your engine serviced. However, just because it has undergone some engine repair doesn't keep it from developing any further complications. Engine repair is a significant part of car service, but if the motor develops more complications, an engine rebuild could be the solution for keeping your auto in good health.

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Before settling on which option to choose; a major engine repair or a relatively costly engine rebuild, it is vital to consider the pros and cons of each. The advantages and disadvantages range from expense to the general performance of the vehicle after the repair or rebuild. Security of the vehicle and its performance relies on that decision.

In spite of the advantages of a rebuilt engine, consider a number of factors, such as the expense that would be incurred and the residual value of the car. For instance, if it is an older vehicle, an engine rebuild may enhance the lifespan of the vehicle, but it might cost significantly more than the value of the car. Retaining the value of a newer car is important so then rebuilding the engine would probably be a wise decision as it would have increase the performance and value.

Before making a decision of whether or not to have an engine rebuild in your current vehicle, ask your engine repair technician for their professional opinion.

Do you know how to calculate whether an engine rebuild is worth the cost? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our engine repair services. 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.

Is it time for an Engine Rebuild?

If you’re starting to hear strange noises coming from your engine, head over to your auto shop and ask for professional engine repair assistance. If you let an engine problem go on to long without taking care of it, you may be looking at more than a simple engine repair—an engine rebuild!

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There are a variety of reasons that engine are rebuilt:

• Worn out engine bearings—worn bearings produce a loud knocking noise and eventually cause engine failure. The moving parts of the engine (such and the crankshaft, rods and pistons) are mounted on bearings that allow them to move freely. These bearings are lubricated by engine oil and are built to last many thousands of miles.  They do wear down after time, accelerated exponentially when a vehicle is poorly maintained, runs low oil levels, or the oil change schedule isn't properly followed.
• Worn out piston rings—piston rings seal in the expanding gasses created by the burning of gasoline within the engine.  As the rings wear, they no longer seal the cylinders properly.  This results in “blow-by,” which is when crankcase oil escapes past worn rings and burns with the fuel mixture in the cylinder.  

What are the symptoms that an engine rebuild is needed?

• Excessive oil consumption
• Excessive white smoke in the exhaust, especially when the engine is cold.
• Metal shavings in the engine oil (a common sign of dangerously worn bearings)
• Knocking or chattering sounds from the engine bearings.

What is an Engine Rebuild?

First, the "short block" or lower half of the engine is removed, disassembled and cleaned so that the condition of the block can be properly assessed. Depending on the condition of the internal parts, the rings, bearings and sometimes the pistons are replaced. The internal surfaces of the cylinders are also reconditioned to ensure that the new piston rings can form a proper seal with the cylinder walls. Finally, the engine is reassembled and installed back into the vehicle.  The cylinder head may also be reconditioned at the same time.

Note: A rebuild can be very expensive. A cheaper option might be swapping in a lower-mileage engine or an engine that is in better condition.

Is an engine rebuild on your horizon?  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 engine repair or other vehicle maintenance, including vehicle detailing.  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

Oil Changes Don’t Forget to Recycle!

Most drivers are aware that the recommended oil change should take place about every 3,000 miles or about every three months. Vehicle owners know that a relatively small investment of regular oil changes will pay big dividends! Here are some of those dividends:

• Improves engine performance

• Decreases the buildup of dirt and debris

• Increases MPG

• Reduces harmful emissions

• Extends engine life

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If you take care of your own oil changes, please remember to recycle responsibly. Your auto shop can help you know how and where to recycle used motor oil and filters. Here are a few facts to know about used motor oil:

• Used motor oil can contain toxic substances such as benzene, lead, zinc, and cadmium.

• The oil from a single oil change (1 gallon) can ruin the taste of a million gallons of drinking water (1 part per million), the supply of 50 people for one year.

• One pint of oil can produce a slick of approximately one acre on the surface of water, preventing the replenishment of dissolved oxygen, impairing photosynthetic processes, and block sunlight.

• Crankcase oil accounts for more than 40 percent of total oil pollution of the nation's harbors and waterways.

• Oil dumped on land reduces soil productivity.

• Concentrations of 50 to 100 parts per million (ppm) of used oil can foul sewage treatment processes.

• In the U.S., less than 60 percent of used oil is recycled.

• Recycling all the filters sold annually in the United States would result in the recovery of about 160,000 tons of steel, or enough steel to make 16 new stadiums the size of Atlanta's Turner Stadium.

As part of routine maintenance, regular oil changes are a great investment in your vehicle, saving time and money spent on auto repairs and the inconvenience of unexpected breakdowns. Also, by responsibly recycling your used motor oil and filter, you can help keep our environment clean!

Is it time for an oil change? 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.

Auto Electrical Repair: How to Diagnose Problems!

Accurate auto electrical diagnosis is one of the most difficult challenges when working on today's automobiles. Considering the large number of systems in a vehicle that uses electricity in order to operate, it is critical to be able to quickly diagnose problems to perform the correct auto electrical repair. Whether you are having problems with an engine control issue, an automatic ride height system, or a power window issue, or starters and alternators, the electrical systems all utilize the same principles.

Because auto electrical problems are so difficult to diagnose, you can help your mechanic determine where to look first for problems. The appropriate auto electrical repair can then be taken care of to get you back on the road again.

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• Verify the problem --

This is more challenging than it sounds. Sometimes duplicating the auto electrical problem can be the most challenging aspect of the diagnosis, especially if it occurs only intermittently. Collecting as much information about exactly when the problem occurs will help your technician, to duplicate and confirm a problem.

Useful information for the auto electrical repair technician includes:

• How often does the problem occur?
• How long after the vehicle is started does the problem occur?
• Does the problem occur only over bumps or when turning corners?
• Does weather and temperature have any effect on the problem?
• Does the car have to be idling, driving, in reverse, moving forward, be in gear, etc.?

Try to be as exact as possible in collecting information.

• Determine related symptoms --

This serves to help you isolate which circuit, or which part of the circuit, has the problem that needs to be repaired. By identifying related symptoms you can often eliminate unnecessary diagnostic procedures. Knowing an approximate area where the problem is gives your technician a definite direction in diagnostic testing.

Need help with auto electrical repair issues? 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 starters and alternators. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.