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.  

Is Automotive Service On Your Checklist?

If you own a vehicle, it is extremely important to make sure you take your car to the shop for routine automotive service. Far too many drivers fail to take their cars to the auto shop when they need to, which ultimately winds up in their cars breaking down in one way or another at inconvenient times. If this happens to you, you can expect to pay quite a bit more money than it would have cost to simply take your car in for automotive repair in the first place.

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Some drivers simply forget that they need to take care of their cars on a regular basis, and only think about automotive service when something goes wrong, which can result in a big automotive repair bill.

If you want to avoid major automotive repair on your vehicle in the first place, it is a good idea to practice preventative auto maintenance and take your car in regularly to get inspected. Your mechanic may find that there is something developing on your car that may become a problem in the future, giving them the opportunity to provide automotive service on the car while it is not a major problem.

Visiting your auto shop at least once a year, preferably twice a year, for a regular check up on your vehicle is without question going to save you a lot of money on overall repairs. It may be a good idea to simply have your car thoroughly inspected each and every time you get your oil changed, as this is a good way to remember that you should be maintaining the upkeep of your car.

Remember: Keep routine automotive service on your checklist!

Looking for quality automotive repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our automotive service and to schedule an appointment. Rum River also offers quality vehicle maintenance 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.

Exhaust System: Got a Noisy Muffler?

Whether or not a vehicle’s exhaust system is operating properly is usually the last thing on people’s minds as they start out on their summer road trip. That is until they face the stares of other motorists as they pull in to a gas pump with a noisy muffler. Some drivers don’t understand that the work of the exhaust system does more than keep your car quiet. Don’t just turn up the radio to drown out a loud muffler.

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Do you know the four primary functions of the exhaust system? They are:

• Route the waste gases away from the passenger cabin,
• Help the engine run properly,
• Maintain optimum fuel efficiency, and
• Reduce the amount of polluting emissions into the environment.

Watch out for these signs of problems:

• Catalytic converter – A failing catalytic converter may sound like someone shaking a box of rocks when your vehicle is idling when parked or stopped in traffic. Or, if it has been stolen, you'll immediately notice a loud sound and altered vehicle performance upon startup. The catalytic converter is one of the highest priced exhaust system parts and may be prone to theft by scrap metal thieves.
• Exhaust leak – An exhaust leak can be caused by road conditions and rust, as well as just normal wear and tear. Because the muffler is mounted on the underside of a vehicle, it is exposed to a lot of road conditions that can cause it to break down over time.
• Rust -- The water vapor produced by the catalytic convertor can also be problematic. If you only take your vehicle for short trips, the water vapor produced does not have a chance to be expelled. It condenses back into water, resulting in rust. ISulfer, another by-product of engine emissions, mixes with water left in the exhaust system, can form a corrosive acid that will eat away at the exhaust system.

Note to Remember: Delaying a needed repair to the exhaust system or muffler can be costly. Continuing to drive with an exhaust leak or bad catalytic converter can damage other things in your vehicle's operating systemy.

Need an inspection of the exhaust system for a noisy muffler?  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 auto repair and detailing services.  Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.

Automotive Service Tips: Enjoy Your Summer Road Trip!

The temperatures are climbing as we approach the middle of the summer. If you haven't already done so, be sure to get your car ready for summer's hot temperatures with the appropriate automotive service. The right maintenance services, performed at the recommended intervals, can be literal lifesavers in hot conditions. It may also save you hundreds of dollars in automotive repair expense.

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Tips on How to Avoid Major Automotive Repair while on your summer road trip: 

• Regularly change the oil and filter, as well as other fluids and filters (coolant, brake and transmission) at the recommended intervals. High-quality filters are always a wise choice.
• Safe brakes are very important, especially on a long road-trip, so check the braking system. Are the rotors warped or cracked? Do they have deep grooves or are the pads worn close to their minimum clearance? If so, it may be time for a brake repair.
• Make sure all your lights are working properly. New bulbs are easy to install and only cost a few dollars, either yourself or when getting an automotive service.
• If your windshield wiper blades are more than six months old, it's probably time to replace the windshield wipers. Don't forget to fill the washer fluid reservoir. Be ready for those sudden summer thunder storms.
• Have your tires rotated, inspected and filled with the correct air pressure. Be safe and replace any that are too worn. Don't forget to check your spare tire so you aren't left stranded by the side of the road with a flat on a hot summer day.

The dollars spent on automotive service to enhance the safety of you and your passengers as well as other motorists is money well spent. An added bonus is that your gas mileage will increase, and your vehicle will run smoother and stop quicker.

Need the help of an automotive service professional? 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 our automotive repair services. Since 1997, our automotive repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Auto Electrical Repair: Does Your Car Refuse To Start?

If your vehicle is starting to show some of the warning signs below, it is probably in need of some form of auto electrical repair. Your car may have a problem that is commonly associated with starters or alternators. Ignoring the problem will lead to car trouble ranging from "slow" starts to a car that refuses to start at all.

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1.Warning Lights – Don't ignore the warning lights on the dashboard. These lights are alerting you that something is not working properly and needs immediate attention.

2.Sound – If your engine is starting to make strange sounds you've never heard before, have it checked as soon as possible.

3.Smell – Over-heating electrical connections will create a burning smell, a symptom of a serious electrical circuit or fuse malfunction.

4.Dim Lights – If your car's exterior and interior lights dim periodically, it usually signifies an electrical issue. Alternators that aren't working properly won't keep a battery charged to run the lighting system.

5. Dead Battery - A dead battery is especially common in the freezing winter months when lights are on for extended periods of time. Now that spring is here, have your battery checked. Of course, lights left on without the car running may also result in a dead battery. A jump-start should take care of the immediate problem, but then don't forget to have the car battery inspected to see if it needs to be replaced. A strong battery can prevent future repairs to starters and alternators.

6 Broken or Loose Electrical Connections - A single little wire or connection that is broken can lead to a series of electrical malfunctions in your car. A simple auto electrical repair, such as reconnecting an on-line fuse or connection can bring life back to your car. Don't delay in having an auto electrical repair if you find something not working properly.

Need expert auto electrical 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 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.