How Are Your Tires Holding Up?

If you are looking to see if your tires are going to hold up through the summer, and if you are concerned that you might need new tires, then let's look at some ways that you can know if your tires are going to last until fall arrives. There are a couple of things you can do to make sure that you are good to go.

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1. Check for leaks. Examine them closely to make sure you don't spot any leaks, and keep a track of the air pressure for a couple of days to see if they're leaking slowly. This will help you tremendously as you decide what to do about fall's arrival.

2. Look at the tread. If your tires look bald, or if you are able to feel how smooth they are with your bare hands, then you can bet you need to replace them before fall arrives. You will need new tires to increase safety on the road.

3. Drive your car. How does it feel? Do you feel lumps? Do you hear sounds that seem to be coming from the wheel area of your car? If so, you may want to go to a professional to have your car looked at. There is a good chance you will need new tires. The way your car drives is of utmost importance.

As you can see, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're in top shape for fall. Don't neglect your car's safety---check them out today!

Need a set of high-quality tires to finish out the summer? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the right tires for your vehicle. 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.

Brake Service Tips for Safe Driving!

The ability to stop your vehicle's momentum and power while driving is crucial to safe driving. If you can't quickly and efficiently stop your vehicle, you run the risk of getting into an accident. Maintaining your car's braking system at least once a year will prevent accidents and prevent costly brake repair as well. Most brake service experts would agree that you should have the brakes serviced at least once a year.

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Here are some of the signs that brake repair may be needed on your car:

• Screeching, grinding, or whistling noises when the brakes are used.
• The car pulls to one side when using the brakes.
• You have to apply extreme force onto the pedal before the brakes will engage.
• The brakes vibrate or pulse when in use, even in normal braking situations.
• You have to push the brake almost to the floor before the brakes will function.

Some cars now have a metal piece in the brakes that will chirp upon brake application when the pads are getting low. Many cars even have an indicator light that will tell you when it's time for brake service.

Neglecting brake repair can lead to more than just a minor annoyance when they start to squeal. It can lead to not having any brakes at all, potentially causing a serious accident on the road.

Need quality tire repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about tire service and to schedule an appointment. 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 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.

Advice from an Auto Shop for Safe Winter Driving!

As you head out the door on a cold winter day, you certainly want a reliable vehicle, whether you are just commuting to work or school, or headed out for some fun in the snow!  Don’t take any unnecessary chances of a roadside emergency and find yourself looking for an auto shop for an urgent repair.  Be sure to schedule a standard inspection of the various systems of your vehicle to determine if there are any potential problem areas that may appear down the road. 

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Consider the following advice from professional auto shop technicians:

1. Stay on track with maintenance services: Check all the fluids (oil, brake, transmission, etc.), and change or top-off as necessary.  Spend a little extra for higher-quality filters for smoother performance.  Check the braking system, radiator hoses, transmission, battery charge, wiper blades, and all lights (both exterior and interior), and make sure everything is functioning properly.  Replace or repair as necessary.

2. Check the tires:  Make sure all your tires have the proper inflation pressure.  Inspect them for abnormal wear and if necessary, have them rotated.  You may need to purchase new tires, possibly snow tires, if the tread is too shallow.  Make sure the spare is in good condition too.

3. Clean out your car:  A clean car makes for more comfortable driving.  All-weather floor mats will protect your carpets and are easy to clean.  Make sure your windows are clean so nothing is obstructing your view.  Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and backseat to increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

4. Antifreeze: Make sure the ratio of anti-freeze is adequate for freezing temperatures.

5. Emergency Supplies:  Make sure an emergency kit is left in the trunk.  This should consist of blankets, flares, jumper cables, flashlight, snacks, and water. 

Even with all this preparation, an auto shop can’t guarantee that the unexpected won’t happen.  But, if you follow the advice above and take care of routine maintenance tasks, not only will your gas mileage and driving performance be increased, but you will gain peace of mind for a stress-free drive! 

Call a reliable auto center to take care of any car problems before an emergency!  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, Minnesota.

Visit Your Auto Shop for a Pre-Trip Vehicle Check!

Headed out on that long-awaited-for summer road trip? Have a pre-trip vehicle check at your preferred auto shop a couple of weeks beforehand to help ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle. If any service or repair is needed, your auto shop will have time to perform any necessary service or repairs.

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Some people spend months planning their summer trips. Car problems can be a real hassle, not to mention expensive! Don’t spend your precious vacation time and money in an auto shop.

Of course, that unexpected flat tire or break-down could still happen, but with the help of your auto shop, you can be as prepared as possible. Check out:

• Tires – check air pressure, tread, and look for bulges or bald spots. Under-inflation lowers fuel efficiency and increases the risk of tire damage. Uneven wear indicates a need for a wheel alignment. You may need to purchase new tires before your trip.
• Hoses and belts – These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and cooling system. They can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose, or show other signs of excessive wear.
• Filters and fluids – These include the motor oil, the power steering, brake, and transmission. Check the antifreeze/coolant mixture, as well as the windshield washer solvent.
• Lights (interior and exterior) – If needed, your auto shop can replace any burned-out bulbs.
• Windshield and wiper blades – Replace wipers as necessary for those summer rain storms. Don’t drive with a cracked windshield—it will only get worse!
• Brakes -- Make sure you stop in good time when you step on the pedal.
• Battery -- The battery connection should be clean, tight and corrosion-free.
• Tune up – A pre-trip tune up will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy.

Reduce the chance of unplanned, costly car trouble by having any necessary maintenance or auto repair performed at your trusted auto shop before hitting the road.

If you want a full-service auto center 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.

Missing Brake Service?

The braking system is the most critical safety system of your vehicle. Regular brake service will keep your vehicle operating safely with fully functioning brakes. However, some drivers ignore basic brake service because it seems like an inconvenience and they think they are saving a little extra money. Then, all of a sudden, they have trouble stopping in good time due to failing brakes. They are putting the safety of themselves, passengers, and other motorists or pedestrians at risk. So this doesn't happen to you, don't put off professional brake service.

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To check the safety of your brakes, conduct the following test to see how your brakes perform when stepping on the brake pedal:

• Does your vehicle keep traveling? Your brakes may need an adjustment, or possibly new linings.
• Does your vehicle pull to one side or the other? This can be caused by a stuck caliper and fluid leak.
• Do you feel the brake pedal pulsating? This can be caused by overused brakes that overheat.
• Do you feel the steering wheel vibrate? The front discs need to be professionally machined or replaced.
• Do you hear a squealing sound? Squealing can be caused by several issues--the linings are worn and need to be replaced; the drum or disc needs to be machined; the front disc pads are loose or missing their anti-rattle clips; the hardware that attaches the calipers is worn; or the linings are of an inferior quality.
• Do you hear a grinding noise felt in the brake pedal? Grinding brakes are caused by excessively worn linings which allow the metal part of the pad come in contact with the disc or drum. This problem can quickly ruin the most expensive mechanical parts of the brake system. Stop driving immediately and have your vehicle towed to an auto shop.
• Does your vehicle bounce up and down when stopping? The shock absorbers may need to be replaced.
  Note: There are several issues that may keep your vehicle from operating, but brake trouble compromises the complete safety of your vehicle.

Need professional advice about brakes? 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 brake service. Since 1997, our auto 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

Car Tune-up Checklist.

When you take your vehicle to an auto shop for a tune-up, you are essentially asking technicians to inspect your engine, analyze vehicle performance, and make adjustments as needed. The engine tune up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessment, and final maintenance recommendations. These will vary from vehicle to vehicle based on age, mileage and unique manufacturer recommendations.

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To give you a better idea of what happens during a car tune up, here is a basic tune up checklist:

1. Check visual appearance of spark plugs.  Are they worn? What color are the insulator firing noses? An engine in good condition should have spark plugs with light tan or gray insulator firing noses. Any other color could be the sign of an engine problem.

2. Test the performance of spark plugs. What color is the spark? Is the spark properly igniting the fuel?

3. Check spark plug wires to make sure they are not hard or cracked.

4. Check the fuel filter to make sure it isn't clogged or dirty.

5. Check the engine's fuel pump for proper function.

6. Inspect the engine's fuel injectors to make sure dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel that can be delivered to the engine.

7. Make sure fuel injector buildup isn't affecting how the spark plugs fire.

8. Adjust the engine timing and idle if necessary.

9. Check that the PCV valve isn't clogged or leaking.

10. Inspect the vehicle's points and condenser.

Since the age of the vehicle, number of miles, and maintenance history all uniquely affect a vehicle's service needs, it's important to remember that there is not a one-size-fits-all tune up procedure. Remember that some vehicles will require analysis of more engine components than those listed above.

To learn more about the tune up procedure that's right for 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 repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca andZimmerman, MN.

4 Safety Tips for Winter Driving from an Auto Center.

With winter at our doorstep, you may be planning to head out and visit family and friends for the holiday season. You will certainly want a reliable vehicle! Ask your auto shop to perform a standard inspection to prevent a roadside emergency and sabotaging your arrival at your holiday destination. Don't get stranded in a strange town looking for an auto shop for an emergency repair.

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These four tips from an auto shop will help you stay safe during your holiday travels:

1. Adhere to the schedule of maintenance services: Check all the fluids, and change or top-off as necessary. (i.e, oil, brake and transmission). High quality filters will make for a smoother ride. Be sure to have the brake system inspected, which includes the condition of the rotors, pads and calipers. Make sure all the exterior lights (headlights, brakes, back-up lights, blinkers, and fog lights) are all working properly. You want to see and be seen on a dark winter's night! Finally, check your wiper blades and replace them as necessary.

2. Clean out your car: For a more comfortable trip, clean out the interior of your car before you head off to grandma's house. All-weather floor mats will help protect your carpets and are easy to clean or replace. Clean your windows so there is nothing obstructing your view. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and backseat to increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency, as well as make room for all your holiday food and gifts!

3. Check the tires: To avoid an unexpected flat tire, make sure all your tires have the proper air pressure. Inspect them for abnormal wear. If necessary, have a tire rotation, or if the tread is too shallow, you may need to purchase new tires. Remember to check the spare too.

4. Inspect the Radiator: Make sure the ratio of anti-freeze is adequate, and the hoses checked for cracks or bulges. This is especially important when driving in cold, freezing temperatures.

If you take care of these routine maintenance services, not only will your gas mileage and driving performance increase significantly, it will help you have a trouble-free holiday road trip. Don't spend your holiday in an auto shop!

Our staff here at Rum River Automotive would like to thank all of our customers for allowing our auto shop to take care of your vehicle throughout the year. As you head down the road to spend the holidays with friends and family, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season filled with family, friends and joy.

Need a dependable auto center for standard vehicle maintenance? 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 and Zimmerman, MN

Vehicle Maintenance Is Your Vehicle Safe to Drive?

As school started a few months ago, five crucial driving rules for the safety of your teenage driver were discussed. There is another important step to make sure your teen is safe behind the wheel. Because an inexperienced teen driver may not recognize signs of car maintenance issues, it is vital that all recommended vehicle maintenance be performed at the appropriate intervals.

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Basic vehicle maintenance includes the following items:

• Keep spark plugs and wires clean.  Dirty and corroded spark plugs decrease vehicle performance and fuel mileage.

• Tighten all caps (fuel tank, radiator, brake and transmission fluids). To keep water and debris out of the fuel, or other fluids, make sure all caps are tight and seals are in good condition.

• Clean cloudy and dirty headlights. You want to see and be seen on dark cloudy days.

• Check the Tires. Properly inflated tires wear more evenly and increase gas mileage. Check the inflation pressure frequently as changes in temperature can make it fluctuate. Rotate tires on a regular basis to prevent premature tread wear.

• Clean the Car. Teach your teen driver to keep the car clean (both exterior and interior), wash floor mats, windows, interior lights, and dash board. They will learn to appreciate it as they get older.

• Change the air filter. Have it checked and changed as necessary to keep the circulating air clean.

• Check fluid levels. Have the level of all critical fluids checked frequently and top-off as needed.

• Replace wiper blades. Replace wiper blades about every six months. Make sure the washer fluid reservoir is filled and clean.

• Regular oil changes. This is key for a longer lasting car.

A parent or guardian is the number one influence in molding a teen driver into a safe and capable driver. Act as a role model for safe driving practices, and teach your young driver about good car maintenance.

Need affordable and quality vehicle maintenance? 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 our 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.

Advice From An Auto Shop: Keep Children Bicyclists Safe!

Now that school has started, remember that the number of children bicyclists has increased. On most highways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles and often share the same lane. However, Children riding bicycles create special problems for drivers because they are not nearly as capable of proper judgment as an adult when determining traffic conditions.  Be alert and avoid an urgent visit to an auto shop, or more importantly, the hospital!

One main issue is that bicycles can be difficult to see among the other vehicles. Riders are more exposed and more easily injured in an accident. The most common causes of bicycle and auto collisions are drivers turning left in front of an oncoming bicycle or turning right into the path of a bicycle. Oncoming bicycle traffic is often obscured and their speed is difficult to determine.

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To refresh your memory on bicycle safety laws, here's a reminder from an auto center:

• When passing a bicyclist going the same direction, do so slowly and leave at least a 3 foot clearance distance between you and the bicycle until you have safely passed.
• When a bicyclist is entering the intersection from the opposite direction and you are intending to turn left, wait for the bicyclist to pass before turning.
• If your vehicle is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn.
• Always use your turn signals.
• Watch for bicycle riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling, especially if the rider is a child.
• Be especially cautious in school zones and neighborhoods where children and teenagers might be riding. Watch out for bikes coming out of driveways or from behind parked cars or other obstructions.
• Check side mirrors for bicyclists before opening the door.

Remember: By following the safety tips above, drivers can help prevent auto accidents and accident-related injuries, possibly even saving a life!

Schedule an inspection at your auto shop to make sure all your lights and blinkers are working properly. 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 center has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Learn How to Break In New Tires!

Selecting the right tires for your vehicle is an important decision. Your safety, as well as driving enjoyment over the next years and thousands of miles will be determined by this decision. To ensure you get the maximum life-span from your new tires, make sure to have a basic tire service performed on a regular basis.

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Tires are comprised of many layers of rubber, steel and fabric. Thus, a break-in period is required to ensure that they deliver their normal ride quality and maximum performance. As tires are cured, a release lubricant is applied to prevent them from sticking in their mold. Some of the lubricant stays on the surface, reducing traction until it is worn away. Five hundred miles of easy acceleration, cornering and braking will allow the mold release lubricant to wear off, allowing the other components to begin working together.

It is also important to note that your old tires probably had very little tread depth remaining when you felt it was time to replace them. As any racer who has tread rubber shaved off of his tires will tell you, low tread depth tires respond more quickly. Don't be surprised if your new tires are a little slower to respond (even if you use the exact same one as before). Their new, full depth brings with it a little more tread squirm until they wear down.

Vehicle owners should understand the importance of having the correct air pressure. Checking air pressure is a vital tire service! Maintaining correct inflation pressure helps optimize performance and fuel economy. Tire deflection (the tread and sidewall flexing where the tread comes into contact with the road) will remain as originally designed and excessive sidewall flexing and tread squirm will be avoided. Heat buildup will be managed and rolling resistance will be appropriate. Proper tire inflation pressure also stabilizes the tire's structure, blending the tire's responsiveness, traction and handling.

NOTE: Be careful whenever you explore the capabilities of your new tires. Remember that every tire requires a break-in period of 500 miles for optimum performance.

Need new tires? 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 tire service. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Oil Changes: What are Oil Deposits?

When your arteries became clogged, your doctor usually wants to take immediate action to fix the situation. The same applies to your vehicle. If your car develops oil deposits, you'd be well-advised to take immediate action as well. We know that a poor diet and too little exercise cause sticky deposits called cholesterol to block our arteries. But what's the culprit behind oil gumming up the engine of our vehicles? 

When oil is subjected to a high enough temperature, it can solidify and become baked onto the surface of whatever is close by (i.e., a narrow engine oil passageway or critical engine parts). Oil can also lose its viscosity and become a tar-like goop that makes your engine work harder than usual to run.

When enough of these deposits collect, the possibility of engine problems goes up dramatically. Thick or solid oil can have the reverse effect that clean, normal oil has. Instead of cleaning, lubricating and cooling your engine, it can pollute, hinder and contribute to overheating.

While some makes and models of vehicles are more prone to oil deposits than others, there are several things you can do to keep your vehicle's engine healthy:

• Have regular oil changes, including the filter--follow the manufacturer's recommended intervals stated in your owner's manual.
• Pay attention to signs from your car; such as difficult starting, misfiring, engine running hot, low oil indicator light coming on, or a bad oxygen sensor.
• Use synthetic oils, if affordable for you.
• Be careful with using additives--they may react chemically with your oil in undesired ways.

Need a quality oil change? Make sure you are as safe and prepared as your vehicle can be after an inspection and service by the auto experts at Rum River Automotive! Contact our ASE Certified Technicians by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto center has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Auto Shop Offers Tips To Survive Pothole Season!

How many potholes do you drive through on your commute to work or school? Most of them may be small, but some of them may be quite large, resulting in a very uncomfortable ride. Auto shops would like to advise drivers to be extra careful navigating the roads, especially on rainy days and at times close to dawn and dusk. Auto centers report that they see a lot of vehicles this time of year suffering from pothole damage.

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Why are there so many potholes, you ask? It's not just poor road repair! The constant freezing and thawing of water under the pavement weakens the road and causes large cracks, which when combined with the weight of vehicles, eventually turn into potholes. Thus, severe winter weather often results in roads full of potholes--and auto shops full of damaged vehicles.

An auto center offers these driving tips to help reduce the risk of incurring damage from driving over potholes:

• Leave plenty of room in front of your vehicle so you can avoid potholes without getting into an accident.
• If you can't avoid a pothole, slow down before you hit it. Braking directly over a pothole can actually cause more damage.
• If you have to drive over the pothole, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control.
• Use caution when driving over a puddle of water because it might be a deep pothole in hiding.
• Take roads you know well so you are familiar with the location of any potholes.
• At night, try to drive on well-lit roads so you can see the surface.

Running over large potholes is not good for tires. Even small potholes can cause serious damage, such as alignment problems or a blow out (especially in underinflated tires). However, damage from potholes doesn't stop at tires. Some potholes can have as much impact as a 35 mph car crash! In one quick moment, you can experience more extensive damage to your car's shock absorbers, suspension system, struts and wheel rims.

Need a trustworthy auto shop for a vehicle suffering from pothole damage? 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 center 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.

Need a Reliable Auto Center? 5 Tips to Find a Quality Auto Shop!

Whether or not you have just moved into a new community or have resided there for some time, locating a quality auto center can be somewhat stressful. Trusting a strange auto shop with the care one of your largest investments, your vehicle, is no small thing.

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Here are some simple tips to get you started:

1. Do a search on the internet for an auto shop nearest you—or ask a neighbor or good friend for a referral.
2. Once you select your top three picks, take time to visit each auto shop. Ask pertinent questions and learning all you can so you can make an intelligent decision.
   
3. Pay attention to first impressions--don’t be fooled by thinking that the service from an untidy auto shop will be less expensive than the clean and fancy auto center with the neon sign and well-kept lawn. You are probably looking for a shop that you can call home for a long time, with well-educated mechanics, service writers, and any other shop personnel. You want honest, reputable, and easy-to-deal-with people who desire to satisfy their customers.
4. Talk to the service manager and possibly one of their head mechanics. This will give you an idea as to their customer service relations and their level of interest in your business. It will also give you a general idea as to their knowledge and skills in automobile servicing.
5. Inquire into their schedule of maintenance fees and charges and the details of making an appointment, loaner vehicles and completion of the work. You might also ask about mechanic training, certification and the quality of their systems and equipment.

Selecting a quality Auto Center can give you a great deal of peace of mind. Be diligent, do your homework, and your effort will pay off in terms of financial savings and vehicle reliability and care.

Are you looking for a professional auto center? We are here to serve you. Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about our auto shop. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Brake Replacement: Master Cylinder Troubleshooting for Brakes!

Are you feeling a bit uneasy when your auto mechanic recommends a brake replacement because the master cylinder on your brakes has failed? How can he tell? Or is he just trying to sell you an add-on job to the other repairs on your car. How do you know if he is doing his job correctly and looking after your best interests and your safety, rather than taking you for a ride with a brake replacement?

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Master Cylinder Troubleshooting Tips:

One sign that a master cylinder is starting to fail is that you will notice a soft or squishy feeling when you press down on the brake pedal. As constant pressure is maintained on the pedal (like at a stop light), it will begin to sink to the floor as the brake fluid leaks internally to the master cylinder. This is called "extended travel." You may have to "pump" the pedal to regain normal pressure and keep the car from moving forward as the brakes slowly release. The red warning dash light should come on to indicate low fluid, or excessive movement "travel."

The fluid level alone isn’t an indication of a good or bad master cylinder. Typically, the leak is internal, leaking past internal O-rings, so there is no obvious external sign that the master cylinder is "bad."

What is another sign of a possible faulty master cylinder? An external fluid leak could be possible, and would be visible to a mechanic during an under-hood inspection. The master cylinder usually has a plastic reservoir that holds the fluid, mounted with rubber grommets. The grommets allow for some movement caused by the pedal and fluid pressures. These grommets can develop a leak that can be seen with the naked eye.

Another sign of a possible faulty master cylinder is that the metal lines attached to the master cylinder can leak fluid at the threaded connections, or from the internal O-rings. When this happens, the fluid will drip down the power brake booster (the booster is what the master cylinder is bolted to). Brake fluid will dissolve paint rather quickly, so this kind of leak usually leaves a tell-tale sign of blistering, bubbled paint.

If you experience any of the symptoms explained above, check the following:

• Check the fluid level and add more as needed;

• Make sure the cap fits snug and is not leaking or shows obvious signs of past leakage;

• Visually inspect for external fluid leaks;

• Wipe away accumulated dirt and debris for ease of future inspections;

• Have your brakes inspected if more than 1 or 2 ounces is needed to top off the reservoir;

Are you looking for professional advice on your brakes? We will be glad to help you. Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today for transmission repair and advice 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 vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Are Your Brakes Stopping Your Car? Is It Time for a Brake Replacement?

If you are beginning to feel nervous that your brakes aren’t stopping your car in good time, you should have them checked out immediately for a brake replacement. You may be putting your life and the life of your passengers at risk if your brakes are not in good condition. Keeping your brake system well-maintained is crucial for any vehicle’s ability to stop safely under a wide variety of road conditions and weather. An added benefit is that your car will operate with better fuel efficiency.

If you are looking for brake repair Princeton MN your search can be over now with our Rum River auto repair services Princeton MN shop. Find our auto center Princeton MN mechanic to solve your vehicle problems.

Do you know how Brakes work?

• Force is applied to the pedal (stepping down on it)
• This force generates hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder
• This pressure flows through the hydraulic lines to the wheel cylinders and calipers
• This forces the shoes against the drums, and the pads against the rotors.
• The resulting friction slows the vehicle relative to the amount of force applied (how hard you push down on the pedal).

It’s good to know that brakes are a normal wear item for any car and a brake replacement will probably be inevitable at some point in time. Your driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type, and the quality of the lining material are some of the factors that affect wear and tear.

Here are 6 signs of wear and tear that are important for you to notice when braking:

• Your car pulls to one side
• The pedal pulsates
• A “mushy” feeling when you step on the pedal
• Noise—squealing, whining sounds
• Adding brake fluid to the master cylinder repeatedly
• The noise of “metal-to-metal” contact

When you think about the wear and tear of brakes, it is much better to be safe than sorry! You need look no further for professional service for a brake replacement, or any other complete car care service. Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians 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 auto shop Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of auto repair Milaca and auto repair Zimmerman, Minnesota.