How often should you get car alignment?

Car wheel alignment is not only a critical safety measure but also enhances the performance of your car. Therefore, alignment is very important and should be carried out more often to minimize the risk of vehicle instability. Wheel alignment means adjusting the wheel angles to be perpendicular to the ground. 

Aligned wheels are parallel to each other, which helps optimize their contact with the road and improve fuel efficiency. Long-time car owners may have the experience of knowing when their wheels require alignment, but it can be a challenging task for some new car owners. Knowing when your wheel requires alignment is critical; it helps you do it in time and avoid further costs. 

Personal factors that can cause a shift in wheel alignment include aggressive driving styles. There are also external factors, like road situations. So, how often should you get car alignment? The frequency of your alignment depends largely on these personal and external factors. The car's age is also a factor, as older cars tend to get misaligned wheels more often than new cars.

There are several benefits to having a timely wheel alignment. Some of the benefits are: 

• correctly aligned wheels enhance fuel efficiency due to reduced resistance.
• Leads to increased car stability. It also improves the handling of the vehicle.
• Well-aligned wheels will increase the life of the tires. 
• Having aligned wheels ensures that other vehicle components do not wear out prematurely, saving you future expenses on repairs. 

In normal circumstances, wheel alignment should be done at least once a year, regardless of whether you have noticed signs of wheel shifts. Moreover, if your car makes 12,000 miles, you should carry out another wheel alignment service, even if that comes within a year of the last alignment. 

Other conditions can, however, force you to get alignments more often. When your car is involved in a collision, wheel alignment will be needed alongside other car checks. Moreover, when driving on uneven roads, hitting curbs or potholes can shift the wheels, which must be inspected and adjusted. The factors notwithstanding, signs like crooked steering wheels, uneven wearing out of the tires, and car vibrations should not be ignored, and they could mean the alignment is off.

Wondering about how often you should get alignment? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Rum River Automotive for information about our wheel alignment services and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.

What Causes Car Alignment Problems?

When your vehicle comes brand-new from the manufacturer, it is good to know that the wheels have been aligned, tested, adjusted, and verified.  But, if you have owned that car for very long, you may be noticing that the wheels have lost their alignment.

What does misalignment mean, you ask?  It means that the tires on your car are not pointing in the similar direction as the steering wheel, affecting crucial steering and suspension parts. Not only does this shorten the life of your tires by many miles, but it also compromises the safety of your vehicle.

Are you wondering what causes car alignment problems?  Misaligned wheels are the result of worn or damaged suspension parts due mostly to poor road conditions.  If you are consistently driving on bumpy roads, hit potholes and speed bumps too fast, run over curbs, or are involved in an accident, your car alignment will be affected.  You will find yourself working hard to drive straight down the road without veering to one side or the other, trying to right the steering wheel!  

Drivers who are inexperienced may not realize how misalignment negatively affects their driving.  It impacts the safety of your vehicle, and adds extreme wear to your tires, suspension system, and steering system.  Remember that a wheel alignment service is much less costly than buying a new set of tires!

Here are several major benefits of maintaining the proper wheel alignment on your vehicle:

• Enhance the handling and safety of your car.
• Increase fuel efficiency,
• Prevent damage to other components (such as brakes and shocks), and 
• Extend the lifespan of your tires.  

Remember to have your wheel alignment inspected about every 6,000 miles.  Or sooner if you are noticing signs of premature tire and tread wear. 

Need to know more about what causes car alignment problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car alignment service 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.  

Why is Wheel Alignment Necessary?

You are possibly wondering what is wrong with your vehicle if it is displaying these four symptoms: 

1. The tires are wearing unevenly,
2. The car pulls to one side or direction,
3. Strange vibrations when the car is moving,
4. The steering feels loose.

The above symptoms are that of a misaligned car.  So why is a wheel alignment necessary?  You might think there isn’t a rush to have your car alignment inspected, but if you wait too long to have a car alignment service, there will be significant repercussions, such as:  

• You will have to replace your tires sooner than usual;
• You will start having to fill up the fuel tank more often due to poor fuel economy; and
• Damage could be occurring to other vehicle components, such as brakes, shocks, and suspension.

Check out below why the proper wheel alignment is necessary:

• Your tires will last longer;
• Your vehicle will drive smoother;
• Your wheels will point in the right direction, which means you can cruise without continuously correcting course;
• Your vehicle will take less energy to keep going, which can save you money at the pump;
• Your vehicle will handle better, which means it will be safer.

Need to know more about why is a wheel alignment necessary?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our car alignment services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

How Often Should Wheel alignment and Tire Balancing be done?

As you get behind the steering wheel of your car and head out, you may start to notice a few steering issues. There is no set schedule as to when you should schedule wheel alignment or tire balancing services.  Because the symptoms of misalignment and lost balancing are so similar, it is difficult to know which issue is the problem that can result in damaged tires and suspension and steering issues.  

So how often should wheel alignment and tire balancing be done?  Whenever you start to notice any one or more of the issues listed below:

• Vehicle pulling to the left or right
• Uneven or rapid tire wear
• The steering wheel is crooked when driving straight
• Squealing tires

Keep an eye on your tires!  To prevent car alignment issues from starting, have the alignment inspected at every other oil change, or at the first sign of premature tire wear.  It is possible to skew the alignment without realizing it, such as hitting curbs, going too fast over speed bumps, hitting potholes too fast, or having an accident, no matter how minor.  The same applies to the balance of your tires.

Both correct car alignment and tire balancing are compulsory for the well-being of your tires, as well as the safety of your vehicle.  Tire balancing should be performed more frequently, while a wheel alignment service is not needed as often.  These easy and inexpensive services are well worth the little bit of time and money to protect your tire investment and enhance the safety of your vehicle.

Need to know how often should wheel alignment and tire balancing be done?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about car alignment and tire balancing 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.  

Give Your Car Some TLC with Quality Vehicle Maintenance!

A car is a wonderful thing to own. Besides your house a vehicle might be the single largest purchase that you ever make. Let's face it, buying a vehicle regardless of whether that vehicle is new or used, can be costly. This is a reason to make sure that you follow the good vehicle maintenance rules. Car maintenance will save you a small truckload of money in the long run and it so easy to do. Still many people simply forget or don't understand the major benefits it offers.

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One of the benefits of good maintenance is that your vehicle will run better even as it ages. When you take the time to repair the old or broken parts, it's like making the car well again. Keeping a vehicle well maintained will also help you to get better gas mileage.  Even though the price of fuel has gone down, getting better gas mileage is a concern for many people. Things like simple monthly check-ups, specific tests, and proper diagnostics can save you time and money over the years. Let's face it, having a car is a virtual necessity for almost everyone and when you car fails it creates nothing but frustration and unneeded stress.

Here are some ideas to think about: Every month check the oil level, hoses and belts, tire pressure, the coolant and the air filter; every three months have an oil change, have the oil filter replaced, check windshield washer fluid, the horn, brakes and spare tire; every six months check the exhaust system, lights and shock absorbers. Doing these little things will help to make sure your vehicle is in the best condition and running for a long time.

Remember the bottom line: If you give your car some tender loving care with quality vehicle maintenance, it will show you love in return by providing many great years of service.

Looking for quality vehicle maintenance? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about car maintenance 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.

Advice from an Auto Shop for Safe Winter Driving!

Don’t get stranded on a snowy or icy road, unable to travel to your holiday destination due to poor tires.  Check out your tires before heading down the road to make sure you are driving as safely as possible.  Many drivers ask, "Do I need winter tires or are my all season tires sufficient?"  To understand which tires would best suit your winter driving, you must understand the differences in winter tires vs. all season tires.

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• All Season Tires

Many vehicles are fitted with all season tires when they leave the factory. They are built to provide a relatively quiet ride, good tread life and fuel economy.  They provide versatile performance and are designed to perform in a variety of conditions including wet roads and light winter driving. Even though all season tires are designed to provide good performance in many conditions, they tend to compromise between the summer and winter performance capabilities. All season tires won't provide the same amount of extreme grip and sharp handling of a summer tire, and they are not designed to handle extreme winter conditions like trekking through snow or driving on ice.  All season tires are a great option for drivers who live in moderate climates and do not encounter extreme cold, ice and snow in the winter months.

• Winter & Snow Tires

From heavy snowfall to black ice, winter roads are unpredictable. The combination of cold temperatures, ice, and snow can be best met by winter tires, specially designed to perform in winter conditions.  There are specific features that make winter tires unique:

• Tread rubber – The rubber compound remains more flexible in cold temperatures so that the tire grips the road better.
• Tread depth and patterns – The deeper tread reduces snow buildup and provides better traction, and the unique tread patterns are designed to channel snow and slush, and expel water.
• Biting edges -- Winter tires feature biting edges and high sipe densities (thousands of tiny slits in the tread that provide traction on ice).

Having the right tire matters!  The solution to the winter tires vs. all season tires question will depend on where you live and the conditions in which you drive.  If you only see a few snow flurries each year, all season tires will be fine. But if icy roads are a constant issue, winter tires are an essential safety measure that could save your life.

Need a set of high-quality winter tires?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about purchasing new tires.  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.  

Wheel Alignment: Stay In Control!

Do you feel like you’re losing control of your vehicle as you head down the road? If your car needs a wheel alignment, it could be the cause of an accident! The correct wheel alignment affects the ride and handling of your vehicle. Your car should track straight and true on a level road, unless there are other issues causing steering problems.

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A car alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. A correct wheel alignment helps to minimize excessive wear and tear on your tires, saving you money in the long run with longer- lasting tires. If your car has a mind of its own (swerving all over the road), ask your car alignment technician to check for a lost wheel alignment.

A car alignment service should typically include:

• A test drive at the start of the alignment service,
• The front end and steering linkage checked for excessive wear,
• The tires checked for excessive camber wear (caused by the tires making only partial contact with the road). All four tires should have even wear patterns.
• Checking other components that could cause steering problems, such as poor tires, failing brakes, or faulty power steering, and
• A test drive at the end of the alignment service.

Tip to Remember: Most drivers know their vehicle well enough to recognize a wheel alignment problem. If you are experiencing steering problems, schedule an inspection and repair with a car alignment technician as soon as possible to prevent further possible damage to other components of your vehicle.

Wondering about a needed wheel alignment? Our professionals can help keep you on track. 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 a car alignment problem. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Engine Repair: Is Your Check Engine Light Glowing?

The average car on the road today is almost 11 years old, and even though cars are built to last longer, all that wear and tear takes a toll. In fact, 80 percent of vehicles are in need of some form of engine service or engine repair right now. If you've been ignoring that "check engine" light on your dash, you're not alone. According to CarMD.com (which tracks repair trends on cars up to 10 years old), more than 9 million US drivers have ignored their car's "check engine" light for three months or more.

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Ignoring that message, and any corresponding engine service, could wind up costing you a bundle down the road. The light is alerting you to a problem with the car's engine or related systems. A blinking "check engine" light indicates there's a more severe problem that is doing mechanical damage to your car and should not be ignored. When this occurs, the best thing to do is limit driving and have the problem diagnosed by an engine repair techecnician as soon as possible.

Virtually all vehicles manufactured since 1996 are equipped with a "check engine" light, which is part of an on-board diagnostics system that constantly checks information from the engine to the transmission sensors to emissions-related problems. It covers about 80% of the systems on most cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans.

Common failures that could cause the "check engine" light to glow are:

• Oxygen sensor, which monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and tells your car's computer when there is either too much, or not enough fuel.

• Mass air flow sensor, which calculates the amount of air coming into the car and determines how much fuel to shoot into the engine.

• Spark plugs, which are responsible for igniting a car's air/fuel ratio. When they fail, they can cause an engine "misfire," reduce your gas mileage, and ultimately ruin your car's catalytic converter.

Turn the light off! Prevent car problems by having the proper engine service and maintenance performed on schedule!

Looking for quality engine 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 more information about engine service, other repairs and maintenance, and 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.

Tires Princeton MN: 3 Tips to Prevent Unexpected Tire Repair Problems

Taking good care of your tires is truly an investment in your vehicle. However, they are one of the most overlooked of all of a vehicle’s components. Checking for any potential problems on a monthly basis (especially if you have a long commute to work or school) is the best way to prevent costly tire repair or even more expensive damage from occurring to your car. Most importantly, you are maintaining the safety of you and your passengers.

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3 tips to prevent unexpected Tire Repair:

• Check air pressure and take care of any under-inflated tires immediately. The resistance of an under-inflated tire will cause heat, causing damage which could result in a tire repair or replacement, not to mention increased fuel consumption. Don’t forget to check the spare. Inspecting and filling your spare at the same time is good practice so that you will not be left stranded by the side of the road with a flat.
• Check the tread depth. Place the edge of a penny upside down in the grooves. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for a replacement. Is the inside groove and the outside edge wearing evenly? If not, this may be a sign that your car is out of alignment. Do you feel your steering wheel vibrating? Your tire may have lost its balance weight. Having the necessary wheel alignment or wheel balancing will help maintain the overall ride, comfort, and handling of your vehicle.
• Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles so that all four will wear at the same rate. If there are signs of excessive wear and tear, don’t just replace one--have all four replaced. If that isn’t possible, purchase the two front ones, or the two back ones, at the same time. Consider the climate where you live and the use of your vehicle when determining the best type to purchase.

For expert advice on care for your tires, tire repair, or for any other vehicle maintenance issues, contact our ASE Certified Tire Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto shop Princeton, MN has served customers in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca MN and Zimmerman MN, Minnesota area.