What Does a General Car Service Include?

Most people have started their spring cleaning.  Don’t forget your automobile to make sure it is ready for the warm temperatures on the way.  Ask your car repair technician about what does a general car service include? It is vital to have a thorough inspection performed on all the systems and components of your vehicle so that you are driving as safe as possible.  

So what does a general car service include?  In addition to regular vehicle maintenance items, listed below are 8 common car service items:

• Car Battery-- Warm weather means high temperatures under the hood, accelerating corrosion inside the battery as well as water evaporating out of the battery.  You could end up with decreased battery capacity which means a weakened ability to start the engine, and a shorter battery life. The battery connections should be kept clean, tight and corrosion-free. Get your battery tested before heading out on a warm summer day.  A tired battery may want to be charged, or simply replaced.
• Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades normally start to lose their effectiveness in as little as 6 months. If there is streaking areas of glass, they should be replaced.  
• Lights--Inspect that all the lights are working and clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and that other drivers can see you coming.
• Oil-- Normally, a multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index can be used year round as it provides the best oil flow at either warm or cold temperatures.  If you frequently drive on dusty roads, change the oil and filter more frequently than normal.  Also, inspect the oil level frequently
• Radiator, Hoses and Belts--Have the radiator and hoses inspected for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable.  Ask your auto mechanic to inspect the coolant mixture in your radiator.  About every 2 years, flush your radiator and add new coolant.
• Tires--If you use snow or all-season tires, you may want to switch to summer tires which are made from a special rubber softer in consistency than snow or all-season tires. These tires will increase vehicle performance, but they are more costly and want to be replaced more frequently than other types of tires.  
• Keep your tires correctly inflated--Inspect inflation pressure every month.  Under-inflated tires generate more heat due to excessive sidewall flexing, adversely affecting handling and fuel economy, plus wearing out the tire faster.
• Brakes--If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes checked and repaired as soon as possible for better stopping performance.

Need to find quality car repair?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about what does a general car service include 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.  

Wondering what is Included in a Major Car Service?

Most car owners have procrastinated at some point in time in taking care of required maintenance service or needed car repair because of their busy schedules or tight budget.  They think that by extending a required service interval they are saving money.  Or, as long as their car can get them from point A to point B, they put off a needed car repair.  Though, they may actually spend more money on an emergency car repair than the cost of the maintenance service.

Taking your car to an auto repair shop for an inspection is just like us humans going to the doctor for an annual checkup.  We want to make sure that all in our bodies are running smoothly, and the same goes for our car!  The reason that vehicle manufacturers publish a service schedule is to make sure that the car operates reliably and safely for many miles.  Not only will regular car service prevent costly car repair, but it is also crucial for keeping your car safe and roadworthy, protecting yourself and other drivers.  

The best place to find out what type of service your car requires is your car owner’s manual.  It lists the mileage or time interval for every service, as well as the relevant details of each service.  There are usually 3 levels of car service:

• What is included in a Basic Service?  This basic service usually includes an oil and filter change and a visual checkup of the components of your vehicle.  Fluids (such as washer fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze, and steering fluid) will usually be topped-off.  Also, your auto mechanic should check key components (over 35 of them) of your car to ensure itis in the best condition potential.  This will include brakes, tires, etc., and also recommend any additional work needed.
• What is included in a Full Service?  This Full service usually consists of all the basic service work listed above plus an extra 15-30 additional inspect on the car’s components (compared to the basic service).
• What is included in a Major Car Service?  This major service includes all covered in the basic and full service.  A major car service is the most complete service available.  It also includes all wear, service and maintenance items recommended by the manufacturer.

The cost of major car service will vary depending on your type of car. Please ask your auto repair mechanic to provide you with a cost estimation before beginning any work.

Are you wondering what is included in a major car service?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our car repair services 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.  

Wondering How Often Should You Get Your Car Serviced?

Like most motorists, you want to take good care of your vehicle and may wonder how often should you get your car serviced?  Simply stated, follow the suggested maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for your car.  There are two ways in which you will be reminded as to when to get your car serviced.

• In-vehicle Maintenance Reminder Systems If you drive a newer car, it possibly has an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system that makes mileage-based schedules out-of-date. These reminder systems take a number of vehicle operating conditions into account and provide an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level checks, component inspections, and other vehicle maintenance services. 
• Mileage-Based Maintenance Service Intervals Older cars have service intervals based on mileage. There are generally two different maintenance schedules, one for cars driven in “normal” operating conditions and another for those used in “severe” operating conditions, such as mainly short trips of five miles, extreme climates, stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads.  

Tip to Remember:  Plan ahead for vehicle maintenance items by finding a car repair shop and auto technician you can trust before you need them. 

Are you wondering how often should you get your car serviced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our car repair services 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.