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.

Why is an Exhaust System and Muffler so important?

So that vehicle owners understand the importance of an exhaust system and the connected muffler, here is some basic information to explain the purpose of two main components, the Emissions Control System and the Catalytic Converter!

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Automotive emissions are controlled for three reasons: 1) to promote more complete combustion so that there are less by-products; 2) to reintroduce excessive hydrocarbons back into the engine for combustion; and 3) to provide an additional area for oxidation or combustion to occur (the catalytic converter).

Emissions Control System:

Because it became necessary to control the emissions from automobiles, today’s automobiles have become highly computerized. Gases, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen are created during the combustion process and then are emitted into the atmosphere through the muffler and tail pipe. Hydrocarbons are also emitted as a result of vaporization of gasoline and from the crankcase of the automobile. Governmental regulations have set limits as to the amount of pollutants that can be emitted from an automobile. In order to meet these limits, automobile manufacturers have added certain pollution control devices and created a self-adjusting engine. As the computer systems in automobiles became more advanced, they were able to adjust ignition spark timing as well as operate the other emission controls installed on the vehicle. The computer is capable of monitoring and diagnosing itself, which assists mechanics in determining the proper repair when it fails.

Catalytic Converter:

The catalytic converter looks like a muffler and is located in the exhaust system in front of the muffler. Simply stated, hydrocarbons or carbon monoxide in the exhaust are converted to carbon dioxide and water as they pass over the catalyst. Heat is generated in the converter as it works to clean the exhaust. The dirtier it is, the harder the converter must work and the more heat that is generated. This is the main reason that our fuel is now unleaded, which is cleaner to burn and thereby reducing heat buildup in the catalytic converter.

Although an exhaust system is complex and generally causes vehicles to be less fuel efficient, they have been made proficient in controlling the poisonous pollutions and are vital to the quality and protection of our atmosphere, the air we breathe!

If you need a new muffler or an inspection of your exhaust system, the mechanics at Rum River Automotive are happy to help you. 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 vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Tune Up: Is a Car Tune Up still necessary?

Are you concerned about the appropriate care of your vehicle? In today’s newer models of vehicles, advanced technology requires meeting emissions standards put in place since about 1996. Cars no longer have the same components that were included as part of the traditional car tune up.

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In older model vehicles, a traditional car tune up consisted of…

• Recalibrate the carburetor: The carburetor was responsible for creating an air and fuel mixture which was then pulled into the cylinders.
• Reset or replace the points: Points were moving parts responsible for timing the spark to ignite the air and fuel mixture.
• Replace worn out high voltage wires: Wires which ran from the distributor and points to the individual spark plugs.
• Replaced spark plugs: or reset the gap if the spark plugs were not replaced.

The technology involved in a car tune up today involves…

• Carburetors were replaced by fuel injection systems which use electronics to measure the fuel added to the intake.
• Distributors and points were replaced by electronic ignition systems.
• High voltage wires have been replaced by coil/plug ignition systems. This means that the high voltage is created at the spark plug. There are no high voltage wires that need to be replaced.
• Most cars today have the spark plugs buried underneath the overhead cams. This makes them hard to replace. Accordingly, many cars and trucks use platinum tipped spark plugs which are good for 100,000 miles or longer.

Thanks to advances in technology, a regular "tune up," as we remember it is no longer required. However, it is still important to follow the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. Not only does this honor the vehicle’s warranty, but will also ensure that your car performs at optimum efficiency.

Need a professional car tune up? Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about any of your car problems. 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.

Car Tune Up Princeton MN: Car Shopping Tips from the Tune Up Specialists!

If you’re tired of your old “clunker” always needing some form of auto repair or tune up, you may be ready to turn it in and head out the door to look for a reliable used car or truck. You don’t want to worry whether it needs a basic car tune up, or has some other complex problem that is lurking just under the hood.

In a recent survey by Kelley Blue Book, the majority of car shoppers plan to buy used and spend less than $15,000. The competition is fierce, making it a buyer’s market. To help you through this daunting experience, here are a few tips:

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  THE SEARCH

  • Find the type of vehicle you want to purchase: websites, auctions, classified ads, reviews, on-line forums;
  • Locate the cars you’re interested in: selecting those within the Kelley Blue Book price range (you want to know the value of your current vehicle and the one you want to purchase);
  • Ask for a history report: this will tell you whether it’s had a regular car tune up schedule, been in an accident, or other important information;
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  THE EVALUATION

  • Ask questions. If buying from a dealership, ask about the documentation fee, or any other hidden charges. Is there a dealer’s guarantee, manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty left on the car, and if so, is it transferrable? Does the car have a clean title?
  • Consider the mileage. The ideal used car mileage ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 per year.
  • Go for a ride—hit the brakes, listen to the road noise, gun it a little, check for unacceptable blind spots, drive over bumps, inspect it for dings, inspect tire tread, check for fluid leaks and exhaust smoke.
  • Evidence that the car may be in need of a tune up or major repairs: poor gas mileage, sluggish acceleration, rough idling or stalling, “check engine” light flashes or stays on.
  • Schedule an inspection with a certified auto mechanic if purchasing from a private party. If you’re purchasing from a dealer, an inspection and a car tune up has most likely been performed.
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  THE PURCHASE

  • Negotiate the price you want to pay and stick to it.
  • Do the paperwork. If buying from a private party, you will need to go the DMV with a bill of sale to register and transfer the title. A dealership will usually handle this for you.

If you need our assistance to inspect your “new” used car, 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 shop Princeton MN has served customers in Princeton MN and in the surrounding areas with Milaca MN automotive repair services and Zimmerman MN automotive repair services, Minnesota area.