What are the signs of bad tires?

Bad tires can compromise the safety and performance of your vehicle. Here are some common signs that indicate your tires may need attention or replacement:

1. Low Tread Depth
• Sign: If the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) or less, it's time to replace the tires.
• How to Inspect: Use a tread depth gauge or the penny test (insert a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down—if you can see all of his head, the tread is too low).
2. Cracks or Bulges
• Sign: Visible cracks on the sidewalls or bulges on the surface are signs of structural damage.
• Cause: These can result from hitting potholes, curbs, or normal wear over time, increasing the risk of a blowout.
3. Vibration While Driving
• Sign: Excessive vibrations or shaking while driving, especially at higher speeds.
• Cause: It could be due to unbalanced or misaligned tires, worn-out treads, or internal tire damage.
4. Uneven Tire Wear
• Sign: Some areas of the tire wear down faster than others.
• Cause: This can be a result of improper alignment, over- or under-inflation, or suspension issues.
5. Tire Pressure Problems
• Sign: Constantly needing to inflate the tires or noticing that they frequently lose pressure.
• Cause: Leaks due to punctures, valve stem issues, or damage to the tire's structure.
6. Blisters or Bubbles on the Tire Surface
• Sign: A bubble-like bulge on the tire’s outer surface.
• Cause: This indicates a weak spot in the tire, usually caused by impact damage, and could lead to a blowout.
7. Excessive Tire Noise
• Sign: Worn tread reduces traction, making it harder for your car to grip the road, particularly in bad weather.
• Cause: This could be a result of worn-out treads or uneven wear patterns.
8. Worn-Out Indicator Bars
• Sign: Many modern tires have tread wear indicator bars. If the bars become visible, it means the tread has worn down significantly.
• Cause: These are designed to alert you when the tire needs replacing.
9. Longer Stopping Distances
• Sign: Your vehicle takes longer to stop, especially in wet conditions.
• Cause: Worn tread reduces traction, making it harder for your car to grip the road, particularly in bad weather.

Wondering what are the signs of bad tires? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at River Automotive for more information about tire repair 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.

How Many Miles Should You Get New Tires?

Purchasing a new set of tires for your vehicle is a big investment.  Thus, many drivers want to know about how many miles should you get new tires.  Most vehicle manufacturers state that the tires that come on their new vehicles will last around 50,000-60,000 miles.  Tire manufacturers also provide a mileage guideline for each of their tires so that vehicle owners will know what to expect out of their new tires.

Of course, there are some factors that will determine at about how many miles should you get new tires, such as:

• What kind of car you own and how you drive, 
• How you maintain your tires
• Quality of the tire
• All-purpose or all-season tire
• How the tire is mounted on the car. 
• Manufacturer’s stated length of tread life. 

Tire repair is quick, easy, and relatively cheap, and seemingly insignificant.  But tires that are in good condition are important for your driving safety.  Here are several maintenance tips to remember: 

• Inspect air pressure – A properly inflated tire will ensure optimal contact with the road, increase fuel economy, and help the tread wear more evenly. 
• Visual Checkup – Measure the amount of tread remaining, check tires for slashes, visible wires, or damage to the sidewall.
• Tire rotation – About every 6 months (or between 6,000 to 8,000 miles), rotate your tires around to a different position on the vehicle to make sure they wear in an even pattern.  
• Wheel Alignment – Wheel Alignment refers to an adjustment of the vehicle’s suspension so that the angles of the tires affect how they make contact with the road.  Misalignment wears out tires irregularly, decreasing the life of the tire and compromising the safety of your vehicle.
• Tire Balancing – Tire balancing will help achieve the smooth rolling of the tire. 

Tip for Drivers:  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that tires be replaced every 6 years regardless of the number of miles driven. 

Are you wondering how many miles should you get new tires?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about our tire repair services and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

Wondering when Should Tires Be Replaced?

With the snowy and icy conditions beginning to hit several parts of the country, drivers are starting to think about putting their winter tires back into service.  When should tires be replaced for winter?  If you live in a climate where the temperatures consistently remain below 45°F, you can go ahead and switch out your summer tires for ice tires, especially if the cold days include icy conditions.   

Be sure to have your tires checked and any compulsory tire repair taken care of before installing them and that the tread and inflation are sufficient for snowy conditions.  If your winter tires have reached approximately 4/32" of remaining tread depth, you should consider replacing them before winter arrives in full force!

Here are several safety tips to keep in mind when driving with winter tires:

• The RMA recommends installing winter tires in sets of four to optimize the performance benefits.  This will help maintain stability and control of your vehicle in severe snow conditions.
• Traction control or four-wheel drive on your vehicle often gives drivers a false sense of security in winter conditions. Traction control/ABS is designed for vehicle stability, power transmission, and controlled braking. It does NOT optimize traction or grip in winter driving maneuvers. 
• Look for the Severe Ice Conditions Symbol when shopping for winter tires.  It is located on the sidewall, indicating that the tire meets the snow traction standard recognized by the RMA.

After you have removed your summer tires, you will need to store them. Keep them in a cool, dry and preferably shaded or dark location. Store them raised up off the floor on a pallet or rack, sidewall to sidewall.

Remember:  Before re-installing winter tires on your vehicle, have them inspected for possible damage and adequate tread depth.  

Need tire repair on your winter tires?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about when should tires be replaced for winter and 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.  

Wondering How Often Should You Replace Tires?

Did you realize that the four tires on your car are the only parts that really touch the road?  This means that the right inflation pressure, equal tread wear, correct wheel alignment and balancing are not to be taken lightly.  An important part of good car maintenance is taking care of your tires.  Though, at some point in time, your tires will go beyond the point of safety when it comes to tire repair.  

Are you wondering when should tires be replaced?  This will depend on some factors, but normally, new tires will last about 50,000 miles.  Here is a list of the factors that affect the actual lifespan of your tires:

• What is the quality of the tires? 
• Do you have summer or all-season tires?
• How are the tires mounted?  
• What is the treadwear rating?
• How do you drive the vehicle?

You can do your part in helping prevent urgent tire repair.  There are 3 main elements of basic tire service: 

• Correct inflation -- Correctly inflated tires means your vehicle is getting optimal contact with the road, improved fuel economy, and more even tread wear. 
• Tire Rotation -- Moving the tires around to a different position on your vehicle will make sure they wear out in an even pattern, improving traction. Normally, tires should be rotated every six months, or 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or about every other oil change.  
• Wheel Alignment and Balancing -- Balancing is done with wheel weights so that the tire rolls smoothly down the road. The key to correct alignment is adjusting the angles of the tires so that they make optimal contact with the road. 

Remember:  Basic tire service ensures you will get the most miles out of your tires while maximizing the safety of your vehicle.

Are you looking for quality tire repair? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about how often should you replace tires and Make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

Save Money with Routine Vehicle Maintenance.

Many vehicle owners are interested in saving money. There are some simple ways to stretch your dollar at the pump and also protect the environment. Taking care of routine vehicle maintenance is one of those ways. Some drivers don’t realize that fuel efficiency is directly related to car maintenance, whether it’s good or bad.

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6 Vehicle Maintenance Tips to help you save money:

• Regular Tune-Ups: Regular tune ups can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
• Correct Tire Pressure: Keeping the correct air pressure in your tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.
• The Right Motor Oil: Using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer can improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent
• Change the Air Filter: Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy, performance, and acceleration.
• Tighten the Gas Cap: A damaged, loose or missing gas cap allow gass to vaporize into the air.
• Fix what’s wrong: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent.

There are several other ways that drivers can increase fuel efficiency (thereby saving money) in their vehicle:  

• Modify driving habits (observe the speed limit and avoid quick stops and starts),
• Consolidate trips,
• Avoid excessive idling, and
• Remove unnecessary items from the trunk.

Looking for quality vehicle maintenance services?  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 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. 

Exhaust System What’s In Your Muffler?

Your vehicle's exhaust system is generally a silent partner working behind the scenes, but vital for the operating efficiency of your vehicle. The main job of the exhaust system is to release the toxic gas by-products of internal combustion. Unfortunately, the exhaust system goes unnoticed until a driver hears strange noises and smells strange odors coming from the muffler. By this time, damage has already occurred that will require a repair service.

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In addition to the normal aging process of the exhaust system, there are two common causes of damage to the muffler and exhaust system:

• Road conditions: Because the muffler is mounted on the underside of your car, it is exposed to damaging road conditions (especially salted or sanded roads in the winter). Have the exhaust system inspected frequently for leaks, especially if the muffler is starting to get noisy! A leak in the exhaust system not only creates a noisy muffler, but decreases fuel efficiency. Even more harmful are the fumes, such as carbon monoxide, that can potentially enter the cabin of your car. It doesn't take much to impair your driving and your health.

• Driving short distances: When driving short distances, such as your daily commute to work or school, the water vapor produced by the catalytic convertor doesn't have enough time to fully evaporate or get expelled. It condenses back into water, which can cause rust in the muffler. Another by-product of engine emissions is sulfur. As it mixes with the water, it creates a corrosive acid that will eat away at the muffler. However, modern cars are equipped with catalytic converters that convert the toxic exhaust into non-toxic water vapor and carbon dioxide.

A Quick Tip to Remember:  At each oil change, have the exhaust system inspected to make sure it stays in good shape! Prevent further damage to your car, and possibly your health, by taking care of problems as soon as possible.

Is your muffler emitting strange sounds and smells? You need an inspection of your exhaust system! 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.

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.

Basic Auto Repair Service Equals Greater Fuel Efficiency!

Summer is just around the corner and many people are starting to plan their family road trips. This means that the price of gas and diesel will be sliding up the scale again. We would like to offer a few auto repair tips to help you save cash on fuel at the pump! The auto repair services and good-sense driving tips listed below will not only help you keep money in your wallet, but also help keep our environment cleaner as many vehicles hit the road this summer.

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Auto Repair Services = Increased MPG:

• Replace air filters. A clogged air filter causes your engine to work harder and your vehicle to become less fuel efficient. Replacing a dirty air filter can increase your mileage by 10%, or 15cents/gallon.
• Be serious about auto repair. Your car's performance depends on it. Always try to follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance.
• Regular oil changes using the right oil. Proper oil viscosity (5w30 over 10w30) can be a 1-2% increase in mileage.
• Avoid idling. Turn the engine off if you have to sit more than a few minutes.
• Watch the speed limit. Driving over 60mph decreases fuel economy. Use your cruise control on long stretches of road to maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration.
• Use lower octane fuel. Buy the lowest octane appropriate for your car unless it requires premium. Pricey premium doesn't boost fuel economy.
• Don't "top off" when filling your tank. Overfilling wastes $$ on gas you won't use. Additional gas will slop and seep off.
• Tighten the gas cap. Gas evaporates if it has an escape. A loose, missing, or damaged cap can cause you to lose up to 30 gals per year.
• Correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires create more resistance and make your engine work harder, reducing fuel mileage and tire life by as much as 15%.
• Keep your engine serviced. A poorly running engine can reduce mileage by up to 4%. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by 30%.
• Eliminate drag. Make sure the wheels are in proper alignment, roof racks or bicycle racks removed when not being used, and the trunk empty.
• Fuel Injector cleaning service: A clean fuel system restores performance and improves drivability, maximizing fuel economy and reducing vehicle emissions.
• To see the auto repair technicians in action at Rum River Automotive, click on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHkjmI3o0WE&feature=youtu.be

On your summer road trip, make sure you are as safe and prepared as your vehicle can be with quality auto 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 and to find out more about our auto repair services. Since 1997, our auto repair shop 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.

Avoid Costly Car Repair: Follow This Inspection Schedule!

If you plan on keeping your old car rather than trading it for one straight off the showroom floor, you can help avoid a costly car repair by giving it a little extra attention. By checking a few car care items yourself, you can help keep your vehicle out of the car service center and money in your pocket. This means that in the long-run, a little time and money spent now will reap benefits later by maintaining your car's reliability and increasing trade-in value.

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Following the car service tips listed below will show you what kind of professional car repair is needed so you can have confidence in the reliability of your vehicle when needed!

Each Day: 

    * Take a quick walk around your car and inspect it visually before heading out for the day. Have the tires have lost air, are there any new dents or scratches, or do you see a fluid leak? If you keep driving your car without knowing about of the issues, these little problems could become more serious problems.

Each Week:

    * Check the level of fluids (oil, coolant, brake, power steering, and windshield washer). Top off as necessary.

    * Check the air pressure in the tires (including the spare), depth of tread and overall condition. Schedule a tire repair if needed.

    * Make sure that all the lights are working--headlights, brake lights, turn indicators, back-up lights, etc., including the interior lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs.

    * Windshield wipers should be in good condition, keeping your windshield clean of streaks and smears.

    * All windows and mirrors should be clean and free of any cracks or chips.

    * Check for any damage that may cause your vehicle to operate poorly or that may cause a driving hazard (dented fenders can rub against tires and keep brakes from working properly).

    * Wash your vehicle regularly–the finish will last longer! Clean out the inside too!

Tip to Remember: Take care of your car, and it will take care of you with good car service for many miles to come!

For a quality car service, including a professional inspection of the performance of your vehicle's various elements, 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 service 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.

Tire Repair: Is the Air Pressure in Tires Important?

Automobile manufacturers are required to list the original air pressure of tires in the owner’s manual for your vehicle. If the inflated pressure has consistently varied from the manufacturer’s recommendation, it's likely that the wear and tear on your tires has been accelerated and you will need a tire repair sooner than expected! Your trusted auto mechanic can help you determine the remaining life expectancy of your tires.

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There are usually three major problems leading to tire repair:

• Under-inflation -- If your tires are under-inflated by only 6 psi it could lead to tire failure. Additionally, their tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%. Lower inflation pressure will allow the tire to deflect (bend) more as it rolls. This will build up internal heat, increase rolling resistance, and cause a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5%. You will also find a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability.
  

• Over-inflation -- If your tires are over-inflated by 6 psi, they can be easily damaged when running over pot holes or debris in the road. Higher inflation pressure cannot isolate road irregularities very well, causing the ride to feel stiff and harsh. However, higher inflation pressures usually provide improvement in steering response and cornering stability, but only up to a point. Avoid intentional over-inflation.

• Time and Temperature -- Inflation pressures change due to time and temperature. Tires lose about 1 psi per month due to air escaping through the rubber as it stretches. Inflation pressures also fluctuate with changes in the outside air temperature at a rate of about 1 psi for every 10°F (plus or minus). So the inflation pressure you set correctly with an 80°F ambient temperature will be under inflated by 6 psi at 20°F. Improper inflation can cause irregular wear and void the manufacturer's warranty.

If the inflation pressure is repeatedly either higher or lower than recommended, you could be headed for a costly tire repair. Check the air pressure about once a week, preferably before the vehicle has been driven. Spending about two minutes a week will achieve the optimum performance from your tires and can prevent you being stranded on the side of the road.

Need quality tire repair? Our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car on the road. 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.

 

Stay in Charge This Winter – Take care of your Car Battery

Learn how to keep your car battery running strong this winter so you don’t get stranded out in the cold waiting for a car battery replacement. Remember these winter car battery service tips for the best cold-temperature performance:

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• Purchase the correct car battery of appropriate size with sufficient cranking power (consult your local auto mechanic and your owner’s manual).
• Purchase one of good quality.
• Keep it clean and have it checked by a professional. Some corrosion can’t be seen.
• Have it tested at every oil change (every 3,000 miles).
• Have the cables, posts and fasteners inspected to ensure they are in good shape and secured firmly.
• Have your starting and charging system tested every six months.
• Use a battery charger to maintain charge levels.

Your car battery is one of the most important components in the performance of your vehicle. If it is not routinely checked and serviced, your vehicle’s dependability is at risk. A car battery is one of the most important auto parts that you will be required to purchase if you own your vehicle for more than two or three years. At some point in time, a car battery replacement will more than likely be necessary. When your car battery starts to fall below your vehicle’s starting requirements, be sure to purchase a quality battery that meets the manufacturer’s requirements.

A Tip to Remember: Have your car battery serviced on a regular basis to maintain a reliable vehicle that will start at a moment’s notice and not leave you out in the cold!

If you are in need of professional battery 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 shop Princeton, MN has served customers in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.