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.  

Sliding Down the Road? You May Need New Tires!

There are several reasons to check your tires before winter arrives in full force. You may need new tires for the harsher winter conditions. There are advantages and disadvantages of snow tires, especially because of the extra traction they provide. These tires are different from all-season wheels, composed of a high-quality rubber compound with studs for greater grip on the pavement.

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Snow tires have...

Better Grip

When roads are covered in snow or ice, snow treads are indisputably superior. They are specifically built for maximum grip. Deeper treads and hard studs combine to provide better traction. If you drive in harsh winter weather, snow treads are essential.

Superior Braking

When conditions are poor, braking is compromised by thin threads, and versatile all-season models can lock up and skid. New tires with winter treads dig into snow and ice to break quickly and safely.

Protect yourself and your family. Check air pressure often and if you need to get new tires do not put it off, especially in the winter months. Because air expands when heated and contracts when cooled, it is critical to check the air pressure in the fall and early winter months. As the temperatures drop, the pressure will also go down.

The rule of thumb for temperature change is that for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit, tire pressure changes by 2 percent. Inflation goes up with hotter temperatures and down with colder temperatures. In most of the U.S., the summer and winter temperatures vary by 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in a drop of 5 psi (pounds per square inch) in the dead of winter. This is enough to compromise the handling, traction and longevity of your tires. Check your pressure in the morning for most accurate readings.

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

Caution: Kids in the Street! Safety Tips From a Car Service Center!

In the summertime, your neighborhood can be quite a hub of activity. The kids are outside, just wanting to have fun and the parents are either leaving for or coming home from work. As a reminder, a car service center wants you to remember that in residential communities, kids often play in the street, riding their bikes, throwing a football, or chasing the family pet. Drivers need to be on the lookout for small children darting out of nowhere, many times unaware of their surroundings.

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Safety Tips From a Car Service Center: Look out For Kids Playing In The Street

1.The first tip is to make sure you visit a quality car service center and have your brakes checked. Sometimes being able to protect a child means adequately being able to put on brakes. In fact, it could mean a matter of seconds! Your brakes must be able to respond to the sudden braking.

2.Pay attention to your surroundings. Look ahead of your vehicle 100 feet for children playing in residential neighborhoods. Expect to see them playing outside and in the street. Often times, most children that are hit by a vehicle occurs during the summer in a residential neighborhood.

3. Slow down! You may be running late, have to get dinner, or pick Susie up from practice, but proceeding with caution through a residential area, playgrounds, schools, or park (especially during the summer) is critical.

4. Be aware of the "children at play" sign. If you notice children at play in a particular area that doesn't have a sign, go ahead and petition for one. Remember a car outweighs a child by a couple tons. Think smart behind the wheel.

Make sure your vehicle is ready for safe summer driving by taking care of routine car service. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information and to schedule an appointment for a needed car repair. Rum River also offers quality 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.

How does a Simple Wheel Alignment Prevent Accidents?

By nature, driving out on the public roads is a risk of itself. However, the odds of avoiding costly and sometimes life- threatening accidents can be as simple as having a car alignment service. Often neglected in a regular auto maintenance routine, a wheel alignment is cheap insurance when it comes to ensuring a safe daily commute.

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A wheel alignment is preventative maintenance that encompasses a car's complex and delicate suspension system, making sure that everything is precisely adjusted and also checking that individual components are within factory wear limits . As the miles and years add up on the various suspension components on a vehicle, wear such as cracked, dry rotted rubber seals and loose ball joints can occur. This wear ultimately adds up and contributes to more serious issues such as a car that sways while driving, steering wheel vibration, or even compromised braking. It's common knowledge that braking ability is the single-most important safety feature on an automobile. Don't risk an accident by allowing the camber of a vehicle's wheels to limit the amount of tire tread that contacts the road and increasing the distance it takes for the car to come to a stop.

The easiest way to maintain your safety and preserve the equipment that separates you and the road is to get regularly scheduled car alignments. Waiting for a decline in the vehicle's steering and braking performance is risking a potential accident. An alignment inspection should be in order every time a large pothole is hit on a highway or hitting a curb. It is very good practice, and recommended, to get a reputable technician to inspect the status of a vehicle's alignment during every other oil change.

Having wheel alignment problems? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car alignment service. 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.

Want Healthy Brakes, Schedule a Brake Service by the Professionals!

Healthy brakes are important for the safety of you and your passengers. Thus, regular brake service should not be treated lightly. Make sure your vehicle can come to a complete and precise stop when necessary.  You want to drive with confidence knowing that your vehicle is operating as safe as possible with fully functioning brakes.

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If you are experiencing any of the problems described below, it is a good indication that you need to schedule a brake service as soon possible:  

• The brake pedal feels “spongy” or presses farther down to the floor than usual.
• Your vehicle pulls to the right or left when you brake.
• Unusual noises (squealing) or vibrations occur during braking,

The most common brake repair job is a brake pad replacement.  Because the pads rub on the disk when stopping a vehicle, worn pads should be the first thing to check if you are experiencing braking problems. If the pads are worn thin or are cracked from heat, a full inspection of the braking system may be recommended by your auto mechanic.  Brake pads are just one of several possible problems, so be sure to have all the other components of the brake system checked out.

Be sure to choose a trustworthy auto shop to take care of your brakes. Be aware of brake service specials at an unknown auto shop. The cheapest price is not always the best price in the long run.

A word to the wise: Drive with confidence knowing that you are protecting yourself, your passengers, and other motorists with fully functioning brakes.

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. 

Affordable Transmission Repair?

Unfortunately, the average driver knows little about transmission service. When they hear the words "transmission repair," all they can see are big dollar signs in front of their eyes! By taking time to gain an understanding of the various terms and methods of transmission repair, their fear and confusion will lessen.

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A little research on transmission service can be helpful in understanding what it means when your auto mechanic refers to a "minor transmission service" or a "major transmission repair."

Some auto mechanics want to make transmission repair a little more affordable for their customers. Some adjustments or repairs can be made without removing the unit from the vehicle--less costly than a complete overhaul or replacement. Other types of repair can only be resolved by removing the transmission from the vehicle. Take a look at some general types of transmission repair:

In-Car Repairs – Less costly than having to remove the unit from the vehicle.

• Improper shifting: A computer-controlled unit may receive the wrong signals, or it may not react properly to a computer command. The computer may simply need to be reset. In a non-computer-controlled transmission, the throttle cable can be adjusted. Or, if the vehicle has a vacuum modulator, it can be adjusted, making sure that there are no vacuum leaks. In some older transmissions, bands can be adjusted to resolve "slipping" (when an engine races while shifting from one gear to the next).
• Resealing: Most external fluid leaks can be resealed with the unit remaining in the car. An exception is the front seal—it must be removed to gain access to the leak.
• Out-of-the-Car Repairs –Because these repairs require more hours of labor and involve various components that may need to be replaced, they are more costly.
• Rebuilding: During this process, the transmission is removed and completely disassembled. Each part is inspected for wear and damage, and then depending on its condition, either cleaned or replaced. Parts that have friction surfaces (such as bands and clutches, seals and gaskets), are typically replaced.
• Replacement: This option replaces the transmission with another rebuilt or remanufactured unit. This is more expensive, but you can be on your way much faster than the first.

For affordable transmission repair, leave it to the experts! 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 transmission service. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Steering Problems? It could be the Wheel Alignment!

Has your car developed steering problems after navigating winter's icy roads filled with potholes? When driving on a straight level road, does your car pull or drift to one side or the other? Or are you feeling too much "play" in the steering wheel? It is hard for the average driver to know exactly what is causing the problem. Is it due to a poor car alignment or damage to the suspension or braking system?

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To determine whether your vehicle needs an alignment service, tire rotation, tires balanced, or some other type of repair, a skilled auto mechanic will look at four basic issues:

1. Eliminate tire problems:
   • Are all four tires inflated to the recommended pressure?
   • Is the tread and tire size the same on both front wheels?
   • Is there unusual tread wear or damage?
2. Examine the front-end alignment in rear-wheel drive vehicles:
   • Toe-in -- The front of each tire, when driving straight, points slightly to the centerline of the vehicle so that each tire has equal traction (i.e., bite) when cornering.
   • Castor -- The vertices angle of the centerline of the tire from front to back. Unless the ball joints, control arm bushings, or king pins are seriously worn, the castor won't vary much.
   • Camber -- The vertical angle of the centerline of the tire perpendicular to the cross-section of your car.
3. Perform a road test:
   • When driving on a straight level road, does your car pull to the left or the right?
   • Are there scraping, whining or grinding sounds coming from the front?
   • Are the front wheels tracking in the same groove as the back wheels?
4. Check for other car problems:
   • Worn struts or shock absorbers.
   • Worn out or loose wheel bearings, gear box, tie-rod ends, ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings, and other steering components.
   • Uneven distribution of heavy loads.
   • Poor driving habits--hard cornering, braking, or swerving.

Important Tip: It is wise to take your car for a test drive following a wheel alignment service!

Wondering if you need a car alignment service? 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 steering problems. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

8 Car Service Tips It’s Easy!

Following a regular schedule of basic car service is definitely a win-win situation. It not only helps save the environment and our natural resources, but your vehicle will operate more efficiently, increase your driving safety, prolong the life of your vehicle, and save you time and money spent on a costly car repair.

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Get started on the road to being an environmentally conscious driver with these eight car service tips:

• Check tires. Under-inflated tires or wheels out of alignment or balance will decrease fuel efficiency. The engine has to work harder to push the vehicle down the road, using more fuel. Properly maintained tires will last longer, meaning fewer tires to be scrapped.
• Observe speed limits. Driving consistently above 55 mph decreases fuel efficiency significantly. Use cruise-control as much as possible to keep a steady speed, and avoid fast accelerations and jerky stops.
• Avoid excessive idling. Turn off the engine while waiting. With today's advanced automotive technology, those 10-minute warm-ups on cold mornings are no longer necessary.
• Remove extra baggage. Less weight means better mileage. Reduce drag by storing luggage in the trunk rather than on the roof.
• Eliminate unnecessary driving. Consolidate your daily errands, join a car pool, and try to travel when traffic is light to avoid stop-and-go conditions.
• Regular Tune Up services. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Follow the service schedules and replace filters and fluids as recommended in your owner's manual.
• Keep your A/C in prime condition. Make sure your air conditioner is serviced only by a certified technician. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, almost one third of the gases released into the atmosphere come from vehicle air conditioners.
• Dispose of used auto fluids properly. Most car repair shops are glad to dispose of used motor oil, anti-freeze, tires, and old batteries for you. You can also call your city or county for recycling sites.

Remember: To ensure that our environment and natural resources are safe for generations to come: operate your vehicle efficiently, maintain it regularly, and dispose of used parts and fluids properly.

Need a premium car service? Our professionals will be happy to help you with any of your car repair issues. 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 vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Car Pulling Problems? It could it be the Wheel Alignment!

If your car is pulling to the left or right, it could be one or more of several different causes. Improper wheel alignment is just one cause, and actually not the most common. A car alignment technician will check out several things before actually performing a wheel alignment.

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Causes of steering problems:

• Road Crown -- If your car pulls to the side only on certain roads; it may be the "road crown." Roads are never built perfectly level, but are intentionally designed to slant about 1/2" per foot which allows the rain to drain off. However, it will also cause a vehicle to pull slightly in the direction of the slant. A skilled wheel alignment technician will offset the car alignment very slightly to allow for a road crown.
• Conicity – Conicity is when the belts are not perfectly aligned under the tread of the tire, causing the tire to inflate in a cone-shape. This defect causes a hard pull in one direction, and is a result of poor manufacturing. Properly aligned belts inflate squarely, across the tread. This type of pull gets worse as the vehicle travels faster.
• Belt Separation – Air can force the belts to separate from the tire carcass. This is dangerous, causing the tire to fail unexpectedly. A shake or shimmy may also develop, especially noticeable at low speeds.
• Air pressure – When air pressure is lower on one side, the height of the tire changes—also changing the wheel alignment. An under- inflated tire has more rolling resistance, making the pull more noticeable. A low rear tire can also change front wheel alignment, causing a pull.
• Tread Pattern -- Different tire brands, or even the same brand with different wear patterns, do not have the same rolling characteristic. For instance, replacing one tire in a set, or putting a new tire on the front with an older tire, may cause a pull to the side. Replacing tires in pairs is ideal, generally on the rear of the vehicle.
• Tire Rotation – A pull may be noticed after rotating tires. A mismatched tire may have previously been on the rear. When rotated to the front, the problem will be noticeable. Leaving it on the rear may be the best solution if the tire is safe to operate.
• Brakes -- A brake problem or a loose suspension component may cause a pull only when braking. With a sticking caliper, wheel cylinder or even a hydraulic fault, one brake may remain applied, causing the vehicle to drift in the direction of the problem, and for the brake to overheat. A burning smell, combined with a pull, might suggest a brake-related pull.
• Worn suspension -- Worn suspension parts may also shift position when the brakes are applied. When the brake is released, a quick pull may be noticed.

Tip: Find a reliable auto shop that will check the above items before trying to sell you an unnecessary wheel alignment job!

Wondering if you need a car alignment? 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 vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Car Alignment Problems?

"Ouch! I've just hit a pothole!" We've all said those words after hitting a deceptively deep pothole hidden by a puddle of water. Is your car now pulling or drifting to the left or right, or is there too much "play" in the steering? By endeavoring to pinpoint tire problems, the candor and castor of your front-end alignment, and taking your car for a road test, your auto mechanic can determine what kind of problem you are experiencing and then perform the right service, whether it's to correct the wheel alignment, or a tire rotation.

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4 Steps to Diagnosing Steering Problems:

1. Eliminate tire problems. Before attempting to diagnose a wheel alignment problem, eliminate the possibility that your tires are the cause of steering problems:

    • Make sure all four tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.

    • Check to see that the tread and tire size are the same on both front wheels. Don't drive with a snow tire on one side and a normal highway tire on the other side.

    • Check for unusual tread wear or damaged tires. A good time is when you have a tire rotation or the air pressure checked.

2. Examine your front-end alignment. There are different aspects to front-end alignments for rear-wheel drive vehicles:

    • Toe-in. The front of each tire, when driving straight, points slightly to the centerline of the vehicle. This gives an advantage when cornering so each tire has equal traction (bite), but if it is angled inward too much, the OUTSIDE of the tire's tread wears more quickly.

    • Castor. This is the vertices angle of the centerline of the tire from front to back. Unless the ball joints, control arm bushings, or king pins are seriously worn, the castor doesn't vary too much.

    • Camber. This is the vertical angle of the centerline of the tire perpendicular to the cross-section of your car.

3. Road test. While driving on a flat, level, smooth highway, on a dry and calm day, perform the following tests:

    • Loosen your grip on the steering wheel enough to let the car proceed on its own. If the car pulls to the left or the right, you may need a wheel alignment.

    • Listen for sounds from the front end of the car while driving slowly. Scraping, whining, or grinding sounds may indicate excessive friction as the tire tread rubs against the road.

    • Have someone follow you to observe the front to back wheel alignment. If the front wheels are not tracking in the same groove as the back, you may have a bent frame.

4. Abnormal tread wear. Besides a car alignment problem, there are also other causes of unusual tire wear, including.

    • Worn struts or shock absorbers.

    • Worn out or loose wheel bearings.

    • Worn or damaged tie-rod ends, ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings, and other steering components.

    • A worn or damaged steering gear box.

    • Poor driving habits—uneven distribution of heavy loads, hard cornering, braking, or swerving.

Important Tip: After you have had your front end checked and realigned, repeat the tests above to make sure the car alignment has been done correctly.

Wondering if you need a wheel alignment? 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 alignment service. 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.

Smart Driving Tips: Save Your Wheel Alignment!

If you've completed all your summer road trips and are starting to settle in for the Fall Season, you may want to have your wheel alignment checked. Loss of the proper car alignment is a common occurrence after traveling bumpy roads for very many miles. However, preventive strategy is about preparation, driving skills and reacting appropriately if a big bump or a pothole sneaks up to surprise you.

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Smart Driving Tips --

As you get back on a busy schedule of work, school, sports, music lessons, etc., you can keep your ride comfortable and reduce potential damage to your vehicle by practicing these smart driving tips:

• Check your tire pressure on a regular basis. If a tire is too soft, it handles poorly and a sudden bump or pothole may cause it to rupture. Over-inflated tires are susceptible to damage as well.
• Keep the windshield clean! You want to make sure you can see any bumps or other obstacles in the road.
• Stay focused and pay attention to the traffic around you. What are the other vehicles doing? Don't tailgate—this restricts your ability to anticipate obstacles or sudden braking by the vehicle in front of you.
• Beware of hidden potholes lurking under puddles.
• Reduce your speed on bumpy gravel roads. Slower hits generally involve less damage from losing your car alignment or a punctured tire.
• If you do have to drive over a bump or hit a pothole, take your foot off the accelerator, brake lightly, if at all, and then let off the brakes entirely the moment before impact. Immediately pay attention to whether or not you have a flat tire. You may want to pull off the road at your next opportunity to check your tires or rims for damage.
• Try not to make a sudden swerve in an attempt to avoid an obstacle. It creates a hazard for vehicles immediately behind and beside you. You could also hit the bump on an oblique angle, potentially causing greater damage to your tires and wheel rims, and throwing off your wheel alignment.

Lost your wheel alignment? 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 alignment service. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Auto Center Standards Princeton MN? What to Look for in an Auto Shop

With today’s busy schedules of work, school, sports activities, and recreation, folks have little or no time to visit an auto shop to find the right one for their vehicle’s service and repair work. However, as you probably already know, it’s even more difficult to make do-it-yourself auto repairs in today’s newer vehicles. This is why it’s so important to make time in your schedule to find the right auto center.

Do you need some guidelines to help you find the ideal auto center? Choose an auto shop based on the standards outlined below for a service or repair.

If you are looking for automotive repair Princeton MN your search can be over now with our Rum River auto shop Princeton MN services. Also find wheel alignment Princeton MN to have balanced driving.

Here are a few easy-to-follow tips to save you time in locating an auto shop:

• Try to find an auto shop that you feel comfortable with before you actually need one. Use it for minor auto repairs or service, such as an oil change or tire rotation. If you are satisfied with the work performed on small jobs, you will more likely use them again for an even more extensive auto repair. This will help you avoid being rushed into an unnecessary, and probably expensive, auto repair with an auto shop that you don’t know very well.
• Ask for referrals from your friends for their recommendations for a reliable, well-qualified auto shop. Don’t forget to check with the Better Business Bureau. Ask if there are any complaints; what were they about, and how were they resolved.
• Choose an auto shop for more than just a convenient location, although that would be an added bonus. Sometimes driving a little further can mean better service, and may even save you money.
• Visit the auto center to see if it is kept clean and well-organized. Look at the service bays to see if the equipment is modern and well-maintained.
• Make sure the auto shop is professionally run with helpful, courteous and trained staff. Look around the lobby for any community-service awards, Better Business Bureau endorsements, ASE certificates, or plaques for civic involvement.

If you want an auto shop that has high-quality professionals to service your vehicle, contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about automotive repair. Since 1997, our auto shop has served customers with auto repair Princeton MN, and in the surrounding areas too for auto repair Milaca MN and auto repair Zimmerman MN, Minnesota area.