Friday, 1 June 2012

Tips for Saving $$ on Fuel and Vehicle Maintenance!

With the current price of gas on the rise, you can control how much gas you use by following some simple and inexpensive vehicle maintenance. This probably sounds like music to your ears if you are like most vehicle owners. Most of us don’t have the option of driving less when gas prices rise, but by making sure your vehicle is getting maximum fuel economy, you can cancel out the increases.

If you are looking for automotive service Princeton MN find meet Rum River Automotive mechanic Princeton MN services. Meet us for vehicle maintenance Princeton MN to have safe driving.

It’s tempting to think you are saving money when you put off needed vehicle maintenance. However, neglecting routine car maintenance can end up costing a lot more. According to the Car Care Council, fuel consumption is directly related to car maintenance and driver behaviour. Both of these factors have a significant impact on how much you end up paying at the pump.

By following these good-sense driving and car maintenance tips, you will save $$ in gas, and put $$ back in your wallet.

  • Have regular car tune ups - improves gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
  • Keep tires properly inflated - improves gas mileage by 3 percent.
  • Replace dirty or clogged air filters - improves gas mileage by as much as 14 percent.
  • Replace dirty spark plugs, which can reduce mileage by two miles per gallon.
  • Change oil regularly - gains another mile per gallon.
  • Check the gas cap. Damaged, loose or missing gas caps allow gas to vaporize into the air.
  • Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 mph.
  • Avoid excessive idling - gets zero miles per gallon. A one or two minute warm-up is sufficient.
  • Avoid quick starts and stops. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city.
  • Consolidate trips. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much gas as one longer multi-purpose trip.
  • Don’t haul unnecessary items in the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent.
A Quick Tip to Remember: Keeping your vehicle running efficiently and modifying your driving behavior is the best way to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy and keep more money in your pocket.
For expert advice on car maintenance, contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about how we can help service your car or truck. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.


Thursday, 17 May 2012

Need a Car Battery Replacement? Don’t kill your summer fun with a dead Car Battery!

Spring has arrived and summer vacation planning is well on its way. Along with this, it’s time to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top mechanical shape. There is nothing worse than car problems to spoil a great summer vacation. A dead car battery has been the culprit many times. If neglected, your vehicle’s dependability is in question, including your long-awaited vacation. To add to your misery will be the inconvenience and the cost of a car battery replacement.
If you are looking for car battery Princeton MN replacement than find Rum River auto repairs Princeton MN services shop. Also find auto electrical service Princeton MN with us.

The following simple tips can assist you in keeping your car battery strong and reliable:

  • Preventative Measures – In order to prevent a premature car battery replacement, check terminals and cables. Loose or dirty cables are a common “no start” condition. Cable ends and terminals should be cleaned with a wire brush and light sand paper periodically to remove any corrosion build up. Spray coatings for terminals are helpful in reducing the formation of corrosion. Dirty or corroded terminals can severely reduce the lifespan of the car battery and alternator.

  • Periodic Check-ups - Have your auto mechanic check the load levels at every oil change interval if the car battery is over 2 years old. A weak battery that is not storing enough power will cause the alternator to work harder and possibly cause alternator failure.

  • Load Restrictions – This is how much of a “load” or drain can be placed on the electrical system before the stored electricity in the battery begins to discharge itself and needs to be recharged. It is not uncommon for batteries to go completely "flat" without ever giving a warning signal. Be careful to not overload your battery.
  • Car Battery Replacement – If a replacement is necessary, the new car battery should have the same dimensions, the same cable connections, and the same electrical capacity as the original. If you are in doubt, your mechanic can help you identify and install the proper battery for your vehicle.

Paying attention to these simple tips will get you on the right track for a fun and safe summer.

Need quality car 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 repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in target="_blank" the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.