Wednesday, 29 February 2012

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.

 

Saturday, 25 February 2012

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.