Wednesday, 28 May 2014

Is Your Muffler Too Noisy? Your Exhaust System Needs Help!

Are you noticing loud noises coming from your muffler, or is your car starting to idle rough or the motor die at a stop light? Maybe the "check engine" light flicks on and off, or stays illuminated. These are common problems in vehicles that have a leak in the exhaust system. Your exhaust system may need some help from an auto repair technician.

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If you have the right tools and a little assistance, you may be able to determine if there is a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system and also pinpoint the location and source yourself. By following the advice below, you can save valuable time and money spent in an auto shop:
  • First, before touching anything, make sure the car is cool while you look under the hood. Especially because metal expands as it heats up, any small leaks will get smaller, making them difficult to detect.
  • To force the exhaust through any possible leak, cover the muffler temporarily. Starting at the engine, follow the exhaust system, feeling for hot air escaping through the pipe, especially at the connectors as these areas commonly have leaks. The muffler will get hot, so be careful not to touch it.
  • Remove the plastic engine cover in order to inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking or warping. This is a common problem typically found in older cars.
  • Check the gaskets for cracking. You may feel hot air escaping as well as a strong smell of fumes. In older cars, it is common for the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head to crack just through normal wear and tear.
  • Check the muffler for rust. If it is just on the surface, or if it goes all the way through the metal. Leaks can occur in areas weakened by rust.

Of course, make sure to have your auto repair technician inspect the exhaust system if you're not comfortable conducting these tests yourself. Most auto shops will run diagnostic tests free of charge in order to recommend the appropriate repair service.

Got a noisy muffler? 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 exhaust system maintenance. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Friday, 23 May 2014

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 ZimmermanMN.