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.  

Are you Asking, “What Happens When a Starter Goes Out?”

What do you hear when you turn your key in the ignition?  Does your engine start-up smoothly and quietly?  Or do you just hear clicking sounds?  At last, the engine turns over and you’re on your way.  If this has happened to you, you will need to know more about what happens when a starter goes out.  Ask your mechanic to inspect the condition of the starter and let you know if you are looking at a pending auto electrical repair. 

The starter system is designed for repeated use under a variety of weather and road conditions. But the wear and tear of everyday use, extreme conditions and lack of maintenance can all create issues.  There are some symptoms that can indicate a bad or failing starter—many of which can also be caused by the alternator or the battery, key components of the auto electrical system. 

What happens when a starter goes out?  Here are six signs to look for:

1. Slow and intermittent starting.  If the issue is intermittent, it could be loose or dirty wiring or a damaged electrical component that is failing.
2. Your vehicle won’t start.  When you turn the key, you may hear no sound at all or you may hear a clicking or clanking noise.
3. The interior lights dim.  This could be a sign of a short circuit in the starter motor’s internal wiring.  If you notice a chugging sound along with the darkening lights, the bearings in the motor may be failing.
4. You hear grinding noise when the car is starting or running.  This is an indication of a mechanical issue---the gears in the starter motor may be worn or not engaging properly; they may not be disengaging after the engine starts.
5. A burning smell. The starter system is both electrical and mechanical.  Thus, a malfunction often combines electrical issues with overheated metal components, lubricated with grease, giving off a burning smell.
6. The starter is soaked with oil. The starter system sits near the bottom of the engine and gets very burning.  If motor oil leaks into the starter motor, it may cause permanent damage. 

Need to know more about what happens when a starter goes out?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about auto electrical repair and to make an appointment and to find out more about signs of car starter going bad.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.