How do you know if your brakes are going out?

If you’re wondering how do you know if your brakes are going out, more than likely you are starting to notice braking issues.  Because there is not a set schedule as to when to replace brakes, frequent inspections are a necessity.  As a conscientious vehicle owner, have your brakes checked at every tire rotation service, which is usually about every 6 months (or every other oil change service).  

How long your brakes last actually depends upon several factors, including:

• Driving conditions – Do you drive a lot of stop-and-go miles (such as in the city), or mountainous terrain with steep declines, or a straight and level highway?
• Vehicle weight – How many passengers do you usually carry in your car as well as how much extra cargo is loaded into the trunk?
• Brake materials – Do you use higher quality brake pads and rotors, or do you go with the cheapest you can find?
• Purpose of vehicle – Do you tow a trailer, boat or other recreational vehicle, or do you just drive to work and shopping?

So how do you know if brake repair is needed?  What you hear from your brakes will usually let you know if your brakes are going bad.  Listen for squeaking, squealing, or metal-on-metal grinding when you step on the brake pedal.  Some cars have built-in wear sensors that scrape against a brake disc when the pads needed replacing, or a dash warning light that illuminates when the brake pads reach the minimum thickness or the brake fluid is too low.  An easy brake repair to clean the brakes can eliminate some minor noises, but persistent, prominent noises typically mean parts are worn out.

Tip to Remember: A visual inspection by your auto mechanic is the best way to determine the amount of life left in your brakes, such as the thickness of the pads, and the condition of the rotors and calipers!.

Do you want to know how do you know if your brakes are going out? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive to make an appointment and to find out more about brake repair.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

How Often Should You Replace a Car Battery?

Are you tired of trying to find the jumper cables all the time you want to start your car? How often should you replace a car battery?  This is a question that many car owners ask because they are worried about being stranded in a parking lot or on the side of a road.  A dead car battery is a frustrating inconvenience that can be avoided.  The best time to replace your battery is before it dies.

But how do you know how often should replace a car battery?  There are several signs that indicate it is time for a car battery replacement, such as:

• Slow engine crank
• Illuminated check engine light
• The Bloated, misshaped battery case
• Battery fluid leak

The typical lifespan of a car battery is between 3 to 5 years. Depending on the climate where you live and your driving habits, you may be looking at a car battery replacement before the end of 3 years.

• How does climate affect your battery?  The heat of summer can lead to the evaporation of water in the car’s battery acid, resulting in decreased performance, subpar starting power, and a shortened lifetime.  When the temperatures are chill, your battery wants to work harder to generate enough energy to keep your car running smoothly. Icy weather can also result in thicker engine oil, which puts an additional strain on your battery.
• How does your driving affect how long your battery will last?  If you consistently take short trips like daily drives to the office and the grocery store, your battery doesn’t have enough running time to recharge fully between stops. Also, if your car sits in the garage for extended periods of time, the battery continues to drain passively even when the engine isn’t on.

Even without any warning signs, a general rule of thumb is that you should replace your car battery about every 3 years.  

Are you wondering about how often should you replace a car battery?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement 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.