How Do You Know If Your Car Has Electrical Problems?

If your vehicle is starting to act a little strange, such as a dash light coming on for a brief moment, dimming headlights, flickering gauges, or maybe an odd smell, it could one or more of some causes.  So how do you know if your car has electrical problems?  Without getting the right diagnosis, this issue can cause car trouble ranging from slow starts to a car that won’t start all.  Take your car into your auto repair shop for a diagnostic test as soon as possible so you don’t find yourself stranded wherever on a cold winter day.

The truth is, the alternator is often the culprit for electrical issues.  It is a relatively simple part but it plays a critical role in a car's operation.  The mechanical energy of the engine's rotating crankshaft is turned into electricity through the alternator, which then powers your car's accessories as well as keeps the battery charged.

A failing alternator can show itself in some different ways:

1. Dashboard Warning Light – This little light serves as a warning that there are issues looming with the alternator.    
2. Strange Sounds – Strange sounds coming from under the hood indicates that the pulley in the alternator could be bad. 
3. Burning Smell – A burning smell could be caused by an over-heating alternator, worn-out wires, or a circuit or fuse malfunction.
4. Dim Lights – The car battery isn’t getting a charge from the alternator to run the lighting system.
5. Dead Battery – This is especially common during the winter months when lights are on for longer and more often or if the lights are left on after turning the car off.  Although a jump-start to the battery took care of the instant issue, remember to have your battery and alternator checked in case they are starting to go bad.
6. Electrical Malfunctions – Broken connections a little wire can lead to malfunctions in the electrical parts, such as power windows, door locks, and accessories, just to name a few.  Simply reconnecting an in-line fuse can bring life back to your car.  

Are you worried about how do you know if your car has electrical problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about alternator issues and to request an appointment.  Our automotive shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

When Do You Need To Change Your Brakes?

Experienced car owners understand that correctly working brakes are important for driving safety.  It’s often tempting to postpone replacing parts as long as possible because of tight budgets.  Though, the complex hydraulic mechanisms and multiple parts in the braking system are continuously working as you drive and will want to be replaced fairly regularly. The sorry truth is, delaying a need brake repair often means a costly brake replacement will more than likely become compulsory.  Worse yet, a serious accident could occur because of failing brakes.

Here are several brake maintenance tips that can help prevent a premature and expensive brake replacement:

• Schedule Regular Brake Service -- Brake maintenance includes installing new brake pads, reappearing rotors, or replacing dirty brake fluid. Remember to find a qualified brake repair specialist and use parts specifically designed to fit your vehicle's braking system. 
• Use High-Quality Parts -- It is smart to use high-quality replacements for brake pads and rotors. Although they cost a little more, they will last you longer and be more effective.
• Practice Good Driving Habits -- By simply slowing down earlier, avoiding abrupt stops, and not riding the brake pedal, these simple and cheap methods will help increase the performance and long life of your brakes.
• Rebuilt vs. brand-new calipers -- It may be possible to use rebuilt calipers rather than brand new ones.  Many car drivers don’t know that rebuilt calipers are half the cost of new ones and there is no recognizable difference in braking performance. 

Remember:  Keep your brakes in good condition before your safety is compromised.  Spending a few dollars upfront on brake service will save you money in brake repairs!

Are you wondering when do you need to change your brakes?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive to make an appointment and to find out more about brake repair service.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.