Serving All Makes & Models Since 1947
651-228-1316
982 Grand Ave • St. Paul, MN 55105
Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm
982 Grand Ave • St. Paul, MN 55105
Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm
Notice Warning Lights from the Dashboard
You will want to keep your vehicle working the best you can for as long as possible. One thing to remember is to bring it in for regular maintenance inspections. Doing so will help prolong the life of the vehicle and parts. If there is an issue, we can advise you of your options and recommend the best solution. Between visits, make sure that you notice anything that might be out of the norm for the vehicle. If there is an issue, make sure to contact us so we can schedule an appointment to inspect it. Always be aware of the warning lights on the dashboard. These are important because they will alert you to an issue that may not be noticed.
Service Vehicle Soon
The service vehicle soon light could illuminate on the dashboard. This light typically indicates an issue with lighting or even other electrical issues. You will want to check all the exterior lights of your vehicle. This should include the head lights, taillights, hazard lights, brake lights, and the turn signals. Sometimes, this light can also mean that there is an issue with the traction. If there is an issue between modules, then this light could turn on as well. It is always best to bring the vehicle in so we can properly inspect it for you.
Other Lights
Another light that might illuminate is the tire pressure light. This will indicate to you if one of the tires is low. When there is low air pressure, this light will come on. If a sensor is starting to malfunction, you may also notice this light coming on. If the tires are losing air often, make sure to bring the vehicle in so we can properly inspect each tire for you. This will help to ensure the tires are in the best condition for winter.
How Winter Affects the Battery
The battery for your vehicle should be inspected on a regular basis. This will help to ensure that it can start your vehicle during the cold winter months. It is important to keep the connections of the battery clean, free of corrosion, and secure on the terminals. Sometimes you will notice that a battery is starting to show signs of failing. Batteries however, do not always show warning signs. Since this is the case, it is recommended that you have the battery tested to ensure the charge is at top performance.
Losing Power
During the winter, the engine requires more power in order to start. As the temperatures get colder, it also makes it difficult for the battery to provide enough power in order to start the vehicle. When you drive, it is important to have the vehicle make longer trips, rather than small short trips. As the vehicle operates, it helps to charge up the battery. When you make short trips and shut the vehicle off frequently, it does not give the battery enough time to fully charge.
Check the Terminals
Having the battery inspected is important to ensure it is physically in good condition. The entire battery and how it is connected should be inspected. The posts, cables, and terminals should be in the best condition as well. Battery connections should be connected tightly and clean. If there is any corrosion on the battery, you can use a stiff wire brush to clean it. Also the battery should be inspected to make sure it is secure. This will help to prevent vibration and extra movement as well. If the battery is loose, then it has a greater chance to become disconnected. Any signs you notice of your vehicle starting poorly should be taken seriously. Make sure to schedule an appointment and we can inspect the battery.
Starting the New Year with Proper Maintenance
Always make sure that your vehicle is brought in for proper maintenance inspections. Doing so will help you to ensure that all the parts and components are working as they should be. If there are any issues with the vehicle, always make sure to have them inspected as soon as possible. This will help to prevent further damage and repair bills in the long run. Knowing when to bring your vehicle in is important, so if you are not sure, make sure to contact us. This way we can advise you and recommend a schedule that is best for your vehicle. Now is a good time to make a New Year’s resolution to keep your vehicle in the best condition.
Check the Tires
One of the most important things to inspect would be each tire of the vehicle. This should also include the spare tire as well. When the tires are inspected, they should be looked at completely. This should include the air pressure, tread wear, and how the overall condition of the tire is. When the air pressure in the tire is low, you may feel the vehicle pull in that direction when you drive. Having tires too low can also increase the risk of damage being done to the rims of the vehicle. If you find yourself filling up the tire often, make sure that you bring it in so we can inspect it for you.
Maintenance for Oil Changes
Another important thing is to have the oil changed on a regular basis. Doing so will help with the performance of the engine and vehicle. If the oil is dirty, the engine could get damaged from the particles and pollutants. Also, the oil helps to keep the moving parts running smoothly against one another. If there is not any oil in the vehicle, the engine can seize up and fail completely.
Keeping your Vehicle in Proper Condition
When you drive your vehicle, keeping it in proper condition is important. During the winter months it is extremely important to keep the maintenance up to date. When you do so, then the vehicle will work in the most efficient condition possible. Any time that the vehicle does anything out of the norm, make sure to bring the vehicle in so we can inspect it for you. Doing so will help you to save money in the long run and prevent further issues as well. Notice what the vehicle does when you do certain things. Sometimes turning a corner will result in the vehicle to make odd noises or sounds. Other times the brakes might make a noise as well.
Regular Schedule
You will want to bring the vehicle in on a regular basis. If you are not sure when the schedule should be, make sure to contact us and we can set one up. The oil being changed is important to help make sure that the engine works. Having fresh clean oil will help to lubricate the engine. Without oil, the parts can wear against each other and cause further strain and damage. The oil filter will need to be changed as well. This will collect pollutants and dirt that are in the oil with age. Over time, the filter will become clogged with the dirt and pollutants. Usually the oil filter should be changed with every other oil change. This will help keep the oil clean and efficient.
Tires
The tires should also be inspected. Proper air pressure is always important. In the winter the tires can lose pressure more often. If the tire is low on air, it could be the tire, valve stem, or even a bead leak. If you notice the tires are not properly inflated, make sure to bring the vehicle in as soon as you can so we can inspect it.
Staying up-to-date on Maintenance Inspections
You will want to make sure that your vehicle is always properly maintained. Doing so will help it to be safe and reliable when you need to drive it. If you ignore the regular maintenance, you will end up doing further damage to your vehicle. This is because if there is a problem with a part, it can start to cause issues for any connecting parts. The longer you wait to resolve the issue, the more costly it will be. You will want to make sure that you bring the vehicle in so we can set up a maintenance schedule for you.
Oil Changes
One of the most important things is to make sure that the oil is changed on a regular basis. Doing so will help to ensure that there is always fresh clean oil in the vehicle. By having this, the parts will be properly lubricated when they are trying to operate when you drive. Without oil, these gears will add strain and stress to other parts of the vehicle. When this happens, the parts can become damaged with time. When you hear an odd noise from under the hood, it is always best to bring it in so we can inspect it for you.
Washer Fluid
Also remember to check the windshield washer fluid. In the winter you will need to use this to help clear the windshield as you are driving. Slush and road grime can splatter on the windshield of your car. Even if you use the windshield wipers, it can result in smear and streak marks for your visibility. In the winter, winter roads can be unpredictable because of the weather. It is recommended to look at the weather and road conditions before you leave home. That way you are prepared for any type of weather conditions.
Check your Vehicle before you Drive
The vehicle you drive should always be well maintained. Following the regular maintenance schedule will help your vehicle be safe and reliable when you will need to drive it during the winter months. With the potential for bad road conditions to occur, you will always want to make sure your vehicle is in the best condition possible. If you are not sure how often the vehicle should be inspected or maintained, contact us. We can set the vehicle up on a schedule and alert you for when it should have certain tasks done. This can include oil changes, tire rotations or alignments, brake inspections, or just a bumper to bumper inspection.
Tire Pressure
Tires in the winter can lose air pressure quickly. This is because sometimes there is a bead leak from the tires. Also, low air pressure can be caused by the valve stem or the rims of the tires as well. It is recommended that you bring the vehicle in so we can inspect the tire and rim to figure out where the issue might be. Make sure that before you drive the tires are at the right air pressure. Driving on tires that have too much or too little can cause issues. It can also do damage to the rims of the tire if the air pressure is too low.
Check Fluids
When you check the oil of the vehicle, also make sure that you check the other fluids. This will help ensure that everything under the hood is in the most efficient condition. If oil or another fluid is always needing to be replaced, contact us. There could be a leak in one of the hoses. If a fluid is going low often, you will want to have it fixed. Running the car without any can do significant damage.
Take Precautions in the Winter
In the winter, there are several things you should remember. The first is that the winter roads can be slick, no matter what the weather is. Sometimes even just a little amount of frost can make the roads slippery. You will want to make sure that you are aware of what the condition of the roads might be. If the weather is less than ideal, then so are the roads. Make sure to drive a speed which you are comfortable at. This will help you to keep control of the vehicle, and not stress about everything. Also keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Typically is should be about three seconds. In less than ideal conditions, the amount should be doubled or tripled. This allows you enough time to stop if you need to suddenly.
Allow Time
You will also want to allow extra time when traveling. This is because if the roads are poor, then you will need to drive slower to also stay safe. The windshield and windows will also need to be scraped off before you go. Sometimes that can take a few seconds, while sometimes it can take quite a few minutes. It is determined by if there is a large build up of ice and snow on your vehicle. To help speed things up, you can start the vehicle and turn the heater to defrost. This will help warm up your vehicle, while also assist in warming up the windshield. You will want to check the side mirrors to ensure they are scraped clear as well, before you drive.
Tank filled
Also make sure your vehicle is over half full of fuel. This is important incase you go in the ditch. You will want to stay as warm as you can while help is on the way. Keeping the tank over half full will help you to be ready to drive.
Clearing the Windshield in Winter
The winter weather can impair your visibility when you are driving. The ice, snow, frost, and sleet can cause issues in the long run. It can start to build up and result in difficult seeing as you drive. Before you drive, make sure to start your vehicle. Turn on the vehicle’s defrost to help warm up the inside of the windshield. Doing so will also help you to warm up your vehicle. While the defrost is on, you can scrape each of the windows. Remember to scrape the side mirrors and the rear windshield of your vehicle as well.
Clear the windows
The visibility should always be the best so that you can see. This will help you to be aware of drivers and other people around you. Clearing off all the windows will also help you be aware of anything that is in the ditch or that could run onto the road. You should also be aware of when the windshield or windows start having a build up on them. You will want to pull over where it safe to do so. Make sure to scrape the windows clean or remove the buildup. This will help you to maintain proper visibility.
Winter visibility
In the winter, your visibility can decrease even when a vehicle passes you. It can blow up snow or slush onto the windshield. If the grime and slush dries quickly, it will leave residue and marks on the windshield that might reduce your visibility. Using the washer fluid and windshield wipers will help to clean the windshield so you can see better. If the wipers make noise or streak marks when they are used, it is recommended that they are replaced. You can also bring the vehicle in and we can check or replace the wipers as well.
Slowing Down when Driving in the Winter
Proper driving is important no matter what time of the year it is. There are some driving habits you will want to change. One of the most important things to do is to change the speed you are driving. When the weather is less than ideal, you will want to adjust the speed of your vehicle. Slowing down will help you to keep a better handle of your vehicle. If it is icy and you hit a patch, your vehicle could slide or skip on the poor roads.
Ready for Winter
One of the best ways to get ready for winter is to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter. Bring it in for regular maintenance inspections. That way we will be able to check over all the parts and components of your vehicle. When there is an odd noise or smell from the vehicle, make sure that you schedule an appointment for it. Catching an issue at the first sign will help prevent even further damage in the long run. It will also help to reduce the chance of a costly repair bill.
Slowing down as you drive
You will want to make sure you slow down when traveling. The roads can buildup with snow and ice quickly. Even just a dusting can result in difficult driving at times. When the roads are slick, the tires and your vehicle may not be able to react, as they typically should. You will also notice that the braking is not as responsive either. Making sure to take corners at a slower speed is also important. If you do not slow down, you can hit a curb or have an accident. Driving slowly and carefully in winter weather will improve the safety of you and your passengers when you travel.
Careful Tire Care in Winter
The tires for your vehicle are very important for numerous reasons. They will be the only part that makes direct contact with the surface of the road when traveling. If the weather is poor, you will want the tires to be in the best condition. As the roads get slick, the tires should have the proper tread depth. Having good tread will help the vehicle to grip and handle the road correctly. With winter weather always unpredictable, it is the best idea to make sure your vehicle is ready for any weather that happens. It is also recommended that you check the weather conditions if you are traveling. You can also check the road conditions to see what the roads are like.
Temperatures affect it
As the temperatures start to fall, so can the air pressure in the tires. When it is colder out, the tires can also lose air. This can also be caused by the rims of the wheel too. Bead leaks are common when the temperatures drop. If you find this happening frequently to your vehicle, make sure to bring the vehicle in for us to inspect. Checking the tires, wheels, rims, and overall condition are important for making sure you are safe when driving. This can also help you to have a reliable vehicle when you drive.
Be Careful when driving
Just like any part of the vehicle, things can wear out and will need to be repaired or replaced. If you notice an issue, make sure to bring the vehicle in and we can check it for you. Having the issue inspected and repaired will help prevent further damage for the vehicle. It can also help improve the longevity and reliability of the vehicle when you drive during the winter months. Doing so can help to keep you and your passengers safe as well.