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
Oil Changes are Important
Oil changes are necessary and important. Without them, you can cause damage to parts of the engine. If you are not sure how often to have oil changes done, make sure to contact us. We can advise you on the correct schedule. If you notice an issue with the oil, you should also call us. If the oil leaks out, it can be a sign of something more serious. By noticing an issue at the first time, you can help prevent further damage in the long run.
What the oil does
The oil keeps the many components of the engine working efficiently. The moving parts will need to be lubricated to help the engine run properly. The oil will lubricate this, as well as the engine for your vehicle. If the oil is ignored, your vehicle will seize up. This results in the engine becoming destroyed as well. Having the oil replaced and changed is necessary for proper vehicle care.
Changing the oil
Knowing how often to change the oil varies. The oil will mostly be changed based on the mileage of your vehicle. If you are not sure about the schedule we will advise you on the proper oil change schedule. The owner’s manual can also help provide this information. The type of oil you use is also important. You will want to put in the type that is recommended. If you notice that the oil leaks on a regular basis, you will want to have this inspected sooner than later. Ignoring this will lead to further damage to the vehicle, as well as a costly repair bill when you will need to repair it. Plus you run the risk of permanent damage to the vehicle as well. If there is a leak, bring it in so we can find it and repair it as soon as possible for you.
Damage Potholes can Cause
As the snow melts, be aware of potholes. Hitting potholes can cause suspension damage like a broken ball joint or blown strut. It can also cause the suspension to have issues as you drive. Sometimes you will hit a pothole hard enough you will need an alignment. An alignment is and adjustment of the suspension system of the vehicle. This is the system that connects the car to its wheels. If the alignment is off, you can get uneven and premature tire wear. It can also pull to one side while you are driving.
Check the tires
You will also want to check the tires if you hit a pothole. There could also be tire damage. Don’t just visual check the exterior, look on the inside of the tire that you can’t see by just standing there. You might get a bulge on the tire from a tear in the inside lining. When you run your hand along the sidewall, you can feel it. Even if you do not see damage, you should bring it in and have the alignment checked.
Proper inflation of the tires
The best protection against potholes is properly inflated tires. Look in the manual or driver’s doorjamb to find the correct pressure. The number on the side of the tires is the maximum recommended by the tire manufacturer. Also make sure to check the tire pressure regularly.
Be aware of the road
Spring is pothole season, so you should be aware of the road you are driving on. Usually these are formed at the edge or center of the road. Also make sure to be cautious of puddles. These could be hiding a pothole. Since it will be filled with water, you will not know how did that pothole is. If you do hit a pothole, be aware of how your vehicle handles. Any odd ways how your vehicle handles should be a cause for concern. Bring the vehicle in, and we can inspect it for you. This way you can ensure a comfortable ride.
Odd Noises with the Brakes
What to do about Brake Noise
When you drive, nothing gets your attention like hearing grinding or squealing brake noise. It is important to keep the brakes in the best working condition possible. This means going in for regular maintenance inspections. If you do notice an issue, make sure to contact us as soon as possible, and we can schedule an appointment to get your vehicle in. If the noise happens occasionally, make sure to take note of what you were doing when the noise occurred.
A Few Possible Causes for Brake Noise
Winter weather conditions can affect your brake pads and rotors. If the temperature is below freezing, it can cause your brakes to make grinding and squealing noises the next time you start up your car. This causes an issue as they heat up and start to operate when you are driving.
The brakes can also have rust to start and form on them. This makes them even more important to replace. You will want the brakes to be reliable when you need them. If there is an issue with how they operate you will want to make sure that you bring the vehicle in as soon as you can for an inspection. Having safe and reliable brakes is important for your your safety, the safety of the passengers, and also those who are on the road besides you.
If you make a sudden stop on snow or ice, the anti locks brakes will engage. This may make a noise as you step on the brake pedal when you drive. This is normal. If you notice the anti lock brakes do not work as they should, they will need an inspections as soon as you can bring the vehicle in. This will help the vehicle to be a safe ride when you need to get to your destination each day, or while taking a vacation.
The Importance of Clearing of the Windshield
Clearing the windshield is important before you drive. In the winter you will need to start your vehicle and let it run to warm up on cold mornings. Part of this helps to lubricate the oil and have it run efficiently and effectively through the engine. Another reason to let your vehicle warm up is help defrost and clear off the windshield and other windows in your vehicle. This is needed so your visibility can improve.
Scrape the Windows
When scraping the vehicle, start with clearing the windshield. You will want to make sure to scrape the windshield while the vehicle is also warming up. This can ensure that you can improve the visibility. You will not need to wait as long for your visibility to improve. You will want to scrape off all the ice, snow, and frost. Also take time to clear off all the windows. This should include all the side windows. Also it includes the rear windshield for your vehicle. Do not scrape only a small hole you can see out of. Make sure to scrape the entire window.
Remove Snow
You should also take time to remove snow and loose chunks of ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. When driving at faster speeds, the snow can blow onto the windshield and impair vision. If the windshield is warm, the snow can stick the windshield, and become more difficult to remove.
Check the Windshield Wipers
The windshield wipers and washer fluid should also be inspected on a regular basis. Over time, the wipers will start to wear down and need to be replaced. If you notice them not being efficient when cleaning the windshield, make sure to look into getting a new set. The washer fluid should also be topped off. Just in case you need to clean dirt or road grime off of the windshield. If you notice anything out of the norm, schedule an appointment. We can inspect the vehicle for you.
Be Aware of Dashboard Warning Lights
Not all dashboard lights mean the same as they tend to vary depending on make and model. Referring to your owner’s manual will make it easier to understand and identify warning symbols. The warning light will indicate an issue with the vehicle by pointing out the area to look at. If a light comes on, and will not turn off, make sure to bring the vehicle in so we can inspect it for you. This will help you to have a safe and reliable drive. It can also help to notice the sign of an issue before it becomes worse and more dangerous to drive your vehicle.
What Dashboard Lights Mean
Warning dashboard lights can come in different colors to alert you to what is wrong. A red warning light is a serious problem or safety issue that should not be ignored and requires immediate attention. However, a red light might also serve as a reminder to the driver about service maintenance.
When a yellow or orange light illuminates, it’s usually a signal that a component needs servicing or repair. If the light flashes, it’s important to contact us so we can inspect it for you. This will also help to improve the safety of the vehicle.
When you see Green or blue dashboard lights they only serve to let the driver know that a system is active and operating.
Different Types of Dashboard Lights
Brake warning lights are usually in red text, which indicates a serious problem with the your brakes (main or emergency brakes). Make sure to schedule an appointment if you notice this issue.
If the temperature warning light symbol is red, it indicates your engine has overheated. A blue light can mean a low temperature. Red and blue blinking means there is an electrical wiring malfunction.
Battery charging system warning light can mean either a bad battery or a failing alternator. Either way, you may start to notice an issue with how your vehicle starts, so make sure to bring it in as soon as possible.
Winter and How it Affects your Vehicle
How the winter affects your vehicle may be surprising. The winter is hard on everyone, even vehicles. You will want to make sure you inspect your car on a regular basis to ensure everything is working efficiently. The first think you will want to do is check the battery, because it can die in the cold weather. You should also test it, because this will prevent going out to your car and finding a dead battery. Keep vehicles covered in the winter. However, if you don’t have access to a garage, it’s important to check the battery on a regular basis. A battery is affected by the extreme cold weather and conditions.
Fluids of your Vehicle
The winter affects the fluids of the vehicle. The fluids will also become thicker when the temperatures drop. Check all your fluids. The brake fluid and other fluids will want to be topped off, and ensure of no leaks. If there is a leak in the system, we can repair it quickly for you to help you get back on the road. Also remember oil changes are needed, no matter what time of the year it is.
Cold temperatures in Winter
The cooler temperatures will also affect the tires on the vehicle. If the tires are constantly going low, it can be a sign of a leak in the tires. When there is an issue that you notice, bring the vehicle in and we can inspect the tires for you to help prevent further damage.
Check the windshield wipers
Remember to check the windshield wipers and wiper fluid in your vehicle. Make sure to clean the windshield of your car before turning on your wipers. The wipers will always need to be inspected, especially before a long road trip. If you start to notice that the windshield wipers are wearing, they should be replaced as soon as possible. This can help improve your visibility when you drive as well.
Noises From Your Vehicle
Noises with your vehicle can startle you If you start to hear high pitch squealing noises, it could be the brake pads have worn down and need to be replaced. This is important because the brakes allow your vehicle to slow down and stop properly. If you notice that there is a delay in your braking, make sure to contact us to have the vehicle inspected. The squealing noise might also mean the serpentine belt is failing. This belt powers all of your car’s major systems. The belts should always be inspected for your vehicle.
Noises from the Steering Wheel
When you turn the steering wheel, the car groans and whines. There might also be the sign that the steering wheel may also feel stiff and unresponsive. If this happens, make sure to bring the vehicle in, so we can inspect it for you. Another issue could be if something in your power steering system is causing friction. This can cause you to slowly lose control over the car’s steering. This leads to further issues and problems if you choose to ignore it.
Loud Noises from the brakes
If you hear a loud, metal on metal grinding sound coming from your brakes, make sure to have them inspected and repaired as soon as you can. This can be caused by the brake pads wearing through, and the calipers are grinding against the rotor. A grinding noise is an issue. Any noise you hear should be looked at as soon as possible. If the brakes are bad, you will need to have them replaced quickly to help ensure no other issues happen. This will help save you money in the long run as well. No matter noise you start to notice, make sure to bring the vehicle in so we can inspect it properly for you.
Proper Winter Driving Tips
It’s a good idea to pack a bag of supplies to keep in the car. These should include food and water, warm clothing or a blanket, and a torch. Also a first aid kit, a fully charged phone, a shovel, an ice scraper or deicing fluid, and some grit, sand or cat litter. Plan your route, so that you don’t get lost. Also make sure you stick to major roads for as much of it as possible. These are the roads that are likely to have been cleared or gritted. This will stand the best chance of getting to your destination.
Having a full take of fuel
Make sure your car has a full tank of fuel. If you get stuck, you can run the engine to keep warm. Being stuck means you must get out of the car periodically to clear snow from the exhaust pipe. If it gets blocked by falling snow, carbon monoxide can build up within the car. Check your tire tread depths, and make sure you have enough in order to cope with the slippery conditions.
Make sure you undertake a longer drive in your car. This helps to give the battery time to charge up. Shorter journeys deplete the battery, and a low battery might not be able to start the car. Learn how your car’s heater works, and make sure you can use it not just to keep you warm, but also to effectively clear the mist from the inside of the car’s windows. Read your car’s manual if you need to, and learn how to point warm air at the windows to retain visibility.
Clearing off Snow
If your car has snow on top of it, it’s imperative that you clear this from it before you drive away. When you drive off, the snow can fall off in one big clump, which can badly impair visibility for the driver behind you. It is also important that clear off the windshield and other windows as well before you drive. When you clear the windshield, clear the whole windshield. You will want to improve the overall visibility when you will need to drive. Helping to see the road and area around you will improve your safety. Always keep not of vehicles that are around or behind you when you are driving. This way if you need to make a lane change quickly, you will know who is nearby.
The Purpose of the Radiator
Radiator car is important for your vehicle. With your vehicle, it is important to keep it properly maintained. This should also include being aware of any issue you notice between visits. Under the hood contains several parts and components that allow your vehicle to run efficiently. If one of these goes out, your vehicle will not be able to move. The radiator will remove the excess heat generated by the engine when it burns fuel. It functions as a component of the larger cooling system. As engine coolant moves through the radiator, it goes through the intake, cooling, and outlet.
How the Water Pump affects it
The water pump is important It helps move the coolant through the engine and radiator. The thermostat should also be inspected, because sometimes it may start to fail. This can sometimes become stuck and the vehicle has no choice but to overheat. If there is an issue with this, it will cause further damage. Once the flow of engine coolant moves past the thermostat, it enters through the upper hose. If you notice an issue with the water pump, make sure to contact us for an appointment to inspect the vehicle for you.
Thee Coolant
The coolant will go through the engine and system of your vehicle. Through hoses and the radiator, the vehicle will stay cool and not overheat. If the coolant has decreased, there is a chance the vehicle starts to overheat often. A vehicle that overheats can do damage to the engine and other parts as well. The coolant will help keep the engine cool and also the radiator. If the vehicle is overheating often, take note when this happens. If you start to notice an issue with your vehicle overheating or the radiator, bring it in. Make sure to schedule an appointment with us so we can inspect the vehicle for you.
Winter Battery for your Vehicle
The battery must always be checked during the cold winter months The battery is important, so make sure it works correctly. In the winter you will want your vehicle to be reliable, and able to start when you need it to. One way to help ensure this is to make sure to have the winter battery inspected. Keeping the battery clean and efficient will help improve the reliability when you start your car. The electric current will be based on the batter producing a current. This is from a connection is made between its positive and negative terminals. If there is an issue with the vehicle starting or operating correctly, you may need to check the winter battery. During the cold temperatures, the battery has a higher chance of becoming damaged and no longer working correctly.
Check the Terminals
The terminals should also be inspected to ensure their condition. They will need to be clean and free of corrosion that might build up on them. If there is an issue, they should be cleaned as soon as possible. Noticing this can help save problems with the battery and also starting your vehicle. Sometimes connections can become loose. This leads to the vehicle not starting well, and also battery issues. If you notice the vehicle doesn’t start like it used to, we will need to inspect it. Looking the battery over and also under the hood will help prevent any further issues with the vehicle.
Improving the Winter Battery Efficiency
Make sure to always turn everything off before you park it. Before starting the vehicle, double check the radio, lights, and other accessories are in the off position. This will channel the power from the battery to the engine of your vehicle to start it. And it will not waste power on trying to turn on the radio for you.