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
Reasons why the Wipers might go Bad
Check the wipers regularly for any sign of wear. One reason the wiper blades might need to be replaced is if they are used heavily. Dust, road grime, or other debris will wear away at the edge of the blade that wipes the window cleanly. As the blade loses the edge, water can then get under the blade and remain on the glass. This results in reduced visibility and poor wiping action. The wipers might also go bad if there are strong winds that can lift and bend the arm of the windshield wiper. Cold weather also affects the wipers as it causes the rubber to become hard and brittle. This makes it easier for the wiper blade to crack or tear.
It is important to check the wiper blades regularly so you can ensure a clear view of the road. Taking a wet towel and running it along the edge of the blades can help remove dust, dirt, and grime that can build up. By doing this, you can help the wipers last long and be more efficient. Inspecting the windshield wipers regularly can help determine when new ones will be needed. This can help prevent damage to the wipers as well as the windshield itself. It will also improve the safety for yourself because you can see more clearly.
When the wipers are operating, you may notice some streaking and smearing that occurs on the windshield. The water may also collect in droplets upon the windshield. A hazing effect on the windshield can take place if any road debris becomes stuck to the wiper itself. Also listen for any strange noises made by the windshield wipers. You may also hear a chattering sound when your wipers are in need for replacing. This is because the wiper is not properly aligned with the glass anymore. Make sure to check the wiper to see if the rubber part has been damaged or split. If you notice the edges looking worn or torn, it is time to replace them. This can help you to improve the visibility when you drive.
Spring Car Inspections
Having your vehicle inspected is important. We can check the parts and components of the vehicle to ensure they are in the best condition. When you drive in the summer, heat expands the air in the tires and makes your cooling system work harder. The harsh sun can accelerate wear on hoses and drive belts.
You will want to make sure you check the air pressure for the tires. The tires need to be inflated to ensure proper care and condition of the vehicle. Depending when you check the tires can also affect the vehicle and how it handles. You will want to check the pressure when the tires are cold, so the morning is usually the best time. To help improve the mileage, the tires should be inspected as well. When they are properly filled, you will notice an increase in the efficiency of it as well. Anytime you notice a decrease, you will want an inspection done.
Also remember to check the air conditioner. You will need the air-conditioner in the summer months. Run the air conditioner for some time to see if it still blows cold air. Pay attention to any strange noises or odors. The system may need cleaning, have a leak or need to be recharged. You can also bring the vehicle in and we can inspect the air conditioner for you.
Signs you may need an Alignment Done
Part of the regular maintenance includes the tires and having an alignment done. Having the wheels aligned can be beneficial with achieving better gas mileage. Tires that are not aligned can cause extra and unnecessary drag and force for your vehicle.
Noticing that your vehicle is pulling in one direction or another can be an early sign of a bad wheel alignment. Pulling of the vehicle is also the most common sign of poor alignment. As you drive down a straight and level road, your vehicle should drive straight. You should also drive without having to correct or steer the wheel. While driving, you may notice if the vehicle turns slightly in either direction. This pulling means that the wheels of the vehicle are misaligned.
If the wheels are misaligned, one side of the tire tread will wear more than the other. Also inspect for any uneven wear or bald spots on the tires. This too can be a sign of poor alignment. Noticing if any part of the tire is worn down more than the tire opposite of it is a good indication that an alignment may be needed soon. By ignoring it, you can also be doing damage to other components of your vehicle. This is because if the wheels do not rotate and wear correctly, it will cause other parts to wear incorrectly as well. You can also bring the vehicle in and we can inspect it for you. This can help you to have a safe and reliable ride.
Keep the Belts in Good Condition
When you own a vehicle, you will want to make sure it is in efficient operating condition. There are several belts that help to make your vehicle run. The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft mechanically synchronized for engine timing. The serpentine, V-belt, and fan belt all transmit power from the front of the engine to the accessories that are ran, such as the air conditioning, charging system, and fans.
A broken belt is always bad because when it snaps, all the power to whatever the belt turns, will be lost. The water pump can become damaged as well. If you notice a belt squealing, especially on the fan or air conditioner, it may be a sign a belt is starting to go out. The alternator, power steering pump, air pump, or air conditioner compressor may become noisy due the excessive belt tension, which is another indication you may need a belt replaced soon.
The timing belt should be inspected when the general maintenance is done as well. Doing so will help prolong the life of your vehicle. If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stop working and more than likely cause major engine damage. If the belt slips, it could open at the wrong time and be stuck by your engine’s pistons. You will notice this from a slapping noise coming from your engine.
The serpentine belt powers the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, cooling fan, as well as others. When this belt breaks, all of the engine parts it powers will stop, which could lead to your engine to overheat and be damaged. A warning noise that sounds like screeching coming from you engine usually is an indication it is starting to break.
Ways to Avoid Potholes
The weather is the most significant contributor to the severity of the pothole, as water drips through cracks in the roadway. During the colder winter months, that water freezes, expands, and pushes upward. As the water expands, the pavement above the water also begins to expand, bend, and crack. When the weather gets warmer, the water melts and the pavement rescinds, splits, and gapes. This process typically happens time and time again before a serious pothole is formed.
When you drive, make sure to that you take the necessary precautions to avoid potholes. Try to slow down as much as possible before the moment of impact. Hitting potholes at a slower speed could greatly reduce damage to your tires, wheels, alignment, and suspension. Be sure to check your rearview mirror before any abrupt braking, though. A fender bender could be more expensive to fix than pothole damage.
When driving on long stretches of highway, be sure to leave enough room between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Sometimes, an inanimate object on the road can help you calculate a safe driving distance. A good rule of thumb is when the vehicle in front of you passes the object, count out three seconds. It should take about that long for your vehicle to pass the object too, giving you ample braking time to avoid a serious pothole.
The tires are the most important cushion between your car and a pothole. Make sure they have enough tread and are properly inflated. To check the tread depth, insert a penny into the tire’s groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. The tread should cover part of Lincoln’s head. If it does not, it can mean the tread is not at the correct depth.
After hitting a pothole, be diligent about checking critical components of your vehicle. Any shake or shimmy in your once-smooth ride could mean something was damaged. If you have checked the tires and no damage is visible, schedule an appointment with us. We can inspect the vehicle to ensure it is able to be driven efficiently.
The Fuel Efficiency for your Vehicle
Having your vehicle properly maintained is import. By having it maintained, you can help it last as long as possible, as well as improving the fuel efficiency. The values that are given will cover a range and will be an average based testing.
Bad driving and speeding can result in poor fuel mileage. You should observe the speed limit and set your cruise control when it is safe to do so. When you idle, the vehicle can burn quite a bit of fuel. The weather can also affect the fuel mileage of your vehicle. If you are warming up your vehicle, it will use more fuel without moving. This results in worse efficiency, but really, your vehicle is not a poorly efficient vehicle. Make sure to drive carefully and responsibly in order to keep the vehicle operating correctly.
Things like jackrabbit starts and speeding decline the miles per gallon. If you slowly accelerate, then less fuel will be wasted. It will also save on the condition of other parts of your vehicle. The same is true for braking. If you slam on the brakes, it can cause the brake system to wear out sooner than it typically should. Instead, try to anticipate any stop you might have to make. Another way to safe on fuel is make sure to empty out the vehicle the best you can. Do not use the vehicle as a storage unit. This extra weight will cause poor mileage when you travel. If you notice poor fuel mileage with your vehicle, make sure to bring it in as soon as possible so we can inspect it for you.
Proper Care of the Engine
Keeping the engine in ideal condition is important. This is because the engine is what powers your vehicle in order to drive. You will want to check the engine and the coolant levels. Without these, the engine will not be able to maintain the correct temperature. Make sure to bring the vehicle in on a regular basis so we can inspect the fluid levels for you. If you are not sure how often to bring it in, make sure to contact us and we can advise you on the correct schedule. If you notice anything out of the norm between visits, make sure to contact us so we can inspect it for you. It is also important to make sure that your engine is using the right kind of antifreeze for the weather. The right kind of service will help to protect your engine in any weather from all different kinds of abuse.
Since the antifreeze is important for your vehicle, it is recommended to have it inspected every time the oil is changed. If you are experiencing problems with your car like a leak, you will need to make sure that you are having it checked more often than that. The same cap you will open to check the coolant will allow you to refill the fluid. Simply pour in as much as is needed so that you will be able to see the fluid in the cap. Make sure that you do not overfill it as you might flood the engine or cause a spill whenever you put the cap back on.
By making sure the coolant levels and other fluids are at the proper amount, you can help to improve the efficiency of your vehicle. The cylinders will be able to operate without any risk of getting stuck due to overheating. The coolant that you are using will allow your engine to have a lower temperature by redistributing the heat from certain parts of the engine to others. Making sure that the right levels are in the engine as well as making sure that the pump is working properly will help to make sure that your engine stays cool in the summer and will not freeze in the winter. If you ever notice anything out of the norm with your vehicle, make sure to bring it in so we can inspect it for you.
Remember to Have Brake Inspections Done
There are several parts and components of your vehicle, but the brakes are one of the most important. A light that comes on should not be ignored or forgotten about. It is important to remember if the light is blinking, you should pull over your vehicle and stop it as soon you can safely do so.
If you start to notice that the brake pedal is softer or harder than normal, make sure to schedule an appointment with us. This could mean that the brake line is slowly going out, or even an issue with the brake fluid. It is also important that the condition and thickness of the brake pads are inspected. Typically, the brake pads should be at least one quarter of an inch thick. If they are thinner than that, it is recommended to bring your vehicle in so we can replace them for you. While inspecting the brake pads, also check the brake rotors. These should have a smooth surface. If you see any deep grooves or pits, the rotors may need replacing as well.
Pay attention to any brake noises you hear or notice. Also, you will want to listen for a grinding sound. The pads have become damaged. The constant wear and friction will cause the part to wear out sooner than it typically should. This can end up costing you more in the long run. By bringing the vehicle in regularly, we can make sure the vehicle is operating efficiently for you.
Reasons Why the Battery should be Replaced
Owning a vehicle is one of the largest investments you can make. It is also important to have it brought it in so we can inspect it for any issues that might be causing it wear and tear. When we inspect the vehicle, we can also check the battery to ensure there is enough power. If you notice any issues with the battery, make sure to bring the vehicle in as soon as possible. Some signs of a poor battery might be if it gets harder to start each time. The battery is dependent on three main components in order to work properly. The alternator, starter, and battery terminals should all be inspected thoroughly to help ensure it is working properly. A battery that is not well-maintained will slowly do damage to other parts of the vehicle. If the engine of your vehicle is turning over but does not start, it is more than likely the battery. This is more often than not mistaken for a bad starter or alternator problem. Most of the time is the battery that does not have enough volts to have the vehicle run efficiently. Try to use jumper cables to get the vehicle running again. Make sure to have the engine run at least thirty minutes to help the battery be effective. If the vehicle cannot stay running, try to bring it in so we can inspect the battery for you.
If the lights start to go dim, it may be an indication the battery is going dead. When the vehicle does not have enough power to work the lights, crank the engine, or turn over the engine, you may need the battery replaced. It could also be a combination problem of the battery and the alternator of your vehicle. Another indication of an issue with the battery is if your vehicle starts fine once, but the next time it will not start. It could mean that the battery terminals are loose, broken, or corroded. Make sure the battery is clear of any debris and build-up. We can also inspect the battery for you to help make sure it is in the best condition possible. We can also inspect the battery posts so the connection is firm and secure.
If you have had to jump the battery in your vehicle more than three times per week, it is time to replace the battery. It is more cost efficient to have the battery replaced at the first sign of a problem. If the battery is jumped constantly, the alternator and starter may start to go bad. This can help your vehicle to be reliable when you need to drive it.
Remember to Have your Vehicle Maintained in the Winter
Your vehicle is a large investment, so it makes sense to keep it in the best condition possible. This should include bringing it in for regular maintenance inspections. By doing so, we can inspect it for any issues that the parts or components might have. If you are not sure how often to bring the vehicle in for the recommended maintenance inspections, we can advise you on a schedule based on the make and model of your vehicle. If you notice anything out of the norm between visits, make sure to schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Having an issue fixed at the first sign can help prevent more serious issues in the future.
Make sure to bring the vehicle in regularly for oil changes. Having fresh clean oil is important to keep the engine parts moving effectively. Without oil, the parts could have strain or stress against them when you drive. If there is not any oil in your vehicle, the engine may seize all together. This can result in a costly repair bill when you will need to repair it. When the oil is changed, we can also inspect the oil filter for your vehicle. The filter is important because it will collect dirt and other pollutants that might be in the oil. This will allow the fresh clean oil to travel through the vehicle and engine.
The tires will also need to be inspected. The air pressure should be at the correct amount indicated by the vehicle owner’s manual. This will help the vehicle to drive smoother, as well as have better fuel mileage. If you notice that a tire is getting low more often than the rest, it can indicate a leak. Make sure to schedule an appointment with us so we can inspect the tire carefully. If you are not sure what the correct air pressure should be, we can advise you on the right amount.
The windshield wipers will also need to be checked on occasion. The wipers will remove road grime, dirt, and precipitation from the windshield. If your vehicle has a read wiper, that should be inspected as well. This will allow the rear window to be cleaned so you can see all around your vehicle. If there are tears or rips on the wipers, make sure to have them replaced as soon as possible so you can continue to have the best visibility possible when you drive.