Roads in Ramsay County can be extremely volatile during the winter months, with snow and ice taking turns making life difficult for drivers. The most dreaded element of all, black ice, is also an omnipresent danger as temperatures fluctuate and moisture hardens quickly. When icy patches are hard to see, the odds of drivers hitting a curb after briefly losing control of their vehicles become much greater. Colliding with a curb may seem like a …… ( more )

Now that the weather is cooling down in Ramsay County, it won’t be long before snow and freezing rain start showing up in the forecast. With the roads about to get treacherous, it’s a great time to make sure that your tires are ready to handle the slick/slippery conditions they’re soon to be tasked with negotiating! Here are a few pre-winter tips for you re: tire maintenance: Check Tread. The rule of thumb is that …… ( more )

Spark plugs are a small part of a vehicle that most drivers don’t think about… until something goes wrong. The manufacturer’s maintenance schedule that comes with your vehicle includes regular spark plug replacement. Unless you know to look for it, you may want to rely on the advice of a trusted technician to help you care for the spark plugs in your vehicle. This month, we’re answering three frequently asked questions about spark plugs in …… ( more )

With all the things you have to do each day, why bother with preventive maintenance for your vehicle? It’s just one more thing to add to your to-do list, right? Wrong! Preventive maintenance can save you time, money and headaches galore. Here are some reasons why smart vehicle owners take the time for preventive maintenance: Saves money: Preventive maintenance on your vehicles saves you money in many ways. Routine oil changes, for example, remove dirty …… ( more )

Since the summer is here, one of the more popular things for car owners to try to do themselves is to recharge their auto air conditioning unit with a store-bought recharge kit. While this may seem for the typical owner to almost be too good to be true, let us tell you some facts around these kits. Dangers of AC DIY Recharge Kits One of the biggest issues with these kits is that they do …… ( more )

During the summer, overheating of vehicles causes many breakdowns and potential internal engine damage. Many people come to our shop with breakdowns due to cooling system failures. Here are some facts about cooling systems, what they are and what to know when someone says that you need to have your cooling system flushed. What Is A Cooling System? The cooling system in your vehicle is what keeps your car from overheating. An engine works best …… ( more )

While everyone in Minnesota is thrilled that summer is here and winter can be forgotten about for a couple of months, there are still a few important things to remember when it comes to vehicle maintenance during the hottest season of the year: Tire Pressure Warming temperatures raise air pressure – a 10 degree increase can affect tire pressure by 1-2 psi. High tire pressure means you’ll get fewer miles to each gallon and means …… ( more )

April is National Car Care Month in the United States, with the Car Care Council encouraging drivers from coast-to-coast to take some time to assess the health of their vehicle(s). Click HERE to download a complimentary ebook from the Car Care Council and check out some info on your vehicle’s hoses below: • Coolant hoses and heater hoses are components that CAN, and WILL, wear out in the lifetime of a vehicle, possibly even multiple …… ( more )

Spring has sprung in Ramsey County! As we’re enjoying nicer days and daydreaming about road trips, don’t forget that spring driving can sometimes be unpredictable. Watch out for these common hazards on the roads this month: • Construction. When snow melts, it leaves behind cracks, rocks, and potholes. Spring is one of the busiest seasons for road construction to repair winter damage. Be aware of traffic conditions in work zones. Look ahead at traffic reports …… ( more )

During the winter months here in Ramsey County, the days are short and the snowstorms are frequent. As such, visibility is a constant issue for Minnesota drivers at this time of year and your headlights become more important than ever. While checking your vehicle’s headlights may not be at or even near the top of your list of maintenance priorities while you’re dealing with the elements this winter, there are some things you can look …… ( more )