The first time most drivers think about the timing belt in their vehicle is when the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule says it needs to be replaced. Other, less-observant drivers aren’t so lucky. These drivers are often lamenting a problem they didn’t know they had when the timing belt brakes and leaves them stranded on the side of the road with a repair bill of several thousand dollars. There’s an easy way to keep yourself and …… ( more )

With National Car Care Month taking place in April, it’s as good a time as any to learn more about certain vehicle components, including your air filter! Here are some facts about air filters to consider this month: • Much controversy surrounds how often an air filter should actually be replaced… • Some repair facilities will try and get you to buy one with every oil change… • While some have believe that it rarely …… ( 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 )

As Minnesotans know all too well, driving during the winter months in this part of the country can be problematic to say the least. Snow, mud, ice – our roads bear the brunt of Old Man Winter’s fury and our vehicles can be collateral damage during his chilly reign. In addition to the inherent dangers that come along with winter driving here in Ramsey County, your vehicle also tends to take a hit aesthetically as …… ( more )

The job of coolant is to keep your engine running at the appropriate temperature. Also known as antifreeze, coolant prevents both overheating and freezing, making it a vital component for your vehicle. If your coolant isn’t functioning properly, your engine is at risk for significant damage. As such, it is recommended that you have your coolant checked every time you get your oil changed. Some coolant/antifreeze-related problems that can arise include: Deposits. Over time, contaminants …… ( more )

As we reach the zenith of winter here in Ramsey County, you will undoubtedly be contending with a lot of issues as you try and stay warm and safe while faced with a variety of weather-related issues. One of the most common and most frustrating ordeals to contend with during the winter months is a dead car battery. Low temperatures affect your battery in a couple of ways. First, since oil has a tendency to …… ( more )

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. Encountering black ice and colliding with a curb …… ( more )

In addition to following a preventative maintenance plan with ASE-certified technicians, making regular checks on your own will protect your vehicle from incurring any serious unexpected problems on the road. Make sure to take some time to get familiar with what is under the hood of your car. Check hoses and belts – Check your hoses and belts for cracking.  Hoses connect engine parts that don’t always move in relation to each other, so the hoses should …… ( more )

The manufacturer’s maintenance schedule that comes with your vehicle includes regular spark plug replacement.

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 vehicle saves you money in many ways. Routine oil changes, for example, remove dirty …… ( more )