As temperatures are dropping across Minnesota, it’s clear fall has arrived… with winter not far behind! Before the cold weather hits, make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge by checking your vehicle’s antifreeze. Antifreeze plays a critical role in your engine. It makes sure the fluids in your engine can stand up to very cold temperatures without freezing, while also preventing the engine from overheating. Antifreeze, also known as coolant, is mixed with …… ( more )

No matter what make or model your vehicle might be, it needs to be equipped with healthy tires in order to perform effectively. As such, keeping your tires in good shape should be a big part of your vehicle’s maintenance plan and regular tire rotation should be a cornerstone of that plan. The life of a tire improves by a factor of 20 pct. when regular rotation is conducted which will ensure you get your …… ( more )

No matter how sophisticated they get here in the 21st century, automobiles still need to be tended to regularly and have the occasional tune-up performed in order to ensure optimum mechanical performance. But how do you know when to have a tune-up performed on your vehicle? As a rule of thumb, you should have your vehicle’s oil changed every 3,000 miles while your other fluids and filters should be serviced every 30,000 miles or so. …… ( more )

If you think the summer weather is easier on your battery than the frigid winter months and that battery maintenance can be ignored at this time of year, think again. While warmer temperatures can enhance a battery’s capacity by making it easier to for the engine to turn over, additional heat can also cause an increase in the rate at which the battery deteriorates. When the temperature is warmer, the current conducting grids corrode faster, …… ( more )

Summer has arrived in Ramsey County and while we’re all enjoying the warm weather and being outdoors, the hottest season of the year can also wreak havoc on your vehicle’s gas mileage. Here are a few tips on how to avoid racking up extra fuel costs by improving your vehicle’s MPG performance when you’re on the road this summer: Check Your Air Filter. Driving around with a dirty air filter can affect fuel efficiency by …… ( more )

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 )