Minnesota has already been hit hard by Old Man Winter this year and there’s still a lot of calendar space between now and Twins Opening Day. With Ramsey County roads currently less-than-ideal in terms of drivability thanks to snow, ice, etc., here are a few items you can keep stored in your vehicle to avoid being victimized by slick conditions the next couple of months: Salt/Sand. When you encounter ice that’s particularly thick and/or slick, …… ( more )

Winter roads in Ramsey County can be messy. With snow, ice, mud and road salt to deal with, it can seem like keeping your vehicle clean can be next to impossible this time of year. However, in addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits, keeping your car clean during the winter is even more important than other seasons because of one major enemy of vehicle health: corrosion. As we all know, salt is used by our …… ( more )

While they might not be the first thing that come to mind when you think about vehicle maintenance, your car’s fluids are literally its lifeblood and they are a vital component of its health. A vehicle’s fluids are responsible for performing various functions that keep your engine running at an optimal level. Your car’s fluid levels should be monitored closely and, in some cases, you should have flushes performed in order to keep your vehicle …… ( more )

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 )

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 )

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 will soon be arriving 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 …… ( 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 )