Winter is definitely in full swing here in Minnesota with chilly temperatures on the horizon for the foreseeable future. While the frigid weather and various forms of precipitation that tend to proliferate in this part of the country at this time of year present rather obvious challenges to drivers, unseen threats can in fact be just as, if not more, dangerous. Consider your emergency brake. As you’re parking in cold weather, the emergency brake may …… ( 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. 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 )