Affordable Auto Service Blogs
Common Muffler and Exhaust Problems
Is there a deep or loud rumbling sound coming from underneath or the back of your vehicle? If so, you likely have an issue with your muffler or your exhaust system. If the byproducts of burning gasoline can’t escape the fuel system, you’re going to notice a dip in your miles per gallon, and bigger […]
The Benefits of an Engine Flush
Your engine is the lifeblood of your vehicle, so it makes sense that you should take extra care of it. Considering all the tasks your engine is asked to preform, it’s no surprise that junk and debris can build up over time in your engine system. One way to get rid of that excess build up […]
What is Leaking From My Car?
To a car owner, there are few worse feelings than noticing a puddle of liquid underneath your car. Obviously something in your car is leaking, but just how big of a concern is the dripping fluid? Today, we take a look at some of the more common leaks that occur in your vehicle. Common Car […]
Get Your Children Interested in Caring For Their Car
Taking care of your car can be a great hobby – after all, we love taking care of cars so much that we opened our own repair shop! It’s also a great hobby to share with your children. Not only is it practical, but it can be fun and rewarding as well. Today, we explain […]
What Is Causing My Car To Smell Bad?
Most people love the smell of a new car, but it doesn’t take long for that smell to fade. Nowadays, your car probably smells like old socks or stale cheetos, but today, we’re going to take a look at some car smells that signal there’s a problem with your car. Here are some common smells […]
Common Reasons Your Car Overheats
Summer is here, and that means the temperatures are on the rise, but hopefully the same isn’t said for your vehicle. An overheating car is a sign that something is wrong, and you can be in line for major repairs if you ignore the issue. Today, we look at some common reasons why you car […]
Why Is My Car Shaking?
If your car is vibrating or shaking while driving, you’re not alone. Thousands of people deal with this issue on a daily basis. The shaking could be caused by numerous different issues, but luckily, a good mechanic pretty easily diagnose what’s causing your car to vibrate. Today we take a look at some reasons why your […]
5 Common Steering Problems
We don’t need to tell you how important it is to be able to steer freely while you’re driving. If you are having difficulty steering, or your hear troubling noises while turning, you’ll want to find a safe place to park and address the issue. Attempting to drive with the problem can lead to accident […]
5 Common Reasons Cars Break Down
Although they may vary greatly in look, the majority of cars are pretty similar when you look at what makes up the actual vehicle. Because of this, most cars are affected by a lot of the same issues. Today, we take a look at five of the most common reasons your car breaks down. 1. […]
Why Is My Car’s Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?
The summer solstice is right around the corner, and that means temperatures will be creeping up into the 90s. If you haven’t already, it’s nearly time to turn your car’s system from winter heating to cold air conditioning for the summer. Air conditioning is one of life’s great luxuries that can turn a drive into […]
What Causes Tires To Wear Out Faster?
Your tires are an essential part of your car. The problem is that most people don’t give their tires a second thought unless they get a flat. People believe as long as their tires are inflated, they are in proper working order, but that’s not necessarily true. If you don’t take care of your car’s […]
The Top 5 Car Safety Features
Although in-car connectivity seems all the rage today, safety features shouldn’t take a backseat during the car buying experience. That said, many prospective car owners don’t know what type of car safety features they should be looking for in a car. With that in mind, here are five of the best safety features you should […]
My Car Is Making a Weird Noise. What is it?
If your car is making a funny noise, you’re probably wondering if the problem is serious. Although diagnosing a car problem by noise is no perfect science, there are some sounds that can give you a pretty good idea of what is wrong. Here are some common car sounds and what they might signal. 1. […]
4 Tips for Protecting Your Car’s Windshield
In a perfect world that 18-wheeler wouldn’t have sprayed up that rock and cracked your windshield, but sometimes windshield damage is unavoidable. Fluke cracks aside, there are some steps you can take help extend the life of your windshield and protect it against damaging chips and cracks. Below, we explain four tips for protecting your […]
How To Change Your Car’s Headlight
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve had to deal with a a burnt out headlight on your vehicle at one point or another. Unlike some other car issues, changing a dead bulb is a relatively quick and easy fix. Below, we walk you through the general steps to replace your car’s headlight. Step 1 – […]
April Brings Us National Car Care Month
Despite posting this on April 1, we can assure you we’re not fooling you when we say that April is National Car Care Month. Taking care of your car is a yearlong task, from regular scheduled maintenance to DIY repairs, so why is there an extra emphasis on car care in April? Well, for starters, […]
5 Spring Car Care Tips
Spring is officially here, and even through some spots around the Twin Cities have been hit with some late season snow, the warm weather is right around the corner. We’ve talked about the importance of prepping your car for winter on the blog before, but keeping your car in tune for spring is just as critical […]
The Surprising Downside of Driverless Cars
Remember last week when we shared a story about driverless cars and how they’ll be more popular in 10-20 years? Well a new study says we might want to pump the brakes on driverless cars, as they’ll consume more energy than current transportation methods. Many auto experts believe that autonomous cars could help decrease fuel […]
Self-Driving Cars Could Prevent Up To 90% Of Accidents
A new study by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company suggests that widespread acceptance of self-driving cars could reduce traffic accidents by up to 90 percent. The study suggests that mass adoption of self-driving vehicles will occur in about 15 years, and this could be bad news for collision centers. According to the study, mass adoption of […]
AM/FM Radio Preferred Listening Option For Most Drivers
Although in-car connectivity appears to be on the rise, a new study revealed that most drivers prefer to listen to the old fashioned AM/FM radio while on the road. The study was conducted by the market research firm Ipsos in an effort to determine what audio options drivers prefer. Over 1,000 drivers over the age […]
Cheaper Gas Means More Car Crashes
While declining gas prices may help you save money at the pump, it also may increase your risk of being involved in an auto accident. Guangqing Chi, an associate professor of sociology at South Dakota State University, said the likelihood of being involved in a car crash when gas prices drops is also impacted by […]
Should Car Repair Shops Root For Visiting NFL Teams?
Although the NFL season is behind us, new data suggests that auto body shops may want to root for visiting teams next year, as it could boost business. According to data from the Highway Loss Data Institute, auto repair shops see an uptick in calls in the days after a home NFL team loses. The […]
Why Wheel Balancing is Important
Wheel balancing is just another great service we provide at Affordable Auto Service. Wheel balancing is important because it keeps your tires, bearings and suspension system in order. See, when a wheel is set onto the axle with a new tire, it needs to have its weight evenly distributed around the axle. Our wheel balance can […]
How to Keep Your Car Safe From Damaging Road Salt
Minnesotans wouldn’t be able to drive in the winter without road salt, but it’s not a perfect solution. Salt lowers water’s freezing point, keeping icy patches off the road, but the salty mixture also causes corrosion to your vehicle. Today, we’ve compiled a couple of tips to help ensure your car’s undercarriage remains corrosion free. […]
Independent Car Repair Shops Preferred Over Dealers
Consumer reports recently confirmed what we already believe, that local, independent car repair shops offer better repair satisfaction than franchised new-car dealerships. The analysis by Consumer Reports weighed five key car repair factors to determine their findings. They five factors they examined were: Price Quality Courteousness of the staff Work completed when promised Overall satisfaction […]
Minnesota Among Safest Driving States For Your Wallet
A recent study conducted by WalletHub found that Minnesota is one of the safer state’s to drive in, in terms of keeping money in your pocket in the event of a crash. For their study, researchers analyzed three factors: State requirements for liability coverage, related types of required insurance (like medical payment coverage and personal […]
Subaru Issues Brake Recall For Minnesota Vehicles
Subaru has issued a recall of nearly 200,000 of its vehicles, citing a potential brake line issue. Subaru owners should take note, especially if you live in state that gets plenty of winter weather, like Minnesota. According to the press release, the brake line issue increases the risk of crashes for drivers in snowy states. […]
The Do’s and Don’ts of De-Icing Your Windshield
Winter is finally here to stay, and with snow emergencies comes the need for drivers to clear their cars of ice and snow. There are a lot of different ways to clear snow from your car’s windshield, and some are better than others. Today, we discuss the Do’s and Don’ts of de-icing your windshield. Do […]
Debunking Winter Driving Myths
There’s a lot of advice out there about how to drive during the cold winter months, but not all of it is useful. Today, we explore some common winter driving cautions and determine if they are fact or myth. 1. Let your car warm up before driving when it’s cold out – This myth takes […]
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Snow Tires
As winter weather continues to set in, drivers have a big decision to make. Should they equip their car with snow tires? Snow tires, as the name implies, are designed to provide you with a better driving experience in wintery conditions. That said, there are some drawbacks to equipping your car with snow tires. Below, […]
The Worst States For Speeders
Let’s be honest, car ownership can be expensive. Regular scheduled maintenance isn’t usually too bad, but you also have to factors in other expenses like car insurance and driving citations. Even the best drivers have seen the flashing blue and red cherries in their rearview mirrors before, so today we’re looking at the worst and best […]
Car Owners Prefer Technology Over Brand Loyalty
A new study suggests more car owners are willing to ditch their favorite car brand for upgraded in-car technologies, like active park assist and rear-view cameras. According to the poll conducted by AutoTrader.com, more than half of vehicle owners (56 percent) would switch form their favorite car company to get a vehicle with the technological […]
Improving Gas Mileage in Cold Weather
Winter is here, and by all accounts it appears it’s here for good. When temperatures drop, so too does your car’s fuel economy. Below, we explain why winter driving lowers your average mile per gallon and share some tips to raise it back up. Cold Weather and Your Car One car study found that the […]
Fun Car-Related Thanksgiving Facts
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and soon college students and families will be traversing across the country to celebrate the holiday with one another. If you’re hitting the road soon, now is a good time to brush up on last year’s blog, “5 Thanksgiving Travel Tips” to help you get to your destination safely. In spirit of […]
The Most Reliable and Longest Lasting Cars
Bringing your car in for regular scheduled maintenance is one way to extend the life of your vehicle, but some cars are simply built to be longer lasting than others. To determine which cars were actually the most durable, a pair of researchers studied car ownership patterns and asked mechanics and other auto-professionals to evaluate cars […]
Winterize Your Car With These 5 Simple Steps
Two weeks ago Minnesotans were taking their boats out for one last ride on the lake, and today we’re buried beneath a few inches of snow. Hopefully you took time during the warm days to prep your car for winter driving, but if you didn’t here are five steps you’ll want to take now that […]
Daylight Savings Time and Car Accidents
You probably enjoyed getting an extra hour of sleep this weekend, but it can take your body clock a while to get back in its natural rhythm, which can prove dangerous on the roads. After analyzing traffic accident data, researchers at Texas A&M University found there to be a 7 percent increase in traffic accidents […]
The 10 Most Ticketed Cars in America
Some people gripe about spending money on car repairs, but at least you know your money is going towards improving your vehicle’s performance. Speeding tickets, on the other hand, are car-related expenses that are no fun at all. If you’re like the vast majority of drivers, you’ve been pulled over a time or two. Maybe […]
Change Your Car’s Oil in 8 Easy Steps
We love swapping out old oil for a new quart, but if you’re looking for an easy DIY project before the weather gets too cold, consider changing your own oil. It’s a rather simple process that we’ll explain in eight easy to follow steps. 1. Let your car run for a minute or two – […]
Minnesota Car Repair After Hitting A Deer
Minnesota ranks in the Top 10 in the nation in terms of the number of annual car accidents between a driver and a deer, so it’s no surprise that we see an uptick in deer-related maintenance requests as hunting season approaches. Minnesota drivers have the eighth highest odds of striking a deer with their vehicle, […]
Study: Voice Activated Car Control Can Prove Distracting
Two new studies focused on analyzing how onboard voice controlled automobile features affect the driver suggest that even managing your smartphone or radio with just your voice can prove distracting. Voice activated automobile controls were marketed as a way to keep a driver’s eyes on the road while a person attempted to send a text […]
3 Minor Car Repairs That Can Save You Major Dollars
Nobody likes to have repair work done on their car, but answer this question. Would you rather spend $200 now to fix a small problem, or $1,000 three months from now to fix a major issue? Obviously, you’d rather address the minor issue before it becomes a major headache. The thing is, most people ignore […]
Minnesota Among Fastest States For Auto Repair
While our main goal at Affordable Auto is quality service, speed is also another factor we keep in mind. We know how important it is for you to have your vehicle, as the daily commutes to school, work or the post office simply can’t wait. That’s why we are honored to work in a state […]
Cars May Soon Be Able To Park Themselves
Car companies have been boasting about features like blindspot monitoring and active park assist for some time, but a French automaker is looking to make the next parking enhancement by fully automating the parking experience by simply hitting a button on your smartphone. According to the French car company Valeo, technological ingenuities like ultrasonic sound-wave […]
The 7 Best Cars For Dogs
Nearly 80 million Americans have a dog, so it’s no wonder that finding a car that’s comfortable for man and his best friend is important for many car buyers. According to a report by Autotrader.com, about 55 percent of customers on their website search for cars and trucks that can safely transport their K-9 companions, […]
U.S. Moving Forward to Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications
Not too long ago, we wrote a blog post supposing that car-to-car communications could be coming to an intersection near you in the not so distant future, and it appears the U.S. is moving forward with the idea. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. is preparing a report […]
How Does An Airbag Work?
Airbags have been saving lives since 1967, but unlike their seatbelt cousin, most people don’t give their airbag a second thought until they need it. Today, we’ll explain how the modern airbag functions. A Little History Before delving how an airbag functions, it’s worth understanding how the airbag came to be. Credit for the invention […]
Car Ownership Costs: A State-by-State Comparison
A new study of car ownership by researchers at Bankrate.com found that it’s cheaper to own a car in Minnesota than the national average, but just barely. The study found that Minnesota ranked 21st in terms of annual cost of ownership, coming in just $38 south of Indiana, the 25th ranked state. To determine the total […]
Teens Less Likely to Drive Safe Cars
A new report by researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that teens are more likely to drive older, smaller cars than adults, which puts them at greater risk for accident and injury. According to the survey, teenagers are at a greater risk of injury during an accident than an adult counterpart who […]
Zipper Merge: A Rude Move That Speeds Up Traffic Flow
Minnesota is in the midst of construction season, and with construction comes lane closures. As if driving in the Twin Cities around rush hour wasn’t painful enough, the presence of construction often means that some lanes may be blocked off. Odds are you’ve ran into this situation before, either because of construction or if you’ve tried […]
More Minnesotans Opting For Electric Cars
More Minnesota families are searching for an electrical outlet instead of a gas station after a summer road trip. The Star Tribune recently published a story on the surge in electrical cars, saying that Minnesota is one of the more popular states for hybrid vehicles. “According to the Electric Power Research Institute, the state had […]
Minnesota Window Tint Quiz
With summer in full swing, many Minnesotans are considering tinting their car windows in an effort to keep their car cool when the temperatures rise. We specialize in window tinting, and while some people prefer to tint their windows on their own, you’ll want to make sure you stay in line with the law. We […]
Top 5 Summer Auto Repair Tips
Although the July 4th holiday is in the rearview mirror, summer is still in full swing and that means more miles on the odometer. Before you go on your next adventure, consider these five car care tips that will keep your car in top shape during the hot summer months! Oil Change – Regular oil […]
Car Repairs in Minnesota Cheaper Than Most
Back in January we wrote a post on how Minnesota was among the cheapest states for auto repair. Although the findings were based on 2011 data, we’re happy to contribute to a statewide auto industry that puts its customers first. After all, we don’t call ourselves Affordable Auto for no reason! Just this week, CarMD.com came […]
Auto Industry Sets Recall Record
With Monday’s announcement that auto retailers planned to recall roughly three million vehicles due to airbag issues, the auto industry has set the record for the number of recalls in a year, and we’re not even to July. According to the most recent announcement, the car companies BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda and Nissan will […]
Storms Damage Cars Across Southern Minnesota
Hopefully you were able to get your car in a garage this weekend, but if your vehicle was an unfortunate casualty of a falling tree branch, let Affordable Auto Service get it looking like new again. According to KSTP, several vehicles were damaged by the storm and more than 100,000 homes lost power as windy […]
Auto Repair Shouldn’t Be Like Pulling Teeth
A recent study of over 2,400 car owners likened the car repair process to that of going to the dentist, a statistic we find downright depressing. According to the research, 83 percent of consumers “feel” overcharged by the auto repair process, and women respondents said they’d rather go to the dentist than take their ride […]
The Benefits of Brake Repair
They say that in Minnesota, we really only experience two driving seasons – Winter and Construction. You may prefer one to the other, but something you need during both seasons is a great pair of brakes. Whether the roads are icy or you happen across a pothole repair crew, you’ll want to make sure you […]
Nissan Debuts Self-Cleaning Paint
The carwash may soon be going the way of the dodo. According to Nissan, the car giant has debuted a paint that is both hydrophobic and oleophobic, meaning it is naturally resistant to both water and oils. A Nissan spokesperson said the paint effectively creates “a protective layer of air between the paint and environment.” […]
How to Change a Flat Tire On Your Car
It’s pothole season, and that means your tires are exposed to dangerous crevices on a daily basis. Particularly nasty potholes can puncture your tire, leaving you high and dry, unless you know how to fix the problem (or you have AAA). Changing your tire is something everyone should know how to do, so follow along […]
April is National Car Care Month
April has been deemed National Car Care Month, and it seems fitting since it appears the snow has finally subsided for the season. Drivers are encouraged to celebrate National Car Care Month in their own way, but we’ve listed a few suggestions as a way of saying “thank you” to your ride. Buy New Tires […]
The 4 Most Common Car Diagnostic Codes
Since the teams competing in the Final Four and the Frozen Four (Go Gophers!) have been determined, we thought we’d stick with the theme and come up with a list of four on our own. Behold, the four most common car diagnostic codes! Oxygen Sensor Codes – As we made mention in last week’s post […]
20 Surprising and Interesting Car Facts
We’re all about cars at Affordable Auto Service. That’s why we came up with 20 odd, amusing and trivial facts about these mechanical wonders. Enjoy! 1. The average fuel cost across all vehicles is 14.45 cents per mile, or about 23 miles per gallon. 2. The best selling car of all-time is the Toyota Corolla. […]
Go Green With These Car Care Tips
Although St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, we thought we’d stick with the spirit of the holiday by discussing some “green” car care tips. Proper Tire Care – Taking care of your tires is one of the easiest ways to improve your fuel efficiency. The farther you go on a tank of gas, the […]
Reporting Potholes in Minnesota
As we noted last week, potholes can cause major damage to your car. Now that temperatures are on the rise, you’ve no doubt encountered a swarm of potholes during one of your commutes. Hopefully you’ve been able to avoid the big potholes, but that wasn’t the case for one Minnesotan whose airbags deployed when he […]
I Hit a Pothole With My Car – Now What?
Pothole season is upon us, which means you’ll likely see plenty of drivers swerving all over to keep their car from succumbing to one of many concrete craters. Even the best drivers in the world can’t avoid every pothole, so be prepared for bumpy driving conditions for the next few months. Today, we talk about […]
Minnesota Hit With Worst Driving Conditions in Decades
We all know the weather in Minnesota can be a little rough, but the weather we experienced at the end of last week contributed to some of the worst driving conditions the state has ever seen. The storm came in Thursday afternoon and continued into Friday morning. Some areas of the state got more than […]
Give Your Car Some Love This Valentine’s Day
Are you looking for the perfect gift for the auto-enthusiast in your life this Valentine’s Day? Give them a great and practical gift by helping them take care of their car! We rely on our car for so many things in our daily life; Taking Billy to hockey practice, running errands on the weekend and […]
Car-to-Car Communication Could Prevent Crashes
Regulators in the auto industry may soon require automakers to install crash-avoidance communication systems in all new vehicles, according to statements made by the Transportation Department. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the Obama administration is intent on moving forward with vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems that prevent accidents by providing location and speed data. Foxx hopes the […]
How To Jump Start a Car
It seems like we’re locked in a never-ending loop of polar vortexes in Minnesota, and when the weather dips below freezing it can take a toll on your car’s battery. If you park your car outside during the winter, chances are you’ve had to jump your car or help someone else jump their car at […]
New Car Technologies Will Cut Commute Time, Keep Drivers Safe
As we mentioned in a recent post, self-driving cars are expected to become the norm over the next 20 years. While the technology is still in its early stage of development, researchers believe self-driving vehicles will keep people safe and cut down on carbon emissions. Self-driving cars may be the way of the future, but […]
Minnesota Among Cheapest States For Car Repairs
A review of national automotive data revealed that Minnesotans paid less than the average consumer to have work done on their car in 2011. According to the data, Minnesotans paid an average of $323.51 for “check engine” related repairs, $10 less than the national average of $333.93. As you can see by the lists below, […]
3 Car-Related New Year’s Resolutions You Should Keep
Happy 2014! Now that we’ve flipped the calendar to January, it’s time to look at your resolutions for the new year. Many people want to eat better or work out more, but others are more creative when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. We like to think we’re a creative bunch, so we’ve come up […]
5 Tips for Driving in the Snow and Ice
Let’s face it. Just because we get plenty of opportunities to drive in snowy conditions doesn’t mean we’re all experts. Driving takes skill even in perfect conditions, so it’s especially important to practice safe driving habits when the weather is less than ideal. Below, we share five driving tips to remember as the winter weather […]
McLaren Replacing Windshield Wipers With Sound Waves
Ahh, the sound of innovation. The McLaren automobile company recently announced that they are developing a new windshield void of windshield wipers that clears dirt and debris with the help of high frequency sound waves. McLaren chief designer Frank Stephenson said the company got the idea by studying the use of high frequency sound waves […]
Top 3 Car Problems Caused By Winter Weather
Winter weather is here to stay, and colder temperatures usually lead to a spike in car problems. Whether your car won’t start, or you can’t keep it on the road, we’ve seen all sorts of automobile issues during the cold months. Below, we discuss the top three car problems that occur during the winter. #1 […]
Should I Warm Up My Car When It’s Cold Out?
The temperatures are slated to drop significantly over the next few days, but that doesn’t mean everyone can just curl up with a blanket until spring returns. People still have to get to work or the grocery store, and many times they’ll start their car and let it run for a few minutes before driving […]
5 Thanksgiving Travel Tips
The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the biggest travel dates each year, as millions of drivers hit the road to head home to their families. In fact, AAA recently announced that over 43 million Americans will travel over 50 miles to visit friends and family over the four-day holiday break, so don’t be surprised if […]
5 Tips for Buying Your First Car
Buying a car is a big decision, so it’s important you do some research before you peruse Craigslist or hit up your local dealer. Below, we share five tips to remember when shopping for your first car. 1. Know Your Budget – Don’t just decide that $_______ is what you want to spend on a […]
How to Prepare Your Car for Winter
Brace yourself. Winter is coming. Make sure you take appropriate steps to ensure your car is ready for another cold Minnesota winter. Below, we share some tips to help you winterize your car. Repack Your Trunk – It’s time to take the beach ball out of your trunk and load it up with winter essentials. […]
Common Alignment Issues in Cars
Alignment issues can make your daily commute dangerous, as they can cause your car to pull to the right or left. Driving a car on the highway is difficult enough without trying to compensate for a car that seems to have a mind of its own. Below, we discuss some common ways your car gets […]
Exploring the Different Types of Car Tires
Engineers are constantly looking for new ways to improve upon current technology, and one of the most studied components of automotive engineering is the development of the optimal tire. While some are radically attempting to reinvent the wheel, others are simply trying to improve upon the current model. Below, we look at some of the […]
Celebrate National Teen Driver Safety Week
Since 2007, the third week in October has been celebrated as National Teen Driver Safety Week. The week is designed to help reinforce safe driving habits in the million of teen drivers who get behind the wheel on a daily basis. To do our part, we compiled a checklist of things you can do to […]
5 Things To Do In The Fall In Minnesota
Picturesque Minnesota is bustling with life during the fall, and many people hop in the car to check out the state’s beautiful landscape and attractions. To help you in your search for fun fall activities in Minnesota, we complied a list of five places to drive to before it gets too cold. In the event […]
When Should I Replace My Car’s Shocks?
Shocks are an essential part of any vehicle. They are designed to help absorb wear and tear on your car, and shocks also help keep you comfortable while on the road. Everyone loves driving on a smooth road, but odds are your car will travel over thousands of cracks, holes and divots during your commute. […]
Window Tinting in Minnesota
Considering getting your windows tinted? Want to learn the benefits and the laws in Minnesota? Affordable Auto Glass has you covered. Benefits of Window Tinting Customers come to us all the time asking about our window tinting services. A lot of people believe window tinting is only done to “look cool” or to make it […]
Cruise Control Reduces Speed, Increases Driver Drowsiness
Most cars these days are equipped with cruise control, which allows a driver to set the speed of the vehicle without having to maintain constant contact with the gas pedal. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that cruise control technology was first introduced 100 years ago. Cruise control is a useful tool for […]
The Best Time to Buy Tires in Minnesota
Last week, our mechanics passed along some tips for what to look for when buying tires. Now that you know what to look for, the next thing you want to know is when is the best time to buy tires. Most people only think of buying tires when they have a flat or they notice […]
Buying Tires in Minnesota? Look No Further than Affordable Auto
Tires are an essential part of any vehicle. Much like shoes for a person, tires are the one thing between you and the ground, so it’s critical you buy the right type of tire for your car. After all, you wouldn’t play football in high heels or go for a run in sandals! That said, […]
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop
When your car needs work, two things come to mind. You want someone who will get the repair done quickly, and most importantly, someone who won’t overcharge you for the work. But how do you know which auto repair shops are honest and which ones want to take you for a ride? Below we share […]
How to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle
We’re here to help fix your car if something goes wrong, but the best way to extend the life of your vehicle is by practicing good driving and maintenance habits. Below, we discuss some simple things you can do to squeeze every mile possible out of your car. On The Road – Certain driving habits […]
How Often Should I Check My Car’s Fluid Levels?
Other than gasoline, most drivers don’t give their car’s fluid levels a second thought on a daily basis. As we’ve said before, the key to extending the life of your vehicle is to prevent breakdowns from occurring, as opposed to fixing the problem after it happens. While some fluids aren’t as integral to maintaining peak […]
What Should I Keep In My Trunk In Case of an Emergency?
Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road, but a minor delay can turn into a major problem if you are unprepared for an emergency. These days, nearly everyone has a cell phone, so trouble usually isn’t more than a call away, but you should still prepare an emergency roadside kit in […]
What is my Timing Belt & When Should I Replace it?
Everyone knows the simple fixes to keep your car in top shape, like getting routine oil changes, regularly changing your filters and fluids, and maintaining your tires, but some of the most important maintenance habits are the least well known. One such service is making sure you take care of your timing belt. What is […]
3 Common Car Problems After Hitting a Pothole
Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, but during the springtime it can look like the land of 10,000 potholes. These holes can prove dangerous, especially if you drive over a deep pothole. Below, we’ll discuss why potholes form, and what kind of damage they typically cause. Pothole Problems Ever wonder why potholes […]
5 Ways to Increase Gas Mileage
With gas prices on the rise, motorists are once again looking for ways to stretch their dollars and increase their gas mileage. To aid in their search, we compiled a list of five ways you can increase your car’s gas mileage. Drive the speed limit – Although you may not get to your destination as […]
5 Common Reasons Your Car Won’t Start
You rely on your car for a lot of things, like shuttling the kids to soccer practice or for getting to work on time, so it’s easy to see why problems can arise if your car refuses to start. There are literally hundreds of reasons why your car won’t start, but some are more common […]
The Benefits of Tinting Your Car’s Windows
Window tinting has grown in popularity over the years, and it’s one of the many techniques we specialize in at our shop. Tinted windows are not just for young people who want to look “cool”. In fact, there are many benefits associated with adding some tint to your car’s windows. Not only will your car […]
Is Premium Gas Worth the Money?
Gasoline is the lifeline of your vehicle. It’s what powers your car to the grocery store and to work every Monday, but many drivers rarely give a second thought to what type of gasoline they put in their vehicles. You’ve probably noticed that most gas stations offer a few different options when it comes to […]
When Should you Replace your Brake Pads and Rotors?
Your brakes are arguably the most important part of your vehicle because they regulate your speed and help prevent accidents. Anyone who has had brake trouble can tell you how important it is to address any problems as quickly as possible. If your car takes a long time to come to a complete stop, or […]
How Often Should I Check my Tire Pressure?
Everyone knows how to determine if their car is running low on gas, but how can you tell if your tires are running low on air? Tire pressure is often overlooked, but proper inflation is key to extending the life of your vehicle and your tires. In fact, not only will properly inflated tires extend […]
How Long Can I Drive on a Spare Tire?
Unless you’ve only been driving for a few years, chances are you’ve had to deal with a spare tire at some point in your life. Whether you popped a tire on the middle of the highway, or you simply returned to your vehicle to find a deflated tire, you’ve probably had to throw the old […]
How Often Should I Rotate My Tires?
Aside from the brakes, your tires are arguably one of the most important parts of your car because they are tasked with keeping you safe while on the road. Many people often overlook simple tire maintenance, opting for other routine fixes like oil changes, brake checks, etc. While those steps are essential in prolonging the […]
5 Ways To Keep Your Parked Car Cool When It’s Hot
Summer is here and that means hot weather for us Minnesotans. And while it’s great to be able to drive with the windows down after so many cold months, the summer heat can also really heat up your car when it’s parked for a long period of time. No one likes stepping into a heat […]
Why Does my Car Pull to the Right or Left?
Reasons your Car Pulls Ever get the feeling that your car is dragging or “pulling” to the left or right? This could be the result of several different factors, including: Vehicle alignment. Alignment keeps your tires parallel with one another and even with the ground. If the alignment is off, it can cause a car […]
Why Pay for Car Diagnostics?
Vehicle diagnostic checkups are often ignored by car owners, but are very important to the long life of your car. What are Vehicle Diagnostics? Back in the day, it was up to the individual mechanic to determine what was wrong with your vehicle. Now Electronic Control Units (ECUs), which are present in all modern cars, […]
When Should you Change your Oil?
There is a lot of confusion about how often you need to change the oil in your vehicle. Every 3,000 miles is a common benchmark that many people stand by. The truth is that the answer varies greatly based on several factors. Why do you Need to Change your Oil at All? Your engine requires […]
Top 4 Car Repairs you Shouldn’t Skip
It’s a fact of life that cars break down over time. But if you take good care of your vehicle and keep up with routine repairs and maintenance, you can extend the life of your vehicle. Most people don’t even think about vehicle maintenance until something goes wrong. Following repair procedures can also help avoid […]
What Causes my Car to Overheat?
Most of the dials on a person’s dashboard are easy to understand and interpret. Everyone knows what makes your speedometer increase and your fuel gauge decrease, but what about your car’s temperature gauge? What causes the dial to creep up towards the big “H”? There are three main reasons why a car might overheat. They […]
5 Tips to Prep Your Car for a Long Road Trip
Cross country road trips can be a blast, but it can become a nightmare scenario if something happens to your car far from home. You never know what type of terrain or weather you’ll encounter on your trip, so it’s best to be prepared of all sorts. Below, we’ve outlined some of the proper precautions […]
