Looking for a Full-Service Auto Center?
With the arrival of spring, it’s time to give your vehicle a little extra TLC before the heat of summer arrives! It’s important to visit your auto shop to make sure your vehicle is as safe as possible to drive, especially if you are planning a summer road trip.
The key to a care-free road trip is making sure that the correct maintenance items have been taken care of at the appropriate intervals, as well as having any necessary repairs performed. You may think everything is fine, but there may be hidden problems lurking under the hood.
Here’s a list of five common problems that are easy to check:
- Leaking Fluids. Dark brown spots under the car indicates leaking motor oil, possibly from the filter or drain plug not tightened securely, or it could be a gasket that is going bad. Greenish fluid under the car (coolant/antifreeze) means that either a bad fitting hose is leaking, or the radiator unit itself could be leaking. You could end up with an overheating engine and engine damage.
- Noisy Brakes. Squealing, squeaking, or metal-on-metal grinding sounds can indicate that your brake pads, rotors, or calipers and discs have become worn out and need to be replaced.
- Unusual Sounds. Rumbling or sputtering soundsusually indicate a problem in the exhaust system, possibly a hole in the muffler or a failing catalytic converter.Chirping or screeching sounds coming from under the hood may be the drive belt or serpentine belt (these belts direct engine power to the accessory systems). As these belts age, they can become brittle, frayed, and break while driving.
- Humming, growling or roaring tires. The tread may be worn down too far, a wheel bearing could be bad, or the tires may be out-of-round.
- Dashboard lights. Your car's on-board diagnostic system will alert you to problems it detects. If your dash warning lights start flashing, don’t delay in contacting your auto shop to schedule a diagnostic test.
Remember: Schedule an inspection at your auto center so your vehicle is ready for summer!
Are you looking for a full-service auto center? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about our auto shop and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
With the arrival of spring, it’s time to give your vehicle a little extra TLC before the heat of summer arrives! It’s important to visit your auto shop to make sure your vehicle is as safe as possible to drive, especially if you are planning a summer road trip.
The key to a care-free road trip is making sure that the correct maintenance items have been taken care of at the appropriate intervals, as well as having any necessary repairs performed. You may think everything is fine, but there may be hidden problems lurking under the hood.
Here’s a list of five common problems that are easy to check:
- Leaking Fluids. Dark brown spots under the car indicates leaking motor oil, possibly from the filter or drain plug not tightened securely, or it could be a gasket that is going bad. Greenish fluid under the car (coolant/antifreeze) means that either a bad fitting hose is leaking, or the radiator unit itself could be leaking. You could end up with an overheating engine and engine damage.
- Noisy Brakes. Squealing, squeaking, or metal-on-metal grinding sounds can indicate that your brake pads, rotors, or calipers and discs have become worn out and need to be replaced.
- Unusual Sounds. Rumbling or sputtering soundsusually indicate a problem in the exhaust system, possibly a hole in the muffler or a failing catalytic converter.Chirping or screeching sounds coming from under the hood may be the drive belt or serpentine belt (these belts direct engine power to the accessory systems). As these belts age, they can become brittle, frayed, and break while driving.
- Humming, growling or roaring tires. The tread may be worn down too far, a wheel bearing could be bad, or the tires may be out-of-round.
- Dashboard lights. Your car's on-board diagnostic system will alert you to problems it detects. If your dash warning lights start flashing, don’t delay in contacting your auto shop to schedule a diagnostic test.
Remember: Schedule an inspection at your auto center so your vehicle is ready for summer!
Are you looking for a full-service auto center? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about our auto shop and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
