car-repair

Transmission Service: Troubleshooting Guide for Transmission Repair!

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 05:21:22 +0100

With the end of summer and school starting up, it is time to pay attention to the operation of your vehicle. Hopefully, your vehicle has taken you to that special summer destination and back home safely and comfortably. But with cooler months on the way, you will want to schedule a transmission service to get your vehicle in tip-top shape for all those errands to school activities, work, and other events. Prevent an untimely and costly transmission repair!

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Did you know that the automatic transmission is the most complex component of your vehicle. There are numerous problems that could go wrong, but here is a list of 8 early warning signs that you will want to watch for:

1. Leakage. Is there a pool of pinkish oil on the garage floor? There are nearly 20 different external seals that can leak. While some are very simple to repair, others require more involved service procedures. A transmission that is low on fluid can completely fail fairly quickly.

2. Shaking -- Sometimes a shaking or jerking is experienced, especially at highway speeds. This may be caused by either poor engine tune, or it could be a malfunction in the motor.

3. Delayed shifting -- A noticeably longer than normal hesitation engage a gear once the shifter is put in "D" or "R." These delays can be caused by anything from a low fluid level to an internal seal that is failing.

4. A neutral condition. A sign of a low fluid condition that is caused by leaking.

5. Burning smell. A burnt odor can be a sign of overheating or of leaking fluid onto the exhaust. A transmission repair should be taken care of immediately as engine oil or fluid dripping onto a hot exhaust could catch fire.

6. Check engine light. Today's vehicles are computer controlled and are extremely sensitive, able to detect transmission malfunctions that are not even yet noticeable to the driver. Don't put off having a transmission service to determine the cause of the light!

7. Slipping. This is a condition where the engine is revving but full power is not getting to the wheels. It can be caused by a variety of transmission malfunctions so don’t ignore them.

8. Harsh shifting and wrong gear starts. A sign that your transmission is in a computer commanded "failsafe" or "limp home" mode. This lets the driver know that there is a problem and helps protect the transmission from further damage until it can be repaired.

Remember: Problems with vehicles don’t go away or fix themselves. Taking care of a transmission service for small problems before they turn into larger ones can often help you to avoid a costly transmission repair.

Need expert transmission repair? Our ASE-certified technicians at an Excel Auto Repair Shop will be happy to help you. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our 3 auto shops in the Twin Cities area are conveniently located in Eagan MN, Spring Lake Park MN, & Maplewood MN.

Engine Service: 4 Questions can Save $$ in Engine Repair!

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 05:26:37 +0100

Do you know the right questions to ask when it comes to engine repair? Some vehicle owners end up paying too much for an engine rebuild because they don’t know the right questions to ask before it takes place. If you know the right questions, it is possible to save a considerable amount of money on any engine service.Ask your auto mechanic these four questions:

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1. Is a warranty included?

Depending on whether your auto mechanic uses new or re-cycled parts for an engine rebuild will determine the type of warranty provided. Specifically ask about towing, possible exclusions, as well as what to do after hours or if you are out of town and your car is having significant problems that may be warranty related.

2. Are used parts safe?

Some repairs cannot be done safely with used parts. But for those that can, you will save quite a bit in the cost of the engine repair! For example, don’t buy used brake pads, electric fuel pumps, exhaust parts, clutches, windshields, filters, fluids and thermostats. It may be possible to use secondary brand name parts, but they may come with less of a warranty. Don’t be afraid to ask!

3. Does the estimate include taxes and fees?

Some shops want their estimates for an engine service or an engine rebuild to appear lower than other bids, so they don’t include taxes or other fees in their bottom line. Ask for an itemized statement!

4. About how many hours will it take and what is the labor rate?

Not only should you inquire about the shop’s labor rate, but be sure to get an estimate on the number of hours of labor required to do the job. The rates may appear to be lower, but you may be charged for more hours to do the same engine repair!

When you enter a shop with these questions in mind, you will be an informed customer as to what you expect for any type of engine service on your vehicle.

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Tire Repair: What kind of Tires should I use?

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 03:55:59 +0100

Summer road trips are in full-swing this month. For the safety of you and your family, having the right tires on your vehicle is important so it will perform at optimum efficiency. Quality tire repair is a vital component of car safety, and its importance is often overlooked. Tires are the only four components that touch the ground on your vehicle, and they impact everything; braking, turning, accelerating or wet driving. Make sure that you schedule a tire repair service before you head down the road!

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A quality set of tires will offer the responsiveness necessary to avoid obstacles in the road, short stopping distances, and a road-holding grip under both dry and wet conditions. Considering that they can make the difference between stopping safely, or hitting a car in front of you at 30 mph, consider the key question below.

What kind of tires should I look for?

Tire shopping can be a daunting task, especially considering recent technological advances and the multitude of types available for every driving situation. Before you get bogged down, be sure to find the right fitment for your vehicle. You’ll want to confirm size, speed rating and load-carrying capacity. Manufacturers strongly recommend that replacement tires meet all of the specifications of the original.

Before making your purchase, have a list of priorities—whether it’s wear, longevity, performance or price. You’ll then want to ask yourself some questions regarding your tastes and driving style.

Do I need summer, all-season, or winter?
What are my driving conditions and what kind of performance level do I want? Off-road, all terrain, highway, or highway all-season?
Are premium tires worth the cost? These are generally manufactured using higher standards, whether through design and testing, casing construction, effectiveness of their design for a specific application, ability to balance (consistency), stability and wear resistance. Premium products are often a better value, due to their performance, expected mileage, customer support and warranties on tire repair.
Do I want green tires? Eco-conscious manufacturers have made their tires ecologically friendly by using citrus-based orange oil—a renewable resource which enables petroleum to be replaced with natural rubber.

Protect your investment… and your safety!

Now that you’ve installed your new set of tires—what should you do? Protect your investment with a proper service, including a four-wheel alignment, rotation, check tire pressure, and for uneven wear, which may mean a necessary tire repair for an alignment or shock issue.

Need a quality tire repair? Our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car on the road. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at an Excel Auto Repair Shop. We will be happy to help you with any of your questions. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our 3 auto shops in the Twin Cities area are conveniently located in Eagan MN, Spring Lake Park MN, & Maplewood MN.

Car Battery: What is the Culprit behind a Car Battery Replacement?

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 05:31:09 +0100

Summer is the season for major car battery problems. On the average, one out of four vehicles gets a new car battery every year. Sooner or later, all vehicles will require a car battery replacement, but having it happen prematurely can involve not only the cost of a road service call and a new battery, it can be inconvenient and frustrating at important times as well.

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According to certified auto mechanics, excessive heat, not cold, is one of the main reasons of the shortened life of your car battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, causing damage to the internal structure of the battery. Overcharging is the second main reason for shortened car battery life. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate. That’s slow death for a car battery and most likely will result in a car battery replacement.

To get the most life out of your car battery, the following is suggested:

Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.
If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.
Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.
Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. As corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.

Need a quality car battery service or replacement? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Excel Auto & Tire Service. We will be happy to help you with any of your vehicle maintenance problems. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our 3 auto shops in the Twin Cities area are conveniently located in Eagan MN, Spring Lake Park MN, & Maplewood MN.

Transmission Service: 4 Symptoms Requiring Transmission Repair!

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:17:14 +0100

Now that spring is in the air and summer vacation on our minds, it’s time to think about your car’s reliability. One of your vehicle’s most important components and vital to your car’s dependability, is the transmission. Whether a vehicle has a manual or an automatic, it is inevitable that at some point in time it may need transmission service. Determining precisely the cause of transmission problems should be done only by a well-qualified automotive mechanic. Recognizing that strange noises are coming from under the hood is just the first step in the process of obtaining the proper transmission repair.

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4 symptoms requiring transmission repair:

Check Engine Light. The check engine light can be an early indicator that something is starting to go wrong. Newer models of cars have sensors throughout the engine that pick-up irregularities and notify the computer that there's something wrong in a particular area. These sensors can pick up vibrations and early problems that you may not even be able to feel or see.
Lack of Response. Transmissions are designed to go into the correct gear every time, with no hesitation. In manuals, you may notice that after shifting into a gear, the engine will rev up, but the car won't be moving as quickly as the engine is running. In this case, a worn out clutch or more serious problem may be occurring. Automatics have the same lack-of-response problem, but will usually while engaging the "Park" or "Drive" selection.
Leaking Fluid. Without the proper quantity of transmission fluid, the pump and other components can quickly begin to wear out. Making sure that the pump and filter are working properly is part of the transmission service needed to maintain the life of a vehicle. Just like oil, transmission fluid and filters need to be replaced periodically to keep a car’s motor running smoothly and at optimal efficiency.

4. Grinding, Shaking, Whining, Clunking, Buzzing. With manuals, a common sign of trouble is a grinding sound or feeling when you shift into a new gear. Sounds will usually be abrupt and mechanical sounding. In automatics, you may hear a whining, or buzzing sound. Most likely, you'll feel the car shimmy into each gear rather than the typical, almost unnoticeable shifts, or you will feel a jarring transition into the next gear.

If your vehicle is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s time for an adjustment or transmission repair.

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Questions to ask my mechanic about extended warranties at an auto repair shop?

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:17:32 +0100

Like most warranties, there are good ones and not so good ones. Finding out the difference is the wise thing to do before you make a decision. If an auto repair shop offers you an extended warranty for your vehicle, here are some questions you should ask the mechanic.

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1. What does the warranty actually cover?

Read the fine print and have your mechanic explain it thoroughly to you in advance. Not all warranties cover the same things, so don’t assume anything. Is it a drive train warranty or a bumper to bumper warranty? Is it going to cover the most common repairs that might happen to your vehicle? How many miles or months is the coverage for?

2. How much does it cost?

Is it cost effective? Average out how much you spend in car repairs each year. Then average out how much the warranty will cost you per year. Are the numbers similar or very different? Does it have a deductible? If so, how high is it? Do you pay it each time or for just certain types of repairs?

3. What are the rules/stipulations of the extended warranty?

Every extended warranty comes with rules. How stringent are the rules on the particular warranty you are being offered? For example, does it have a disappearing deductible? (A disappearing deductible means that if you bring your vehicle to the original dealer that sold you the new vehicle, you would not have to pay a deductible, but if you brought it to an independent repair shop you have some sort of deductible. This keeps you locked into going to that dealer for the life of the warranty.) Again, remember to read the fine print.

If you are still in doubt after asking the questions above, take the warranty offer in to your local auto repair shop and ask your mechanic to look it over and give you their opinion. They see should be able to spot a good one from a bad one.

Remember, check the coverage, count the cost, and consider the rules before committing to an extended warranty.

Need expert advice from a professional auto mechanic? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Excel Auto & Tire Service for more information. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location of our auto repair shop closest to you. Our 3 auto shops in the Twin Cities area are conveniently located in Eagan MN, Spring Lake Park MN, & Maplewood MN.

Car Battery Basics: Need a Car Battery Replacement?

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:19:12 +0100

It is common knowledge that all vehicles require at least one car battery to support its electrical systems. If you neglect it, you will not have a dependable vehicle. It is also common knowledge that if you keep your vehicle long enough, at some point in time you will need a car battery replacement.

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Here are some basics:

Basic Health – In order to prevent a premature car battery replacement, check terminals and cables. Loose or dirty cables are a common “no start” condition. Cable ends and terminals should be cleaned with a wire brush and light sand paper periodically to remove any corrosion build up. Spray coatings for terminals are helpful in reducing the formation of corrosion.

Load – This is how much of a “load” or drain can be placed on the electrical system before the stored electricity begins to discharge itself and needs to be recharged. It is not uncommon for batteries to go completely "flat" without ever giving a warning signal.

Check-Ups - A weak battery that is not storing enough power will cause the alternator to work harder and possibly cause premature alternator failure. Dirty or corroded terminals can severely reduce the lifespan of the car battery and alternator. Have your auto mechanic check the load levels at every oil change interval if the car battery is over 2 years old. This will ensure that you will not be stranded unexpectedly and will help prevent an unnecessary and inconvenient car battery replacement.

Replacement - If a car battery replacement is necessary, the new one should be the same size, have the same cable connections, and should be the same electrical capacity as the original. Your mechanic can help you identify and install the proper car battery for your vehicle.

Safety Tips from an Auto Center: What to do if you get stranded on the side of the road!

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:10:12 +0100

With any vehicle, the possibility always exists that you'll find yourself broken down on the side of the road. This is a dangerous place to be these days, and it is important to keep your wits about you so you can safely get to a close-by auto shop.

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These simple steps will help keep you and your family safe:

Before you ever come to a stop, it's important to keep the car under control. This means don’t panic and don’t over-react.
Carefully pull your vehicle over onto the safest area of the road. The key is to get out of the active lane of traffic and to the shoulder as quickly and safely as possible.
Turn on your hazard flashers as soon as possible so that other drivers are aware that something is wrong. It's important to know exactly where the switch for those flashers is located on your vehicle.
Assess the situation. Unless there's smoke, fire or your vehicle is still protruding into traffic, keep everyone inside the car. If you can't fix the problem, see if you can get the car to safely limp to the nearest auto shop.
Call roadside assistance or a near-by auto center if the car absolutely will not run.
If at all possible, avoid leaving your vehicle to walk for help. If you absolutely have to walk for help--on a two-way highway, stay on the left hand shoulder facing traffic. Drivers may not see you any easier, but it will let you react if they get too close for comfort. On a freeway or expressway, walk as far to the right as possible.
Wait for a tow truck from an auto shop to arrive. They will assess the situation and hopefully get you going on your way. If they cannot repair your vehicle on-site, they can tow your vehicle to an auto center for repairs.

A Tip to Remember: If you are stranded on the roadside when your vehicle is disabled, stay calm and follow the above safety tips to ensure you arrive safely at your next destination.

Need quality auto repairs or vehicle maintenance? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Excel Auto & Tire Service. This auto center will be happy to help you, from a basic oil change to a transmission repair. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our 3 auto shops in the Twin Cities area are conveniently located in Eagan MN, Spring Lake Park MN, & Maplewood MN.

Tire Repair: Tire Service Tips to Protect your Tires!

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:33:13 +0100

Tires are one of the most overlooked components of a vehicle. Did you realize that taking good care of them is an investment in your vehicle? The best way to prevent an inconvenient tire repair is to have your mechanic perform a basic tire service on a monthly basis. This can help discover any potential problems and prevent costly tire repair and even more extensive damage to your car. More importantly, a routine tire service will help ensure the safety of your passengers.

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Tire Service Tips!

Check air pressure. The resistance of under-inflated tires generates drag and heat, which not only increases fuel consumption, but may result in an emergency repair or replacement. Don’t forget to check your spare at the same time so that you won’t be stranded by the side of the road with a flat.
Check tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head when you place the edge of a penny upside down in the grooves, it’s time for a tire replacement. If the inside groove and outside edge are wearing unevenly, it’s a sign that your car is out of alignment. If your steering wheel vibrates it could be another sign of tire problems. It probably means your tires have lost a balance weight. A correct wheel alignment and wheel balancing will help with the overall ride, comfort, and handling of your vehicle.
Rotate. To ensure that all four tires are wearing at the same rate, be sure to rotate them every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Signs of excessive wear and tear may mean it’s time for a replacement. If possible, have all four replaced at the same time. Or, at least purchase the two front ones or the two back ones at the same time.

By following the 3 simple tips above, you will not just maintain your tires, but you will extend their life, prevent costly tire repair, and enhance the safety of you and your passengers.

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Car Tune Up; what is it and why is a tune up necessary?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:03:05 +0100

Sticking to a regimented tune up schedule is something you are going to want to get used to if you want to avoid unexpected auto repair costs. The reason is simple--consistent maintenance will keep your car in good health and prevent major auto repairs down the road. During a car tune up, your auto mechanic will make sure that the scheduled maintenance requirements are covered. This also helps retain a good resale or trade in value for your car.

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What should be covered in a tune up?

Oil should be checked every few hundred miles even if you have a brand new vehicle. If the level slowly gets lower between oil changes, you might have an issue with your engine. Frequent oil changes prevent the buildup of harmful deposits that rob your car of fuel economy and power, as well as help the internal components operate more efficiently.

Keep your vehicle’s fluids fresh and clean to minimize future auto repair costs, including brake fluid, clutch fluid (if it’s a manual transmission) or your automatic transmission fluid.

Adhere to the recommended tune up service schedules in your owner’s manual. These schedules will help you avoid a major car repair expense and are typically covered in a basic car tune up.

Consider a timing belt replacement if recommended by your mechanic. Timing belts and chains keep the different parts of a car’s engine in sync with each other and on average should be replaced every 60,000 miles. Because of the infrequency of a timing belt change, it can be easy to overlook this vital service. Typically, as part of a car tune up, your mechanic will recommend replacing it if it is overly worn or cracked.

While it may seem expensive to keep replacing your air filter, changing your oil, and rotating your tires every few thousand miles, these preventative care measures saves you money in the long run. Check your owner’s manual for a recommended service guide for your specific vehicle.

If you want an auto shop that has high-quality professionals to perform a basic car tune up, or a full-point inspection, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at any of our Excel Auto & Tire Service Centers. They will be happy to help you with all your vehicle maintenance needs. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you and to find our specials page. Our 3 auto shops in the Twin Cities area are conveniently located in Eagan MN, Spring Lake Park MN, & Maplewood MN.