Follow These Tips Before You Hit the Road This Spring

Before you begin planning Sunday drives and summer vacations, it is important to get your car tuned up in preparation. Consider auto care as part of your spring cleaning! There are a few essential repairs and maintenance checks that can help ensure a more reliable automobile.

When it comes to auto care in the Twin Cities, Auto Electric is place to go. Give us a call for a spring tune up and we will get your car ready to hit the road. But first, we’d like to provide a rundown of a few of the most essential auto care points we’ll most likely cover when you come in.

For one, coolant and wiper fluid are important auto care areas to check after a long winter like the one we just had. Check your coolant to make sure it's not too old. This is an important factor for avoiding overheating as temperatures gradually climb. And, you likely used your wiper fluid a lot to get that salt off of your windshield; so it is important to check that too. If you aren't comfortable performing these auto care checks on your own, contact the experts here at Auto Electric.

Did you use your wipers while ice or snow was frozen to the windshield this winter? As spring starts and temperatures warm up, check your wiper blades for any signs of cracking or wear. It may not seem like an important part of your auto care; but when it comes time to wipe rain away so you can see out your windshield, it will become quite important!

Winter can be harsh on your vehicle. If you find yourself frequently traveling on roads with potholes or rocks, it could ruin your car's alignment or damage suspension components. So, when you bring your car in for auto car, also make sure your alignment and suspension is checked.

Bring your car into us for auto care or do it yourself; but it is essential to do a thorough check under the hood to ensure your engine made it through the winter without any issues. Belts and hoses are important to check in order to ensure the cold temperatures haven't rendered them brittle or heavily worn.

Before the urge to road trip takes over, take your car to the experts! Interested in learning more about auto care in the Twin Cities? Call Auto Electric at 763-537-1221 or you can contact us to Schedule an Appointment.

Does Your Car Need a New Year Check-Up?

Give your car a check-up in the new year! Winter is the best time of year to ensure everything on your auto is in working order. At Auto Electric, as a shop that specializes in car repair and service for Golden Valley, we know all the parts of your car that can use a little extra care and repair, especially with the cold winters we have here in Minnesota. Here are a few of the areas to focus on and how to make sure your vehicle is ready for the frigid months ahead:

Have you considered snow tires? As care repair and service experts, we can help you determine if these are something you should invest in, if they are a good idea for your specific needs and what kind of tires you should get.

Another important part of care repair and service is to check your tire pressure. You should do this several times a week because the variances in temperature can also affect the amount of air that is in your tires. Too much tire pressure is just as dangerous as too little.

We get a lot of snow, sleet and ice around this area and you never know when it will start, so it is important to make sure you get new wiper blades put on as soon as possible. You should also be sure that you have plenty of wiper fluid. When other cars kick salt and slush onto your windshield it can become very difficult to see. Wiper fluid will keep your windshield clean so you can see and get to your destination safely.

One of the most important care repair and service tasks to take care of this winter is checking your car’s battery. Bring your car to an auto repair shop like ours and we can check your battery to make sure it still has plenty of charge and to make sure it does not need to be replaced. If it does, we can help you with that to help make sure your battery is not an issue for you this winter.

Do you want more information about car repair and service in Golden Valley? Call us at Auto Electric at 763-537-1221 or you can contact us to Schedule an Appointment.

Getting the Facts Straight on Some Misleading Car Myths

At Auto Electric, we specialize in car maintenance for the Twin Cities and know a thing or two about cars. We also hear many misleading car myths and see firsthand the differences between reality and what people have been told. So, we thought we would take a moment to address some of the most common car maintenance myths and what the actual truths are.

 When it comes to automotive repair work, there can be a lot of information and ‘fake news’ being spread. And like with all myths, some are more believable than others. So take a look below and the next time you encounter a possible car myth, enlist the experts at Auto Electric.

An oil change is required every 3,000 miles.

False. It is always a good idea to follow the advice in your car’s owner’s manual. Some vehicles can travel 7,500 miles or more between oil changes, it all depends on your vehicle. Experts in car maintenance like the ones at Auto Electric can help advise you if you’re unable to locate your manual.

Car batteries recharge after a jumpstart as soon as it starts driving.

Not exactly It can actually take hours to get the battery fully charged again, especially in the winter. Heated seats and other accessories draw so much power that the alternator has little juice left to recharge the battery. You can actually have a load test to check at your local car maintenance shop to see if the battery will still hold a charge.

Warm up your car before driving it in the winter.

Although warming up your car does increase your comfort level, it isn’t necessary to the health of your car. Thanks to fuel injectors, you do not have to worry about warming it up to help its performance.

When brake fluid is low, simply top it off.

When it comes to your all-important brakes, you should actually bring your car or truck to our car maintenance and repair shop. We can look over your brakes and put in the proper amount of brake fluid. Sometimes, low brake fluid indicates a bigger problem.

A new gas cap is likely needed to fix a check engine light.

Cars these days actually have on-board diagnostics. So if your check engine light comes on, you should take your auto to a car maintenance specialist and repair shop like ours so we can troubleshoot the problem and get it fixed before it becomes an even bigger issue.

And, these are just a few of the car myths floating around. In order to ensure you get the quality car maintenance your Twin Cities car needs, it is essential to enlist the experts. Call us at Auto Electric at 763-537-1221 or you can contact us to Schedule an Appointment.

After the Potholes: Consider Wheel Alignment this Spring

Winter snow and ice create pot holes and other road hazards that can cause issues for your car including poor wheel alignment, low tire pressure and more. Now that it’s spring, the potholes may not have yet been filled but you can begin your car repairs today. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the warmer weather ahead by adding routine tire maintenance to your spring car care checklist.  We provide expert wheel alignment in Robbinsdale and the surrounding areas, and we have a few suggestions on what you can do to prepare your car for spring and summer.

Wheel Alignment

Get your car’s alignment checked by a reputable automotive service and repair shop, like Auto Electric. Potholes can affect the alignment of your car, and that can cause a host of other problems. Improper wheel alignment can affect the overall functionality and efficiency of your car. When your wheels are knocked out of alignment by poorly maintained roads or pot holes, it can cause your tires to wear out quickly and even affect the way your car drives as well as its gas mileage. So, if you notice uneven tire wear, a feeling of wandering or a vibrating steering wheel; these could all be signs you need wheel alignment.

Bring your vehicle in to Auto Electric and we can inspect your wheel alignment and repair it for you if needed.

Tire Check

Driving on underinflated or overinflated tires can be dangerous, especially when those spring showers arrive. In the winter, tire pressure can drop about one pound per square inch for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. So, while you’re here for a wheel alignment, we can check the pressure of your tires and get them back to where they should be.

We will also check your tire’s tread and rotate your tires. Rotating your tires can help alert us to any odd wear patterns which could indicate the need for wheel alignment or repairs.

Taking care of your tires today can not only extend their life and keep your car running optimally; it can even help you save money in the long run. Avoid unexpected, expensive damage by taking preventative measures like wheel alignment, tire rotation and more.

Do you need a trustworthy wheel alignment in Robbinsdale? Call Auto Electric at 763-537-1221 or you can contact us to Schedule an Appointment.

It’s (Still) Getting Cold Out There: Our Winter Auto Care Checklist

Though the holidays have come to a close, there are still several more months of winter weather left! Some of us love winter, and your car can love winter too! But, hazards like icy roads, salted streets, freezing temperatures and heavy snow can keep you and your car from enjoying the season to its fullest. As a full service auto care shop around Minneapolis, we would like to provide you with a handy checklist to keep you, your family and your auto safe.

Check Coolant Levels

Contrary to its name, coolant is an essential to keeping your engine from freezing. You may have already noticed towers of this stuff popping up at your local gas station, that’s because it’s an absolute winter essential! Make sure your vehicle is never low on coolant and that there aren’t any leaks in your engine, this could cause unwanted drainage.

Check Your Lights

Snow can make driving a little hazy. That’s why you should always provide the brightest illumination possible for the road in front of you. Make sure all of your car’s lights are in excellent shape and if a bulb is out, get it fixed right away! Or, when you’re scraping snow off of your car, if you notice snow is covering a headlight, make sure to remove it as well.

Check Your Washer Fluid

Salt is what makes this an absolute winter auto care essential. With each snowfall comes a new layer of salt on the roads. As messy roads abound and salt continues to get kicked onto your windshield from the car in front of you, constant window washing is a necessity to see where you’re going.

Check Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can drop along with the temperature, losing up to one pound with every ten degrees! Not only can driving with low tire pressure cause tread separation, your car is no longer able to handle the roads with predictability, something everyone needs on a snow packed street. Also, if it’s not the temperature that’s to blame, it could be something else like a tear or a nail, so best to check your tires.

Bring Your Survival Kit

A survival kit is always a good idea. Select one that includes flares, a knife, a flashlight, matches or tea light candles for an alternative heat source, a blanket, a first-aid kit, jumper cables and a cell phone charger.

At Auto Electric we want you, your family and your vehicle to be as safe as possible no matter the season. Do you need auto care service and repair around Minneapolis? Call Auto Electric at 763-537-1221 or you can Contact Us.

Spring Check Up Enhances the Life of Your Vehicle

Your vehicle has made it through yet another brutal cold stretch. It is now time that you assess the toll Old Man Winter has taken on your auto and perform some routine maintenance, making sure your car is up to optimum standards of excellence. Many of these tasks can be performed by you; however, many call for the assistance of experts. As an all-encompassing auto repair service in greater Minneapolis, Auto Electric can get your automobile up to par for getting out and enjoying the few months of warm weather.

Check the following to make sure your vehicle is up to speed:  

• Belts and hoses - Belts crack and hoses fray. If three years have passed since their last replacement, think about replacing them altogether.   
• Batteries, plugs and wires - Winter wears out these items and they work especially hard during freezing weather. Test these items and replace as needed, especially if they have slogged through multiple winters.
• Brakes - Always check the entire braking system after winter. Braking and sliding on ice and snow adds up on your car’s brakes, wearing individual components down that combine in chain reaction to diminish the whole system. Your local auto repair service can take a look and conduct needed repair or replacement of parts. 
• Engine Air Filter - Air filters get clogged and prevent a smooth-running engine. This is a quick and easy fix. Simply look at the filter, and if dirty, replace it. 
• Fluid Levels - Your engine, brakes and transmission are all fluid dependent to ensure smooth sailing. Always be on top of your levels to keep them working right. Don’t forget about coolant and windshield washer fluid, both are often depleted after winter. 
• Tire Pressure - Air pressure is greatly reduced during winter. Check all tires, including the spare for desired pressure. You can find optimum pressure levels listed inside the front door. 
• Suspension & Wheel Alignment - Navigating the ice and snow wreaks havoc on both your suspension and your alignment. Have shocks and struts checked for issues, replacing if necessary. Alignment affects multiple areas of your vehicle and can be corrected easily and quickly during a tune-up appointment. 

When you need auto repair service near Minneapolis, call Auto Electric at 763-537-1221 or you can contact us and Schedule an Appointment.

Do You Need New Brakes?

With winter right around the corner, it is more important than ever to make sure your car is in good shape before the worst of the weather hits. And some of the most vital parts of your car are the brakes. Sometimes, it is obvious when you need to get new ones and other times, it is not as obvious. So how can you tell if you need to visit our auto service near the Twin Cities to get new brakes installed? Here are a few suggestions on what to look for.

When you push on your brakes, do you feel a pulsating movement? This usually results from brake pads that are either warped or worn out. This is usually caused by extreme heat. Our auto service can take a look to see what the problem is, and we can put in new brake pads if your car needs them.

When you push on your brakes, do you feel a grinding sensation? If so, that could mean you need totally new brake pads. That grinding noise is sometimes caused by pads that are so worn out the rotors are grinding. And rotors are usually a far more expensive problem for our auto service to fix than brake pads. 

When you are driving, does your car tend to pull to one side? Sometimes, this is a result of a problem with your wheel alignment. But other times, this is a result of bad brakes. Our auto service can take a look to see what is causing this problem. No matter what is causing it, we can fix the problem so your car drives as it should. If the brakes are causing it, this is usually because your brake pads are wearing unevenly.

Also, when you apply your brakes, if you hear a high pitched squeal when you hit them, that is another good indication you need to make an appointment with our auto service.

While this is not an extensive list of the signs you need new brakes, these are some of the most common ones we see at our auto service shop. Even if you don’t see the problem you are experiencing on this list, bring your vehicle to us anyway so we can take a look. We work on all makes and models.

For more information on our auto service near the twin Cities, call Auto Electric at 763-537-1221, or you can contact us to Schedule an Appointment.