Need Quality Brake Repair? Stop Please!

Your vehicle's brakes work hundreds of times a day without any thought from you. Fully functioning brakes are vital to safety when driving. Unfortunately, they will eventually wear out regardless of how faithful you have been with quality brake service. Unfortunately, you may not notice any problems until something happens (i.e., you're involved in a fender-bender or collision) and you're headed for a major brake repair.

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If you know your vehicle well enough you can tell if something isn't quite right before it happens.  Neglecting regular brake service can lead to increased brake repair costs, or worse, no brakes at all.  Fortunately, paying attention to a few warning signs can keep you stopping when and where you want to, and not in the back of the car that's in front of you.

Here are some warning signs of failing brakes:

•  The brake dashboard light glows amber (remember yellow for caution), indicating problems with the anti-lock brake system (ABS)
•  The brake dashboard light is red (time to stop for a brake repair), indicating a system imbalance
•  The brake pedal is spongy or slow to respond
•  You hear grinding or constant squealing during braking
•  The steering wheel wiggles in your hands when you come to a stop.
•  It takes a longer time and distance to stop than it used to
•  You're jerking or grinding to a halt rather than gliding to a smooth stop.
Remember these two points to help your vehicle stop smoothly and safely on command:
• Keep up with regular brake service
• Pay attention to the signs of failing brakes

Looking for professional brake service?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at an Excel Auto & Tire Service center. We will be happy to help you with any of your brake repair issues. 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, and Rochester, MN.

Car Battery Replacement: Need A Change?

The car battery seems to be such an insignificant element in the overall operation of a vehicle. However, as most drivers know, a working car battery is crucial to the proper performance of their vehicle. Even with good maintenance, at some point in time, a vehicle may require a car battery replacement.

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Learn how to keep your vehicle running strong throughout the cold winter months ahead with a fully-charged car battery. Avoid an inconvenient car battery replacement and stay in charge for the best cold-weather performance possible by following these tips:

• Make sure your vehicle's battery is the right Group Size with sufficient cranking power.
• Make sure your car battery is of high quality.
• A professional should inspect your car battery for corrosion build-up that cannot be seen.
• Change the oil every 3,000 miles
• Have your battery tested at every oil change
• Scheduling a vehicle maintenance inspection--take care of any issues that could be a problem in cold weather, including a car battery replacement.
• Periodically inspect the battery cables, posts, and fasteners to ensure the cables are in good shape and firmly secured.
• Have the starting and charging systems inspected every six months.
• Use a battery charger to maintain charge levels and keep your car battery in good condition.

In order for a car battery to function correctly, it must be in good condition internally, working together with the connections that feed the current to the vehicle's electrical components. A car battery replacement is likely necessary if your vehicle's electrical system is not working properly and you have determined that the alternator is still functioning.

Need a change with a car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at an Excel Auto & Tire Service center. We will be happy to help you. Check out 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, and Rochester, MN.


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Auto Repair Shop Advice About Warranties

Are you worried about the last auto repair service performed on your vehicle? Were you offered any warranties on the parts or labor? Unfortunately, understanding warranties can be confusing--there are good ones and not so good ones. Knowing the difference is important before you make a decision.

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Here are three simple questions to ask about any warranties offered by your auto repair shop before making a decision:

1. What all is covered (or not covered)?

Take time to read the warranty and be sure it is explained thoroughly. Don't assume anything, as not all warranties cover the same things. Does it cover just the drive train or is it bumper-to-bumper? Will it cover the most common repairs that may occur? How many miles or months is it good for?

2. What is the cost—long term and/or short-term?

Will it be cost-effective? Compare, on average, how much you spend in auto repair every year versus how much the warranty will cost you each year. Is there a deductible, and how often do you pay that?
3. Are there any rules/stipulations?

Every extended warranty normally comes with a set of rules or stipulations. How stringent are the rules on the particular warranty you are being offered? Does it apply only to that particular dealer or auto repair shop? Read the fine print.

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

Need expert advice about warranties from a professional auto repair shop? Contact an ASE-certified technician at one of our Excel Auto Repair service centers. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our three auto repair shops are conveniently located in Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.

Symptoms Indicating Transmission Repair is Needed!

The transmission is probably the most important component which may cause improper vehicle operation. If you are experiencing problems, you may notice various symptoms, each with a number of possible causes. Some problems may need only a little adjustment or minor transmission service, while others may require more extensive transmission repair.

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Here's a list of some of the most common failure symptoms requiring transmission repair:

• "Check Engine" dashboard light on.

• Strange noises coming from under the hood or rear of car, such as a hum or low whine, clicking, knocking, screeching, buzzing, whistling, clanking, or grating.

• A slow response during the first few minutes of vehicle operation.

• Gears slipping—even though the engine races, the vehicle moves slowly or won't accelerate as it should.

• Stalling on taking off, repeatedly over a short period of time.

• No response when the shift lever is placed in Drive, even while racing the engine.

• When in Reverse, vehicle doesn't move.

• Leaking of transmission fluid.

• The passing gear doesn't engage; there's no surge of power when the accelerator is pressed to the floor.

• Erratic shifting that is noticeably early or delayed.

• The shift handle is hard to move into or out of any position.

• The vehicle moves or jerks while in Park or Neutral, whether first starting the car, or turning it off.

• Burnt or rancid odor coming from under the hood or underneath vehicle.

• Shift indicator doesn't point to the proper range, (P) or (N), to start the car.

• Excessive amounts of debris in the transmission pan.

If your vehicle experiences any of the issues, find a qualified transmission repair diagnostician to help you determine the root cause of the problem and have it taken care of as soon as possible.

Need a reliable auto shop for transmission service? Stop in at one of our convenient Excel Auto Repair service centers and ask our ASE-certified technicians for assistance. Or, check out our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you and to find out more about transmission repair. Our three auto shops are conveniently located in Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.

4 Engine Service Tips: Prevent an expensive engine rebuild!

The words "engine rebuild" often sends vehicle owners into a panic. If there are signs that your vehicle is starting to have engine problems, make sure you have an engine service performed by a skilled and certified auto mechanic. Get it checked out before the problems escalate! But, you can help prevent a major engine rebuild by having an engine service on a regular basis as noted in your owner's manual.

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To hopefully prevent an engine rebuild or repair, here are four tips to consider:

• Let you car warm up before driving if possible. This will let the oil get into all parts of the engine before driving, especially in cooler temperatures.

• Before turning off the motor, let your car cool down a minute, especially if it is turbo-charged. This allows the oil to circulate and cool down the bearings. If the motor is turned off immediately after hard driving, oil can gum up around the hot bearings and cause problems.

• Have regular oil changes -- Use high quality oil, change it at suggested intervals (3 months or 3000 miles is a safe number) and always maintain the proper level between oil changes.

• Change the timing belt or chain -- Follow the manufacturer's recommended interval listed in your owner's manual.

Need professional advice about engine service? Contact an ASE-certified technician at one of our Excel Auto Repair service centers. We will be happy to answer any of your questions about an engine rebuild. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our three auto shops are conveniently located in  Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.

Avoid A Brake Replacement: Follow the Road to Safety!

In 2006, the US Bureau of Transit conducted a study showing that there were 250,844,644 registered passenger vehicles in the US. Of this total, approximately 125,000,000 were crowding our roads. This means that today there are more vehicles than ever. If your brakes are not stopping your vehicle at your command, your safety, as well as your passengers and other motorists, is at risk. Just an inch or two in stopping distance could mean the difference between a little scare or a major fender bender. Therefore, it's critical that regular preventative vehicle maintenance, including a quality brake service, is not neglected.

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The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association published a study in 2001 indicating that out of all the vehicles registered at that time, at least 194.3 million vehicles needed some type of maintenance or auto and brake repair. This calculates to less than five percent of vehicles had maintenance performed on a regular basis. Consider what that percentage may be today! Does your vehicle fall into that category? If it is older than five years, it very well may.

Along with the concern of crowded roads are roads badly in need of repair. In warm climates, excessive heat, heavy cargo hauling, and neglect can take a toll on the condition of the roads. In cold climates, the freezing and thawing cycle makes the cracks and holes in the pavement get bigger. Poor road conditions have a significant impact on how your vehicle handles, and could result in the various operating systems wearing out prematurely.

Eliminate a Costly Brake Replacement!

The procrastination of an inspection of your brakes can be expensive. A typical brake replacement job generally consists of new brake pads and rotors. The old adage couldn't be truer: pay a little now or a lot later. It's important to perform needed maintenance early. By allowing a problem to grow into a costly repair can cancel the economic practicality of keeping your paid-for vehicle going.

Need a professional brake replacement? Contact an ASE-certified technician at one of our three Excel Auto Repair Shops. We will be happy to answer any questions about brakes. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our three auto shops are conveniently located in Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.

Tire Repair: Storage Tips for Extra Tires!

If you are like a lot of drivers who swap out their tires for summer and winter driving, you may have an extra set just sitting in a corner of your garage, or possibly just outside covered with a tarp. To keep your snow tires in good shape and ready for winter driving, it is important that they are stored properly. The first rule before "putting them on the shelf," so to speak, is to make sure you have inspected them for uneven tread wear and taken care of any needed tire repair.

 

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To help your seasonal tires last longer and save you money in unnecessary tire repair, here are a few tips:

•If possible, store them inside in a cool and dark location away from sources of heat, such as hot pipes or electric generators.

• Be sure the garage (or shed) floor is clean, free from grease, gasoline or other substances that could deteriorate the rubber.

• For white sidewalls or lettering, avoid getting black rubber stains on the white by facing the whitewalls or lettering together.

• If you have to store your tires outdoors, raise them up off the ground and use a water-proof tarp (preferably with holes to prevent moisture build-up).

• If storing a vehicle with the tires still on, use blocks to remove the load off of the tires and maintain the correct air pressure.

When it's time for winter driving, be sure to have your tires checked by a tire repair specialist to ensure the air pressure and tread is adequate for winter driving. Of course, follow the same guidelines above for taking care of the set you're taking off. You will save on tire repair just by taking a little extra time!

Need a premium tire repair? Contact an ASE-certified technician at one of our convenient Excel Auto Repair service centers. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our three auto shops are conveniently located in  Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.

Need a Car Battery Replacement? No Power, No Performance!

A vehicle cannot provide reliable transportation without a continuous strong electrical current surging throughout a vehicle's electrical components. No matter how proficient the other components are, they still cannot make the car do its job without a strong car battery. If it doesn't have the necessary power, or if a car battery replacement becomes necessary, every electrical component in the vehicle will be adversely affected.

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If your car starts having electrical issues, a weak or dead car battery is one of the most likely causes. An electrical accessory left on for an extended period of time or a faulty electrical component can drain the power out of a car battery. When there is not a sufficient charge, there is not enough power to start the engine. You will hear clicking noises, or slow turn-over when attempting to start the engine. If the battery is too old, or just worn out, it is probably not rechargeable and you will be looking at a pending car battery replacement.

Stop guessing as to whether or not your vehicle needs a car battery replacement. Here is a simple way to check:

    * Turn the vehicle's windshield wipers on. Do they move much slower than usual? Look at the dome light. Does it dim when trying to start the engine or when turning on the wipers? If so, the car battery is most likely discharged or not fully charged.

If the car battery is relatively new, it can be recharged by jump-starting your car and letting the engine run for awhile. Be aware however, if the car battery is more than 4-5 years old, it might be completely dead. If this is the case, it won't take a charge and your car won't restart after you turn the engine off. It's inevitable that a car battery replacement is needed.

As a word of caution—problems with your vehicle's charging system could be the cause of the battery not to re-charge. Have your car' electrical system checked out by your auto mechanic in order to determine if there are other problems other than a dead car battery.

For a car battery replacement, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at an Excel Auto & Tire Service center. We will be happy to help you. Check out 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, & Rochester MN.

Is a Car Tune Up Necessary?

"Car tune up" is probably the most misused and misunderstood all automotive terms. Merriam-Webster defines "tune-up" as a "general adjustment to insure operation at peak efficiency."

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    * Yesterday's vehicles -- Older model vehicles have a simple ignition system--one ignition coil for each spark plug. The coils are adjusted so that they each provide equal spark intensity, resulting in better idling and acceleration. These coils make a buzzing sound as they work. If they are adjusted properly, they all buzz in tune. Thus, the term "tune-up," applied to the service of replacing spark plugs, distributor points, inspecting or replacing the cap and rotor and possibly replacing the fuel and air filters. It also included several adjustments--point gap, ignition timing and idle mixture.

* Today's vehicles – On newer model vehicle, distributors are gone and even spark plug wires may be missing. An onboard computer adjusts fuel mixture, timing and idle speed control. Just spark plugs, fuel and air filters, and the PCV valve remain of the items that were considered part of a "tune up." Spark plugs may also disappear someday.

What is the purpose of a tune up?

Because the term "car tune up" can mean so many different things, manufactures don't list it in their maintenance schedule, but they list the individual items at specific miles or duration of time. Every auto repair shop determines what their particular meaning of a "tune-up" consists of--what parts are replaced and what type of tests are performed. While one shop may consider a "tune-up" as just replacing a set of spark plugs; another shop may replace spark plugs and other ignition components, fuel and air filters, PCV valve and include testing to verify the electronic system is doing its job.

Should you request a tune up?

If you request a car tune-up, ask what is being included. Don't expect it to cure your performance problems. A tune-up is a maintenance procedure and if it makes your car run better, you waited too long for the service. Performance problems on today's cars are usually caused by something that is not normally replaced during a maintenance tune-up. Many of the performance problems are caused by a malfunction sensor or control unit. If the spark plugs or fuel filter are overdue, get them replaced to see if it helps, but if they're not, have a qualified technician with the correct testing equipment diagnose the performance problem.

Is it time for a tune up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at an Excel Auto & Tire Service center. We will be happy to help you with any of your vehicle maintenance issues. 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, and Rochester, MN.

Radiator Service: Keep your Cool with these 4 Tips!

As the hot summer months are here, you will want to give special attention to your vehicle's cooling system. Regular radiator service is vital in avoiding overheating and protecting the engine from high temperatures. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your vehicle's cooling system operating at peak efficiency and prevent a costly radiator repair:

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1. Check Fluid Levels – Check the cool

ant level regularly, about once a month. Also, make sure that the reserve tank or overflow tank levels are where they should be. If the levels are too low, schedule a radiator service. Your auto mechanic will know the appropriate mix of antifreeze coolant that should be added.

2. Drain and Flush -- Dirt and contaminants build up in the cooling system over time. Antifreeze can also become acidic and lose its effectiveness. A radiator service will include draining the radiator and refilling it with new coolant and water. This service should be done at least once a year in colder climates, and at least every 18 months to two years in warmer climates. To keep the clean antifreeze/coolant flowing efficiently, the radiator should be flushed to remove all other dirt, contaminants and other metal particles that may restrict the flow.

3. Check Caps and Hoses -- Check the radiator cap and water outlet cap on the reserve tank for cracks or other damage and replace if they appear damaged. Inspect the hoses and tubes connecting the radiator to the water pump, thermostat and reserve tank for cracks or cuts that may result in antifreeze leaks. Hoses can become dry and brittle, so replace them about every three or four years.

4. Check the Tanks -- Visually inspect the radiator tank and reserve tank every few months. Small cracks that begin as very small pinholes or punctures can be easily repaired. However, if left unattended, they will become larger and difficult to repair, leading to a costly radiator repair.

Add radiator service to your summer planning list. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at an Excel Auto & Tire Service center. We will be happy to help you with any radiator repair issues. 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, & Rochester MN.

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Brake Service: What’s Stopping You?

Vehicle brakes are vital to your safety when driving. What signs indicate that they're wearing out and you need to schedule a brake service? For those who suffer a daily commute through heavy traffic, your vehicle's braking system can bring thousands of pounds of metal, plastic and empty Starbucks cups to a stop hundreds of times before you get to work. It goes without saying that these pieces wear out, but they do so slowly, meaning you may not notice they need attention until it's too late.

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 Neglect can lead to increased brake repair costs, or worse, no brakes at all. Fortunately, paying attention to a few warning signs can keep you stopping when and where you want to, instead of in the back of the car that's in front of you.

Indicators of a needed brake repair:

    * A high pitched squeal when you come to a stop;

    * If it takes you longer to stop than it used to

    * If your brake pedal travels farther than it did a few months ago;

    * If your steering wheel wiggles in your hands when you come to a stop.

Neglecting your brakes until your car is grinding to a halt instead of gliding to a smooth stop can cost you in possible towing and brake repair bills. If you keep up with regular brake service, pay attention to the signs of brake wear, and choose the right components for your vehicle will keep you stopping smoothly and safely right where you want to be.

Need expert brake service? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at an Excel Auto & Tire Service center. We will be happy to help you with any of your brake repair issues. 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, and Rochester, MN.

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Auto Repair Services: Get Your Vehicle Ready for Summer Driving

The heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic of summer ahead will take a toll on your vehicle. With the added effects of winter just past, you could be headed for a breakdown before summer is over. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure with regular auto repair services.

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Some of the following auto repair tips you may be able to take care of yourself. Others will require a trained auto repair technician:

 * Air Conditioning -- A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician.

* Cooling System -- The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely inspected periodically by an auto repair professional. It should be flushed and refilled about every 24 months..

* Oil -- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. More often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.

* Engine Performance -- Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, but more often in dusty conditions. Have engine drive-ability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

* Windshield Wipers -- A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and have lots of windshield washer fluid on hand.

* Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses.

* Tires -- Check tire pressures (before driving any distance) at least once a month. Don't forget to check the spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side. Your tires should be rotated about every 5,000 miles.

* Brakes -- Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.

* Battery -- Routine professional care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

* Emergencies -- Carry basic car tools, including a first aid kit, blanket, snacks, water, flares and flashlight. Ask your auto repair technician for additional suggestions.

For quality auto repair, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at an Excel Auto & Tire Service Shop. We will be happy to help you with any of your auto repair services. 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, and Rochester, MN.

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Need an Engine Rebuild? What are your choices?

Engine Rebuild or replacement may be a much better economic decision to keep new car costs at bay. You have few choices of Engine Service before you decide to make new car payments.

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If your vehicle has finally bit the dust and the motor is totally shot, don't just go out and buy a new car and take on the burden of a car payment. You have a few choices of engine service before you do that. Buying a new car might sound great in theory but in these uncertain economic times, it might not be the right investment. Other options, such as an engine rebuild or replacement may be a much better economic decision to keep new car costs at bay.

So, before you go out and purchase another car when you experience serious trouble, learn what engine service options you have first. It could be that installing a remanufactured engine, or having an engine rebuild will extend the current life of your vehicle life at a significantly lower cost than buying a new vehicle, saving you money in the long run.

With an engine rebuild or replacement, a vehicle's engine (or an identical one from another like-vehicle) is completely disassembled, cleaned, machined and remanufactured or rebuilt. Remanufactured or rebuilt engines are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty programs, unlike ones that are used or from junk yards with unknown performance and maintenance histories.

For about the same price as an average down payment on a new car or truck, an engine rebuild or a remanufactured engine will provide years of reliable service without monthly car payments and higher insurance rates. It makes good sense that before considering purchasing a new vehicle, discuss with a professional automotive technician to find out what type of engine service is the right choice for you.

Need a quality engine service? Contact an ASE-certified technician at one of our Excel Auto Repair service centers. We will be happy to answer any of your questions about an engine rebuild. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our three auto shops are conveniently located in  Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.

Brake Rotors turning up the heat for a Brake Replacement?

What causes your car to actually come to a stop? To put it simply, the action of stepping on the brake pedal builds up energy by depressing on the throttle. This energy is converted into friction and heat, which in turns slows, and then will bring your vehicle to a complete stop—that is, if everything is in good working order. This process is repeated without any thought from you hundreds of times every time you head down the road. As this action is consistently repeated, the friction and heat created by the brake pads clamping down on the brake rotors actually wears down their metal surface. As time goes on, problems arise, possibly leading to a costly brake replacement.

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What's your combination—too thin or too hot?

When brake rotors get too thin, they lose their ability to channel heat away from the braking process causing them to overheat. Overheating can cause a myriad of problems and lead to a premature brake replacement. As the pads get too hot, they produce gases that can cause your brakes to fail. When brake rotors overheat, they will warp and discolor. And, brake fluid can boil, causing a total failure in the braking system!

Out of round?

Perfect brake rotors are smooth and flat, shaped like a dinner plate. The measure of this flatness is called run-out. A difference as small as .001 inch off-center may be felt in the pedal. As brake rotors warp, they resemble a wavy potato chip. If consistently overheated, they may develop deep scars. As this occurs, your mechanic will recommend a brake replacement to ensure your safety.

Brake Replacement Time?

If you feel a vibration as you step on the brake pedal, it's time to schedule an inspection. First, your mechanic should measure the rotor's minimum thickness. Secondly, they should inspect the run-out. If the rotor still meets certain specifications, it may be resurfaced and reinstalled. However, if any of the measurements exceed the stated specifications, the brake rotors will need to be replaced.

Don't be tempted to skimp or cut corners on a brake service. It's makes good sense for safety and peace of mind.

Need a quality brake replacement? Contact an ASE-certified technician at one of our three Excel Auto Repair service centers. We will be happy to answer any of your car care questions. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you and to find our oil change coupons. Our three auto shops are conveniently located in  Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.

Transmission Fluid Change: An important Transmission Repair

A transmission fluid change, sometimes called a transmission flush, should be part of your regular vehicle maintenance, just like an oil change or replacing the coolant in your radiator. Regular service can help you avoid costly transmission repair. Generally, you should have a service every 24,000 miles, or every two years. Some manufactures recommend longer service intervals like 50,000 or 100,000 miles. However, these intervals may exceed any opportunity for you to identify problems early on so you can avoid minor problems turning into a major transmission repair.

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Transmission Fluid Change, or Transmission Flush?

Generally, a transmission fluid change service replaces about 1/3 to 1/2 of the fluid inside the transmission and is adequate for a regularly-maintained motor. For more severe instances you may consider a transmission flush, which is intended to replace nearly 100% of the fluid. It requires a specialized machine that pumps new fluid through the transmission's lube and cooler circuit, replacing the old fluid.

A word of caution: if you elect the flush, make sure you have the filter replaced as well, provided it is accessible.Your decision to consider a regular service or transmission fluid change can be determined by the condition of the fluid.

Reseal Service

Sometimes, an automatic develops a leak but operates fine in all other aspects. For this, a reseal service is the best transmission repair which includes:

   1. Removing your automatic transmission

   2. Replacing all the external seals (which usually requires partial disassembly of the transmission).

   3. Reinstalling the transmission back into the car.

The transmission is filled with new fluid along with any necessary adjustments and then road tested to insure proper operation. During the required disassembly to replace the seals, the technician can verify whether or not other internal components are in good shape and address any problems at that time.

If you have other questions about a transmission fluid change, we will be happy to answer them for you. Stop in one of our convenient Excel Auto Repair service centers and ask our ASE-certified technicians for their recommendation. Or, check out our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you and to find out more about transmission repair. Our three auto shops are conveniently located in  Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.

Oil Change: Normal or Severe Driving?

Estimates vary as to when you need to have an oil change service on your vehicle. The intervals between each service rely on various factors. It seems like every person you ask has a different answer. Who is right? Knowing which factors affect the cleanliness of your oil can help you make an informed choice. A recent study by AAA found that more than 50% of all motorists follow the wrong maintenance schedule for their vehicles because they mistakenly assume they drive under "normal" conditions.

 

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How to determine the Correct Oil Change Interval?

Typically, your owner's manual is a reliable source for the answer. Most vehicle manufacturers have two sets of maintenance schedules, one for "normal" driving and one for "severe" driving. For "normal" driving, your owner's manual will probably recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This schedule is based on ideal driving conditions – driving short distances, never over the speed limit, level roads, no load, that kind of thing – something the average driver would be hard-pressed to accomplish.


However, if you are the average driver, then your vehicle would be better off using the "severe conditions" maintenance schedule. If you frequently drive on short trips, drive in hot weather, stop-and-go traffic, or transport items on a roof-top carrier, you most likely should follow the "severe" service schedule in your vehicle owner's manual. This will mean more frequent oil and filter changes, typically with a recommended service about every 3,000 miles. Most auto shops offer oil change coupons to make frequent services more affordable for their customers.


Conversely, and perhaps obviously, if you don't drive many miles at all, you'll be able to get away with longer periods in between. By erring on the side of caution with a regular oil change about every 3,000 miles, you will enhance the performance and longevity of your vehicle.


Looking for an affordable and quality oil change? Contact an ASE-certified technician at one of our three Excel Auto Repair service centers. We will be happy to answer any of your car care questions. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you and to find our oil change coupons. Our three auto shops are conveniently located in  Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.


Article Source : http://automotiverochestermn.blog.com

Exhaust System: How does a Muffler work?

If you've ever heard a car engine running without a muffler, you know the difference it makes to the noise level coming from your vehicle's exhaust system. The muffler is designed to reflect the sound waves produced by the engine in such a way that they partially cancel themselves out.

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Where Does the Sound Come From?

Sound is a pressure wave formed from pulses of alternating high and low air pressure. These pulses make their way through the air at -- you guessed it – the speed of sound.

In an engine, pulses are created when an exhaust valve opens and a burst of high-pressure gas suddenly enters the exhaust system. The molecules in this gas collide with the lower-pressure molecules in the pipe, causing them to stack up on each other. They in turn stack up on the molecules a little further down the pipe, leaving an area of low pressure behind. In this way, the sound wave makes its way down the pipe much faster than the actual gases do.

How does a Muffler cancel out sound?

Located inside the muffler, you'll find a deceptively simple set of tubes with some holes in them. These tubes and chambers are actually as finely tuned as a musical instrument. These tubes are designed to create reflected waves that interfere with each other or cancel each other out. The exhaust gases and the sound waves enter through the center tube. They bounce off the back wall of the muffler and are reflected through a hole into the main body of the muffler. They pass through a set of holes into another chamber, where they turn and go out the last pipe and leave the muffler.

Typically, the body of the muffler is constructed in three layers: Two thin layers of metal with a thicker, slightly insulated layer between them. This allows the body of the muffler to absorb some of the pressure pulses. Also, the inlet and outlet pipes going into the main chamber are perforated with holes. This allows thousands of tiny pressure pulses to bounce around in the main chamber, canceling each other out to some extent in addition to being absorbed by the muffler's housing.

Resonator or Muffler?

Some cars, especially luxury cars where quiet operation is a key feature, have another component in the exhaust system that looks like a muffler, but is called a resonator. The dimensions are calculated so that the waves reflected by the resonator help cancel out certain frequencies of sound in the exhaust system. The resonator contains a specific volume of air and has a specific length that is calculated to produce a wave that cancels out a certain frequency of sound.

Got questions about your vehicle's exhaust system? Contact an ASE-certified technician at one of our three Excel Auto Repair Shops. We will be happy to answer any questions about muffler. Check our website at www.excelautoandtire.com for the location closest to you. Our three auto shops are conveniently located in Eagan, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, and Rochester, MN.