auto-fix

How to Break in Your New Car

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:08:41 GMT

You are stepping into the new year with a shiny, brand-new car.

You can’t wait to take it out on the road and break it in. But how exactly do you do that? Breaking in a new car is a practice that has been recommended by manufacturers for decades. The ritual is often referred to as conventional wisdom. It involves a combination of driving techniques, precautions, and maintenance tasks to help extend a car’s lifespan. Properly breaking in your automobile will ensure that early engine wear is kept to a minimum, oil flows smoothly and evenly through all moving parts, and components such as the piston rings and transmission adjust to each other.

There are some techniques you can use to give your new car time to adjust to everyday driving conditions. Here we will highlight some of the things you need to do to break in your new vehicle. Your new ride deserves to be eased into the demands of its owners so it can perform effectively and last longer.

Techniques for Breaking in a New Car

Avoid Extreme Acceleration

When you get your new ride, we know the first thing you want to do is floor the accelerator when you get out on the open road. This can put a lot of strain on the engine oil, piston rings, and cylinders. Aggressive acceleration when the car is cold can be harmful. In the first 1,000 miles, accelerate gently and work through the gears quickly before the RPM can build too high.

Vary Your Engine Speed

Don’t push your new engine too hard for the first 1,000 miles. This can put a lot of strain on components. You should vary your speed while keeping the engine under 4,000 RPMs to properly break-in the engine. After that, you can gradually increase the RPM without any negative effects.

Avoid Hard Braking

Unless it's necessary, smooth and slow braking is the way to go. The new brake pads need at least 200 miles to properly wear-in and seat against parts like the rotors and calipers. Hard braking can cause the brake pads to wear rapidly, meaning you'll need new brake pads sooner.

Avoid Short Trips Which Don’t Give the Engine Time to Warm Up

Short trips aren’t ideal for brand new cars. When your engine is cold, it needs to work harder, putting a lot of strain on the oil delivery cycle. To break in your new car, take it on a long drive to let the engine warm through.

Aside from following the break-in guidelines in your car owner’s manual, proper maintenance will also help to extend the longevity of your car. Oil changes, tire maintenance, brakes, engine diagnostics, and all fluids should be monitored regularly and topped up as needed. Breaking in your vehicle will offer improved fuel economy, reduced oil consumption, optimal engine performance, and better overall reliability.

Auto Fix, Shop Owner Podcast

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:08:22 GMT

Talking Shop with Shop Owner, Doug Kaufman speaks with Holly Weller

Talking Shop with Shop Owner, Doug Kaufman speaks with Holly Weller, part of the husband-and-wife team that owns and operates Auto Fix, an Auto Value Confidence Plus Certified Service Center in Henning, MN. Click Here to listen!

Remote But Not Forgotten, Auto Fix Continues to Thrive in Rural Minnesota

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:07:17 GMT

The Auto Fix family is featured in the June 2022 Shop Owner magazine, pages 22 - 28

Offering a thorough insite to how this Henning, MN automotive tire and repair shop family started and strives in a a rural setting. Read all about Jeff and Holly’s spectacular growth in a very rural area of Central Minnesota. Written by Doug Kaufman of Shop Owner magazine. Click here to read the article.

Automotive Parts 2021 Technician of the Year - Citizen's Advocate

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 20:06:45 GMT

Jeff Weller has been named as a finalist for the title of Automotive Parts 2021 Technician of the Year.

Written by Chad Koenen with Citizen's Advocate

How to Choose the Right Tire

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 21:41:47 GMT

Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road.

They also support the weight of the vehicle. Tires play a vital role in ensuring your car is safe to be driven. Selecting the right tires for your vehicle is an important task. Get it wrong, and you can jeopardize your car's performance and its ability to tackle any type of weather. Car tires usually need to be replaced every three or four years. Your tires must handle a wide variety of climatic conditions, so you need to make sure to buy tires that will perform not only in your most common climate conditions but also in the most extreme conditions that you will face.

Choosing the tires that will serve your needs best involves determining the kinds of driving you’re doing, the type of vehicle you own, and the weather conditions you regularly experience. When shopping for new tires, it is imperative that you choose tires that offer features that best support the driving conditions you face on the road. When choosing the best tires for your vehicle, consider the following things.

What Size Tire Do You Need?

Consult your owner’s manual to find the recommended tire measurements for your specific vehicle. The size of your tire is important because it must be able to carry the weight of your vehicle. No matter how good a tire you select, it needs to have the capability of carrying the load and help your vehicle respond to a quick emergency. When selecting your tires, make sure that they are the right size for your vehicle.

What Tire Type Do You Need?

The type of tires you will need is the ones that work best for your location and lifestyle. Tire types include all-season, winter, high performance, summer, all-terrain, touring, and more. The vehicle you drive, how you drive, and the ideal weather in your location will determine the type of tires you need. All Season tires are designed to provide well in warm weather conditions and in moderate winter conditions, winter tires are designed to perform in icy, cold, snowy, wet conditions, and summer tires perform best in warm weather.

What Are Your Priorities in Selecting a Tire?

After you’ve pinpointed the correct size and type for your vehicle, the specific qualities of different tires, like cost, appearance, brand, and so forth should be evaluated. Many drivers choose to stick with the same tires that came on their car when they got it. If the way you use your vehicle has changed, then you can change your tires to soothe your priorities for things like ride comfort, tire wear, performance, fuel efficiency, noise level, and more. Many manufacturers have websites to help consumers choose the right tire.

Common Auto Heating & Cooling Issues

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:05:56 GMT

The heating and cooling system are connected within your car, but they function as separate systems.

Maintaining you’re A/C and heating systems involves having regular maintenance performed to avoid any larger issues down the line. Proper maintenance of these components can make the difference between a comfortable and relaxed drive and a torturous journey. The auto heating & cooling systems have so many components that it’s sometimes difficult to know what may be causing a malfunction or performance problem.

When you schedule a diagnostic inspection with an auto repair shop, they will identify the issue and make recommendations to fix your heating or cooling problems. Heating and cooling issues come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you experience issues with the air conditioning, the same issue may prevent the heater from working. At the beginning of summer and winter, you should schedule an appointment to have your car air conditioning and heating systems examined.

Common Reasons for the Heating System Not to Work

Your car’s heating system has the important task of keeping the cabin of your warm, comfortable, and safe when the temperature outside is cold. It is made up of several components, including the heater core, the blower motor and fan, heater hoses, the heater control valve, the HVAC (heater, ventilation, air conditioning) control panel on your dashboard, and the cabin air filter. The heating system utilizes the heat from the engine to keep the cabin of your vehicle warm. If your car heating system is not working, the problem can be due to:

Low coolant
Air in the coolant system
Malfunctioning heater core
Failed (or failing) thermostat

Coming Issues With the A/C System

The air conditioning system of your vehicle keeps you cool and comfortable in humid conditions. Some of the main components that make up this system include the refrigerant, compressor, condenser, receiver drier, expansion valve, evaporator, lines, and accumulator. If you experience any of the following problems, it’s time to make an appointment with your trusted mechanic.

Low refrigerant (will generally blow cool, but not cold)
Clogged or leaking condenser
Refrigerant cross-contamination
Unresponsive pressure switches
Damaged compressor
Broken belt
Clutch issues
Moisture and debris
Leaks
A/C control head malfunctions
Worn or stretched serpentine belt (required to operate the compressor and clutch)

Have a certified technician inspect your vehicle’s heater and air conditioning systems at least once every year. A well-maintained heating and cooling systems will allow you to drive in a comfortable and safe vehicle and also helps to avoid major repairs that can become costly.

How to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 20:03:41 GMT

Keeping your car’s brakes in good condition is one of the most crucial preventative maintenance items

Keeping your car’s brakes in good condition is one of the most crucial preventative maintenance items for keeping yourself, your passengers, and your car safe on the road. Your vehicle’s brake components are not going to last forever, but you can keep them properly maintained to preserve their usefulness and make sure they keep performing at their best. A faulty brake system can reduce your safety on the road and can cause other serious problems and expensive damages to your vehicle. Working brakes are essential to keeping safe on the road and could even be the difference between life and death.

Most brakes will lose their effectiveness after 25,000 miles, but factors like quality of the brake pad, braking habits, and the temperature can all have a significant impact on how long your car’s brakes last. Unlike oil changes or other maintenance items that are performed at regular intervals, a brake inspection is recommended once every six months or at the same time tire rotation service is performed. There are some steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your brakes by adapting your driving style to reduce the strain on your brakes.

Follow These Steps to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Slow Down

The way you drive can affect your brakes. Speeding up and then slamming on the brakes will wear your brakes out faster than anything. The faster you’re driving, the more effort is needed by the braking system to bring your car to a stop. Bring your vehicle to a smooth and gradual stop.

Lose the Extra Weight

Having excessive weight in your vehicle has an impact on the brake pads. Having heavy equipment in the vehicle places an additional burden and pressure on the brakes, and the brakes will need to work harder to come to a stop. Only carry the essential items in your car; it’ll be easier on the brakes as well as the tires and fuel, too.

Use One Foot for the Brakes

Never press on the brake pedal with your left foot while pushing the gas with your right foot at the same time. This is known as brake riding and can quickly wear down the brake pads and warp the brake rotors. When traveling downhill, put the car in a lower gear, then apply the brakes with light pressure when needed to slow down safely. This will help maintaining the quality of your brakes. If you don’t want to end up going to a repair shop for premature brake services, change your driving habits, and use only one foot when driving.

Regular Maintenance

In order to make your brakes last as long as possible, it’s crucial to keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule. This will include checking brake fluid and conducting regular brakes fluid flush, examine brakes pad for wear, and regular brake inspection performed by mechanics at an auto repair shop. Getting regular brake services from your mechanic will keep the brake system in optimal working condition.

Maintaining your brake system and smart driving will help keep you safe on the road and increase the lifespan of your brake pads, saving you a lot of money on costly brake repairs. These helpful tips can help you to increase your brake’s longevity, improve your fuel efficiency, and save you tons of money.

What to Do if You Have a Flat Tire

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 20:03:14 GMT

Getting a flat tire — whenever it is — is always a huge inconvenience.

You were going about your day and suddenly “boom!” You pull over to check the damage and notice your tire is flat. Now what? One thing you should not do when you get a flat tire is to continue driving. Without a proper tire, you can seriously damage your wheel, which will cause the need for a tire replacement. A flat tire is caused by either a puncture, tire failure, damage to the valve system, excessive wear and tear, separation of tire and rim, or a blowout due to the tire’s over- or under-inflation. Changing a flat tire will be easier if you are preparing for the inevitable.

Many people don’t know how to change a flat tire and don’t even think about the situation until their stranded on the side of the road. We no longer need to wait on the side of the road and hope someone will stop to help. Technology has offered us plenty of assistance to help us feel less frustrated. From tutorials and videos online to roadside assistance services, you can safely have your flat tire repaired and be back on your way.

Tell-Tale Signs That Your Tire Is Flat

• Difficulty accelerating

• A dragging feeling on the affected side of the car

• A popping or leaking sound

• Inaccurate or delayed handling when changing lanes, taking curves, or turning

What to Do About a Flat Tire

The first thing you should do when you get a flat tire is to stop driving and pull over to a safe area away from traffic. Never drive on the flat any further than necessary. You will destroy any chance of repairing the tire and may damage your wheel in the process. Turn on your hazards to warn other motorists of an issue and to allow your vehicle to be visible at night. Then, get out of your car and inspect your tires to figure out which tire is flat, or if more than one tire is affected. Once you have done that, you can either try to change the flat tire with a spare tire if you are capable. You will need a car jack, tire wrench, and of course your spare tire.

A spare tire, unless it is a full-size spare, should not be permanently left on your car. It should only be used to get your vehicle safely to the nearest auto repair shop so that a mechanic can easily fix your flat tire, or if the tire was damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to buy a new tire. If you are unable to change your tire, call an emergency roadside assistance company that provides services 24/7 for drivers who have car troubles in less than ideal times and places.

A flat tire needs to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Regular spare tires are not meant to be driven long distances. These tires should be driven on for no more than 70 miles. Prepare for a flat before it happens, and you will be back on the road in no time. Your tires have a finite lifespan, so it's important to properly maintain your tires with regular tire services, inspect your tires for signs of deterioration and the need for new tires, and to adequately take care of a flat tire if it does occur.

How to Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:02:24 GMT

Owning a vehicle in today’s modern society is a fundamental necessity.

However, there is one element about vehicle ownership that frustrates most of us. Although auto repairs and maintenance service can be frazzling, the constant rise in the price of fuel is one of the biggest issues for motorists. As gas prices remain high, improving your car’s mileage is crucial. You want to utilize every possible way of stretching a tank of gas further and reduce the number of times you must fill up per month. Regardless of what car you drive, you can always use a little extra money at the end of the month, and cutting back your gas expenses is a great way to do so.

There are many tips that you can implement to help increase your mileage and save money on gas. Cars run their best and consume less fuel when they are well maintained. Below are a few ways to keep your car in peak condition and improve your fuel economy.

Our Recommended Steps to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Reduce Excess Weight

Extra weight in your vehicle reduces your gas mileage. Weight in your car causes the engine to work harder to move the car, which increases the amount of fuel required for operation. If you’re carrying a lot of weight, lightening the load can help you get a mile or two more per gallon. Don’t carry around items you don’t need. Removing unnecessary items from your car will reduce your car’s weight and can reduce fuel consumption by 1-2%.

Get Regular Tune-Ups

Routine maintenance services such as regular oil changes, air-filter changes, and spark plug replacements will lengthen the life of your vehicle as well as improve fuel economy and minimize emissions. You should follow the schedule in your owner’s manual for tune-ups, preventative maintenance, and other services your vehicle needs to stay effective.

Properly Inflate Tires

The easiest way to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption is to inflate your tires to the right pressure. Under-inflated tires result in your engine using more gas to move the car. Your tires should be inflated to the pressure indicated in your owner’s manual for the best balance between gas mileage and traction. Under-inflated tires by 10 PSI per tire can cost you 5 MPG or more.

Alter Your Driving Style

One of the best ways to improve fuel consumption is to maintain a consistent speed while driving. Constantly slowing down and speeding up can increase your fuel consumption by over 10 percent. Don't accelerate quickly or stomp on the brakes — coast to a stop. This will give you savings on fuel as well as wear and tear on your brakes. Turn off your engine when you are parked or stalled for a while. These driving styles will keep your vehicle from consuming excessive fuel.

By altering your driving style and maintaining your vehicle, you will notice an improvement in fuel economy. You don’t need a fuel-efficient car to save on gas. There is plenty you can do to increase your gas mileage. By using these tips, you can save money at the gas pump. Keep in mind that taking your car in for regular check-ups and tune-ups, and auto repairs will also save you a great deal of money and keep your vehicle working effectively. A car that doesn’t run at its optimum performance level can cost you a lot in the long run.

How to Inspect Your Tires

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 18:42:39 GMT

Your car’s tires are a huge part of your driving experience and a crucial component of the safe performance of your vehicle.

Tires are the car's connection to the road. They help you to accelerate, brake, and keep your car under control. A good set of tires can make the difference between a safe, smooth ride and a dangerous vehicle on the road. On the other hand, bad tires can wear out the car and reduce gas mileage by requiring more effort to do its job. Faulty tires can also cause other problems with your car. Wheel alignment, suspension, tire balancing, and brakes can all be affected by the condition of your tires.

Tire failure can be catastrophic. According to recent studies, an estimated 11,000 car crashes per year are caused by tire failure. These accidents were as a result of worn-out tire tread, under-inflated tires, and blowouts. Taking time to properly care for your vehicle with routine tire inspections and car maintenance is important. You should perform a tire inspection at least once a month and more regularly if you live in a colder climate, drive long distances regularly, or drive over bumpy roads.

The Tire Safety Inspection Process

Check Tread Depth

The correct tread depth of your tires makes sure you have enough traction to grip the road. Doing a penny test by placing a penny upside down in your tread is a simple way to test your tread depth. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it may be time for new tires. Worn out tread makes your vehicle unsafe and can also keep it from handling as well as it should. Tread wear indicator bars are also molded into the tires to help you keep track of your tire wear. If the tread wear bar is flush with the ribs of the tire, you need new tires.

Check Tire Pressure

Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are properly inflated. The ideal pressure for your vehicle’s tires can be found inside the driver’s side door of your vehicle or your vehicle’s owner manual. Maintaining the correct tire pressure keeps you safer on the road. Be sure to check every tire to make sure they are all inflated to the correct PSI. Compare this to your vehicle’s recommended inflation pressure.

Check the Sidewalls

Examine the sidewalls of your tires for bulges, cracking, scrapes, and gouges. Cracking happens when the rubber on your tires begins to degrade from exposure and normal wear. Bulges and cracks could mean that tire failure is imminent, and it’s time to replace your tires.

Wheel alignment, tire rotation, and tire balancing are also important for your tires to be effective. Also, keep an eye on your tires’ age. Your tires can last for up to four to five years. Keeping your tires maintained is not only quick and easy, it keeps you safe and can save you money. Visit our tire shop to assess your tires and ensure your safety and your vehicle's longevity. If your tires are worn or out of commission, so is your car. If your tires show any signs of wear or damage, have them professionally inspected by our technicians to see if you need to have them repaired or replaced.