Precision Auto Repair | Albertville, Minnesota

info on common car care problems, maintenance and repairs

Car Won’t Accelerate

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If when you are driving and you press the gas pedal on your car and you notice a delay before the car speeds up, the problem is most likely your transmission.

Transmissions are nothing to mess around with, and so if this is the symptom your car is displaying, it’s best to get it into a reputable auto repair shop right away to further evaluate.

Other signs of a failing transmission are:

Slipping Gears

When you are driving along and it feels like your car suddenly moves into another (often lower) gear resulting in a high pitched whining noise or a change in engine noise (often higher)

Rough Shifting

When your car sounds like it won’t change gears automatically like it typically does when driving, or if those automatic gear changes feel really rough or make a noise like a “thud” or a “clunk”

Fluid Leak

Healthy transmissions don’t leak fluid, so if you see bright red or dark red or brown fluid leaking from the front of your car, it’s your transmission and needs service right away

Warning Light

If any of the symptoms listed above are happening in your car AND the check engine light is on or comes on (or you see “Error 0007”, your car needs immediate attention by a professional mechanic or auto repair technician.

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Scheduled Maintenance

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Many of us have good intentions of following the recommended maintenance schedule when we buy a new car. Whether brand new or new to us, it’s easy to have good intentions when it comes to car maintenance, but we often become complacent or listen to others who like to share their wisdom when it comes to car maintenance.

People often ask us what car maintenance services are really necessary and when should car maintenance be done.

The answer is really pretty clear and simple:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine when you should have specific maintenance done, and make sure that you follow the scheduled laid out for you in your owner’s manual as closely as possible.

Properly maintained automobiles are safer and stay on the road longer. If you are unsure of what scheduled maintenance should be done when, give us a call! We’d be happy to help you out. Additionally, if you are a Precision customer, we will have all of the records necessary to let you know when your last services were done and what is coming up, PLUS send you an email when scheduled services are coming due.

Extend the life of your car and avoid costly and unexpected repairs with proper and regular maintenance. It’s much easier and less expensive than waiting until your car is breaks down.

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Oil Change Light

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Every type of engine needs oil, and modern automobile engines are no different. Today’s vehicles are designed and built to use oils that meet very specific industry and manufacturer standards. When using the right type of oil and changing at the right intervals can help extend the life of your car. Additionally, failing to use the right type of oil and not documenting its use can void a new car warranty.

There are two main types of oils used in most cars today:

  • Synthetic-blend oils
    Full-synthetic oils

Learn more about synthetic vs conventional oils.

The right oil for your car must have the correct SAE viscosity grade, meet performance and regulatory stands, and comply with the manufacturer’s specifications. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or online (search by vehicle, made, model and year).

Vehicle age, type of oil used and driving conditions combine to determine proper oil change intervals. While 3,000 miles used to be the norm, that is no longer the case with newer cars. Some cars recommend intervals of 5,000 or 7,500 miles. Full-synthetic oils can also extend the time between oil changes for those cars that recommend full-synthetic oil.

You cannot judge oil condition by color. The best protocol is to follow your car or truck’s factory maintenance schedule for oil changes.

Oil Change Intervals: Older Cars

Older cars typically have oil change intervals based on mileage, and have two maintenance schedules, one for cars driven in “normal” operation and another for those used in “severe service.” The latter category involves operating your car under one or more of the following conditions:

  • Primarily short trips (5 miles or less)
  • Extremely hot, cold, or dusty climates
  • Sustained stop-and-go driving
  • Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer

If your vehicle use falls under the severe service definition in your owner’s manual, you will use the more frequent schedule provided by your manufacturer. If your usage is normal, be sure that you aren’t changing the oil TOO frequently.

Oil Change Intervals: Newer Cars

The best way to determine when you need your oil changed in a newer car is to simply pay attention to the oil-life monitoring system in your car. Early systems in cars were time and mileage based, but newer vehicles have systems that can actually analyze vehicle operating conditions to identify when the oil first begins to degrade.

Whether you or a service technician at your local auto shop change your oil, reset the oil-life monitoring system by following the instructions in your owner’s manual.

Still Check Oil Monthly

It is still important to check your oil levels monthly. Failure to do so can result in damage due to low oil will not be covered by a new car warranty.

Low Mileage

If you do not drive your vehicle often, most manufacturer’s recommend an oil change every 12 months, even if the maintenance reminder light has not come on.

Precision Auto Oil Change Services

• Oil Change
• Reset Oil-Life Monitoring System
• Digital Maintenance Inspection
• Check and refill all fluids
• Check tires

Precision Auto features Mobil1 oils and also carries a full line of national brand oils.

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My Car Won’t Start

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What if my car won’t start? If a car that previously ran fine suddenly won’t start, chances are it’s your battery. Here are some symptoms of a dead battery:

  • You turn the key and nothing happens
  • You turn the key and hear a clicking noise but nothing else

There are 2 reasons why a car’s battery fails:

1. The battery is discharged (does not have enough energy to start the car).
2. A poor connection between the battery and the cable clamps.

If the battery is discharged, then often attaching jumper cables will resolve the problem, assuming the battery can recharge. If it dies again in a short period of time, the battery needs to be replaced.

Signs of a poor connection are corrosion or loose cables. You can clean the corrosion with baking soda and water. If the cables are loose or not in good shape, they should be replaced immediately.

Average life of a car battery is 4 years. It can last even less in extreme climates. Below are some tips to keep your battery running longer:

  • Keep your battery clean. A dirty battery runs hot and that can shorten its life.
  • Short trips here and there often prevent your battery from fully recharging, which will also shorten its life. We recommend using a good quality automatic battery charger at home. Charge your battery once a month during the hot summer months and once every three months or so during the cold winter months.
  • Running your battery down will shorten its life. Activities like playing DVD’s or leaving the headlights on while the car is not running will deplete the battery. Most batteries will only survive a few of these deep drains before dying.

We will follow the manufacturer’s specifications when replacing your battery, typically with one that is the manufacturer’s equivalent or better.

Precision Auto Repair battery replacement services include:

  • Napa Legend Battery (including parts and labor): $162.08 (most vehicles)
  • 18 month free replacement
  • 75 month pro rated replacement cost
  • Clean terminals / apply protectant
  • Inspect the battery hold down, etc
  • Fluid check

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My Car Won’t Stay On

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Why will my car start, but not stay on?

Whenever there are issues with your car not starting or staying on, the first thing you should do is check the battery. If you review these steps and have determined it is not the battery, there are a few other likely causes:

  • Crankshaft position sensor
  • MAF sensor
  • Fuel pump relay
  • Ignition coil
  • Wiring harness fault

If your car will not start or stay on and it is NOT the battery, your car should be serviced by a qualified service technician.

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