2021
Auto Advice For St. Paul Consumers
St. Paul, AB: When Should I Get My Car Battery Replaced?
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(Posted on Mar 25, 2021 at 03:57PM by Laurel Steele)
The average car battery can last about four years before it needs to be replaced. However, constant exposure to cold weather - something St. Paul residents are well acquainted with - can significantly reduce its lifespan.While the most obvious sign of a fully depleted battery is when the car can't turn on, there are other symptoms that may indicate you should visit the mechanic before you find yourself stranded.
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Signs Your Car May Need a Battery Replacement:Â
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1. The vehicle has to be frequently jump started
2. The battery works some days but not others
3. Difficulty starting the car in cold weather
4. The engine cranks, but the car won’t start
5. The car’s headlights and interior lights don't turn on
2. The battery works some days but not others
3. Difficulty starting the car in cold weather
4. The engine cranks, but the car won’t start
5. The car’s headlights and interior lights don't turn on
If you think your car may need a battery replacement, get in touch with the team at St. Paul Dodge, Also, check out our other car maintenance services.
St. Paul, AB: Signs Your Car May Need its Tires Rotated
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(Posted on Mar 18, 2021 at 11:29PM by Laurel Steele)
All tires need to be rotated periodically, especially new ones. While the general recommendation is every 8,000 km, there are signs to look for that might indicate that you should head to the mechanic sooner.It’s common for front wheels to loose grip faster than those in the rear. If you observe notable or irregular tread wear on specific tires, it can be a sign that it’s time to have them rotated.
If you experience vehicle vibration when traveling over 45 mph, it could mean a tire imbalance or, again, uneven wear.
Should you find that one tire is slowly losing air - while the others remain steadfast - it could be the result of an imbalance putting more pressure on a particular wheel.
If you think your vehicle’s tires should be rotated, get in touch with our team at St. Paul Dodge. We’re also happy to assist you with any other car maintenance needs.
St. Paul, AB: Signs That There May Be Something Wrong With Your Car's Suspension
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(Posted on Mar 10, 2021 at 11:03PM by Laurel Steele)
Composed of ball joints, springs, shock absorbers, and various other parts, your vehicle’s suspension is an intricate system that influences numerous functions, including handling and traversing uneven surfaces. With so many pieces working in tandem, it’s not unusual for issues or damage to occur over a car’s lifetime.To avoid major repair bills, look for these suspension problem indicators:
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- Difficulty steering under normal driving situations
-Â Overly bumpy rides across usual surfaces
-Â A noticeable pull or drift to the left or right
-Â An apparent imbalance of weight distribution when parked
-Â Excessive bouncing after bumps
-Â Lurching forward when braking
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-Â Overly bumpy rides across usual surfaces
-Â A noticeable pull or drift to the left or right
-Â An apparent imbalance of weight distribution when parked
-Â Excessive bouncing after bumps
-Â Lurching forward when braking
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If you’re observing any of these issues with your car or have traveled over 70,000 miles, it’s time to visit St. Paul Dodge. Contact our team today or schedule an appointment online. You can also check out our other available services here.
St. Paul AB: When Should I Get My Car Filter Replaced?
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(Posted on Mar 1, 2021 at 11:58PM by Laurel Steele)
A car filter ensures that your vehicle runs smoothly and safely, by preventing contaminants from making their way into the engine.  When this essential part becomes too dirty, it can result in extra money at the pump or more serious problems if you’re not careful.Vehicles will display a number of signs when the filter has reached its limit, the most obvious being the Service Engine light. Other indicators may include reduced horsepower and efficiency.
Also lookout for difficulty starting the car or strange engine sounds. Lastly, if you notice black smoke or flames coming out of your exhaust pipe, it’s definitely time to visit a mechanic.
To avoid these worrying signs, it’s best to have your vehicle's filter routinely replaced every 12 months or 15,000 to 25,000 km, depending on which comes first.Â
Fortunately, the team at St. Paul Dodge is here to help with all of your car filter needs. Schedule an appointment today and check out our other maintenance services.
AB: How Do I Know if My Car's Spark Plugs Need to Be Replaced?
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(Posted on Feb 18, 2021 at 08:31PM by Laurel Steele)
Regardless of whether you drive a RAM, Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler, the Service Center team at St. Paul Dodge is here to help with your car maintenance needs. That includes your vehicle’s spark plugs.Though small, this simple device is an essential component to getting a car running. When you start your vehicle, the spark plug will provide - you guessed it - a spark, which ignites the fuel, enabling the engine to spring into action. If this crucial electrical part is malfunctioning, it could mean serious trouble.
There are a number of indicators that suggest a car might require a spark plug replacement, such as poor acceleration, difficulty starting the vehicle, and decreased fuel efficiency. Seeing the dreaded ‘service engine’ light pop up is also a sign that you should consult the experts at St. Paul Dodge.
Of course, you don’t need to wait for your vehicle to display problems to get a car checkup. Schedule an appointment today at the St. Paul Dodge Service Center.
