Auto Advice For St. Paul Consumers
Tire Rotation Service for Ram 1500 Trucks in Two Hills
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(Posted on Mar 27, 2022 at 02:00PM by Michelle Bogle)
Tire rotations are an essential element for the regular upkeep and safety of Ram 1500 trucks; however, it’s a common maintenance item that’s easy to overlook. If you haven’t had your truck’s tires rotated in the last 8,000-12,000 km, book your Ram 1500 in for service at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta.Tire rotation is a critical part of routine maintenance for various reasons:
1. Extends Tread Life
Rotating the Ram 1500’s tires regularly ensures that wear is distributed equally across all four wheels, which extends the life of the tread. Since each position on your vehicle necessitates a different amount of traction from each tire, this can result in uneven rubber wear.
2. Improves Traction
Even tread wear ensures consistent tread depths, thus providing consistent traction and handling across all four tires. This enhances the Ram 1500’s cornering and braking performance, but it is also essential to your safety.
3. Reduces Strain
Evenly worn tires minimize loads on 4x4-equipped Ram 1500 trucks, which extends the life of drivetrain components and wards off expensive repairs.
When you visit our Service Department at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta, our team will complete a thorough tire inspection to look for uneven wear or any other issues. We will also check your tire tread depth and ensure proper pressure so that you can drive safely and with confidence.
To book your Ram 1500 service visit, contact us today.
Battery Inspections for Ram 1500 Trucks in Elk Point
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(Posted on Mar 21, 2022 at 12:35AM by Michelle Bogle)
A properly functioning battery is necessary for the safe operation of your Ram 1500. Not only does it supply power to the starter and ignition, but it provides extra energy when your truck's load requirements exceed the supply from the charging system. The battery is also a voltage stabilizer for your vehicle's electrical system. Simply put, it is an essential component of your Ram 1500.Generally, batteries begin to fail around the three-year point. And, when that does happen, you'll know from these warning signs:
• Hard starting, slow cranking
• History of charging or electrical system concerns
• Battery cables in poor condition
• Bulging or deformed battery container
• Loose battery terminals
• Leaking battery fluid
At St. Paul Dodge in Alberta, our factory-trained technicians will test your Ram 1500's battery at your next service appointment and record the findings to ensure that you don't experience a failure when you least expect it. Our team will also perform a visual inspection of the battery and its connections to look for signs of wear. If you need a replacement, we can recommend the right battery for your truck.
To book your Ram 1500 maintenance appointment, contact our Service Department today.
Spark Plug Replacements for Ram 1500 Trucks in St. Paul
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(Posted on Mar 14, 2022 at 02:05PM by Michelle Bogle)
Most drivers don't think twice about the spark plugs in their gas-powered trucks – including the Ram 1500 – but these small parts play an essential role in how a vehicle functions. Unfortunately, over time, they can wear out and require replacement – and without properly working spark plugs, internal combustion within the engine is near impossible.  Want to know what to look out for? Here are some spark plug warning signs from our Technicians at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta:
Your truck won't start
If your gas tank is full and your battery is in good working order, but your Ram 1500 won't start, your spark plugs may be the issue. This part is responsible for producing an electric spark to start the ignition and is a simple and inexpensive fix.Â
Your truck engine misfires
If your Ram 1500's engine misfires, it could be a sign that the spark plug wire is damaged. This is often characterized by sputtering sounds from the engine. If it is left to misfire, exhaust emissions will increase, engine power will decrease, and fuel efficiency will drop.Â
Your truck gets poor gas mileage Â
A faulty spark plug is often the reason for inadequate fuel economy in trucks. Simply replacing this part according to your Ram 1500's maintenance schedule will significantly improve gas mileage.
Your truck is slow to accelerate
A spark plug is made of materials that work together to produce a spark hot enough to ignite the air-fuel mixture. When those materials wear out, the plug's effectiveness is reduced, which significantly impacts acceleration.
For more auto advice for ensuring your Ram 1500's performance, contact our Service Department today to speak with an advisor at St. Paul Dodge in AB.
Dodge Anti-lock Brake System Maintenance and Repair in Grand Centre
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(Posted on Feb 21, 2022 at 02:00PM by Michelle Bogle)
The Anti-lock Brake System – also known as ABS – is a critical safety feature on Dodge vehicles. This system maintains precise handling while navigating on a slippery surface. It keeps the wheels spinning properly by quickly engaging and disengaging the discs in rapid succession. This allows for smooth stoppage and it helps to avoid a sudden loss in traction. If your ABS light is on, you’ll want to schedule a service appointment at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta. The illuminated light indicates that the system has become deactivated due to a malfunction.
Your regular brakes will still work as promised, but the anti-lock feature that prevents your wheels from locking while stopping will not function. Stability control and traction control will also be disabled since they use the same wheel-speed sensors as the anti-lock system (and this will greatly compromise performance on winter roads).Â
A malfunctioning ABS has several causes, but it’s usually a result of these five things:
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• A blown fuseÂ
• A damaged or dirty wheel-speed sensorÂ
• A broken sensor wire
• A controller that has stopped working
• A faulty brake fluid pump or valveÂ
• A damaged or dirty wheel-speed sensorÂ
• A broken sensor wire
• A controller that has stopped working
• A faulty brake fluid pump or valveÂ
The best way to diagnose the problem is to bring your new Dodge to our Service Department for an inspection. Our experienced Technicians will complete a thorough examination of your vehicle and address the issue with the appropriate repair or replacement part.Â
Drive safely this winter. Contact our team at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta to book an appointment and have your brakes inspected.Â
Dodge Fuel Pump Maintenance in Smoky Lake
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(Posted on Feb 17, 2022 at 05:59PM by Michelle Bogle)
For the average motorist, they may not know anything about their fuel pump (or that their Dodge is even equipped with one) until it breaks down. But, a fuel pump plays an important role – it injects gas into the engine so that a car can run. If this part is faulty or malfunctioning, you won’t get very far. To avoid an unexpected breakdown, here are some warning signs from our Technicians at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta:
Engine SputtersÂ
If your fuel pump cannot inject a consistent stream of gas, the engine will sputter at high speeds.
Surging
If you find your vehicle coasting at a consistent speed, then suddenly surging forward without depressing the gas pedal, this could be a sign of irregular resistance within the fuel pump’s motor.
High Temperature
A faulty fuel pump will often signal an issue by raising the temperature gauge to a higher heat, which can cause a vehicle to stall.
Loss of PowerÂ
Climbing hills or heavy payloads can put a strain on a vehicle. If your fuel pump is deteriorating, it will have a difficult time supplying gas to the engine, leading to a breakdown.
Bad Fuel Economy
If your Dodge guzzles fuel, it could mean that your pump’s relief valve is faulty, causing more gas to unnecessarily flow into the engine.
Vehicle Won’t Start
If you turn the ignition and hear the engine crank and rev but never catch, this could be from low pressure in the gas line resulting from a faulting fuel pump.
Never leave fuel pump issues left unfixed. Instead, schedule a service appointment at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta to give your vehicle the care it deserves.
Dodge Timing Belt Replacements in Vermilion
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(Posted on Feb 8, 2022 at 04:01PM by Michelle Bogle)
If you hear an abnormal squeaking coming from under your hood – or worse, your Dodge won’t start – you could be having an issue with your vehicle’s timing belt. This component is a rubber sash with teeth that mesh with the mating sprockets. Its job is to maintain crankshaft-to-camshaft synchronization, ensuring the proper timing and operation of the engine and its valves.The best way to avoid a breakdown from a failed timing belt is by keeping up with your vehicle’s regular maintenance at St. Paul Dodge’s Service Department in Alberta. Like other automotive parts, timing belts have recommended replacement intervals in your Owner’s Guide. If this service is not completed at the suggested interval, the belt can break and cause significant engine damage.
When you have the timing belt replaced on your Dodge, our qualified service technicians can also inspect other vital components, such as the water pump, timing belt sprockets and tension pulleys. If these parts are failing or about to fail, we can replace them at the same time to ensure your vehicle’s optimal performance.
Don’t ignore abnormal sounds coming from under your hood. Book an appointment with St. Paul Dodge in AB today.
Wheel Alignment Service for Dodge Vehicles in Vegreville
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(Posted on Feb 8, 2022 at 03:33PM by Michelle Bogle)
Proper wheel alignment is critical for keeping your Dodge operating safely on Alberta roads. However, it can be an overlooked maintenance issue that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. We see it repeatedly in our Service Department at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta – drivers whose cars are misaligned, yet they are unaware of how easy it is to fix.Not sure what to look out for? Here are four telltale signs that your vehicle is overdue for a wheel alignment service:
1. Off-centred steering wheel: If you’re driving down a level road, your steering wheel should be sitting straight and return to the centre after each turn. If not, your alignment needs correcting.
2. Vehicle pull: If you’re driving along a flat surface and notice your vehicle pulling to the left or right, your Dodge’s alignment is skewed and needs addressing.
3. Abnormal tire wear: An adequately aligned vehicle should have even tire wear across all four tires. If you notice wear on the inside and outside edges or feathering and scalloping, that means your alignment needs adjusting.Â
4. Loose handling: If your Dodge’s steering feels loose and unstable or the vehicle lacks steering control around turns, a wheel alignment service can fix this problem.Â
Improper alignment not only alters your vehicle’s drivability, but it wears out your tires and reduces your safety. To book an inspection with our Service Department, contact our team at St. Paul Dodge in AB today.
Book a Fuel Filter Change For Your Ram in Bonnyville
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(Posted on Jan 24, 2022 at 02:00PM by Michelle Bogle)
Whether you drive your Ram for business or pleasure, there’s no reason to settle for less-than-stellar performance. Hard starts, rough idles and stalls are a waste of time and frustration. These symptoms are also a sign that your truck is due for a fuel filter change from St. Paul Dodge’s Service Department in Alberta.Engine filters are often a forgotten maintenance item, but they are too critical of a component to be ignored. Filters screen dirt and debris to stop contaminants from entering the fuel system. If you drive too long with a clogged filter, you can experience:
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• Poor economy: Contaminants block the filter and impede airflow.
• Engine misfires: Debris prevents the engine from getting enough fuel.
• Fuel system failures: Pumps break down when pushing fuel through dirty filters.
• Noisy operation: Fuel pumps function loudly when the filter is clogged.
• Engine misfires: Debris prevents the engine from getting enough fuel.
• Fuel system failures: Pumps break down when pushing fuel through dirty filters.
• Noisy operation: Fuel pumps function loudly when the filter is clogged.
To keep your truck performing in top condition, be sure to follow your Ram’s scheduled maintenance as outlined in your Owner’s Guide.
Contact our Service Department today to find out your model’s recommended fuel filter change interval or to book a maintenance appointment.
Schedule a Ram Transmission Flush in Two Hills
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(Posted on Jan 23, 2022 at 05:32PM by Michelle Bogle)
It’s a sequence of worrisome indications as you drive to the job site only to hear grinding and whining noises coming from under the hood. Your Ram is slipping gears, and you have trouble getting into reverse. The engine is also running hot and revving high. It can only mean one thing – your truck is due for a transmission flush from St. Paul Dodge’s Service Department in Alberta.Transmission fluid plays an important role in the proper function of your Ram. Not only is it a lubricant, but it serves as a hydraulic fluid that facilitates gear shifts, cools the transmission and greases moving parts. If you drive in high-stress conditions, haul heavy loads or regularly tow, the fluid deteriorates faster, requiring a flush. Transmission fluid can also accumulate debris and particles and requires changing to avoid mechanical problems.
When you bring your Ram in for service at St. Paul Dodge, our factory-trained technicians will inspect your transmission to determine the condition of the fluid and whether it’s time for a replacement. If a flush is necessary, all deteriorated transmission fluid will be cleared from the system and re-filled, ensuring all debris and build-up is removed. This service will restore your Ram’s performance for the winter and ensure smooth shifting and gear transitions for the road ahead.
Contact our team today to schedule an appointment.
Winter Maintenance for Ram Trucks in Elk Point
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(Posted on Jan 17, 2022 at 03:11AM by Michelle Bogle)
Alberta drivers are no strangers to wicked winter weather, slick roads and plummeting temperatures, but it can come as a shock to vehicles. To keep your Ram 1500, 2500 or 3500 from St. Paul Dodge in top shape during the colder months, follow this winter maintenance checklist to safeguard your truck from the harsh weather ahead.Â
1. Protect the Exterior of Your Ram: Don’t let car washes fall to the wayside during winter. Keeping the exterior clean will remove road salt from the body, which is a known cause of corrosion.
2. Change the Oil: Better winter performance starts with switching from conventional to synthetic oil, which flows better in low temperatures, making it easier to start the engine.
3. Maintain Your Ram’s Battery: The heat of summer takes a toll on batteries, causing them to fail come winter. To avoid being stranded, have your battery inspected and tested regularly and replaced when required.
4. Prioritize Visibility: Your Ram’s lighting systems and windshield wipers ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Be sure to replace your wiper blades to ensure their performance and change any exterior light bulbs that are burnt out.
5. Inspect Your Ram’s Tires: To ensure the most traction on slick surfaces, inspect your tires for sufficient tread depth and check that the tires are properly inflated with the correct pressure. Consider equipping the Ram with winter tires too.
2. Change the Oil: Better winter performance starts with switching from conventional to synthetic oil, which flows better in low temperatures, making it easier to start the engine.
3. Maintain Your Ram’s Battery: The heat of summer takes a toll on batteries, causing them to fail come winter. To avoid being stranded, have your battery inspected and tested regularly and replaced when required.
4. Prioritize Visibility: Your Ram’s lighting systems and windshield wipers ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Be sure to replace your wiper blades to ensure their performance and change any exterior light bulbs that are burnt out.
5. Inspect Your Ram’s Tires: To ensure the most traction on slick surfaces, inspect your tires for sufficient tread depth and check that the tires are properly inflated with the correct pressure. Consider equipping the Ram with winter tires too.
For more auto advice for ensuring your Ram’s performance in winter weather, contact our Service Department today to speak with an advisor.
