Auto Advice For St. Paul Consumers
Maximize Uptime with Ram Truck Maintenance in St. Paul
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(Posted on Jan 10, 2022 at 02:50PM by Michelle Bogle)
Whether you use your truck for daily driving or it’s an integral part of a commercial fleet, you have little room in your busy schedule to deal with downtime. This winter, keep your Ram 1500, 2500 or 3500 in optimal shape by servicing it with the pros at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta.Here are four tips to maximize your Ram’s uptime during the colder months:
Check Your Battery
Cold engines require more battery power to start a truck, and frosty temperatures can make it difficult for batteries to hold a charge. Keep your Ram’s battery in top condition by having it inspected to ensure its performance all winter long.
Use a Block Heater
To lessen the power drain on the battery when starting the engine in the morning, plug your Ram’s block heater in to maintain the engine’s temperature overnight.
Gas Up
It can be tempting to ride on empty, but condensation can build in the fuel tank, causing fuel lines to freeze when the mercury drops. Instead, always keep your tank at least half full to avoid getting stranded.
Use the Right Fuel
Cold temperatures can cause fuel to gel, fuel lines to freeze, and plug filters with build-up. Always fill up with seasonally appropriate fuel and consider adding recommended additives for reliable performance.
Give your Ram the attention it deserves with regular maintenance from our experts at St. Paul Dodge in AB. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
If you are looking for ways to extend the life of your Jeep, you have come to the right place. At St. Paul Dodge in Alberta, our Service Department provides regularly scheduled maintenance to keep your SUV running in top condition and ward off any sudden repairs.Here are four tips from our Technicians to get the most years of driving enjoyment out of your Jeep:
1. Check your fluids
Your SUV features numerous parts and components, including the engine, brakes, transmission and power steering. To run their best, many of the systems in your vehicle rely on fluids or oils to operate. If they are dirty, contaminated or low, these critical components cannot function well and can fail. A regular inspection of your fluids will help extend the life of your Jeep and its parts.
2. Replace your timing belt
Most newer vehicles use a timing belt to prevent pistons and valves from colliding. If this part is worn, it could fail and damage the engine. Your Jeep Owner's Guide outlines the specific maintenance interval for timing belt replacements. Follow the service schedule to prolong the life of your engine.
3. Inspect your suspension system
A worn shock or strut will compromise your SUV’s performance by increasing your stopping distance, causing uneven tire wear and making for a bumpier ride. By replacing your shocks and struts as outlined in your Owner’s Guide, you will improve your vehicle's stability, maximize tire-to-road contact and extend the life of your Jeep.
4. Check your tires for proper inflation and wear
Uneven wear can put extra stress on your suspension, affect your alignment and cause premature tire replacement. Regular inspections, proper inflation and tire rotations can preserve the life of your rubber, promote even wear and achieve better fuel economy.
For more tips about extending the life of your Jeep with regular maintenance, contact our Service Department today to speak with an advisor.
Wintertime can wreak havoc on your Jeep's suspension system. Constant freezing and thawing cycles seep water into the pavement and cause cracks and potholes to form, which pose a threat to your SUV. There are also more rocks, debris and corrosive salt on the roads, creating wear and tear on an SUV's shocks and struts.To maintain your Jeep's smooth ride, contact our Service Department at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta if you notice any of these issues:
1. Bouncing
If every bump feels harsh and bouncy, this could be a sign that your shocks and struts need a tune-up.
2. Drifting or pulling through turns
A common issue with a failing suspension system is that the vehicle will drift or pull while turning. When this happens, the shocks are no longer keeping your Jeep's body stable against the centrifugal force of a turn, which can lead to a rollover.
3. Nose diving
If your shocks are worn, your Jeep may lurch forward into a downward nose-dive when coming to a stop, which can significantly increase your stopping distances.
4. Uneven tire treads
If you notice the tread is wearing unevenly or your tires have bald spots, your suspension is not applying even pressure to the four corners of your vehicle. This can lead to premature tire wear, poor traction and lower fuel economy.
5. Oily shocks
If your shocks or struts are oily or greasy, it could signify a leak, which requires immediate attention.
To learn more about Jeep suspension maintenance and repairs, contact our Service Department at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta to schedule an appointment.
Jeep Windshield Wiper Maintenance in Bonnyville
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(Posted on Dec 15, 2021 at 02:59PM by Michelle Bogle)
Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance and perimeter alarms are common vehicle safety systems. However, there is another component that Alberta drivers often neglect – and that is their wiper blades. Tasked with clearing rain, snow and debris from the windshield, wipers require regular maintenance to ensure their performance and good visibility.Here are some helpful tips from our Technicians at St. Paul Dodge to keep your Jeep's windshield wipers in top condition:
1. Do not use your wipers to clear ice and snow
It is tempting to clear heavy ice and snow from the windshield using the wipers, but this can damage the rubber blade, snap an arm or cause the motor to strain. Always defrost and scrape the glass before turning on the wipers.
2. Replace your blades every six months
A good rule of thumb is to change your blades two times a year (ideally in the spring and fall). If you don't, you may experience smearing, streaking, chattering or skipping as the wipers travel across the windshield.
3. Clean your windshield regularly
A dirty windshield will cause your wipers to work harder and wear down the rubber compounds a lot faster. When you fill-up at the gas station, give your windshield a quick clean to ensure better wiper blade performance.
4. Avoid running your wipers on dry glass
A dry windshield will cause the wiper blades to wear quicker. Always use washer fluid when turning on your wipers and keep the reservoir topped up.
To learn more about maintaining your Jeep's wiper blades, contact our Service Department at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta.
Scheduled Maintenance for Jeep SUVs in Two Hills
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(Posted on Dec 10, 2021 at 03:39PM by Michelle Bogle)
You made a wise purchase decision when you bought your Jeep. To ensure the most enjoyable ownership experience, give it the treatment it deserves by keeping it in top operating condition. By choosing to maintain your SUV with St. Paul Dodge's Service Department in AB, you can ward off unexpected repairs and enjoy added perks like better fuel efficiency and longevity.Here are three costly repairs that can be avoided with regular maintenance:
Engine failure
Replacing an engine can be very costly. Damage to this component is often related to a broken timing belt, a failed fuel or water pump, a broken alternator, a ruptured radiator hose, or a broken engine thermostat. Regular maintenance and engine inspections can spot a needed repair before it leads to failure or replacement.
Catalytic converter damage
The catalytic converter reduces harmful pollutants in your exhaust system. Damage can occur if the engine is poorly tuned, an oxygen sensor is faulty, or oil, coolant or excessive fuel enters the exhaust system. Keeping this component in good condition will also increase your fuel economy and avoid sudden repairs.
Rotor and drum damage
Brake pads and shoes wear out over time and can risk damaging your rotors or drums when they reach the metal-on-metal point. Regularly inspecting your brakes can ensure you have enough friction material on your pads and shoes to increase your stopping power and avoid unforeseen rotor or drum replacements.
To learn more, contact our Service Department at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta to speak with an advisor.
There is nothing worse than climbing into a truck after a long day of work to find the engine won’t start. In most cases, a faulty starter is to blame. While this is a relatively quick fix, there are warning signs that you can watch out for to catch the problem before you’re left stranded.Here are six indications that you should bring your Ram into St. Paul Dodge in AB for a service inspection:
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1. The engine won't turn over
If your Ram’s engine won’t ignite, the starter motor may be experiencing an electrical issue.
2. The starter engages but there’s no motor spin
If you turn the ignition and hear the starter activate, but the motor doesn’t crank over, there could be a problem with the gears connected to the flywheel.
3. Sporadic starting issues
Loose or dirty electrical connections can cause sporadic starting issues.
4. Grinding noises when starting the motor
Worn-out flywheel gears can create grinding noises when starting the motor. If left unaddressed, this can cause damage to the engine, which is a costly repair.
5. Dim interior lighting when starting the car
A short circuit in the starter motor’s wiring may cause interior lights to dim when turning on the truck by pulling extra current from the Ram’s other electrical systems to compensate for the issue.
6. Noticeable smoke when starting the motor
A malfunctioning starter can overheat and create smoke when continual power is being supplied to the component after the engine has already ignited.
If your Ram’s engine won’t ignite, the starter motor may be experiencing an electrical issue.
2. The starter engages but there’s no motor spin
If you turn the ignition and hear the starter activate, but the motor doesn’t crank over, there could be a problem with the gears connected to the flywheel.
3. Sporadic starting issues
Loose or dirty electrical connections can cause sporadic starting issues.
4. Grinding noises when starting the motor
Worn-out flywheel gears can create grinding noises when starting the motor. If left unaddressed, this can cause damage to the engine, which is a costly repair.
5. Dim interior lighting when starting the car
A short circuit in the starter motor’s wiring may cause interior lights to dim when turning on the truck by pulling extra current from the Ram’s other electrical systems to compensate for the issue.
6. Noticeable smoke when starting the motor
A malfunctioning starter can overheat and create smoke when continual power is being supplied to the component after the engine has already ignited.
Don’t ignore the warning signs of a faulty starter. Bring your Ram to our Service Department at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta for an inspection. Call us to book today.
Ram Cabin Air Filter Replacements in Cold Lake
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(Posted on Nov 19, 2021 at 03:39PM by Michelle Bogle)
Did you know that most modern vehicles are equipped with a cabin air filter to ensure a healthy cabin? With so many pollutants and allergens in the air, this component plays an important role by trapping dust, pollen, smoke and particles that filter through your truck’s HVAC system. Over time, these filters can get clogged, especially if your Ram drives through high-pollution or dirty areas.If you think you are due for a cabin air replacement, these tips from St. Paul Dodge in AB can help you spot (or sniff out) warning signs:
Poor airflow
A common concern associated with a clogged cabin air filter is poor airflow from the vehicle’s interior vents. A dirty filter cannot clean incoming air as effectively, resulting in restricted flow. This can also cause the air to blow with less force, reducing the overall cooling or heating capacity of a system and straining the blower motor.
Strange odours
When you turn on your Ram’s HVAC system, the air should smell fresh and odour-free. However, if your cabin air filter is clogged, it may smell dusty, dirty or musty. The scent may become more pronounced when the air is turned on, making it unpleasant for you and your passengers.
If you have concerns about your cabin air filter or wonder if you are due for a replacement, bring your Ram into our Service Department for an inspection.
To schedule an appointment, contact us today at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta.
Ram Exhaust System Maintenance in Grand Centre
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(Posted on Nov 15, 2021 at 01:51AM by Michelle Bogle)
Vehicles have a way of notifying us when there is an issue, and excessive exhaust smoke can point to engine troubles. If you notice black, white or bluish-grey smoke coming from your Ram’s exhaust system, it’s time to book a service appointment at St. Paul Dodge in AB to diagnose the problem.Here’s why:
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Black smoke can signify that your Ram’s air-to-fuel ratio is lower than it should be. A clogged fuel return line, stuck fuel pressure regulator or leaking fuel injectors are often the cause, but an inspection can uncover the exact issue.
White smoke can be harder to diagnose, especially in cold weather. However, if this problem persists year-round, it could mean there’s a coolant leak in the combustion chamber. A blown head gasket, cracked cylinder head or a fractured engine block could be the culprit, but an inspection is the best way to determine the cause and repair.
Bluish-grey smoke could mean that oil has leaked into the combustion chamber from faulty valve seals, a stuck PCV valve, worn piston rings or damaged cylinder walls. In most cases, your Ram’s engine will require disassembling to repair the problem.
White smoke can be harder to diagnose, especially in cold weather. However, if this problem persists year-round, it could mean there’s a coolant leak in the combustion chamber. A blown head gasket, cracked cylinder head or a fractured engine block could be the culprit, but an inspection is the best way to determine the cause and repair.
Bluish-grey smoke could mean that oil has leaked into the combustion chamber from faulty valve seals, a stuck PCV valve, worn piston rings or damaged cylinder walls. In most cases, your Ram’s engine will require disassembling to repair the problem.
Don’t let your Ram’s exhaust system suffer from a lack of regular maintenance. Instead, follow the service schedule outlined in your Owner’s Guide to ensure the optimal operation of your truck. To learn more, contact our Service Department in AB today.
When was the last time you had your Ram’s brake fluid flushed? If it has been two years or longer, you’ll want to bring your truck into St. Paul Dodge’s Service Department in Alberta to give it the attention it deserves.Made up of numerous parts and componentry, your braking system relies on fluid to activate the callipers and pads when you engage the brake pedal. The fluid travels to the braking system in each wheel and causes the pistons to apply pressure to the brakes. These forces then create friction, causing your Ram to stop.Â
Brake fluid also serves as a lubricant for all movable parts and prevents corrosion, which allows your braking systems to remain in optimal condition. Over time, valves can deteriorate and moisture can sneak into the lines, causing rust and sediment to form. As a result, the brake fluid becomes muddy-looking and dirty, which impacts your Ram’s stopping power.
To prevent brake failure and ensure your safety, it is recommended that you flush your Ram’s brake fluid according to the schedule outlined in your owner’s guide.
If you have questions related to your Ram’s brake maintenance, get in touch with our team today at St. Paul Dodge in Alberta.
Most drivers wait for their battery to die before they decide to replace it. But then they are left stranded and with a major inconvenience to deal with. Instead of leaving your Jeep’s reliable operation up to chance, have our service experts at St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Alberta provide the battery maintenance your vehicle needs to ensure its optimal performance.Here are three signs that your battery is due for replacement:
1. Your battery is old.
As batteries age, they grow weaker over time. Most car batteries will last from three to five years, so it’s best to replace them before they quit.
2. Your battery’s performance is fading.
If your headlights dim when you turn on your Jeep or the engine cranks when you activate the ignition, your battery could be nearing its end.
3. Your battery is corroded.
If your battery is showing signs of corrosion or the connections are faulty, it’s time to consider a replacement.
Unsure if your Jeep requires a new battery? Our technicians can complete a visual inspection, test your battery’s performance and recommend a replacement for your make and model, should it be required.
Don’t be left stranded! Contact St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in St. Paul, Alberta, to speak with a Service Advisor about your SUV’s maintenance needs.
