Minneapolis European Auto Repair

Most vehicle owners understand how important car maintenance is, but getting to the auto repair shop and getting things done can be time consuming and hard to find time for. If it's been a while since your last inspection or you haven't been able to make it to the auto repair shop lately, chances are there are probably some services that your vehicle is due for right now.  Coolant Service - Every five years or so, the chemicals that fight against corrosion that are within your vehicle's antifreeze will wear out. The coolant should be replaced in order to properly protect your car's engine from overheating and corroding.  Transmission Fluid Service - Although transmission fluid typically lasts a while, regular use of your vehicle throughout the years and temperature changes can cause the fluid to oxidize and break down. You can significantly increase the life of your transmission by having this service completed every 50,000 miles. Brake Fluid Service - Brak ... read more

A tire blowout is no doubt a scary and stressful situation, especially if it happens on the highway or in traffic. It can be caused by something as small as a nail in the road or low tire pressure.  The top five causes of tire blowouts are under-inflation, overload, uneven tread wear, damage and defects. You’ll know you’ve had a tire blowout if you hear a loud pop and an unevenness with your vehicle. You’ll also most likely smell burnt rubber and will hear what is left of the tire flapping around. If it happens, don’t panic. Here are some tips on what to do next if you find yourself in this situation:  Don’t slam on your brakes. Try to maintain control of your vehicle and pull of safely to the side of the road or exit promptly. Get away from traffic and find somewhere safe.  Turn on your hazard lights. Do not get out of your vehicle unless it is completely safe and away from any traffic.  Call for roadside assistance. You can also ... read more

Proper wheel alignment is important for many reasons - it makes sure that you have proper control of your vehicle, keeps the wheels and brakes working properly, and avoids excessive tire wear. A wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s tires to manufacturer specifications.  Vehicle manufacturers have various recommendations for how often your car needs a wheel alignment. However, once a year to every two years, depending on the amount of driving you do, is usually recommended. A wheel alignment sets the caster, camber and toe for the front wheels on your car. Although the service is usually done on a recommended basis, sometimes an alignment is needed sooner if your car’s tires are forced out of alignment, which can happen from hitting potholes, speedbumps, debris, and more.  Signs your vehicle needs a wheel alignment include: Car veers to one side Uneven tire wear Vibrating while driving Steering wheel isn’t straight Diffic ... read more

Potholes can’t always be avoided on the road, which is why it is important to understand the damage that driving over them can cause and the steps to take next. If you’re driving slowly and you hit a pothole, you are probably fine. However, if you’re driving on a faster speed limit road and hit a pothole, it is in your best interest to have the following components inspected by a trusted mechanic:   Tires - tires can be damaged in a number of ways after hitting a pothole. It can cause the side of the tire to actually blow out due to the pressure on one side of the tire. If your TPMS light comes on after hitting a pothole, this is usually a sign of some sort of damage that will need to be looked at.    Wheels - damage to the wheels can occur from hitting a pothole quickly. If you notice that the wheel is cracked or bent, bring your vehicle into your trusted mechanic. If a damaged wheel is hitting the tire, it can cause damage over time.    ... read more

Spring is a great time to take control of your vehicle’s maintenance. Driving in the winter weather can take a toll on our vehicles, causing wear and tear that can affect overall performance and fuel efficiency. Before your spring and summer road trip plans, be sure to come by our shop for a spring vehicle inspection. Here are the top spring maintenance items to keep your vehicle running smoothly into the summer! Read your vehicle’s owner’s manual and see if any recommended services are due Make sure you are current with your vehicle’s oil and filter change Have coolant levels, condition, and concentration checked Inspect belts & hoses for any wear and tear Test air conditioning and verify if it is working properly Check your tires - look at the overall condition, tread, and check tire pressure  Look at all lights, interior and exterior, to make sure they work properly including headlights, tail lights, and brake lights Change your windshield wi ... read more