St. Louis Park & Minnetonka Auto Repair

When you turn the key or push the ignition button, your car's engine magically jumps to life, ready to drive you on your journey. But have you ever wondered about the unsung hero behind this process? That exact hero is the starter, a vital component of your vehicle's engine, playing a crucial role in initiating the combustion process. Here are the ins and outs of the starter and where to repair it if something goes wrong:The Basics of Starting  Before we dive into the starter's mechanics, let's understand the basic starting process. When you initiate the starting sequence, an electrical signal is sent to the starter motor, prompting it to engage with the engine's flywheel or flexplate. The flywheel or flexplate is a toothed disc attached to the engine's crankshaft. As the starter motor engages with the flywheel, it rotates it, causing the engine's pistons to move, drawing in air and fuel and initiating the combu ... read more

When it comes to buying a car, engine reliability is a key factor to consider. A reliable engine can help ensure your car runs smoothly for years to come, saving you money on repairs and replacements. In addition to that, its upkeep shouldn't be expensive. Here are three of the most reliable engines on the market today, so if you see them in the car you are looking at, you are set to go: Toyota 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine Toyota is known for producing reliable engines, and the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine is no exception. This engine is used in a wide range of Toyota vehicles, including the Camry, RAV4, and Highlander. It's known for its durability and longevity, with many owners reporting over 200,000 miles on their engines with minimal issues. Of course, this is only achievable if you maintain it properly, but that doesn't mean that it has to be serviced every week. The engine produces up to 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and its dual VVT-i system improve ... read more

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle's engine, one question that often arises is whether using high-performance oil is necessary or just a marketing gimmick. While answers vary, we will give you information from which you can decide if it's necessary or not. We will delve into what high-performance oil is, how it differs from normal oil, and whether it is necessary for your vehicle. What is High-Performance Oil? High-performance oil is a lubricant formulated with advanced additives and synthetic base oils. It undergoes a complex manufacturing process that produces a more refined and consistent product compared to conventional mineral-based oils. It is designed for high performance and endurance driving, howling heavy loads, and other highly engine repentant activities. Differences from Normal Oil:Synthetic Base: High-performance oil uses a synthetic base, which is chemically engineered to offer consistent and stable l ... read more

Check engine lights can come on because of a variety of problems and issues. Some are quite large, while others are not. But it will certainly inform you that something is wrong and needs attention. Below, we have listed five of the most common reasons for a lit-up check engine light. 1. Engine Problems Engine problems include everything from misfiring to coolant leaks. After all, it's called a check engine light, so it has to indicate problems with the engine. If you want to know more about the issue and its exact cause, make sure to have it checked by a mechanic or via a diagnostic tool. 2. Transmission Problems Despite its name, the check engine light can also turn on for a variety of different things, such as problems with the transmission. It's responsible for switching gears and distributing power to the wheels; therefore, it's one of the most important systems in your car. Things like an oil leak or gear damage can cause the ... read more

The Star Tribune is looking for your favorite Minnesota businesses - and BAM! Automotive is nominated for Best Auto Service! Will you vote for us so the people of Minneapolis can hear about our trustworthy auto repair and maintenance?   Voting is easy:Click here to visit Minnesota's BestClick MotorsClick Auto Service Center Scroll down and click BAM Automotive (it might be easier to use the "Find" or "Search" feature in your browser) Click the green Review and Cast My Ballot button Click the black Submit Ballot button You're done! Voting is open through April 5, 2023, and you can vote once per day.