St. Louis Park & Minnetonka Auto Repair

When it comes to the well-being of our vehicles, wheel alignment is a topic that often takes center stage. We're accustomed to the usual suspects: potholes, rough roads, and curb collisions, all of which can nudge our wheels out of line. But what about the lesser-known culprits, the hidden hazards that can silently, yet significantly, affect your wheel alignment?     Towing or Hauling Heavy Loads It's no secret that heavy loads can strain your vehicle, but did you know that excessive towing or hauling can lead to wheel misalignment? When your car is burdened with weight beyond its recommended capacity, it can exert uneven forces on the wheels, causing them to drift out of alignment. To avoid this, always adhere to your vehicle's load limits, and invest in a reliable weight distribution hitch if you frequently tow or hau ... read more

In the realm of automobiles, there's much more to stopping safely than just hitting the brakes. Behind the scenes, brake calipers play a pivotal role in this critical function. While you certainly know about their brothers, the brake pads, have you ever wondered about their function and proper maintenance?    What Do Brake Calipers Do? Brake calipers are hydraulic devices that house the brake pads and apply pressure to them when you press the brake pedal. This action causes the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors, creating friction that slows down and eventually stops your vehicle. In essence, brake calipers are the bridge between your foot on the pedal and the actual stopping power of your car.    Signs Your Brake Calipers Need Servicing Now, let's address the ... read more

We've all seen it happen in our cars: the temperature gauge starts to creep toward the red zone, and suddenly, you hear that familiar bubbling sound coming from under the hood. It's your car's way of saying, "I'm getting too hot!" But don't worry, because the cooling system has a trick up its sleeve – the radiator. If you have ever wondered how it cools the liquid so fast, you are in the right place!    Before We Start - The Heat Source First, let's understand the problem. Your car's engine generates an enormous amount of heat as it burns fuel and air to produce power. If left unchecked, this heat can cause severe damage to the engine's components. That's where the radiator steps in as the hero of the day.  1.  The Role Of The Coolant Inside your engine, a mixture of water and antifreeze, known as coolant, circul ... read more

We've all experienced that moment of confusion when we notice our turn signals blinking at an unusually fast pace. Is it a sign of a looming automotive disaster, or simply a harmless quirk? Let's unravel the mystery behind the rapid blinking of turn signals and explore the potential reasons for this phenomenon.    The Basics of Turn Signal Blinking  Before we dive into the possible causes of fast-flashing turn signals, let's briefly understand how turn signal systems work. Turn signals, also known as indicators or blinkers, are essential safety features that communicate your intentions to other drivers on the road. When you activate a turn signal, an electrical circuit is completed, causing the indicator lights on the front and rear of your vehicle to blink in a synchronized manner.    Fast ... read more

A lit check engine light can cause immediate panic and concern for any driver. While this warning indicator often points to common issues such as a faulty sensor or emissions problem, there are occasions when the cause is more unusual and unexpected. We will delve into one uncommon culprit behind a lit check engine light, exploring its cause, how to avoid it, and what steps to take if it occurs. By shedding light on this unusual scenario, we hope to empower drivers with the knowledge to tackle such situations with confidence and ensure a smooth driving experience.   What Is The Cause?  Believe it or not, a loose or faulty gas cap can trigger the check engine light. The gas cap is a crucial component of the vehicle's fuel system, maintaining pressure and preventing fuel evaporation. When the cap is not securely fastened or is damaged, it can lead to an imbalance in the fuel system, triggering the check engine light to ill ... read more