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Tag Archives: Affordable Auto Repairs Blaine MN

Honest Auto Repair Shop In Blaine MN

Honest Auto Repair Shop In Blaine MNClark Automotive is dedicated to fast, friendly, and honest auto maintenance and repair services. Every so often, it is good to remind our current customers and, perhaps more specifically, our potential customers of that commitment. The reason is fairly simple – there is a stereotype that auto mechanics take advantage of customers by creating problems and charging exorbitant prices to “fix” them. That has never been something that the team at Clark Automotive does, and in the age of the internet, where prospective customers can find answers to virtually any automotive question, it is a wonder to us why any auto repair shop would value a quick buck over long term customer loyalty based on honesty and good service.

Local Auto Repair You Can Trust

The automobile, for all its advances over the first century of its existence, is still a very complex machine, which means that it will require regular maintenance and periodic repairs to remain in good working order. Our approach to both maintenance and repair is to provide an accurate and honest assessment of the issues that need to be addressed, to explain them thoroughly to the vehicle owner, and to explain what we consider to be the most efficient means of fixing the problem.

Doing business in this way is not difficult and we have found that it actually increases our customer base. It is easy when we need to do something like the need to rotate tires periodically to maximize tread life. Customers can see how much tread is left on a tire as easily as a trained mechanic, so when there is an obvious need to replace one or all four of your tires, the process of communicating that need is relatively simple. Not all aspects of automobiles are as easily addressed. The technical specifications of engine efficiency will likely require a more thorough explanation for most vehicle owners, and all vehicle owners should expect their repair shop representative to provide a thorough and understandable explanation. That is the only way to gain the trust of customers who have heard the same stereotypes about auto mechanics that we have.

Auto Maintenance And Repair In Blaine Minnesota

Working hard to establish the trust of our customers is what accounts for the number of people who will only bring their cars and trucks to Clark Automotive. We love the idea that many of our customers refer to Clark Automotive as “my mechanic” or “my shop.” When this happens, it is based on trust, and trust allows us to fix your vehicle’s issue, regardless of its complexity.
Give us a call at (763) 784-7944 if you would like to schedule an appointment for your vehicle.

Repair Shop In Blaine MN

Repair Shop In Blaine MNAt Clark Automotive, we work hard to ensure that our business is fast, friendly, and convenient. We prioritize competitive pricing because we know that it is more expensive than ever to buy and maintain a vehicle. This is the foundation of our business model. We have been the repair shop in Blaine, MN community for many years. Our team focuses on completing car repairs quickly, correctly and providing excellent customer service in the process. We know our customers, and our customers know us, and we take this relationship very seriously. We have a high regard for our customers, and really enjoy offering them the convenience of being a neighborhood auto service. We want our customers to return when they have a scheduled maintenance or a repair need. We want our customers to share their positive experience with a friend or family member. Bottom line – we want to earn your trust and believe that we do this by offering fast, friendly and convenient service everyday.

Local Auto Shop With Fast, Friendly And Convenient Service

There are many reasons why individuals are reluctant to trust businesses. We may feel like we are being overcharged, we may not understand the line items on our bill, we may wonder whether repairs were really necessary. The fact is most of us do not understand car repair. If we did, we would do it ourselves. So, we rely on auto shops to be honest with us, explain the problems with our vehicle and what it costs to fix it. This trust is built on honest interactions, open and clear communication and straightforward billing. Clark Automotive wants our customers to trust us. We want our customers to know that, when they bring their vehicle to us for one or more of the many automotive services we offer, they can trust that we have their best interests in mind.

Owning an automobile can be a great thing, but it can also be frustrating, confusing, aggravating, and expensive when things go wrong. Our skill and experience in car repair put us in an ideal position to earn the trust of our customers and to minimize your experience of frustration, confusion, aggravation, and financial expense.

Routine Car Maintenance And Diagnostics

From the essentials like brake safety, suspension stability, and engine efficiency to more comfort-based non-essentials like heating and air-conditioning issues, Clark Automotive has you covered. Many of our customers bring their cars and trucks to us for essential but non-emergent services, like scheduled oil changes. Other customers seek us out when they discover that their vehicle has a mysterious problem. We want you to bring your car in for both the routine maintenance and the more difficult diagnostics. In all cases, our goal is to impress you with our commitment to providing fast, friendly, convenient, and trustworthy service. Call us at (763) 784-7944 to schedule an appointment for your vehicle.

The Importance Of Vehicle Tire And Brake Inspections In The Winter

The Importance Of Vehicle Tire And Brake Inspections In The WinterPerhaps we’ve all been there… driving along on snow or ice. We hit our brakes, but nothing happens. The car just continues to move forward. Obviously, in certain conditions, even the best brakes and tires will not stop the car, but don’t let bad tires or worn brakes be the cause of your next accident! It’s important any time of year, but especially in the winter, to have fully functioning brakes and tires with a proper amount of tread to ensure that you can drive your car safely on the Minnesota snow- and ice-covered roads. If you live or work in the Blaine area, let us check your brakes and tires for you.

Recognizing Worn Brakes

Brakes are eventually going to need replacement. Some vehicles have indicators to help alert you when new pads are needed, however, it is recommended that as a car owner you are proactive about knowing the condition of your brakes. Avoid letting the brakes get too worn (i.e., metal to metal), as that can mean a more expensive rotor or drum replacement and a potential safety issue. If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms or have any other concerns in regard to your brakes, please contact Clark Automotive:

● Car pulls to one side during braking
● Brake pedal pulsates when you apply the brakes
● Brake pedal feels “mushy”
● Noise when you step on the brake pedal
● Repeatedly need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder
● Brake and/or ABS warning light

Replacement Of Damaged Tires

Nobody wants to replace a new tire or a tire with plenty of tread still left. But the reality is that our safety should always come first. Your tires are your most important automotive part and the only automotive part that touches the road. The deciding factors on whether a tire can be repaired depend on how much damage has occurred and where the damage is located. The following situations will always warrant a new tire:

● Any damage to the shoulder or sidewall of the tire
● Large holes anywhere in the tire of more than ¼” in diameter
● Evidence of any severe damage, such as tread separation or large gashes
● The tire is damaged in a previously repaired area

Winter Vehicle Inspections And Maintenance

The roads can be a dangerous place, especially when you add unprepared vehicles into the mix with winter weather, and we want to help make sure you stay safe this season. Before the harshest winter weather arrives, you should have your vehicle serviced for the challenges winter can pose. Schedule an appointment today for our mechanics to inspect your vehicle. Call us today at (763) 784-7944.

Top Five Mechanical Problems Cars Experience During Minnesota Winters

Top Five Mechanical Problems Cars Experience During Minnesota Winters

Minnesotans are no stranger to harsh winters and deep snows. Even still, there is something that is amazing and mesmerizing about the first flakes of snow falling in the winter. As we have already seen snow this season, this serves as a last-minute reminder to ensure your car’s maintenance is up to date. We, at Clark Automotive in Blaine, have put together the top five issues that we see year after year.

1. Dead batteries. Batteries are more likely to die during the cold winter months. It is a good idea to have the battery levels checked ahead of the season. Also, though the battery may show signs of life, each battery is rated with “cold cranking amps.” This amperage demonstrates how strong the battery is at starting up for the first time during the day and how powerful it is, even facing sub-zero temperatures.
2. Fluids will thicken. In order that you are properly prepared, ahead of time, ensure that you have your fluids checked and topped off prior to the coldest winter months. Fluids, such as engine oil, antifreeze, power steering, brake, and transmission fluid should all be checked consistently throughout the year, but especially before the winter season. Also, because fluids thicken, it is advisable to run your engine for a few minutes prior to being driven. This will warm the engine up and help to thin out the fluids, reducing the risk of leaks.
3. Corrosion is more problematic. Road salt and brine solutions can adhere to the car’s metal components. Failure to wash off will result in layers of corrosion. Particular attention should be given to the car’s undercarriage, the brakes and wheel wells
4. Tire pressure decreases. It is estimated that tires lose approximately 1psi (pound per square inch) for every 10oF that the thermometer drops. When traveling on icy roads, tires that are not properly inflated pose a significant safety risk.
5. Spark plugs fail. Clogged ignition components or a clogged filter can cause an engine not to start. It is wise to have your spark plugs checked at the very least, if not changed prior to the winter months.

Winter Maintenance Available By ASE-Certified Mechanics

If you are in the Blaine area and experience any mechanical issues with your vehicle this winter, bring it to the ASE-certified mechanical team at Clark Automotive. To schedule an appointment in advance, contact (763) 784-7944 or email info@clarkautomotiveblaine.com. Available M-F all day, and Sat by appointment.

What Does That Sound On My Car Mean?

What Does That Sound On My Car Mean?Almost everyone has had a moment when they’ve been driving their car or truck around town, and you begin noticing a strange noise. Is it coming from someone else’s car? Where’s it coming from? Sounds expensive! How much is this going to cost me? And more importantly, what does it mean? There are a variety of moving parts in and around your vehicle, and sounds can come from any one of thousands of spots. At Clark Automotive in Blaine, we want to help identify some of the more prominent sounds that can be a sign of some larger issues. Brig your vehicle in for evaluation.

High-Pitched Squealing From Under The Hood When The Engine Is Running

Generally, if you hear these sounds (especially when starting the engine or when turning on the AC in your car), the culprit is one of several belts that spin around pulleys. They have most likely become misaligned or are beginning to wear out. Belts are important as they create the spinning motion that power several components that the engine requires to function properly, such as the alternator, water pump, radiator fan, and more. In most cases, the belts can be readjusted or replaced to fix the problem completely.

High-Pitched Squealing Sounds When I Apply The Brakes

This is another common sound heard from underneath cars. In many cases, especially with Covid and people not driving as much, this simply comes from the buildup of moisture that turns orange and corrodes on the rotors and brake drums. The squeaking, in this instance, is normal and should subside with prolonged driving. If the sound persists, it is likely a sign that your brake pads are wearing down and need replacement. If this is the case, ignoring the persistent sound could cause greater damage as metal begins to rub against metal.

Knocking Sounds When Turning Corners

This is a common occurrence. In nine out of ten cases, this indicates that a CV boot (constant velocity) is cracked and has lost the grease that lubricates the joint. The CV joint allows the axle to move freely when the vehicle is in motion or moving from side to side when turning. If you hear this sound, your mechanic will need to assess the issue and make repairs sooner than later.

Don’t Ignore Your Vehicle’s Sounds And Signs

Clark Automotive is the full-service auto repair shop in Blaine, MN that you have been searching for. Our dedicated staff is eager to develop a strong relationship with you built around our exceptional work and trustworthy mechanics. To learn more about our full-service repair and maintenance options or to schedule an appointment with our team, give us a call today at (763) 784-7944 or email info@clarkautomotiveblaine.com.

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