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Tag Archives: Auto Tune Up Services

Importance Of A Complete Tune-Up

Importance Of A Complete Tune-UpClark Automotive is often asked about the standard tune-up. While this service varies from garage to garage, it primarily consists of preventive maintenance that fixes small issues before they worsen. Most tune-ups include an engine inspection to guarantee there are no leaks and that your vehicle runs smoothly. Check out our list for more information on how a tune-up can benefit your car!

Higher Mileage: Tuning up your car can address all issues that could be costing you extra money on gas. For instance, if your brakes become stuck, your vehicle could be using more gas than usual. As part of a tune-up, these components will be checked, and replacement brake pads may be necessary if necessary. In addition, incorrect alignment of tires may lead to poor fuel mileage since they rotate at an unnatural angle against the road surface and axles; this issue is easily fixed by changing tires and aligning wheels; plus, it reduces how much fuel you use getting from home to work!

Recover from a rough ride: As your vehicle ages, you may notice it running less smoothly. Perhaps your car is shaking or having difficulty starting up in the morning. Your mechanic can perform a power and energy check to diagnose the problem. There could be many internal components at play here–from your starter to your exhaust. Certified mechanics can identify what’s causing these symptoms and fix them, so you don’t feel uncomfortable while riding from one place to another.

Shining Lights on the Dash: Every warning light in your car is there to alert you of something, but not all drivers are proficient in car diagnostics. Our professional mechanic team can help identify what those lights mean and why they’re illuminated, plus we know how to quickly resolve any issues that arise.

A Comprehensive Check-Up: A tune-up for your car is like getting a medical checkup for yourself. The mechanic inspects all working parts and detects any problems. They might suggest having something serviced, just as doctors prescribe medication to treat illnesses. This improves handling, reduces breakdown chances, provides you with a smoother ride, and makes your vehicle more dependable.

Your mechanic will run a code scan during a tune-up to detect any ignition problems or exhaust leaks. They also check for engine issues like battery voltage and valves. While they might not find all issues during this checkup, this is great news for car enthusiasts; typically, there will be some that need fixing before driving again. Remember that mechanics give you the chance to address small issues before they become major ones; we would rather you address one now rather than have an extensive overhaul later.

Clark Automotive is a family-owned business, and we consider each client part of our extended family. Our commitment to top quality service each time we work on your car ensures you remain safe and save you money in the process. Contact us today for more information about our tune-up services, preventative maintenance programs or other auto services. Our knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to assist in setting an appointment with one of our mechanics today.

Benefits Of A Springtime Tune Up

Benefits Of A Springtime Tune UpAutomotive tune ups typically align with the factory recommended maintenance for certain areas of your vehicle such as your spark plugs, engine air filter and oil changes. Most factory recommended maintenance manuals recommend changing your oil every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. However, replacing your spark plugs probably won’t be necessary till 100,000 miles. Tire rotation can vary between 6,000 to 8,000 miles and replacing your engine air filter can wait anywhere between every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If you’ve been noticing any signs that your car isn’t driving quite right, you may be overdue for some maintenance. Clark Automotive can assist with your tune up maintenance needs. Getting factory-recommended maintenance done on schedule helps your car run more efficiently and prevent any problems in the future.

What is a tune up?

The answer will vary from garage to garage, but generally is a type of preventative and proactive maintenance which targets problem areas and resolves small issues, so they don’t increase in size. Most tune ups include a thorough engine check, to make sure there are no leaks, and that it sounds and feels right when the vehicle is running. More specifically, a typical tune up looks at fuel and air filters, spark plugs, spark plug wires, the vehicle’s battery, the PCV valve, engine belts, vehicle lights, and the tires.

Benefits Of Getting A Tune Up

For a closer look at some of the ways a tune up can improve your vehicle, check out our list of tune up benefits:

Improved fuel mileage: A tune up can fix minor things going on within your vehicle’s engine that are responsible for a decrease in fuel economy. Culprits could also be worn or overworked brake pads, mis-aligned tires or tires that need rotation. With the cost of fuel on the rise, you could benefit!
Smoother ride: Perhaps your car has had difficulty starting in the mornings, especially when it’s cold. A once over by your mechanic can diagnose this type of issue. From the starter to the exhaust, there are hundreds of internal components which could be the cause.
Clear the check engine light: Each of the warning lights on your car is designed to tell you something. A certified mechanic will work to uncover why a warning light might be on and will work to resolve any issues.

Keeping Your Vehicle Tuned Up Regularly

The older the vehicle, the more often you should consider having a thorough tune up completed by your mechanic. Aside from the benefits mentioned above, you will be advised of any repairs that are needed and avoid more costly issues later on, down the road. You also keep your engine running in optimal condition, which extends the life of your vehicle and ensures safer travel for you as the driver.

Offering professional vehicle tune-up services in Blaine, Minnesota, Clark Automotive hopes that you put your trust in us to take great care of your vehicle. To schedule your next vehicle tune-up with our ASE Master Certified technicians, give us a call today at (763) 784-7944 or email info@clarkautomotiveblaine.com.

Engine Tune-up Clark Auto Blaine, MN

Blaine, MN Auto Tune-upThis time of year, folks are heading out for their summer adventures! Whether you are road tripping down the coast or sending your kid off to college in these short months, an auto tune-up should be one of the first things on your list. At Clark Automotive, our shop offers complete vehicle care. Getting your tune-up before you hit the open road is a must and Clark Automotive has you covered.

Declining Vehicle Performance

No matter what time of year it may be, if you are noticing a decline in your vehicle’s performance but can’t exactly pinpoint the problem, an auto tune-up is the right choice for you. There are many factors in declining vehicle performance. From weather related issues to wear and tear related issues, all vehicles rely on quality tune-ups to keep them in tip top shape. During our tune-ups, we can often catch a potential issue before a large, expensive problem comes up and damages your vehicle further. Auto tune-ups can absolutely save you money in the long run. Additionally after our tune-ups, our customers have even seen an increase in their gas mileage. Who doesn’t want that?

Full Service Auto Repair and Tune-Up Shop

At Clark Automotive, our range of services has no limitations. We have the ability to work on both domestic and foreign vehicles, hybrid cars, and even fleets. When you bring your vehicle in for an auto tune-up, let us know if you have any concerns that we need to divulge in. Otherwise, our professionals at Clark Automotive will do a thorough check from top to bottom. We cover spark plug and wire replacement. We change out all the air, oil and fuel filters within your vehicle, including changing the transmission fluid. We also perform a fluid flush. We check for leaks and cover all types of oil and lubrication services, including an oil change. We inspect your vehicle from top to bottom, front to back, ensuring that your vehicle is ready for whatever adventure you plan to set out on!

Whether you are staying home this summer or exploring the United States, Clark Automotive has you covered. Our technicians are ASE Master certified and our shop is a AAA approved facility. For more information about our auto tune-ups and auto services we provide, please give us a call today. Call Clark Automotive to schedule an appointment today at (763) 784-7944.

THE ART OF MAINTAINING YOUR AUTOMOBILE

Father and Son Under Hood of a Truck Giving Automotive Advice

Clark Automotive Blaine Car and Truck Repairs

 

Today’s vehicles are light-years better than the cars of old. There is much less maintenance needed now to drive our cars than before, and they almost seem maintenance free. But therein lies the problem. No matter how well made our cars are now compared to even just 20 years ago, the fact remains that cars require regular maintenance to avert expensive repairs down the road.

Today we will explore the concept of automobile maintenance. We will present some facts versus the fables that impact on the costs of operating a vehicle.  The goal of this presentation is to generate some thoughts about what has worked well and not so well regarding your experiences with car ownership.

 

Let’s relive a little of the “good ol’ days” shall we? Remember the nostalgia of automobile guidance handed down by your grandfather to your dad!

“Son, here is how to check the oil and coolant, I will check your sister’s”.

“When you stop down at the gas station for gas, ask them to check your battery electrolyte, freeze protection and brake fluid. Also, have them check the tire air pressure.”  Where did these full service gas station go anyway?

 

Back in the “good ol’ days”:

Tires lasted 20,000 miles maybe

Gas was .29 cents a gallon

Batteries lasted a couple years at most  

A tune-up was due every 10,000 miles and was prone to frequent failure

Brakes didn’t last 25,000 miles

Oil changes were due every 2,500 miles

What is a grease job?

Where did the transmission dipstick go?

 

Are we left with the impression that our cars are truly maintenance free?

Then what the heck are the warning lights on my dash?

  • CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT
  • SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT
  • TIRE PRESSURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM LIGHT
  • ABS LIGHT
  • TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT
  • HIGH TEMPERATURE LIGHT AND OR GAUGE
  • LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT AND OR GAUGE
  • LOW OIL LEVEL LIGHT
  • WHAT THE MESSAGES OUT OF THE MESSAGE CENTER?

 

Responding to The Check Engine Light coming on:

DON’T:

# Purchase parts predicated solely on a scan of the codes.  This is very common with free scanning at the local parts store, as they are in the business of selling parts!

# Clear the codes because some causation data will be lost.  A technician may need the data to properly troubleshoot your car.

# Drive your car far until you fully understand why the light is on.  You, then may elect to defer the repair to a future date.

 

DO:

# Have the check engine light diagnosed ASAP if the car now runs poorly, differently, misfiring, or no power Pull.     

# Get a firm price for diagnostic charges.  Also get a written estimate for the proposed repairs.

# Look on the internet for cars similar to yours and see if they are having the same problem and what may have caused it.  

# If you’re not comfortable with the estimate, get a second opinion.    

# Ask to see the old defective parts.  

# Pay by credit card, if this a new shop to you.

 

What are today’s RECOMMENDATIONS for an operator’s checklist?

  • Check the oil level weekly or with gas fill up.  
  • Glance at the brake, coolant, and power steering fluid levels.
  • Know what each warning light on the dash means.  Information is in the owner’s manual, or ask your mechanic.

 

Here’s our version of what “Grandpa Chuck” would tell your grand-kid getting his first car.

Establish your monthly under the hood and walk around the car checklist:

  • Check Headlights
  • Check Brake Lights
  • Check Turn Signals and Side Lights
  • Check Tire Air Pressure
  • Check Tire Condition
  • Listen for Exhaust Leaks  
  • Look at Accessory Belts
  • Look for Coolant Leaks
  • Look for Oil Leaks
  • Listen for Strange Noises
  • Check Air Filter
  • Check Battery Cables and Battery
  • Check Coolant  (Cold)
  • Look at Hoses
  • Check Brake Fluid Level
  • Check Oil Level
  • Fill Washer Fluid
  • Check Wiper Blades    

 

CLARK AUTOMOTIVE CLINIC – Is a full service automotive maintenance and service provider located in Blaine, MN.  We specialize in diagnostics, vehicle performance, brake repair, general suspension, and electrical repairs.

 

What can Clark Automotive Provide to you, which you may not currently have?

“We keep your work car working!” We are a one stop shop for your reasonably priced automotive maintenance needs, auto repairs, with car talk and advice.  If you’re like most people, you probably tend to drive around until something goes wrong and then incur the expense of replacing worn-out parts or replace the whole vehicle.  Our goal is to offer a more balanced approach to keeping your work and family cars running properly at a lower expenditure of funds.  

 

What value added can Clark Automotive provide for your automotive ownership expenditures?

With Clark taking care of your car, you get a peace of mind that your car has been repaired in a prudent and fiscally responsible manner, using high quality original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts where required.

Auto Repair Shop in Blaine MN

Scheduled Vehicle Maintenance or Preventive Maintenance

Auto Repair Blaine MNThe technicians at Clark Automotive Repair Shop in Blaine, MN would like to go over some of the more common misleading procedures other repair shops may easily suggest, in order to get the most (money) out of your stop to their shop. We would like to inform you so that you can make a conscious and slightly informed decision when bringing your car into a vehicle repair shop that makes these requests. We offer these practical tips, so that you can easily and affordability maintain your vehicle.

Honest Vehicle Repair Services

Many of our customers have come to us and kept coming to our Blaine, MN auto shop because they are sick of the dreaded phone call…you know. You drop your car, pickup truck or van off for a quick oil change and while you’re waiting for your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance to be completed they give you a hefty list of other ‘very important discoveries’ they have made while performing the oil change. They start to go on and on, all the while you’re getting even more confused (Tactic? Maybe.) and you end up just saying OK, for the safety (and sanity) of you and anyone else in your vehicle or on the road.

Inside Tips from the Auto Professionals

When you get a different (new) car it has a list of recommended maintenance repairs at certain miles and or months of operation. If you don’t have that list in the owner’s manual then you can usually get those online or at most repair shops. The best defense against untrustworthy of fraudulent auto services is knowing when specific maintenance items, such as the tune-up, are due i.e. 30,000 miles, 80,000 miles etc. The reason is that as you start to maintain your new vehicle, like Oil Changes or Tire Rotations many repair facilities will recommend maintenance procedure early, which is unneeded. The tune-up of your engine is one. The factory recommended maintenance schedule can be considered as preventive maintenance, preventive maintenance is designed to replace various parts at a time before they fail and cause problems.

Just because the check engine light is on at 65,000 for any of a couple of hundred reasons, does not mean you need a tune-up. A very high percentage of tune-ups are not due till 100,000 miles. Instead of a tune-up, if you’re not in that mileage category, a diagnostic test would be the best, most affordable and effective route. Most small shops will scan your computer and identify a list of the fault codes at a minimal charge or free. Clark Automotive provides a code scan free of charge and provides some impute to you as to what type of trouble shooting may be required or what type of repair you may be looking at.

The Importance of Trusting a Knowledgeable Mechanic

Just knowing the code in most instances will not direct the specific repair. It will only tell you which system or parts are not operating within factory specifications. Many shops recommend a tune-up early even when the required repair is something else. If you’ve been suggested a Tune-Up due to vehicle issues or before your vehicles recommended mileage it may save you a great deal of money to contact Clark Automotive Repair in Blaine, MN for a second opinion on your auto repair needs.

Stop by our Auto Repair Shop with your car, pickup truck or van:

9985 Davenport St. NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Shop Hours
MON – FRI 8:00 – A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
SAT (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

Or give Clark Automotive a call today at 763-784-7944!

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