​According to a 2016 survey of 1,000 drivers conducted by the Rubber Manufacturers Association, the average consumer doesn't have adequate knowledge about proper tire inflation maintenance. 

• Only 17% of drivers are "tire smart," or know how to properly check tire pressure. 
• Only 50% of drivers know where to find the correct inflation pressure for their vehicle: The label on a vehicle's driver-side door or owner's manual. Fifty percent of drivers wrongly believe that the correct pressure is listed on the tire sidewall. 
• One out of three drivers don't know that tires should be checked "cold" before driving. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is checking tires after driving. As tires roll, they warm up, which causes the pressure to increase. This could yield a false tire pressure reading. 
• Four in 10 drivers believe they can tell if a tire is under-inflated just by looking. 
• Two out of three drivers do not check the tire pressure in their spare tire. 

Having your tires inflated to the correct pressure is critical for alignments, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor System) service, and maintaining fuel efficiency. If you are not filling your tires to their correct tire pressure, you could be setting yourself up for failure, so never underestimate the value of proper tire inflation.

Nearly every vehicle owner's manual and door jamb placard recommends tire pressure be set when the tires are cold, but what is 'cold'? As a general recommendation, most OEMs say that the tire should be sitting for at least three hours. 

Ambient temperature affects tire pressure on every tire. For every increase or decrease of 10°F of ambient temperature, tire pressures will change about 2%, or about 1 psi (pounds per square inch) for the average passenger vehicle tire. 

If a tire's pressure was set on a summer day when it is 90° F and it is now 40° F, the tire will have lost 4-5 psi just due to changes in temperature. On some vehicles, this could cause the TPMS light to illuminate. It also works the other way around. If a tire was inflated at 40° F and the outside temperature is now 90° F, the tire could now be over-inflated. 

Always take outside and indoor temperature into consideration when setting inflation. For example, a 40° F discrepancy may require you to add 3 to 4 psi (40° F = 4 psi) over the placard pressure to account for cooling when the vehicle has been parked outside. If this is done correctly, the cool pressure should be close to the specified cold pressure. As a general rule, never set the tire pressure below the specified placard value regardless of tire temperature or ambient temperature. Some late-model vehicles can take the ambient air temperature into account to avoid false activation of the TPMS light.

Before you top off a tire, take some time to investigate where the air has gone. On late-model vehicles with TPMS, one of the leading causes of slow leaks can be a neglected service kit for the TPMS sensors. Some service providers can assume they are doing their customer a favor by saving them the expense of installing a new service kit, but that is not the case. 

Often the sensor will be hit during removal or installation and the seal between the rim and the sensor's valve stem will be disturbed. This can cause a slow leak. In addition, the service parts of the sensor have a limited lifespan because the heat from the brakes and other environmental contaminants can cause the soft components to degrade and the metal components to corrode.

With that said, never reuse nuts, grommets or valve stems. Aluminum TPMS valve stems and nuts are anodized to prevent galvanic corrosion and material deterioration. The nut has a bonded lubricant to help provide the proper torque required for seating a new grommet. If a nut is reused, the anodized surface may be scratched away and corrosion may occur between the sensor, wheel, and stem. 

Snap-in valve stems and grommets conform to the mating surface of the rim. The instant the nut is torqued or a valve stem is pulled through the rim, it starts to take on the shape of the surfaces against which it is sealing. This memory cannot be erased, so if the seal is reused, it could cause a slow leak. 

Setting the correct tire inflation should be one of the first steps of performing an alignment. Not setting the correct tire pressure could cause a misaligned vehicle that pulls no matter how perfect the toe and thrust angles are set. 

If the rear tire pressures are too low or high, they can change the caster setting. This could cause poor steering feel and hurt straight-line stability. If the front tires don't have the same pressures, they could cause the vehicle to pull in the direction of the lowest tire.

Buy a quality tire pressure gauge. We advise our customers to purchase a digital gauge to check their tires in between services. A quality tire pressure gauge should have a tolerance of plus or minus 1%. Anything beyond 2% can cause you to set tire pressures too low or too high. Also, treat your tire gauge like it's your new iPhone. No, your screen may not shatter, but dropping a tire gauge from only 4 feet can change the readings -- this goes for both digital and analog gauges.

Only a few more days until spring officially begins. Here are a few tips to keep your car running and operating smoothly after the long winter. 

Shocks and Struts reduce vehicle weight transfer providing superior handling through the toughest conditions. Replace worn shocks and struts to help improve vehicle handling characteristics and comfort. Good news! A fresh set of shocks can enhance more than just your ride. They help improve braking and handling under certain driving conditions, and they make vehicles safer and easier to control. This helps make the road safer for everyone. 

Interconnected undercar parts that could affect a driver's ability to avoid accidents are stopping, steering, and stability. 

If you see or experience any of these symptoms call Cloquet Automotive at 218-879-1974 or your local automotive service provider. Protect what's important -- follow technicians's suggestions. 

Due to the electronics and newer technologies the recommended mileage between "tune-ups" or spark plug replacement has gone up to 30,000, 60,000 and even 100,000 miles! This means a $250 tune-up nowadays is cheaper than the 2 or 3 tune-ups you would've needed with the same amount of mileage. that were done for $100 25 years ago. Especially when you compare what $100 was worth then. Distributors are now gone and even spark plug wires are missing from many applications. Forget those adjustments, the onboard computer handles fuel mixture, timing and idle speed control. On many of the newer cars, just spark plugs, fuel and air filters, and PCV valves remain of the items that we used to consider part of a "tune up". Someday the spark plugs may disappear as well. Only time will tell.

Because the word "tune up" can mean so many different things the manufactures don’t list tune ups in their maintenance schedules. They list the items individually at specific miles or duration of time.

Ignition systems have become much more reliable over the years. Many engines don't even have distributors anymore; they use a DIS or Direct Ignition System. These systems can either mount one ignition coil on each spark plug, or share one coil for two plugs, thus eliminating the need of a distributor.

On engines that still use a distributor, it is a good idea to replace the distributor cap, distributor rotor and ignition wires according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

The spark plugs need to be replaced on a regular basis as well. Even though some manufacturers have extended those intervals to 100,000 miles, this doesn't apply to all engines. The best plug to use is the one the manufacturer recommends. This information is usually found on an engine decal located under the hood.

Belt basics
Perhaps the most critical engine component these days is the timing belt. Most manufacturers suggest replacing the timing belt every 60,000 miles.

Not all engines use a timing belt, but on those that do, it's critical that it be replaced before it breaks. If your car has an interference engine where the valves and pistons occupy the same place in the combustion chamber at different times, serious engine damage can occur if the belt breaks while operating. If your car has a non-interference engine, the worst that will happen is you get stranded somewhere.

Other engine drive belts should be checked on a regular basis — about as often as you change oil. In general, you should look for excessively cracked, glazed or frayed belts. Many accessories — including the alternator, power steering pump and coolant pump — are operated by drive belts. If these belts break or slip, the components they drive will fail to work, leaving you stranded.

One more thing to check while you're looking at the belts is the battery. Virtually all batteries are maintenance-free these days, except for a periodic terminal cleaning and inspection for cracks or leaks. In addition, ensure the battery is mounted securely.

Tire tips
Tires are one of the most important maintenance items under your car. The best way to get the most out of your tires is by having them rotated and balanced on a regular basis, about every 7,500 miles. This ensures they wear evenly and last as long as possible.

Balancing is important to eliminate vibration at road speeds, and a properly balanced tire reduces the stress and strain on shocks, struts and steering parts. Keeping the tire pressures set to specification will also go a long way in extending tire life and fuel economy.

Seeing clearly
Finally, you should get in the habit of replacing your wiper blades once a year. The Car Care Council recommends replacing them each spring, when you set your clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time.

Wiper refills are the most inexpensive safety feature on your vehicle. And if you doubt having good wipers is a safety feature, try driving with bad ones in a downpour at night.

If you live in an area that suffers cold and snowy winters, you may want to change to winter blades in the fall and go back to regular blades in the spring.

Following a regular vehicle maintenance program is the best insurance you have against unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. It also pays dividends by allowing you to get the most out of your transportation investment.

With a little forethought and TLC, that family chariot can reliably deliver a couple of hundred thousand miles of service.


If you have any further questions about "tune-ups" on your particular vehicle Cloquet Automotive is always here to help. Remember: "If you can't fix it the Trannyman can!"


218-879-1974
Cloquet Automotive
1310 18th Street 
Cloquet, MN 55720

Summer, although it may seem far away, is just around the corner. Cloquet Automotive wants you and your vehicle to be prepared for it. Green grass, sunshine, and cruising with your windows down are just a few of the many perks summer has to offer. Amongst those perks however, a few disadvantages lurk in the midst such as; heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic. These conditions will, over time, take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of this winter we just can't seem to put behind us, and your vehicle could be poised for a breakdown. As much as we would love to be of service to you, we don't want that to happen! Following through on your periodic maintenance can lessen the odds of mechanical failure. This periodic maintenance should help your vehicle to last longer and command a higher resale price, too!

Here are a few tips for you to help keep your vehicle in top performing condition this summer! Some are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician.

• Air Conditioning- A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have your system examined by a qualified technician. Newer model vehicles have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system. Check your owner's manual for location and their replacement interval.
  
  

• Cooling System- The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a skilled auto technician.
  
  

• Oil Change-  Your oil and oil filter, as specified in your manual, should be changed or checked more often if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer. 
  
  
• Engine Performance- Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drive-ability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected right away at a trusted automotive shop like, Cloquet Automotive.
  
  
• Windshield Wipers- A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
  
  
• Lights- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag. Cloquet Automotive has the equipment to clean your headlights by buffing out those old scratches which could save you some serious cash!
  
  
• Tires- Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; check them while they're cold before driving for any distance. Don't forget to check your spare as well and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.
  
  
• Brakes- Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.
  
  
• Battery- Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment, which we have here at Cloquet Automotive. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly.Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
  
  
• Emergencies- Carry some basic tools — ask one of our technicians for suggestions (contact us). Also include a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight. See our Survival Kit post for more details on what carry on hand.
  
  

Transmission Service Procedure- Remove the fluid from your vehicles unit, remove the transmission pan, replace transmission filter and filter seal (if unit has one), inspect and make any necessary adjustments (throttle pressure or band adjustments where applicable depending on which unit you have), replace pan gasket (unless unit has a reusable pan gasket), re-install transmission pan, and refill unit with fluid.

Transmission Flush-  A transmission flush (aka. drain and refill) is the service done when your unit does not have a pan or serviceable filter. Example: A Honda, or other vehicle manufacturers using CVT's (Continuous Variable Transmission). Instead, the unit has a plug located on the bottom designed for draining fluid. Service a CVT requires removal of the plug to drain the fluid, reinstalling the plug, and then refilling the unit with new transmission fluid to its proper level.  

When should I have a transmission service done? 
A transmission service is much like having the oil changed in your engine. The service needs to be done according to the service index table for your particular vehicle. Cloquet Automotive suggests having a service done approximately every 50,000 miles. If you have a heavy-duty or severe-duty vehicle we recommend having a service done every 30,000 miles. 

Why should I have a transmission service done? 
Having your transmission serviced regularly according to manufacturing service tables will help to keep your transmission running longer. It also reduces the risk of having future transmission problems and/or failures. Following your service maintenance table for your specific vehicle is important, but it is not a guarantee you will not have an internal transmission failure.

Transmission Fluid Exchange- A quality transmission fluid exchange is designed to circulate through and replace virtually all existing fluid with new by removing one of the transmission cooler lines and running the transmission cooling system through an external machine with a built in filter. This machine is designed solely for the purpose of draining the current fluid in your unit and replacing the old fluid with new fluid. Cloquet Automotive does not offer this service.

Why would I need to do a fluid exchange?
A unit where the fluid becomes contaminated would require a fluid exchange service. A few examples; it floods and your vehicle becomes submerged in water, or the wrong transmission fluid was added to your transmission.

The suspension in your vehicle, whether car or truck, is an intricately networked series of cooperating parts that are intended to provide an even, stable, and smooth ride. The suspension system in your vehicle takes a considerable amount of road abuse--especially this time of the year in the Northland.  I think it's safe to say we've all had an experience where our car or truck slams down into one of the many road craters left behind from a Minnesota snow plow. Many of the suspension system's components will wear out over time, or worse, break as a result of rough wear and tear. You can prevent this outcome from happening to you by simply having regular inspections of your steering and suspension systems. There are also many symptoms of a faulty suspension system, and being aware of common warning signs can save you from having expensive repair costs, not to mention keeping you and your passengers safe when driving in and around the Twin Ports. Some of these warning signs may include:

•  Tendency to pull to one side when driving
• Wheels wiggling and wandering back and forth
• Bouncing/dipping after going over a bump
• Steering wheel slipping
• Difficulty steering
• Wheel vibration
• Screeching or screaming noises when steering at low speeds.
  

Cloquet Automotive services for suspension and steering include the following:

• 4x4 Suspension
• Air Suspension
• Coil
•  Springs
• CV Joints
• Front End Suspension
• High Performance Suspensions
• Hub Units 
• Independent Rear Suspensions
• Inner and Outer Tie Rods
• Leaf Spring Suspensions
• Manual Steering
• New Suspensions
• Off Road Suspension
• Power Steering
• Rack and Pinion
• Rear Suspensions
• Shock Absorbers
• Control Arms
• Ball Joints
• Lift Kits

Now until April 30th, 2014 receive a discount on Shocks or Struts. Details click here.

Cloquet Automotive offers complete service for the cv shafts and boots of your vehicle's drivetrain. Our drivetrain specialists recommend that your cv boots are inspected with every oil change as they can easily become torn or cracked. These tears and cracks will allow dirt into the joint and require both boot and and join to be replaced. If you hear a clicking noise while turning your car or truck, or perhaps a clunking noise schedule an appointment today before the problem gets any worse.

Cloquet Automotive provides u-joint and drive shaft diagnosis and repair services at our transmission shop. We recommend your drive shaft and U-joints be inspected regularly for optimal performance of your vehicle. Trucks and SUVs commonly have drive shaft slip joints requiring lubrication. If you hear a squeaking when you accelerate from a stop or driving you should schedule an appointment at our shop in Cloquet as bad U-joints can actually result in your drive shaft to seperate from the vehicle.

Cloquet Automotive provides diagnosis, service, and repair of the transfer case in both foreign and domestic vehicles. Our drivetrain specialists recommend that you have your transfer case checked whenever you have an oil change to make sure sure it is lubricated correctly to avoid having it need to be rebuilt. The majority of transfer cases require the change of fluid or oil regularly. Schedule an appointment today and let one of our specialists inspect your transfer case today.

Here are some gas saving tips from the pros at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Monitor tires. Under inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. (Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure.) Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage.

Consolidate trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.

Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family.

Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.

Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually.

Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on-assuming that the system is in good working order. But turn the air conditioning off in stop-and-go traffic to save fuel.

Keep your engine "tuned up." A well-maintained engine operates at peak efficiency, maximizing gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in the owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected at a repair facility. Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance.

These conservation tips will not only save gasoline, they'll help extend the life of your vehicle. Win-win, indeed.