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  • Recommended PRINCETON Service Intervals

    May 7, 2023



    Everyone in PRINCETON, MN, knows we are advised to go to our PRINCETON dentist twice a year.  Oral-conscious PRINCETON residents have a teeth-cleaning and examination. Once a year, we get x-rays to look for problems that can't be seen with the naked eye. When our dentist is done, he/she tells us what was found – "Everything's fine, see you in six months." Or "You've got a small cavity starting, let's schedule an appointment to take care of it." By the time you leave, you have a plan for addressing any necessary issues.

    This system works so much better than waiting for a painful problem before going into the dentist. Small problems are fixed before they turn into big problems. And you avoid those huge bills.

    If PRINCETON folks understand the wisdom of using this system for handling dental care, why do many resist when facing the same system for our vehicle maintenance?

    Following the vehicle manufacturer's recommended intervals can be confusing. First, there are recommendations for so many things: oil changes, transmission, coolant, air conditioning, power steering, brakes, fuel system, filters, belts, hoses, alignment, rotation, balancing ...you get the point.

    Every item has a recommended interval and it's hard for PRINCETON drivers to keep it all straight – even if you're part of the 1% of MN drivers that read their owners' manual.

    And if you have more than one vehicle, the complexity is multiplied. You'd need a computer to keep track of everything. Well, that's how your service center does it. For example, Affordable Transmissions subscribes to automotive databases that have your vehicle's recommended intervals. You may have wondered how they know what else to recommend when you take your car in for an oil change – it's all in the database.

    Well, it's not all in the computer. There are other variables that can't be accounted for in the schedule: Things like PRINCETON weather conditions, altitude, and where and how you drive in MN. Talk about these things with your service advisor at Affordable Transmissions and you may decide that the severe service schedule in your owner's manual is more appropriate.

    Since anything that's not driving in moderate weather is considered severe and most of us do at least some of that around PRINCETON, MN, it should be taken into account.

    Let's take your basic oil change as an example. What issues are involved? The oil you put in your vehicle is a blend of base oil and special additives. There are detergents to clean the inside of your vehicle engine and corrosion inhibitors. A good quality motor oil will not only lubricate your engine, it will help it stay clean inside and run cooler.

    Now, these additives deplete with use and time. That's why most vehicle manufacturer's maintenance recommendations include both a time and mileage element – like 3 months or 3,000 miles/5,000 km, whichever comes first.

    It's easy for PRINCETON drivers to think, "Gee, I've only driven 2,000 miles/3,200 km in the last 3 months. I can wait on that oil change." But you need to remember that the inside of your engine is a environment. The oil is contaminated with combustion by-products that start degrading its effectiveness even when it's just sitting there.

    A lot of people in PRINCETON don't realize how harmful it is to skip an oil change. There are a lot of metal parts moving around in your engine. Small bits of metal wear off and are floating around in your oil. They can be carried to more delicate areas of the engine where they cause damage. Your oil filter is designed to trap metal particles and other dirt, but if it's clogged up because you haven't changed it, it can't trap any more.

    Oil sludge is another problem for PRINCETON vehicles. Sludge is oil that has turned to a gunky jelly – think 'Vaseline.' Obviously, sludge doesn't lubricate. It can also clog small oil passages so that all the parts don't get properly protected by the oil. That'll lead to premature wear.

    If you've missed some oil changes, don't despair. Just talk with the pros at Affordable Transmissions. Fess up – you'll feel better. And they can help you get back on track. Following recommended intervals is the key to keeping your vehicle on the road and avoiding repairs.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com

     

     




    Is Your PRINCETON Driving Severe?

    Jun 19, 2022



    People near PRINCETON, MN, often ask Affordable Transmissions how often they should have a particular service done. It's a great thing to ask. You can look at your owner's manual or have your PRINCETON, MN, service advisor at Affordable Transmissions look up your vehicle in a service database. What you find is often a surprise to people – there are actually two service schedules.

    One is the regular schedule and the other is the severe service schedule. Service intervals are shorter on the severe service schedule. When asked, most folks in PRINCETON will say that their driving is normal and that the 'regular' schedule probably applies to them. 'Severe service' sounds pretty extreme – 'I don't drive like that.'

    Well, here is what the manufacturers say constitutes severe driving conditions; you can draw your own conclusions.

    • Most of your trips are less than four miles (six and a half kilometers).
    • Most of your trips are less than ten miles (16 km) and outside temperatures are below freezing.
    • The engine is at low speed most of the time – not on the highway. You operate your vehicle in dusty areas.
    • You regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads.
    • You drive with a car-top carrier.
    • You do a lot of stop-and-go driving.
    • You drive in very hot or very cold weather.

    If that's severe driving, what constitutes regular driving? Well, it would look something like this: I live somewhere with moderate temperatures all year round – I'm thinking San Diego here. And I live close to a freeway on-ramp. Everywhere I need to go is right off the freeway, at least four miles (six and a half km) from my home. I can drive at a steady 60 miles per hour (100 kph) when I'm on the freeway.

    I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like my normal driving. It sounds more like ideal conditions. I live where it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. I run short errands around PRINCETON. Occasionally we load up for family trips.

    For me, normal driving includes elements of severe service driving. So here's what I tell people: think about how you drive, where you live, where you go and what you are expecting to with your vehicle in the near future.

    Picture a line with 'regular' on one end and 'severe' on the other, and make a judgment on where you fall. If your regular oil change recommendation is 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and the severe service recommendation is 3,000 miles (5,000 km), when should you change your oil? For me, it's closer to 3,000 miles (5,000 km). For my wife, it's closer to 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Your PRINCETON, MN, auto service advisor at Affordable Transmissions will be happy to have this discussion with you and help you sort it out.

    Just a quick word on why severe service intervals are shorter. One has to do with heat. That can either be external heat from the weather, engine and transmission heat from stop-and-go driving or working extra hard moving heavy loads or towing. The heat causes the fluids like oil and transmission fluid to break down more quickly, and then they aren't as effective.

    Another factor is water. Moisture naturally collects in fluids as they cool. In your motor oil, for example, if you don't drive long enough for the oil to fully heat up, the water won't evaporate. Water in the oil can lead to the buildup of damaging sludge.

    If you live where the air is dusty or polluted, fluids will become contaminated and filters will get dirtier more quickly.

    So make an honest evaluation of your driving conditions. You've made the commitment to take care of your vehicles, so it only makes sense to follow the right schedule.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    Hey PRINCETON Drivers, How Many Miles Are on Your Car?

    Oct 18, 2020



    Nowadays, PRINCETON drivers are paying more at MN gas pumps. For some families it adds up to several hundred dollars every month. That's got to come out of the budget somewhere. This is one of the reasons many MN drivers are putting off buying a new car. They plan on keeping their old vehicle for a year or two longer than before.

    Even now, 2/3 of the personal vehicles on our local PRINCETON, MN, roads have over 75,000 miles (120,000 kilometers) on them. The average age of vehicles is over nine years. And most people in the PRINCETON area can't afford to be stranded or inconvenienced by a breakdown. So following a regular maintenance schedule, like personal diet and exercise plans, is actually critical to preserving your investment.

    Determining what to do for a higher-mileage vehicle can be challenging because many owner's manuals don't publish service intervals after 60,000 miles (100,000 kilometers). Thus, PRINCETON drivers need to be better at keeping records and planning for preventive maintenance.

    You can start by figuring that services with a recommended interval should still be performed on that interval, even after you're past the tables in your service manual. For example, a service might be recommended every 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers). Well, just keep doing it every 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers) for as long as you have your car.

    Now higher mileage engines operate under more stress. Some MN automotive experts suggest that the severe service schedule is more appropriate and that routine service should be performed at shorter intervals. Check with your owners' manual or service advisor at Affordable Transmissions to see if the severe service schedule is right for your vehicle.

    And keeping current with your full-service oil change schedule is important for a couple of reasons. First, older engines have had more time to build up oil sludge. Skipping an oil change here and there can really compound the problem for your vehicle.

    Another equally important reason is that your other fluids are routinely checked and topped off. Power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant and transmission fluid can be kept at optimal levels even though the older seals and gaskets are leaking more than when they were new.

    And speaking of older seals and gaskets: they start to dry out and become more brittle with age. You may want to consider using high mileage formulation oil and fluids. These products contain  additives to condition seals and gaskets to keep them from leaking. The high mileage formulations cost more than standard products, but they are well worth it in terms of preventing serious repair bills down the road.

    Older vehicles in the PRINCETON, MN, area need repairs and replacements that newer ones don't: things like timing belts, radiator hoses, suspension work, anti-lock brakes, air bags, water pumps, alternators and batteries. That may seem like a lot of stuff to have done, but it works out to be cheaper than new car payments.

    With a high-mileage vehicle, a couple of relationships will become pretty important to PRINCETON drivers. The first is with your service advisor at Affordable Transmissions. You need someone you trust to take care of your car and be mindful of your needs. Ask for help to develop a plan to keep your vehicle road-worthy that works within your budget and for the PRINCETON, MN, area driving conditions. 


    The next relationship is with your vehicle itself. We're not talking about naming your car or tucking it in at night. We just mean - pay attention and get to know your vehicle. Notice unusual sounds, smells, vibrations, etc. Then you can describe the changes to your service advisor at Affordable Transmissions and head off problems. We can't do anything about the price of gas, but we can properly maintain Old Faithful to keep it safely and economically on the local PRINCETON roads.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    Affordable Transmissions Advice: Don't Overlook These 10 Automotive Services

    May 10, 2020

    Organization is the key to managing a busy life in MN. So setting up an annual calendar for vehicle care can keep PRINCETON residents on top of preventive maintenance. But you can't just write “oil change” every few months on the calendar. Modern vehicles have many systems that are vital to the safe operation of a vehicle, and they all need to be inspected. PRINCETON residents can't afford to overlook any of them.

    The following is a list of preventive maintenance services that are often overlooked by vehicle owners in the PRINCETON area. They are not presented in any particular order.

    1. Affordable Transmissions Power Steering Service. Moisture gradually builds up in your power steering fluid, which can lead to corrosion in your steering system. The fluid also gets dirty, which can gum up your steering system. The fluid needs to be replaced periodically.

    2. Affordable Transmissions Wheel Alignment. Wheels that are out of alignment will cause a vehicle to pull to one side. This is dangerous for PRINCETON residents and can lead to accidents. Also, it causes uneven and rapid tire wear, which means tires must be replaced more often.

    3. Affordable Transmissions Differential Service. They are part of the drive train system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Damage or wear in this system can make a vehicle undriveable.

    4. Affordable Transmissions Cabin Air Filter. Your vehicle may or may not be equipped with a cabin air filter. Its job is to remove dust and pollen from the air that enters the passenger compartment of the vehicle. If this filter clogs, it can stink. So check your owner's manual to find out if your vehicle has a cabin air filter. If so, come visit us at Affordable Transmissions and get it changed according to the recommended schedule.

    5. Affordable Transmissions Timing Belt Replacement. Most passenger cars and some vans and trucks have timing belts. PRINCETON residents can check their owner's manual to find out if their vehicle has one. If so, you can't drive without it. And if it breaks while on the road, you may be looking at thousands of dollars of repairs. So it is important to inspect it occasionally. If your vehicle has close to 60,000 miles/100,000 kilometers or more on it and you haven't had your timing belt replaced, then you need to find out the recommended replacement interval NOW.

    6. Affordable Transmissions Transmission Service. Transmission fluid gets dirty and has to be replaced. If not, you risk repairs.

    7. Affordable Transmissions Air Conditioning Service. The refrigerant in your air conditioner needs to be replaced periodically. This fluid doesn't just refrigerate air; it provides lubrication to the air conditioning system and conditions seals. Lack of fluid can damage components.

    8. Affordable Transmissions Brake Service. Even if your brakes are quiet and working well, the brake fluid still might need to be changed. Over time, moisture builds up in brake fluid. Water has a different viscosity than brake fluid, so the brakes can't compress properly when there's too much moisture in the fluid — and you shouldn't need to be told how it is to drive with brakes that are compromised. Moisture in your brake fluid can also corrode parts in your brake system, causing it to fail altogether.

    9. Affordable Transmissions Coolant System Service. Antifreeze is another fluid that needs to be changed regularly. If not, it actually becomes corrosive and begins to damage your cooling system. Eventually it can eat holes in your radiator.

    10. Affordable Transmissions Fuel System Cleaning. Over time, your fuel system just gets gummed up, which can interfere with the flow of fuel in a number of ways.

    Of course, your next question should be: How often do I need to get all of this done? Well, the answer varies depending on which service we're talking about, the make and model of your vehicle, the climate where you live in MN, your usual driving conditions and your driving habits.

    But don't lose heart. Your owner's manual will give you a recommended service schedule for most of the service items listed. And you can get quality auto advice from your friendly and knowledgeable Affordable Transmissions service advisors to help you meet the service intervals that suit your vehicle.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com





    Ask Affordable Transmissions About the Importance of Service Intervals

    Oct 7, 2018

    Today in our Affordable Transmissions blog, we're going to talk about following recommended service intervals. Your vehicle isn't the only aspect of your life with recommended intervals: What about six-month dental cleanings and regular physical exams? Then there's laundry, mowing the lawn, paying your electric bill, changing your furnace filter - you get the idea.

    Now, what would happen if you didn't follow these intervals? For one thing, your teeth may get more cavities. You might not discover health issues that benefit from early detection and treatment. And you'd have to wear dirty clothes, be embarrassed by your overgrown lawn and have your power shut off.

    We all realize there are some things in life that we have to take care of regularly. If we don't, there are negative consequences. Our quality of life diminishes and it inevitably costs more money.

    Have you ever wondered, "How often should I bring my car in for scheduled maintenance?" You can let your friendly and knowledgeable Affordable Transmissions technician remind you of the manufacturer's recommendations. He has checklists of what the manufacturer recommends and can find potential problems when he inspects your vehicle. Rely on Affordable Transmissions professionals to help you make good car care decisions, that's our job.

    For those in PRINCETON who want to be more proactive with their vehicle care, here are some simple ways to remember what has a maintenance interval:

    First: fluids. If it's liquid, it's got a replacement schedule. Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, etc.
    Then think tires. They need air, rotation, balancing, and alignment. And while you're thinking tires, think brakes and shocks.
    And what makes your car go? Air and fuel. Air filter replacement, fuel filters and fuel system cleaning.

    Of course there are more items, but if you remember to take your vehicle into Affordable Transmissions for these things, your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor will help you with the rest.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    Recommended Service Intervals at Affordable Transmissions

    Jun 27, 2017



    Most people in the PRINCETON area are aware that automotive manufacturers have recommended service intervals. Following recommended service intervals is very important. The engineers that design our vehicles have tested the various systems and components to meet durability and safety standards. Some of these standards are self-imposed and others, like those for emissions components, are government mandated for areas in MN.

    The maintenance schedules are designed to achieve the standards. Think of the benefits of following recommended intervals as falling into three general categories: Protection, Efficiency and Safety.

    Protection. Let's start with motor oil. First of all, the engineers recommend a particular weight and type of motor oil for your vehicle. All of their oil change recommendations assume using the proper motor oil. Motor oil contains detergents and other additives that clean the engine and provide corrosion resistance. Over time, the additives are depleted. The oil also becomes contaminated by water, dirt and combustion gases.

    Extending your interval beyond the recommendation means that your vehicle engine will be operating without the full protection of fresh motor oil. It also means that sludge can form in contaminated oil and clog up passages in the engine, starving parts from needed lubrication.

    Efficiency. Some services are designed to keep automotive systems operating efficiently. For example, the fuel system gets clogged up with gum and varnish from the fuel. Fuel doesn't flow efficiently which reduces fuel economy. A fuel system cleaning restores the fuel system's efficiency and increases your gas mileage.

    Safety. Your brakes are a component of one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. The manufacturer has scheduled brake pad replacement as well as power brake fluid drain and replacement intervals. Because brakes are so important, a brake inspection is also on the schedule to head off problems before they result in an accident.

    Check your owner's manual for recommended service schedules or talk with your PRINCETON service advisor at Affordable Transmissions by calling (763) 533-1169.

    You may be surprised to learn that various inspections may be on your list of factory recommendations for your vehicle. These inspections are usually at major intervals like 15,000 or 30,000 miles/24,000 or 48,000 km. They're designed to uncover important parts that may be close to failing.

    Your vehicle owner's manual can tell you when to change your oil, but it can't tell you that you have a radiator hose that's bulging and about to burst. For that you need a trained auto technician. These scheduled inspections are in addition to the multi-point inspections done with a full-service oil change.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    Deciphering the Affordable Transmissions Menu Board

    Mar 26, 2017

    Let's talk about deciphering the auto service menu board. PRINCETON, MN, service centers like Affordable Transmissions have a board that lists the routine services they provide. But some people don't know what these services really are unless they ask. Let's go down a typical list, in alphabetical order, starting with air conditioning service.

    Feel free at any time to give Affordable Transmissions a call at (763) 533-1169 to learn of the many services we offer, or stop by our PRINCETON, MN auto center at 31533 125 1/2 Street, 55371.

    First remember that all of these services are recommended by vehicle manufacturers. They set how often or at how many miles/kilometers the service should be done.

    Air conditioning service involves purging the old refrigerant and capturing it for proper disposal. Then fresh refrigerant is installed. The fresh refrigerant will lubricate the system and will also help it cool better.

    Alignment. Service centers like Affordable Transmissions make sure all four wheels are lined up and track with each other. This reduces tire and suspension wear and improves safety and handling.

    Battery service. Service centers like Affordable Transmissions inspect the battery for corrosion, leaks or damage. Test the battery's ability to hold a charge. If the battery's still strong, clean it up. If not, replace it.

    Brake service. This could be two things. A brake inspection to see if the brakes are working well mechanically and to see if the pads are still safe. If not, replace the pads and make any repairs that might be in order.

    The other thing is to evacuate the brake fluid, clean out the system and replace it with fresh fluid. This is important, but often overlooked.

    Cabin air filter. The cabin air filter is the filter that cleans the air that comes into the passenger compartment. It works like the filter on your furnace at home. It gets dirty and needs to be changed often.

    Cooling system. This is the cooling system for your engine. Replace the old coolant with fresh to protect your radiator and other cooling system components from corrosion.

    Differential service. Every vehicle has at least one differential. They don't require service very often, so people don't think of them much. The differential transfers power from the drive train to your wheels. Drain the old fluid and add fresh lubricant.

    Engine air filter. This filters the air that's burned in the engine. It also gets dirty and needs to be replaced often.

    Fuel filter. This filter cleans the fuel before it gets to the engine. Like the other filters, it too gets clogged and needs to be replaced in order to maintain good flow.

    Give us a call.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com