Albert Lea Auto Repair

The Common Practice That Can Lead to the Early Death of Your Engine It’s so common that it has become normal for most drivers. So normal that many people might think that I’m “paranoid and delusional” or “just trying to sell them something”, but that is not what is going on here. As I state my case, think about what you have been told in the past. What your Dad, or your Grandfather, or Uncle told you growing up. What the car salesman may have told you when you purchased your last vehicle. Perhaps some of the vehicle manufacturer literature you have read. Even what your vehicle is programed to tell you. Some of this information may be based on old information, much is based on what the manufacturer would like you to believe based on testing in ideal operating conditions. Maybe it’s a buddy or neighbor who thinks he’s a “mechanic” because he can keep his lawn mower running or, heaven help us, you saw it on TikTok. So, what&rsq ... read more

Wipers and Windshield Coatings Vehicle windshields first started out as an optional luxury feature in early vehicles beginning in about 1904. The early versions were made of simple plate glass and could fold out of the way for cleaning and were removable. They became standard equipment in 1915 Oldsmobile vehicles. By the 1920s they started using laminated glass to make them more robust and protect vehicle occupants from glass shards. The first curved windshields showed up by 1934 to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics. Wiper blades share a similar history and have an interesting story of origin. The invention of wiper blades, as we know them, is credited to Mary Anderson during a trip to New York in the winter of 1902. She was riding on a streetcar (aka trolley) and observed the driver struggling with poor visibility. The driver had to frequently stop the vehicle, open the split pane window, and lean out to manually wipe away the melting snow, exposing himself and his passengers to th ... read more