Albert Lea Auto Repair

WD (Weight Distribution) hitches have been around for a long time and can be an asset when towing large or heavily loaded trailers. Designed for use with bumper pulled trailers (the name used for all trailers connected to a hitch behind the rear axle) or RV trailers. WD hitches come in many different configurations and can offer additional features like sway control or tongue weight gauges. Let’s touch on why you would want a WD hitch, the advantages and disadvantages of different designs, and how to pick the correct WD hitch for your application. First, we need to explain the purpose of the WD hitch to understand why it can be an advantage when towing. When you’re towing a trailer with a standard rear hitch, the tongue weight of the trailer presses down on the trailer ball, which acts like a tetter totter with the rear axle as the pivot. As the trailer presses down, weight is placed on the rear truck axle and removed from the front steering axle. This is not a problem with ... read more

Has this happened to you? You’re out running errands and make a quick stop at the store only to get out to a car that doesn’t start or you’re on the way out the door for work only to find the truck doesn’t start. It can happen to anyone at any time. Do you know what to do? Here are some tips to help you figure out what to do next. Let’s start by determining what kind of no start you have, which helps narrow down what to do from there. Each situation requires a different approach. Knowing what is and isn’t working will provide some direction on what to do and at least help you gather some important information to communicate with your repair facility. Engine cranks over but doesn’t start – Listen to the sound of the engine while you try to start it. Does it sound normal, or does it seem to spin faster than normal, or crank over unevenly? Does it pop, like it is trying to start? Are there any unusual dash lights on? Norm ... read more

Planning a Great Road Trip! I love road trips! I often say that I only need half of a good reason to go on a road trip. I enjoy the adventure of the travel, exploring new areas, sights along the way, and memories made with my fellow travelers. For me, the road trip begins when I leave the house. It is more than just traveling to the destination; it’s about the travel itself. I can turn a regular drive home after work into a memorable road trip just by taking an unusual route home. There are cool sights along the roads all around us. You just need to slow down and look for them. Here are my best tips to turning your next drive into a memorable road trip. Plan your route - The first step to any great road trip is proper planning. It starts with answering a few questions. What kind of adventure are you looking for? Do you want to make stops along the way or are you looking to view the scenery without stopping? Are you traveling a short distance or long distance? H ... read more

The Truth About Minnesota Collector Plates Why would you want a collector, pioneer, classic, street rod, or military license plate? To save money on annual tab fees. The tab fee you pay every year is a tax for operating your vehicle on public roads, which is based on the age and value of the vehicle. The tab fees start out high and decrease as the vehicle ages. Collector plates, on the other hand, have a one-time tax fee and don’t require yearly tabs after that point. Each plate has its own specific standards, but all must meet some basic requirements to be eligible for collector plates. The vehicle must be at least 20 years old or of such rarity that they were made in limited quantities. You must own a vehicle registered with regular taxable plates that is available for daily transportation needs. That's really the basic requirements for collector plates. See Minnesota Statute 168.10 for more information. My buddies and/or the DMV people say that "You can only drive m ... read more

What Do I Do About Dash Warning Lights? Red lights, yellow lights, green lights oh my! Is your dash light up with funny little symbols? Do you know what they mean and what to do about them when they come on? Vehicle manufacturers have primarily gone to symbols to bring your attention to potential problem areas and to communicate information in a universal way. There are some differences between manufacturer to manufacturer. Let’s explore what the lights mean and what to do when they come on. Color of the symbols The color of the symbols quickly communicates urgency. Solid on lights or flashing lights also communicate a level of urgency. RED - Red lights indicate the highest priority areas of concern. They identify systems that could leave you stranded on the side of the road or for major safety concerns. Do not ignore red warning lights! Contact your trusted service provider and have red lights looked at right away. Do not drive the vehicle until after you have it ins ... read more

Is Your Vehicle Ready for the Winter Season? Welcome to fall! Cooler weather, changing leaves, camping, and campfires. In my opinion, the best season of the year! The sad truth is winter is just around the corner. Are you ready? Is your vehicle ready? Let’s explore what you need to know about getting your vehicle ready for colder weather. There are four main areas of your vehicle that need to be evaluated and prepared for winter. Traction, Vehicle Operation, Vehicle Maintenance, and Emergency Preparedness. Each area has specific items that need to be checked before the weather turns frigid outside. Let’s check them out and see if you are ready for the big chill. Traction More than just tires, traction refers to total vehicle control. Accelerating, stopping, and steering are all very important in maintaining vehicle control. Remaining in control of the vehicle is key to preventing crashes and keeping your family safe. Brakes, Traction Control, and Stability Control ... read more

The Hidden Truth About Vehicle Extended Warranties and Service Contracts As vehicles have become more complex and expensive, many consumers have invested in extended warranties or service contracts as a way of managing out-of-pocket repair costs. It sounds like a simple and easy solution, but not all extended warranties or service contracts are the same. It really comes down to the details of the warranty itself. Many car companies offer warranties to customers when they purchase new or used vehicles. New vehicle warranties are backed by the vehicle manufacturers. For instance, a 2024 Jeep Wrangler comes with a basic warranty coverage for the complete vehicle of 3 years or 36,000 miles. The emission system is covered for 2 years or 24,000 miles; 3 years unlimited miles for body corrosion; and 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, for the powertrain (engine and transmission). All these stated warranties are backed or covered by FCA US (Mopar). GM, Ford, Toyota, and other vehi ... read more

Why are car repairs so expensive? It’s because we all want to get rich and retire in the Caribbean at the age of 40. That may be the perception, but the reality is we’re still working, most of us are over 40, and helping people is better than hiding on a beach somewhere. There are many factors that contribute to the cost of automotive repair. Let’s open the shop door and explore what it takes to keep your vehicle properly maintained and see what goes into that expense. Vehicle Costs: As we are all aware, the cost of purchasing a vehicle has skyrocketed over the last 20 years. New vehicles can cost more than a starter house in today’s market. For example, a Chevrolet Suburban, which first débuted in 1935, originally cost $675 new. Now a well-appointed Chevrolet Suburban can cost almost $85,000. Vehicle manufacturers have made many changes and improvements over time. Today’s vehicles are more reliable, safer, comfortable, quiet, connected, an ... read more

My car left me stranded! What to do during road trip breakdowns. The family is all loaded up in your chariot of freedom, ready to embark into the great unknown! You have been looking forward to this moment all year. Time for your family vacation. The kids are excited and bubbling with nervous energy. You are mostly on schedule and hit the road. Everyone is happy! Fast forward to three hours down the road… You are traveling through the big city. There is traffic surrounding you on every side. Suddenly, your car makes an unusual banging noise! Then, the dash lights come on, and the engine starts to lose power. You make your way over to the side of the road. Cars are whizzing past you. The kids are scared, and you are getting “the look” from your significant other. Or, instead of the big city, you are traveling through the vast openness of our great country. The engine temperature suddenly shoots up and steam starts pouring out from under your hood. You pull over to th ... read more

Car Buying Tips So, you are in the market for a new or “new to you” car. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice for you and your family. With a little preplanning and research, you can find just the right vehicle for your needs without spending too much money. Follow these steps to get the right vehicle for the right price every time. Budget- Before you start looking for a “new” vehicle, determine what budget you will have to work with. Set a realistic number that you can afford. Remember to include tax and titling costs and possible increased insurance costs. Do you have the funds to buy it outright or do you have a down payment or trade-in? A trade-in will decrease your tax requirement, but many dealers will give you less for a trade-in than you could sell it private party for. In some situations, it is safer and easier to just trade it in for your next vehicle and sometimes it is worth the effort to sell your old vehicle yourself. If you ... read more