Albert Lea Auto Repair

When Should I Change My Oil? This is a very important question that is worth your consideration. It is a question that will get many varying answers depending on who you ask. OEM manufacturers will commonly say anywhere from 7,500-10,000 miles under “normal use” depending on the engine and the vehicle make and model. Independent maintenance and repair facilities will usually recommend oil changes more frequently than the OEM recommendations. Maybe you have a friend or relative that never changes their oil and has “never had a problem”. What is the right thing to do? Let’s delve into some key points used in determining the proper oil change interval for your vehicle so you can make the best decision for your application. We should start with the basics of what an oil change is and why does it need to be done. An oil change consists of replacing the oil filter with a fresh filter, draining the old oil, and filling the engine with new oil of the correct visc ... read more

Warmer weather is on the way! Soon it will be time for those summer road trips and travel plans you have been thinking about all winter. Before you know it, you’ll be loading up the vehicle, corralling the children, and hitting the road. Are you ready? Is your vehicle ready? Do you know what should be checked before we enter the warm season? Let’s explore what you should look at or have looked at before you take the next summertime road trip. Tires - Cold weather and salty roads are hard on everything, including your tires. Check the tire pressure and fill them with the recommended pressure as stated on the driver’s side door placard. Tire pressures vary depending on the temperature outside. Check the overall condition of your tires. Look for weather cracks in the outer casing and the depth of the tread. The state minimum is 2/32” but we have found that due to the weather extremes and changing road conditions in Minnesota, 4/32” is a real ... read more