Coon Rapids Auto Repair

Cold weather in Minnesota brings more than just snow and ice. For many drivers, it also brings battery trouble. You might go to bed with a car that runs fine, only to wake up and find it won’t start the next morning. This is one of the most common winter issues, and it often catches people by surprise. So why do batteries fail more often during cold months, and how can you tell if yours needs to be replaced? Here’s what every Minnesota driver should know before the next deep freeze hits. Why Cold Weather Hurts Battery Performance Car batteries rely on a chemical process to generate power. When temperatures fall, that chemical reaction slows down. The colder it gets, the less power your battery can deliver. At freezing temperatures, a battery can lose around 20 percent of its strength. When it drops to zero degrees, it may lose more than half its power. At the same time, cold weather thickens engine oil, which makes it harder for the engine to turn over. That puts even m ... read more

Winter in Minnesota doesn’t give second chances when it comes to tire safety. Slippery roads, black ice, and piles of snow make reliable traction a must. If you're asking whether your tires can survive one more winter, it's time to take a closer look. Worn tires don’t just reduce grip, but they also lengthen stopping distances and increase your risk of sliding. Here’s how to evaluate your tires before winter arrives and decide whether it’s time to invest in new ones. Start with Tread Depth The tread is what keeps your tires connected to the road. Deep grooves help channel away snow, slush, and water, while providing grip on icy pavement. As tread wears down, so does your tire’s ability to perform in winter conditions. An easy way to check tread depth is the penny test. Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is below 2/32 of an inch, which means the tires are legally wo ... read more

Minnesota winters are no joke. Between icy roads, freezing temperatures, and limited daylight, your vehicle takes a serious beating. If you want to stay safe and avoid breakdowns when the weather turns harsh, now is the time to prepare. Winter maintenance isn’t just about comfort. It’s essential for performance, reliability, and peace of mind. Here are seven maintenance checks every Minnesota driver should complete before winter arrives. 1. Test the Battery Before the Cold Arrives Cold weather puts extra strain on your car battery. As temperatures drop, the battery’s ability to hold a charge decreases, making it harder to start the engine. A weak or aging battery that worked fine in summer might leave you stranded in the winter. Have your battery tested to make sure it’s strong enough to handle freezing conditions. Most batteries last between three and five years. If yours is nearing the end of that range, it’s better to replace it now ... read more

Is rust proofing need in cold county ? We say yes !!   If you live in the north salt belt or care a lot about your vehicle you probably will maintain your vehicle by doing the factory scheduled maintenance. But sometimes we are forgetting about is to protect your vehicle by washing and waxing (seal coat) your vehicle often. Keeping a clean vehicle will help maintain the paint and value of your vehicle. Follow directions on what method you decide. I recommend washing is often as needed but to put a sealer on a minimum of twice per year. Also note if you are lucky enough to park in a garage or out of the sun do so, that will help keep your vehicle nicer longer as the suns ultraviolet rays eat at your cars plastic and rubber components. Keep rodents like mice out of your vehicle by using mint spray and dryer sheets. Contact Minnesota Automotive for the best advise on your vehicle. Our we forgetting about rustproofing ?   If you live in a cold weather state where they ... read more

A bit of rain now, a bit of driving later. Minnesota weather does not disappoint in the avenue of keeping us "on our toes". While almost everyone has an idea of what they need to get done before the cold winter months, by the time we get to June, a lot of us just want to relax. We don't want to think about all that we have to do. We here at Minnesota Automotive, however, want to highlight that being prepared might make relaxing that much better. Checking that your cooling system is properly functioning and maintained may stand as one of the brighter highlights to consider in the summer months. The outside heat can increase the workload of the vehicle's engine, which in turn raises its operating temperature. Without the cooling system functioning at 100%, the engine could begin to overheat, causing a bigger list of repairs than just the cooling system. So we recommend keeping up to date on your cooling system's maintenance as well as always having an eye on the coo ... read more