Should I Warm Up My Car When It’s Cold Out?

Snow covered carsThe temperatures are slated to drop significantly over the next few days, but that doesn’t mean everyone can just curl up with a blanket until spring returns. People still have to get to work or the grocery store, and many times they’ll start their car and let it run for a few minutes before driving off. Today, we’ll explain if it’s really a good idea to let your car warm up when it’s cold out.

Start Your Engines

Before we answer the question, let’s begin by examining how a modern engine works. Many of today’s engines use an electronic fuel injection system, which helps regulate how much fuel gets into the engine depending on a variety of factors, one of which is temperature.

When the temperature is cold, the fuel injectors stay open longer to allow more fuel into the engine. This helps the engine run while it’s cold, which in turn leads to a warmer engine. Based on that alone, it might seem like a good idea to let your car run for 10 minutes before you drive off so the engine can get up to optimal temperature, but that’s not the case for a couple of reasons.

First, keeping your car in idle is the slowest way to bring your engine up to normal operating temperature. Your car will get to its optimal operating temperature faster if you let it idle for a minute or two, then ease into a drive. Don’t go from 0 to 55 mph if you can avoid it.

Secondly, letting your car sit in the idle position can actually do more harm than good. Your exhaust system operates by burning off unburned hydrocarbon emissions. A cold car gives off a higher percentage of unburned hydrocarbons than a warm engine, and even at the optimal temperature your catalytic converter can’t burn off all the unburned emissions. If your engine takes a long time to warm up because you only let it idle, you can end up with a plugged catalytic converter, which can lead to a slew of related problems, like decreased gas mileage, dirtier exhaust, and costly repair bills.

The Answer

So what’s the best method for starting your car? There are two basic rules of thumb to follow, depending on the temperature.

If the temperature is above freezing: This is the most common case people face throughout the winter. If the temperature is above freezing, your best bet it to let your car warm up for 60-90 seconds before driving off. In the first few minutes on the road, take it easy while accelerating. Using this method, you’ll warm your engine up quicker, which helps keep your catalytic converter running smoothly, and you’ll waste less gas by not sitting idly.

If the temperature is below freezing: If temps are in the negative, or if you heading out to work in the early morning after a particularly cold night, let your car warm up a little longer. Give it 3-5 minutes to warm up, and then drive off slowly.

Related source: Mother Earth News

5 Thanksgiving Travel Tips

Thanksgiving TravelThe Thanksgiving holiday is one of the biggest travel dates each year, as millions of drivers hit the road to head home to their families. In fact, AAA recently announced that over 43 million Americans will travel over 50 miles to visit friends and family over the four-day holiday break, so don’t be surprised if you run into some traffic. Today, we share five tips to keep in mind when planning your holiday travel.

1) Leave Early or Late – The busiest travel times for Thanksgiving are Wednesday evening, Thursday morning, and Sunday afternoon. Make plans to avoid these peak times so you don’t get stuck in traffic.

Wednesday evening is a busy travel time because students head home after class, and many adults head off after work. This creates a log-jam on busy highways between 4pm and 7pm. Consider taking a half-day on Wednesday or taking off after the initial rush to avoid delays. Same goes for Thanksgiving Day. The roads are often packed between 8am and 11am as travelers head off for Thanksgiving, so give yourself some extra time to get to your destination. Sundays are also busy as travelers return after the holiday weekend. Leave Sunday morning or Sunday evening to avoid traffic.

2) Avoid Major Highways – Major highways can be a major headache during peak travel hours. While a three- or four-lane highway might seem like the best option, if a crash occurs, you could be backed up for hours. If possible, stick to smaller highways that have less traffic. Sometimes the most direct route isn’t the fastest if everyone takes the same path. Research some alternate routes to your destination in case one way is backed up.

3. Be Prepared – Although there isn’t really any snow on the ground right now, there’s a decent chance we’ll see some snow over the holiday weekend. This can be troublesome as many drivers are still in “summer mode” when it comes to driving, and because others may be ill-prepared in the event of an accident. Keep a jacket or some blankets in the trunk in case you get stranded on the side of the road, and make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you hit the road. Also, check out this related post on what to keep in your car in the event of an emergency.

4. Winterize Your Car– As we mentioned in a post earlier this month, make sure you winterize your car before departing on a road trip. Besides keeping your trunk stocked with winter basics, make sure your car is ready for the cold weather. Check your fluid levels, make sure your battery is in good condition, and consider swapping out your all-season tires for winter tires. Snow tires are specifically designed to help you grip the road, and they can make the difference between getting to your destination or ending up in a ditch. Talk to your local mechanic about installing winter tires today.

5. Entertainment – If you’re traveling a long distance with kids in the car, you know how important it is to keep them entertained. Popping a DVD into the player may work for a little bit, but even television can get boring after a while. Pack other essentials, like their favorite I Spy book or a sketchpad to draw on. Have them design a Thanksgiving card for grandma or grandpa. As for adults, a long drive by yourself can make you drowsy, so pack some items for your trip as well. Grab a book on tape from the library, or stock your iPod with upbeat music to keep you awake. Get a good night’s rest the night before, and don’t forget to grab a coffee on your way!

5 Tips for Buying Your First Car

Buying a carBuying a car is a big decision, so it’s important you do some research before you peruse Craigslist or hit up your local dealer. Below, we share five tips to remember when shopping for your first car.

1. Know Your Budget – Don’t just decide that $_______ is what you want to spend on a car. Look at your monthly income, and then subtract your expenses. Once you’ve accounted for things like rent, health insurance, food, and recreational spending, also consider that purchasing a car comes with additional expenses, like gasoline, car insurance, and regular maintenance. See what you can afford, and don’t forget to give yourself a little leeway in case any unexpected expenses are thrown your way.

2. Do Your Research – If you’ve found this article, odds are you’re at least somewhat tech savvy. Do some research to learn more about the cars you are interested in purchasing. A site like Kelly Blue Book can help determine a fair price for a vehicle based on its make, model and mileage. If you haven’t narrowed your search down to a specific type of vehicle, do a Google search for other components that are important to you. Search for things like “Best cars under $15,000” or “Vehicles with the best resale value.” As they say, “Knowledge is power.”

3. Research Dealers – Now that you’ve done research on what type of vehicle you want, the next step is to figure out where to buy. Talk to your friends or family members about their buying experience with local dealers. Ask them if the dealership was willing to be flexible with prices, if they took trade-ins, and what type of financing they offer. Ask about their total experience, from the moment they walked onto the lot to the second they drove away. See if they have any specific tips, or if they know of a trusted salesman who improved their buying experience.

4. Bring Your Own Financing – If you’re buying a new car, odds are you’ll be looking to finance your purchase. While most dealership offer financing, if you don’t bring any other options to the table, you won’t have much to use to negotiate your rate. Say, for example, your dealership is willing to finance your purchase with an interest rate of 4.5 percent. If you don’t have a counter offer, odds are the salesman will say this is the best he can do. If you talk to your bank beforehand, you might be surprised to learn they are willing to offer 3.9 percent financing. That 0.6 percent really adds up if you end up with a 48-month or 60-month payment plan. Additionally, since salesmen get a bonus if you finance through their dealership, if you present him with proof that the bank has offered you a lower rate, they may decide to amend their offer. Finally, don’t just settle for an offer to match the bank’s rate. It’s no skin off your back to accept the bank’s 3.9 percent offer instead of the dealer, so ask for a better rate or for $200 off the car.

Note – Here’s an example of how to negotiate financing with a dealer. We’ll use the above number of 3.9 percent and assume we have a $20,000 loan over 48 months. At 3.9 percent you’ll only be paying $21,633.12. You still have leverage because both the bank and the dealer are competing for your money, and both offers are the same. The difference between 3.9 percent and 3.8 percent is $43.20, which may not seem like a lot over the course of four years, but again, you have all the leverage, so use it to your advantage.

5. Shop Around – Similar to the above point, it’s a good practice to shop around and see what types of offers you can get from different dealerships. This is especially useful if you know what type of car you want. Go to three or four dealerships, get their “All-In” price, aka total price you’ll be paying with vehicle add-ons and licensing fees. Make sure you get their financing offer too. Paying $500 less up front doesn’t make much sense if you’re getting a much worse interest rate! Once you’ve collected the information, use it to your advantage. Odds are the salesman gave you his email address, so shoot him an email with your findings and see if he’ll change his offer. Maybe he’ll knock $500 off the price, or he’ll mention that they have a sale coming up that can save you money. Don’t be hostile in your email; Simply lay out the facts, mention that your bottom dollar is what matters most, and thank them for talking with you. Don’t be afraid to walk away. After all, buying your first car is likely the biggest purchase you’ve ever made.

Related source: Kelly Blue Book

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Car WinterBrace yourself. Winter is coming. Make sure you take appropriate steps to ensure your car is ready for another cold Minnesota winter. Below, we share some tips to help you winterize your car.

Repack Your Trunk – It’s time to take the beach ball out of your trunk and load it up with winter essentials. The first thing you’ll want to add is a blanket or an extra coat. In the event that you get stranded on a particularly cold day, the extra layer will help keep you warm until help arrives. Another good item to pack in your trunk is a sandbag. If you drive a small compact car, the sandbag will help give your car some added weight, which can help keep it on the road. If you find yourself stuck on some ice, the sand can help give you traction to get back on the road.

Lastly, pack something that will help make you visible to drivers in the event that you end up in a ditch. A minor accident can turn fatal if other drivers can’t see your stalled car on the shoulder of the road. Consider adding roadside flashers or a signal flare to your trunk.

Prep Your Tires – It’s always a good idea to keep your tires in good condition, but it’s especially important during the winter months. If your tires are getting low on tread, consider swapping them out for a new set, or make the switch to snow tires. These types of tires are specifically designed to grip the road during the winter, and they will hold their tire pressure better than all-season tires as the temperatures drop.

Check Your Fluids – Now is a good time to check the fluid levels on your car. Make sure you have enough Antifreeze in your vehicle so that your fluids don’t freeze, and take your car in for an oil change if you’re overdue. Also, don’t forget to top off your windshield wiper fluid in case someone sprays your car with wintery slush!

Battery Basics – As we’ve discussed before, your battery should be replaced every 3-5 years to ensure it won’t fail you during the cold seasons. If your battery fluid indicator is white, it means you should consider replacing your battery.

Also, although we didn’t mention it before, it’s a good idea to store jumper cables in your trunk during the winter. In the event that your engine won’t turn over on a cold day, you’ll be able to jump your car with the help of friendly passerby. If you already have jumper cables in your trunk, give them a quick look over to make sure they are still in good working condition.

Plan For The Worst – Make sure you keep a list of emergency phone numbers in your car in the event that you get in an accident. If you have AAA, it’s a smart idea to keep their number in the glove box in case you don’t have your card with you. If you don’t have AAA, write down the number of some local garages. It’s also a good idea to let friends and family members know the route you are taking when you are planning a visit. If you don’t show up, they’ll be able to point the authorities in the right direction.

Related source: HowStuffWorks.com

Common Alignment Issues in Cars

AlignmentAlignment issues can make your daily commute dangerous, as they can cause your car to pull to the right or left. Driving a car on the highway is difficult enough without trying to compensate for a car that seems to have a mind of its own. Below, we discuss some common ways your car gets out of alignment, and we share how we assess alignment issues.

What causes Alignment Issues?

There are a lot of different ways your car can get out of alignment, but most alignment issues are caused by poor road conditions. In a perfect world, all roads would be smooth and paved, but we know, especially in Minnesota, land of 10,000 potholes, that few roads are perfect. Cracks and potholes can cause serious damage to your suspension and tires, which can lead to alignment issues.

Even if most of your driving is done on smooth surfaces, you can still develop alignment issues if you aren’t careful. If one or more of your tires wears down at a faster rate than the others, it can cause your car to pull in one direction. That is why it’s important to ensure that you regularly rotate your tires so they wear down at an even rate.

Camber, Caster, and Toe

There are three main components our mechanics look at when diagnosing your alignment issue. These are the camber, caster, and toe.

CamberCamber – Camber angle is the measure in degrees of the difference between the wheel’s vertical alignment perpendicular to the road. Imagine that you drew a straight line from the middle of the top of your tire to the middle of the bottom of your tire when it’s on the axis. Ideally, the line would be perpendicular to the road. When the top of the tire tilts towards or away from the fender wells, this is considered a negative or positive camber angle. See the picture for a visual depiction.

Caster – To get a good visual of how caster is measured, imagine you are staring at the side of your car. When looking at the wheel, you want to make sure the middle of the wheel is touching the ground. If the point of contact is slightly in front of or behind the center or your wheel, you might have an issue with your caster. Then again, some people request to have their caster altered because a positive caster can make the vehicle more stable at high speeds and during cornering.

ToeToe – Toe is determined by the angle at which your tires rest on the axel. You can visualize this by imagining you are looking at your tires from a top-down view. Ideally, the wheel and the axel will create a perfect 90-degree angle, but sometimes a tire will begin pointing inward or outward. When this happens, your tires will wear out faster, and you may experience a decrease in handling and stability. Similar to caster, certain vehicles are tuned to have a positive or negative toe to give them added roll resistance or to provide better grip while turning.

Let Us Fix Your Alignment Issues

If you notice that your car is pulling to the right, or if your car doesn’t seem to be handling as well as it used to, you probably have an issue with your alignment. The problem isn’t going to fix itself, and the longer you ignore the problem, the worse it will get. Give us a call or stop on in to our shop today!

Related source: YoSpeed.com

Exploring the Different Types of Car Tires

Engineers are constantly looking for new ways to improve upon current technology, and one of the most studied components of automotive engineering is the development of the optimal tire. While some are radically attempting to reinvent the wheel, others are simply trying to improve upon the current model. Below, we look at some of the emerging trends in the tire industry.

Inside the Tire

One way scientists have tried to improve tire technology is by experimenting with what goes inside the tire. Compressed air is often viewed as the norm, but more and more people are choosing to fill their tires with nitrogen. Although compressed oxygen is made up of 78 percent nitrogen, switching to a purer component has many benefits. By filing your tires with a pure nitrogen compound, your tires will:

  • Retain optimal pressure for 3-4 times longer than compressed air.
  • Maintain the same level of handling during driving and braking.
  • Be less prone to blowouts.

As you might expect, filing your tires with nitrogen will be more expensive than compressed air. Not all shops have the equipment to remove the air from your tires and fill them with nitrogen, and the shops that do usually charge at least $100 for the swap.

Outside the Tire

Airless TireAnother revolutionary development in the tire industry is the airless tire. Airless tires have already been implemented on some specialty vehicles, like golf carts, riding lawn mowers and heavy construction equipment, but they aren’t very common in the automobile industry.

Airless tires are usually comprised of polyurethane foam or compressed polymers. The outside of the airless tire is usually covered by tread, similar to your average tire. Since the airless tire isn’t filled with compressed air, there’s no chance that you’ll suffer a dangerous blowout. Also, airless tires maintain the same pressure, so ideally you’ll always be operating at the optimal pressure.

Even though they may be the way of the future, there are still plenty of faults with the current airless tire model. The first issue is that the tire doesn’t operate well at high speeds. The Tweel Airless Tire, the brainchild of the engineers at Michelin, constantly vibrates at speeds above 50 mph. The tires also give off a considerable amount of noise at that speed, which makes for an annoying drive.

The last issue with the airless tire is that it deviates from the norm. All innovation must inherently differentiate from the standard vision, but the problem for auto engineers is how to manufacture and develop large quantities of airless tires at a low cost. The first pneumatic (compressed air) tire was first developed in 1887, so engineers have been perfecting the science for over 125 years. Until the issue with airless tires can be resolved, auto manufacturers and buyers will continue to turn to cheaper and readily available pneumatic tires.

If you want the best option on tires in the Twin Cities, look no further than Affordable Auto. Give us a call or stop on in today!

Related source: HowStuffWorks

Celebrate National Teen Driver Safety Week

Teen DriverSince 2007, the third week in October has been celebrated as National Teen Driver Safety Week. The week is designed to help reinforce safe driving habits in the million of teen drivers who get behind the wheel on a daily basis. To do our part, we compiled a checklist of things you can do to help keep the teens in your life safe when they are in the car. 

Practice, Practice, Practice – Make sure your teen has plenty of practice behind the wheel before they go for their license. Many driver’s education courses require a student to spend a certain amount of hours behind the wheel under the supervision of an adult, but those hours aren’t always strictly enforced or monitored. According to the Minnesota Department of transportation, a parent or guardian must sign a form that states the teen has completed at least 30 hours of training behind the wheel, 10 of which must come at night. If you don’t keep an accurate record of the hours you spent with your teen, you might be cheating them out of necessary hours. If possible, have them log at least 50 hours of practice before they go for their road test.

Teach them the common pitfalls – Children inherently emulate their parents, so set an example for your teen when you’re driving. Over 75 percent of serious teen crashes were caused by driver error, and three main errors were to blame.

  • Driving too fast for conditions;
  • Distracted driving;
  • Failing to detect a hazard.

Don’t floor the gas pedal, and make sure your eyes remain on the road. If you’re going to answer your cell phone while driving, do so with the help of a hands-free device, and always be aware of your surroundings. Practicing these habits will make you a good role model for your teen.

Cell phone management – Now is the perfect time to talk to your teen about the dangers of texting while driving. No text is worth losing a life. In fact, you can ensure that your teen doesn’t text while driving by having them download one of these five apps. Some of the apps prevent text messages from being sent or received if the phone is moving fast than 10 mph, while other programs simply read the text out loud so your teen can keep their eyes on the road.

Do your part to help keep the teens in your life safe when they’re behind the wheel.

Related sources: NHTSA.com, TeenDriverSource.org

5 Things To Do In The Fall In Minnesota

Pumpkin_PatchPicturesque Minnesota is bustling with life during the fall, and many people hop in the car to check out the state’s beautiful landscape and attractions. To help you in your search for fun fall activities in Minnesota, we complied a list of five places to drive to before it gets too cold. In the event you need a tune up before heading off to some of these destinations, swing on in to Affordable Auto!

1. Apple Picking at Parley Lake Winery and Deardorff Orchards Nestled in Waconia, Minnesota, Parley Lake Winery allows you to sip on some apple-infused wine while you stroll through the orchards looking for that perfect Honeycrisp apple. Unlike some other orchards, at Parley Lake you are encouraged to go pick your own apples right off the tree. Finish your trip with a flight of their award winning wine, or check out the petting zoo.  Distance from downtown Minneapolis – 29.3 Miles, 40 Minutes.

2. Halloween at Valley Scare Every weekend in October, Valley Fair transforms from a cheerful amusement park to a home for ghosts, goblins and ghouls. Check out the creepy characters that roam the many haunted houses, or work your way through a clown-infested maze! A trip to Valley Scare is not for the faint of heart. Distance from downtown Minneapolis – 21.5 Miles, 27 Minutes.

3. Pumpkin Picking at Tom’s Pumpkin Farm Halloween is just around the corner, so load the family into the minivan and take a drive to Tom’s Pumpkin Farm in Lindstrom, Minnesota. Every pumpkin on the farm is priced below $4, so you can keep the kids happy without breaking the bank. Once you’ve got your gourd, head on over to the corn maze. Come back at night on a Friday or Saturday in October and try to navigate through the Midnight Maze! Distance from downtown Minneapolis – 46.9 miles, 52 minutes.

4. Autumn Golfing at Deacon’s Lodge Squeeze in one more round of golf before the season ends by taking the drive up to Breezy Point, Minnesota. Designed by Arnold Palmer and named after his father, Deacon’s Lodge may be the most picturesque course in Minnesota. Deacon’s Lodge has over 500 acres of forest, wetlands and lakes to challenge even the most experienced golfer. A trip to Deacon’s Lodge in the fall should be on any golf-enthusiast’s bucket list. Distance from downtown Minneapolis – 148 miles, 2 hours 31 minutes.

5. Hop in a Hot Air Balloon at Stillwater Balloons  What better way to check out the fall foliage than by seeing it from the skies? At Stillwater Balloons, their trained pilots will take you on an hour-long flight above the St. Croix River Valley. Check out the colors of the season from hundreds of feet off the ground, and celebrate your journey with a champagne toast! Distance from downtown Minneapolis – 26.7 miles, 32 minutes.

 

When Should I Replace My Car’s Shocks?

Car ShocksShocks are an essential part of any vehicle. They are designed to help absorb wear and tear on your car, and shocks also help keep you comfortable while on the road.

Everyone loves driving on a smooth road, but odds are your car will travel over thousands of cracks, holes and divots during your commute. This is especially true during pothole season in Minnesota. To compensate for the bumps in the road, your car’s shocks help absorb the impact so you aren’t bouncing around on the inside of your car.

To understand how shocks work, go ahead and stand up. Take a small jump. When you land, you’ll notice your knees and legs bend to help absorb your weight. Try that same jump again, but this time, try not to bend your legs when you land. Not only is that uncomfortable, but you’ll feel greater strain on your legs because they come to an abrupt stop. Now do you understand why you need shocks?

What causes my shocks to wear out?

The simple answer is anything that causes you car to bump will take a toll on your shocks. If you drive your car to the grocery store and back once a week, odds are your they won’t take much wear. On the other hand, if your commute is more rugged, your shocks will wear down faster. Some things that place strain on your shocks include:

  • Potholes;
  • Uneven/dirt roads;
  • Stop-and-go traffic (aka Interstate 94 at rush hour);
  • Adverse weather, like rain, ice and snow;
  • Hilly or curvy terrain.

When should I replace my shocks?

Similar to most car parts, your shocks wear down over time. The more bumps you hit, the quicker they’ll wear down. This is especially true if you’re doing any off road traveling or speeding over dirt roads.

As your shocks wear down, you’ll begin to notice that your car seems more “herky-jerky” when you hit bumps. You may also notice some rocking when you hit the brakes. If your shocks are really worn down, it can throw your suspension out of whack and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage.

So when should you replace your shocks? If you notice any of the above symptoms, take your car in for a diagnostic test to see if you need new shocks. Another good rule of thumb to follow is to have your shocks replaced every 50,000 miles.

Remember, now through October 31 is our Shocktoberfest special, where you can get four shocks for the price of three. Now is the time to winterize your car with new shocks, so contact us today!

Related source: HowStuffWorks

Window Tinting in Minnesota

Window TintConsidering getting your windows tinted? Want to learn the benefits and the laws in Minnesota? Affordable Auto Glass has you covered.

Benefits of Window Tinting

Customers come to us all the time asking about our window tinting services. A lot of people believe window tinting is only done to “look cool” or to make it easier for a driver to see at sunrise/sunset, but there are plenty of other reasons why tinting your windows is a smart and practical move.

Protect Fading – Sure, window tint will keep the sun out of your eyes, but it also prevents damaging sunrays from hitting your car’s interior. Imagine window tint as sunscreen for the inside of your vehicle. The sun’s rays can cause your leather or vinyl to fade, which can make your car look less appealing and affect the resale value.

Beat the Heat – Window tint can keep your car’s interior cooler as your drive, so you won’t need to blast the AC or roll down the windows as often. We’ve written before how driving with the windows down can hurt your car’s gas mileage, so if window tint can keep you at a comfortable temperature, you can actually save some money at the pump.

Reduces Glare – The sun’s glare can make driving dangerous, and it also puts unneeded strain on your eyes. Window tint reduces glare and makes it easy for you to see your surroundings while on the road. Plus it will protect your eyes!

Theft Prevention – Whether it was your backpack or GPS unit, you’ve probably left something valuable in your car overnight on accident. Hopefully nothing happened, but far too often we service cars that have had their windows smashed because a thief saw something inside the vehicle. Window tint can make it difficult for people to see into your car at night, which will protect anything valuable you keep in your car.

Minnesota Window Tint Regulations

We’ve talked about Minnesota’s window tint laws before, but we thought it would be good to rehash the regulations.

Window tint is measured by the amount of light that can pass through the window. This is known as the Visible Light Transmission percentage.  Each window must allow a certain percentage of light to pass through it. Check out the chart below for tinting regulations in regards to passenger cars:

Affordable Auto Glass

Some vehicles, like an SUV, truck or minivan, can have a lower VLT percentage on their rear windshield. Some of these vehicles can legally have their back windows tinted to 20% VLT. Most of these types of vehicles come with factory-installed tint, but if not, we’d love to do the procedure for you!

If you have any questions about tinting your windows, or you want a price quote, give us a call at (952)-933-0744