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NAPA

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

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Car Care Aware

Courtesy of the Automotive Service Association

The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will greatly extend the life of the vehicle, ensure safer operation and even benefit the environment.

Always consult your owner's manual for individual service schedules because maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer.

  • Always consult your owner's manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil filter changed regularly - every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
  • Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle.
  • Check tire inflation. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance. Tires should be checked once a month.
  • Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
  • Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle's suspension system.
  • Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid also should be checked and filled if it is low, unless it is a maintenance-free battery.
  • Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals, and brake and taillights.
  • Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them at least once a year, or sooner if streaking begins.
  • Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.
  • Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.
Service Interval Schedule:

Vehicle System or Component

Check Monthly

Check Every 3,000 Miles

Automatic Transmission Fluid


Battery and Cables


Belts


Brakes and Brake Fluid


Cabin Air Filter


Chassis Lubrication


Check Engine Light On


Coolant (Antifreeze)


Engine Air Filter


Engine Oil and Filter

Exhaust


Fuel Filter


Hoses


Lights


Power Steering Fluid


Shock Absorbers and Struts


Tire Inflation and Condition


Windshield Washer Fluid


Wiper Blades


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  • Contact us

    Saint's Automotive Service Center

    31336 125th St
    Princeton, MN 55371
    763-389-9777
    Email Us | Get Directions

  • Vehicle tips

    • According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
    • The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
    • Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
    • Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.
    • Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
    • A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
    • Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
    • Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
    • Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
    • Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
    • Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
    • Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
    • Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
    • Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.
    • Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
    • Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
    • Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
    • Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
    • Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.
    • Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.

ASSOCIATIONS

  • Napa Auto Care Center
  • ASE Master Auto Technician
  • Amsoil
  • Alldata
  • IATN
  • Car Care Aware

Testimonials

  • Fantastic Service for my Saabs. Great staff with expertise and willingness to go the extra mile. I will only use Saints.
    -Steve W.

  • Dave is the best! If you want an HONEST and fair guy that'll give you the real problem, and tell you what needs to be done right away and what can wait a little, this is where you want to be. I don't feel like I have to check anything out with my "motor head" friends because Dave is always honest with his customers.
    -Lynda P.

  • I drive up to Saints before I would go to the dealer with my Honda!
    -Ben B.

  • Very friendly and knowledgeable. Best place for my imports.
    -Connor B.

  • Great service, great workmanship and great guys! It is very reassuring to have a mechanic that is fair and that you can trust. I have been using Saints for over 10 years!
    -Mike E.

  • I just want to say thank you for taking such good care of my car over the past 20 some years. You are probably the most honest and trustworthy auto repair shop in Minnesota. One of my only regrets about moving to Michigan is that you are not moving too.

    I wish you much success and happiness in the years ahead.
    -Sandi G.

  • I just wanted to thank you for many years of great service. I've always felt confident with your accurate assessments of any issues with my car. I also appreciate your fair pricing and that you never have tried selling me service or parts I don't need.
    -Shirley C.

  • Once again, SaintsAuto has proven themselves to be the place to take your car to. I have a 1993 Subaru Impreza that I bought new in 1993. I love this car, but it's getting old. This is the second time I've brought my car to Saints for a different problem. It's hard to find the right parts for my car due to age. Both Dave and Jeff stayed with it. To the point that Dave even gave up his Saturday (when they are closed) to work on it. I can't thank Dave and Jeff enough for their efforts and the headaches we experienced for my situation. I would give Saints Auto a 10 star rating if they had a rating system on this site.
    -Suzzette

  • Saints Auto is a top quality service center. It is not always easy for me to walk into a service shop and feel comfortable, as I don't know much about vehicles. At Saints they put you at ease. They are very friendly and honest. They go above and beyond the call of duty. Recently I had my car serviced, just routine maintenance. Oil change, courtesy inspection. I had a musty smell in my vents, they totally resolved the issue. I feel when I leave there that my car is in top running condition. They are professional yet treat you like a friend. Thank you Dave and Jeff!!
    -Teresa P.

  • Dear Dave & Jeff,

    Third time is the charm! Just a little note to say thank you for staying with me and my car to get the issue with the gas sensor resolved.

    I truly appreciate your thoroughness and honesty; it's a rare commodity in today's world.

    I will refer you to anyone I know and I will definitely be back for any future repairs on my "Binky" that I may need. For my sake, not too soon.

    Jeff, you are awesome with customers. You're quite the salesman and you're very knowledgeable. I'll miss our conversations until I come back again. Dave, what can I say. You're a great mechanic! I appreciate the experience I had with both of you.
    -Suzzette

  • Going to Saint's Automotive was the BEST choice we could have made! There are many choices for auto repair in Elk River/Zimmerman/Princeton/Milaca area. We are newer to the area and wanted to find a place closer to our house rather than driving to Wayzata each time we needed a car service or repair. We went to Saint's Automotive for the first time this spring. We needed extensive maintenance performed on my husband's truck that we had let lapse. After taking a through look at the truck, Jeff took the time to go over each and every service that was due and honestly told us what NEEDED to be done ASAP. I told him we were on a tight budget and he worked with us to identify what were the most serious needs for the vehicle and what could wait. They did a fantastic job with the maintenance that was performed! The truck ran like it was brand new and the prices were more than fair.

    We then brought my SUV to them to for an oil change. Saint's Automotive was able to identify problems/issues with the vehicle that the dealership missed. Instead of telling us what the repairs would cost and insisting to do have them performed immediately they instructed me to contact the dealership and urge them to perform the repairs as they should be under warranty. Saint's Automotive was right! The dealership performed all repairs found by Saint's and Saint's Automotive saved us $700 because everything was covered under warranty!

    I recommend everyone to Saint's Automotive. My parents now drive from Plymouth to Princeton because of their exceptional honesty, detail and fair pricing. Saint's Automotive is better than any dealership I have ever been. They have my highest recommendation! I simply cannot praise this business enough!!
    -Paul and Caitlyn S.

  • I have been coming to Saint's Auto for vehicle service for the last 11 years. Personally I would not bring my vehicle anywhere else if circumstances permitted. Dave has always been a very trustworthy, personable and intelligent mechanic with great values.

    It is great to see his business grow with the addition of a very friendly energetic new service advisor (Jeff) , and well trained adverse mechanic(Nathan). I will continue referring business in Saint's direction and would suggest to everyone to bring their vehicle here for service no matter the make or model of vehicle. You're sure to be pleased with the outcome.
    -Alan P.

  • To whom it may concern:

    As a customer of several years at Saint's Auto, I can honestly and happily say that I would highly recommend their service to everyone!!

    They are honest, friendly and give great service to all. I truly appreciate Dave and Jeff and all at Saint's Auto.
    -Lois H.

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Saint's Automotive Service Center

31336 125th St
Princeton, MN 55371
763-389-9777
Email Us



Serving: Princeton, Zimmerman, Elk River, Milaca, Cambridge, Big Lake, Becker, Dalbo, Foley

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