My Car Has a Computer?

Posted July 24, 2015 by admin & filed under Uncategorized.

Technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, including our vehicles!

All modern cars have at least one computer built-in. But unlike the internet-browsing laptops and desktop computers that come to mind, the computers in your vehicle serve a more limited but vital function – keeping your vehicle safe on the road.

The primary computer in your vehicle controls many aspects of its operation, including:

Fuel injection
Spark plugs
Idle speed
Engine emissions

Various sensors in your car (oxygen, engine temperature, throttle position…) send information straight to the car’s computer, and it automatically adjusts the engine operations to accommodate for the best performance and keep emissions as low as possible.

The many computers in your vehicle control and monitor systems for performance and efficiency - learn more from the certified car care experts at Golden Rule Automotive Just as important, the on-board computer can alert you to potential problems with your vehicle. When one of the sensors indicate a problem, the computer can trigger a warning light or the “Check Engine” light to let you know something has gone wrong.

When you bring your vehicle into our independent auto repair shop, our certified technicians use sophisticated technology and up-to-date software to pull the codes stored within your vehicle’s computer. The computer automatically saves the information it receives from the sensors, and our expert technicians are able to take that data to accurately identify problems and quickly find the best solution.

But it doesn’t stop there… many modern vehicles have multiple computers, each with a specific function and role to play in delivering the best experience in your vehicle. Some vehicles have separate computers to control individual systems, including:

Transmission
Anti-lock brakes
Air bags
Climate control
Radio
Cruise Control
Navigation
and more…

And each of these computers have similar functions: reading sensors, saving important information, and alerting you to potential issues with error codes.

The computers in your vehicle work together to give you the best experience in your vehicle. And as technology continues to develop, computers may play a bigger and bigger role in our driving experience. (Think about a self-driving car – computers control EVERY aspect of the drive!) Which is why it is important for auto repair shops to stay up-to-date with the latest training, technology, and equipment.

Our ASE-Certified technicians undergo continued training and education to expand our expertise and keep up with the ever evolving industry. With the latest diagnostic tools and expertise, our independent shop can perform the reliable services your vehicle needs – from gathering critical data from on-board computers to performing repairs and maintenance to keep your vehicle running smooth.

To learn more about your vehicle or schedule your next appointment, stop by our shop in Grand Forks or call our team at 701-746-6790.

Oil leaks can mean Big Problems

Posted May 18, 2015 by admin & filed under Uncategorized.

Oil leaks can mean big problems for your vehicle - come to Golden Rule Auto Repair in Grand Forks for an oil leak inspection and repair The slippery puddle underneath your car means more than just a stain on your driveway. An oil leak can indicate a bigger issue, and left unattended can lead to serious problems for your engine.

Engine oil is critical for the performance of your vehicle. As it moves through the engine, it keeps every moving part and component lubricated. Without the oil, friction and heat from these parts rubbing against each other cause premature wear and tear, corrosion, and damage to the engine components.

At best, you’ll be left with a car that won’t run and a costly repair bill. At worst, you’ll need an engine rebuild or a new engine, or even face a totaled vehicle.

Oil isn’t used up – it circulates through the engine, but it should never leave the engine, burn up, or evaporate. If you check your oil and find the level is low, you know you have a problem. Most likely, the oil is leaking from the engine.

Bring your vehicle into a trusted and certified auto repair shop, like Golden Rule Auto Repair, as soon as possible. Call our team at (701) 746-6790.

Visit Golden Rule Automotive in Grand Forks for an oil leak inspection If you’ve recently had an oil change, the problem may be as simple as a loose drain plug. It needs to be replaced properly after every oil change, so make sure it is tight and not cracked. The oil filter also needs to be replaced with every oil change. Check to make sure the oil filter is secured, tight, and not leaking.

Other common culprits are the seals, valve covers, and gaskets. Even small holes can allow oil to slowly leak from the engine.

Bring your vehicle into an auto shop – our techs will inspect to identify the cause of the leak and repair it so you don’t face the same problem again. If another oil change is needed, we take extra care to make sure everything is in place and there are no leaks before we return your vehicle.

Left unattended, an oil leak can mean serious problems for your engine. Even a small oil leak can trigger the check engine light. Anytime this light comes on, schedule an inspection and diagnosis as soon as possible at our auto repair shop in Grand Forks. If the check engine light is flashing, find a safe place to pull over and immediately shut off your vehicle and have it towed to a trustworthy auto repair shop with certified technicians.

When you bring your vehicle to Golden Rule Auto Repair in Grand Forks for an oil change, you’ll leave with confidence knowing we have your best interest at heart and your oil will stay safe and secure in your engine.

If you notice low levels of oil or evidence of a leak in your garage, come in right away or call us at (701) 746-6790.

3 Cat Litter Auto Myths – True or False?

Posted February 10, 2015 by admin & filed under Uncategorized.

Kitty litter often makes an appearance in lists for auto emergency kits or winter safety tips – but why is this strange “tool” so popular? What is it for? Does it really work?

Here, we address three “myths” about cat litter to help you stay safe on slick winter roads in Grand Forks, ND. Before you find yourself stuck (without cat litter), make sure your car can handle winter conditions – call our team at 701-746-6790.

Myth #1 – Cat litter provides Traction

TRUE! If your vehicle gets stuck in a snow bank or on a slick road, cat litter can help create the traction you need to get out. Pour a little around your tires to give them something to grip as you navigate onto the road. The non-clumping kind works best for extra traction on slick roads.

Myth #2 – Cat Litter Weighs Down your Car

TRUE! As cat owners know, bags of cat litter are heavy. When you’re not stuck in the snow, the weight of cat litter in your trunk can also help improve traction by adding weight to the back end of your vehicle. Especially in trucks and cars that are front heavy, a little extra weight in the rear of your vehicle can help stabilize you, keeping you in control of your vehicle on slick roads.

Myth #3 – Cat litter is an alternative to “Ice Melt”

FALSE! Cat litter does NOT act as an “ice melt” for your driveway. While it will provide traction for vehicles and pedestrians on ice, it will not speed up melting of the ice (the way salt ice melt does – salt lowers the freezing point of water to help it melt faster). In fact, as the ice starts to melt, the kitty litter may absorb the moisture, leaving you with slippery, wet clay to sweep away.

Drive safely on the winter roads across Grand Forks this season. Don’t forget to pick up some cat litter for your winter auto emergency kit – store a bag in your trunk for weigh and traction on slick roads. To make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter road conditions, schedule an appointment or call 701-746-6790.

Don’t ignore the face you just Slid into a Curb…

Posted January 14, 2015 by admin & filed under Uncategorized.

Winter roads are slick in Grand Forks, and across North Dakota. As you drive along snowy, icy roads this winter, use extra caution to remain in control of your vehicle to avoid slides and skids.

At Golden Rule Automotive, we’ve seen many of our customers’ vehicles suffer damage from sliding into a curb on slick winter roads. Even though this seems like a small mistake, hitting a curb can have major impacts on your car. Don’t ignore it! Stop by our auto shop to have an inspection before small damage causes big problems. Call us at (701) 746-6790 to schedule an appointment.

Potential issues from hitting a curb:

Hitting a curb even going as slow as 5-10 mph can have a major impact on the performance of your tires. Tire wear damage is possible in as little as 200 miles after a curb impact.
Tie Rods are the connection between your steering system and the wheels. Any damage to the tie rods can severely inhibit your ability to steer, especially important when roads are slick.
The control arms allow up and down movement of the suspension while holding the knuckles, spindles, and axles firmly onto the car. Jarring from hitting a curb can cause extreme damage to the control arms and suspension of your vehicle.
A steering knuckle contains the wheel hub or spindle and attaches to the suspension components. It is variously called a steering knuckle, spindle, upright or hub, as well. Damage to steering knuckles also impacts suspension and steering your vehicle.
Tires and Wheels can be damaged as well. If you suspect tire damage, have it inspected immediately to avoid costly problems.

What should you do?

If you hit a curb, call us at (701) 746-6790 to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Our certified technicians will make sure your vehicle can keep you safely on the road, without risking extensive damage and costly future repairs.

An alignment check is a small expense, but can save your vehicle many miles and dollars from costly issues. If an adjustment is needed, this inspection can save many miles on your tires, and help you get more miles out of every dollar if other issues are found (by catching and fixing small problems before they lead to extensive damage and costly repairs). But more importantly, a check will provide peace of mind that you and your family will stay safe while driving, especially as it gets really cold in North Dakota.

Don’t ignore the fact that you just hit a curb! Call today to have your vehicle inspected.

Stay safe and warm this week (and all winter) in Grand Forks. To prepare your vehicle for cold weather, stop by Golden Rule Automotive for an inspection: (701) 746-6790.