Posted on 7/1/2018
You think July in Minnesota is hot? Try living on Mercury! The high temperature on the planet closest to our Sun can reach 801 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, hot enough to melt lead. But that’s of little comfort here on Earth when you’re sweltering in 95-degree heat...and don’t even get us started about the humidity! (To paraphrase Mark Twain, why is it that everybody talks about the humidity but nobody does anything about it?) Since July has arrived with its suitcases full of burning lava and is planning to stay all month, it’s time to consider what we can do to protect our cars from the heat this month and the rest of the summer. Here are five suggestions for keeping your car from melting like lead on the surface of Mercury when you’re away from home and your nice, shady garage: If you must park outside, drive around for a few extra minutes to try and find a shady spot. Sometimes parking your car in the shade of a big SUV c ... read more
Posted on 6/1/2018
When something needs attention in your vehicle, typically a warning light will appear on your dashboard. And these warning lights can range from a reduced power warning to even a loose gas cap. But the team at Nordgren’s Automotive doesn’t want you to panic when you see the flash of these warning lights. We make it our mission to quickly and accurately take care of the problem while keeping you informed each step of the way. Here is our guide to dashboard warning lights: Coolant Warning Light: This light resembles a thermometer, and when you see it appear on your dashboard, it usually means your coolant levels are low. Without coolant, your engine would be so hot that it most likely would weld itself together. It could also mean your engine is overheating. Either way, if you see this light on your dashboard, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Nordgren Automotive. Tire Pressure Warning Light: This light is relatively easy to identify, as it has ... read more
Posted on 5/1/2018
For many of us, auto repair can be stressful and inconvenient. Your beloved car is tucked away behind closed doors, and your are placing our trust into a team of auto mechanics to properly and accurately fix your vehicle. At Nordgren Automotive, we aim to address your concerns and ease your worries. To begin, here are 5 tips on how to destress the next time you need to bring your car to an auto repair shop: Try to get a grasp on the basics of how automobiles work. Our team at Nordgren Automotive would be thrilled to explain the basics of auto repair and service to you. We want to you to understand how your car operates, so you can make decisions regarding maintenance and service based on your budget and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure about why something is needed for your vehicle, ask! We are all about answering questions honestly and accurately. Stay up-to-date on car maintenance. This way, you are less likely to be faced with expens ... read more
Posted on 4/1/2018
Earth Day is April 22, so the team at Nordgren Automotive thought it is the perfect time to learn how to drive greener. At our auto repair shop, we aim to always be conscientious of how our actions can affect the environment. That’s another reason we thought it would be beneficial to highlight how to drive greener. Make sure tires are inflated to the right pressure. If you are not using your vehicle’s roof and cycle racks, remove them to reduce drag. Accelerate and brake smoothly. Try to avoid using higher gears, along with revving your engine. Don’t make special trips to the gas stations, as you can just work it into your route on your way home from work or school. Idling is not environmentally-friendly. Idling for only 20 seconds burns more fuel and emits more CO2 than turning your car off and on during those 20 seconds. If you are stuck a light or in a drive-thru, just put your car in neutral. Along with following the tips above, our team at No ... read more
Posted on 3/1/2018
We have all heard the term “spring cleaning,” but did you know that it applies to your car as well? Your vehicle was working overtime during winter, and spring is the perfect time to give it some much-needed TLC. And one of the most important and beneficial tasks is to change your air filter. In fact, spring is the perfect time to change your air filter. Why? Here are three reasons: Spring is almost synonymous with the pollen, and your car’s cabin air filter is a defense against this allergen. If your air filter is deteriorating, you may find pollen blowing through your vehicle’s car vents. Spring temperatures can be quite unpredictable, and you might find yourself blasting your air conditioner. If your cabin air filter is not changed regularly, gunk could start blowing into your car, which could your vehicle into a dusty mess. Your cabin air filter is imperative to your car’s overall performance. A clogged air filter can reduce the overall e ... read more