Wiper Blades and When to Replace them

Most wiper blades typically last about a year. Before investing in new blades there are a couple simple steps to insure you need blades. First thoroughly clean the windshield with a good ammonia based window cleaner. This will remove any wax build up that may have accumulated on the window. Secondly wipe the edge of the blade that contacts the window with a little rubbing alcohol this will clean a way and old rubber deterioration from the blade. Now use the windshield washers and see if the wiper cleans the window properly. If not, it’s time to replace them. When replacing blades, we recommend replacing the blade assembly instead of just the rubber refill. The assembly is the frame which is also the spring that keeps the rubber on the windshield. In most cases this wears at the same rate as the rubber so the proper tension may not be applied to the new refill. Next adjustment, the rubber needs to contact the window in a perfect ninety degree angle to work properly in both directions. To achieve that, the wiper arm may need adjustment as well. This can be a very difficult and time consuming adjustment. When you buy wiper blades from us we install and adjust them for optimum performance at no extra charge.

 

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Great Deals This Summer at Galaxy!

Great tire deals at Galaxy Auto right now!  Due to our strong industry relations and the large variety of brands we offer, we have the best deals available today.

For instance, on select General Tires we are offering a “Buy 3 Get the 4th Tire Free” on installed tires.  In addition there is a $50 rebate available from General Tires.

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Our Goodyear Tires are also on sale with up to $160 of available rebates!

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Unlike many of our tire competitors we have the newest, state-of-the-art alignment equipment available to assure that your vehicle is in proper alignment and that you will receive the maximum life from your new tires.  Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers are the leaders in total tire service.

Did you know that Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers also repair engines, transmissions, all electrical components, and much, much more!?

We offer FULL SERVICE repair centers with multiple ASE Master Certified Technicians at each location!

Stop in today to see how Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers can help you!

Posted in ABS, Accepts All Competitor Coupons, Air Conditioner Service, Alternator, Antilock Braking System, ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Alignment, Auto Repair Battery, Auto Repair Belts & Hoses, Auto Repair Cooling System, Auto Repair Discounts, Auto Repair Engine Cooling, Auto Repair Power Steering, Auto Repair Shocks, Auto Repair Tire Pressure, Auto Repair Transmission, Auto Repiar Brakes, Auto Scheduled Maintenance, Battery, Brake Fluid, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Electrical Repair, Electrical System, Engine Belt, Fleet Vehicle Maintenance, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Goodyear National Fleet Accounts, Heating & Cooling Service, Oil Change, Proper Fluid Levels, Schedule An Appointment, Shuttle Service, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Starter, Timing Belt, Tire Dealer, Tire Locations Minnesota, TPMS, Trailer Service, Transmission, Vehicle Routine Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Galaxy Auto Zamboni Makes an Appearance at the Tater Daze Parade

The staff at Galaxy Auto had the pleasure of participating in the 2012 Tater Daze Parade in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. We even brought out our decorated Zamboni to chug along side the Galaxy crew.

The Zamboni was very impressive. The gentlemen from the City of Brooklyn Park were most accommodating and interacted extremely well with the young people that were asking all types of questions about the machine. They represented the city with pride and enthusiasm.

Galaxy personnel walked with the Zamboni and handed out candy and coupons for services at the Brooklyn Park Galaxy Service Center. Accompanying the Galaxy personnel were Simon Taylor, age 4 ½ and Aidan Widmark, age 5. These young men walked and handed out the candy to those watching the parade. Please note, the guidelines specifically stated that candy was to be handed to the crowd not thrown to them. These young men were the only ones we observed following the directions given. We have received a large amount of comments on the “cuteness” of these two and the serious manner in which they completed this task. Way to go guys!!

Fortunately the rains held back and allowed us to be a part of this wonderful city event.

 

Posted in ABS, Accepts All Competitor Coupons, Air Conditioner Service, Alternator, Antilock Braking System, ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Alignment, Auto Repair Battery, Auto Repair Belts & Hoses, Auto Repair Cooling System, Auto Repair Discounts, Auto Repair Engine Cooling, Auto Repair Power Steering, Auto Repair Shocks, Auto Repair Tire Pressure, Auto Repair Transmission, Auto Repiar Brakes, Auto Scheduled Maintenance, Battery, Brake Fluid, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Electrical Repair, Electrical System, Engine Belt, Facebook Contest, Fleet Vehicle Maintenance, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Goodyear National Fleet Accounts, Heating & Cooling Service, Like Us, Oil Change, Proper Fluid Levels, QR Code, Schedule An Appointment, Shuttle Service, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Starter, Testimonials, Timing Belt, Tire Dealer, Tire Locations Minnesota, TPMS, Trailer Service, Transmission, Vehicle Routine Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Worry About Antifreeze in the Summer?

Antifreeze is most commonly known for its ability to keep your car’s coolant from freezing in the winter; however, it could just as easily be called “Anti-boil.” The same chemical characteristic that lowers the freezing point also raises the boiling point of the liquid, preventing your vehicle from over-heating in the summer.

Water has the ability to absorb a high amount of heat energy, making it a wonderful cooling agent for car radiators and engines. The only downside to using pure water is that below 32°F it freezes and above 100°F and it begins to evaporate. If you do not have the proper mixture of antifreeze or not enough antifreeze during summer, your car can easily over-heat, resulting in some potentially expensive fixes. By mixing water with antifreeze (generally Ethylene Glycol), the coolant’s temperature range widens, remaining in liquid form from around −34 °F to 265 °F. Antifreeze also contains anti-corrosion additives and water pump lubricants, two benefits that can be appreciated all year round!

While the concept of cooling an engine by circulating liquid coolant through it sounds simple, there are many ways a cooling system can become less efficient. Bring your vehicle to the Galaxy Auto Center closest to you to ensure your vehicle’s cooling system and antifreeze are working properly.

Did You Know?

Before antifreeze was invented in 1926, drivers would sometimes use bootlegged alcohol to prevent freezing.

Posted in Accepts All Competitor Coupons, ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Discounts, Auto Repair Engine Cooling, Auto Scheduled Maintenance, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Fleet Vehicle Maintenance, Fridley Auto Repair, Goodyear National Fleet Accounts, Proper Fluid Levels, Schedule An Appointment, Shuttle Service, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Tire Dealer, Tire Locations Minnesota, Vehicle Routine Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Make Sure Your Car is Ready for your Summer Road Trip

One of the quickest ways to ruin a summer road trip is to end up broken down on the side of a highway, far from home. 

Extensive driving that road trips involve is sure to put strain on your car. It is important to make sure that your vehicle will be safe and reliable to get you to your vacation destination. Have your mechanic perform a full safety inspection on your car at least a week before your planned departure. This gives you enough time to address any surprise maintenance issues and prevents last minute trip delays, as some car repairs can take several days to complete.

No one wants to spend money if they don’t have to, but choosing to skip a pre-road trip safety check-up performed by a professional mechanic could end up costing you big bucks in the future.
Here are some simple pre-road trip items that can be checked at home:

Battery: At home, lift the hood and visually inspect the battery for any cracks or holes.  Look for the telltale signs of corrosion near the cable connections.  This can cause premature battery failure and failure of proper operation of many electrically sensitive vehicle components.

Tires: Check to see that your tires do not have any cracks, bulges or uneven wear. Use the Penny Test to check that the tire tread is not too worn.

Lights: While you are seated in the driver’s seat, have a friend walk around your car to make sure your headlights, tail lights and brake lights are all working properly.

Emergency Kit: Be ready for anything by packing an Emergency Kit in your truck. Include a spare blanket, flashlight, map, spare tire, jumper cables, disposable camera (for accidents and insurance claims), first aid kit, and a small tool box.

At Galaxy Auto and Tire Centers, the 44-point inspection performed by Galaxy’s ASE-certified technicians ensures that your car is properly inspected and will give you peace-of-mind before and during your trip. Inspections include checking the dash warning lights, exterior lighting, wiper blades, all fluids and filters, belts and hoses, testing the battery, inspecting tires, exhaust, steering and suspension, as well as looking for any external fluid leaks.

To learn more about Galaxy Auto and Tire Center’s Vehicle Inspection Services, visit our website or contact us at any of our three locations in Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights and Spring Lake Park.

Posted in ABS, Accepts All Competitor Coupons, Air Conditioner Service, Alternator, Antilock Braking System, ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Alignment, Auto Repair Battery, Auto Repair Belts & Hoses, Auto Repair Cooling System, Auto Repair Discounts, Auto Repair Engine Cooling, Auto Repair Power Steering, Auto Repair Shocks, Auto Repair Tire Pressure, Auto Repair Transmission, Auto Repiar Brakes, Auto Scheduled Maintenance, Battery, Brake Fluid, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Electrical Repair, Electrical System, Engine Belt, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Goodyear National Fleet Accounts, Heating & Cooling Service, Oil Change, Proper Fluid Levels, Schedule An Appointment, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Starter, Timing Belt, Tire Dealer, Tire Locations Minnesota, TPMS, Transmission, Vehicle Routine Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Air Conditioning Not Cooling?

We have all had the experience of entering a car that has just been turned on, after baking in the sweltering heat that we call summer. The air conditioning fans are blasting hot air at your already sweating body, as you wait for the air conditioning to wake up and begin creating cool air. 

With the hot summer temperatures forecasted for 2012, don’t be caught with poor or no air conditioning in your vehicle. 

Not sure if it’s time for an air conditioner inspection? Ask yourself these questions:

  • Is my air conditioning not cooling as quickly or efficiently as in the past?
  • Have I been good about changing my air filter regularly?
  • Have I had my air conditioning inspected at least once a year?
  • Do I have condensation or window fogging problems? 

If you can answer yes to at least one of the above questions, it may be time to have a mechanic take a look. Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers offer full air conditioning services and would be happy to address any issue you may encountering with your vehicle’s air conditioner. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us at any of our three locations in Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights and Spring Lake Park.

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The Penny Test: At Home Tire Tread Test

Most people do not own a certified tire tread depth gauge to accurately measure the wear of their tires, nor should they. 

The Penny Test has become a reliable, at-home test to check the tread condition of your tires. 

  • Place a penny into a tread groove in your tire with the top of Abe Lincoln’s head pointing towards the tire. If the groove is deep enough to cover part of his head, you have more than 2/32” of tread remaining. Be sure to check several grooves around each tire to measure the lowest tread points.
  • If you can see above Abe’s head, or the words “In God We Trust”, it’s time to replace your tires. Most state laws label tires as “legally worn” if they only have 2/32” of remaining tread depth. 

Even if your tires have not reached the official “worn” definition, it’s important to understand that as tires wear, their ability to perform in incremental weather decreases. If you expect to be driving in rain or wet conditions, it is recommended that tired be replaced if worn to approximately 2/32” tread depth. If snowy driving conditions are a concern, replace at 4/32”. 

Other tips that ensure the safety and performance of tires:

  • Maintain the vehicle manufacturers recommended tire pressure.  The proper pressures can be located on the driver’s door post placard.
  • Rotate your tires every 5,000-10,000 miles.
  • Visually check for damage such as cracks or bulges.

Not sure how your tires are doing? Galaxy Auto and Tire Center would be happy to inspect your tires for free. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about Galaxy Auto and Tire Center’s tire services.

Posted in ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Tire Pressure, Auto Scheduled Maintenance, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Schedule An Appointment, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Tire Dealer, Tire Locations Minnesota, TPMS, Vehicle Routine Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is Your Car Ready For Spring?

You may have started on spring house cleaning, but what about some spring maintenance for your car?  

Winter has surely taken its toll on your vehicle. With road trip season approaching, Galaxy Auto and Tire Center has five simple steps to make sure the next few months of driving goes smoothly.

Check the Fluids: Address fluids used to keep your car running strong. After a cold winter, your car was working overtime. Have your mechanic check the all of the fluids to ensure your car is off to a fresh start for spring.

Check the Coolant:  The coolant system works overtime in the summer so your engine won’t overheat. Over time, coolant becomes corrosive so it is important to have your mechanic flush and refill the coolant every other year. Keeping your vehicle’s engine cooling system functioning effectively can help extend the life of your car – a big plus these days. Schedule an appointment to have your coolant checked by Galaxy Auto Centers today.

Check the Tire Pressure: It’s easy to notice if your car starts smoking or a strange smell is coming from the hood, but it’s difficult for drivers to detect when their tire pressure is low. Consumer Reports determined that tires lose two to six PSI (pounds per inch) every six months, which can be anywhere from a 6% to 18% loss of the total pressure in a car tire. Deflated tires force your car’s engine to work harder, lowering fuel efficiency. Incorrect tire pressure is also associated with decreased steering response. Check your door placard for the recommended pressure or stop by your local Galaxy Auto and Tire Center for tire pressure adjustments.

Check the Wiper Blades: Don’t wait until the first thunderstorm of the season to find out that your wiper blades aren’t working properly. Between the snow and ice of winter, your wiper blades have taken a beating. Look to see that your blades are not cracked or dry and make sure that when on, they wipe the windshield clear, without lines or streaks. Drop in anytime at Galaxy to purchase your windshield wipers, and we’ll put them on for free!

Clean Your Car: After months of salty roads and slushy drives, washing your car will not only make your car seem shiny and new, it can increase performance and prolong the quality of your exterior paint. Be sure to have the undercarriage thoroughly washed too as road salt can eat away at the metal components. For the inside, a standard spray vinyl cleaner is perfect for cleaning the door panels and steering wheel.  The spray will also help to protect your dashboard against fading and sun damage.

After your spring tune up, you’ll be ready to roll down the windows, crank up the music and enjoy a summer cruise in your car. Make sure your vehicle is ready for anything that summer throws your way at any of our Galaxy Auto and Tire Center locations, including Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights and Spring Lake Park.

Schedule an appointment: www.galaxyautocenters.com/schedule-appointment

Posted in Accepts All Competitor Coupons, Air Conditioner Service, ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Tire Pressure, Auto Scheduled Maintenance, Brake Fluid, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Like Us, Proper Fluid Levels, Schedule An Appointment, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Testimonials, Tire Dealer, Tire Locations Minnesota, TPMS, Vehicle Routine Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Can I Use My Snow Tires All Year?

If snow tires in the winter increase tire traction and make your car travels safer, why not use them all year round?
To the average driver, it is sometimes unclear why switching from winter tires to regular tires is necessary. The professionals at Galaxy Auto and Tire Center are here to explain the importance of ditching your snow tires as the weather warms up.
The tire tread that helps to grip ice and plow snow out of the tire’s path in the winter can actually work against you once warmer spring weather arrives. Snow tires are not designed to cut through rain water or prevent slipping or gliding (also known as hydroplaning). In addition, winter tires are designed for cold weather, made from compounds that become soft and wear faster in weather over 40°F. Keeping your winter tires through the summer will also decrease the overall fuel efficiency of your vehicle.  As the weather warms up, your urge to roll down the windows and enjoy the fresh air will be met the noise of your winter tires, as it is especially noticeable when the windows are down.
The best avenue to take to ensure safety and cost efficiency in the long run is to have two sets of tires, one for winter and one for the warmer months. Using the correct tires for the season will maximize the life of each set, increasing the wear time and saving you money in the long run! Consult your local Galaxy Auto and Tire Center for tire recommendations and services.

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Are You Ready For Your Holiday Road Trip?

Before you leave on that holiday road trip to grandma’s house, you should take time to check to make sure your vehicle is safe.  Here are some important things to check on your vehicle:

Air pressure in your tires:  Know your vehicle’s recommended air pressure, especially for cold winter conditions.  The correct tire pressure for your vehicle can often be found on the vehicle’s I.D. sticker on the inside of the driver’s door frame, visible when the door is open.

Windshield Wiper blades:  Make sure your wiper blades are in good working condition and can keep your windshield clear during winter weather.  Also, make sure your washer fluid reservoir is full before heading out.

Headlights and Taillights:  Make sure all the exterior lights on your vehicle are working.  Did you know that in many communities a “fix-it ticket” can cost you?  Many communities charge fines upwards of $100 for burned out taillights and headlights.

Come in and have us check out your vehicle for safety before you take that big holiday road trip. We are open Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.  We are closed Christmas Eve, but will be open Monday, December 26 during regular business hours.

Remember to always check the weather reports before leaving home for your holiday road trip.  Know what kind of weather you may have to encounter.

Travel safe and happy holidays from your friends at Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers!

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