Are You Ready For Your Holiday Road Trip?

Posted on December 22, 2011 by admin

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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Galaxy Auto and Tire Centers: Proof Is in the Pudding

Posted on November 10, 2011 by admin

Galaxy Auto and Tire Centers has been providing quality auto repair service for decades. We’re proud to have multi-generational clients return year after year for trusted, friendly service.

But, don’t just take our word for it…

“GAL”axy Auto & Tire Centers should have the first three letters capitalized and bolded because their Brooklyn Park shop is GAL-friendly!  I have been taking my cars to GALaxy for years and I have NEVER felt like they were taking advantage of me, just because I am a GAL.  Paul and Gary always greet me and explain everything to me.  They always call and go over all the details.  I always ask, “and what would YOU do if this was your wife’s car?”  They have always been truthful and dependable.

Just recently I had a flat tire on a major freeway.  When I called Galaxy, they were quick to give me a tow contact number and later answered my questions when the tow truck brought my car and myself to the shop.  They explained that there would be no charge for the tire repair as it was still under warranty!  I wouldn’t have kept track of that kind of information, but my friends at GALaxy are always there for me!Thank you, Paul, Gary and your crew.  I am a VERY satisfied GALaxy customer!

Deb O.

…………………………………………

Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers in Brooklyn Park came through for me in a pinch.  I was on my way to work and blew a hole in my tire.  As I slowly drove through an unfamiliar neighborhood, I was so happy to come across Paul Jensen at Galaxy!  Not only did Paul make me feel very comfortable they could handle the job in short order, he also provided an accurate price estimate.  The best part was that he offered to have someone give me a ride to work!  I am so grateful for the great customer service and friendly smile offered to me by the team at Galaxy!  I will definitely come back to Galaxy for service in the future.”

Thanks again for your help!

Christine S.

…………………………………………

Scott,

Thank you for the great customer service!  You’ve taken personal time to test drive our cars, driven them in for service and even delivered them back to our house.  We truly appreciate it and it’s really nice having a place to take our cars for service that we trust!  Thanks again!!

Steve, Deb, Sarah and Maggie

…………………………………………

Galaxy Auto Centers, Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pros since 1973. Experts at Galaxy Auto’s three convenient locations deliver top quality, full-service auto repair, preventative maintenance, and a full range of tire selections for all makes and models. ASE-certified technicians get repairs done right the first time, while providing customer service that is second to none.

Questions About Your Vechicle?

 

Ask An Expert

Discounts & Coupons

*Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers also Accepts all Competitor Coupons

Posted in Accepts All Competitor Coupons, ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Discounts, Auto Scheduled Maintenance, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Schedule An Appointment, Shuttle Service, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Testimonials, Tire Dealer, Tire Locations Minnesota | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Vehicle’s Heater Isn’t Heating.

Posted on October 25, 2011 by admin

Most vehicles produced in the last decade have a filter that serves a similar function to your homes furnace filter. It is installed in the air ducting between the air intake vent and the vehicles blower motor. The blower motor provides air circulation for both heating and air conditioning.

As you can imagine this filter can quickly fill with bugs, leaves, grass and other debris as you drive.  We’ve even found pet food and mice nests. Your vehicle is a warm and cozy spot for a mouse and your pet food is also mouse food.

As your filter fills with debris, it reduces the amount of air that can flow into your vehicle.  If it is allowed to go too long it will eventually plug completely eliminating all air flow. When this happens both heat and air conditioning can appear to be non-functional.

Inspection of the cabin air filter is a regularly scheduled service on all vehicles that have this filter. There is often a charge associated with this inspection due the location of the filter often being inside the dash assembly or in the duct system such that disassembling of vehicle components is required.

As we approach the heating season check both your homes and your vehicles “furnace filter” to assure maximum efficiency of both heating systems.

Galaxy Auto Centers, Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pros since 1973. Experts at Galaxy Auto’s three convenient locations deliver top quality, full-service auto repair, preventative maintenance, and a full range of tire selections for all makes and models. ASE-certified technicians get repairs done right the first time, while providing customer service that is second to none.

Questions About Your Vechicle?

Ask An Expert

Discounts & Coupons

*Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers also Accepts all Competitor Coupons

Posted in Accepts All Competitor Coupons, ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Discounts, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Heating & Cooling Service, Schedule An Appointment, Shuttle Service, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Tire Dealer, Vehicle Routine Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Vehicle Vibrates When I Use My Brakes!

Posted on October 5, 2011 by admin

Feel a vibration or pulsation when applying the brakes? Does the brake pedal “bounce” your feet when the brakes are applied, yet the vehicle stops normally?

You have just described what is commonly referred to as brake pulsation.

A pulsating brake pedal that is often accompanied by a jerky stop is normally caused by brake rotors being warped.  While both front and rear brake rotors can warp and cause pulsation the front rotors are the most common cause of pulsation.  Brake rotors warp for many reasons, however, the two most common are over torqueing the wheels lug nuts and overheating during normal brake operation.

Over torqueing occurs when excessive torque is applied when tightening the lug nuts that hold the wheels on to the vehicle. Each vehicle has a factory recommended amount of torque that is to be used to complete this task. In order to assure that the proper torque is applied either a hand adjusted torque wrench or a torque stick specifically designed for this purpose should be used.

Overheating can occur for a variety of reasons. If the brakes are applied in a panic situation that requires stopping from a higher speed quickly excessive heat is created and the rotors can easily warp because of this. Warpage also occurs if the rear brakes are not properly adjusted or are not working properly causing the front brakes to overwork and thus create excessive heat.

One of the most overlooked causes of premature brake failure is improperly serviced ride control components. Fatigued or worn shocks and struts fail to absorb the energy they are designed to and thus this energy transfers to the braking components causing excessive heat absorption and thus warpage.

As with most vehicle services it is advisable that this situation be addressed at your earliest convenience. The longer that this is allowed to occur the more likely that the cost of repair will increase due to damage caused to other components in the braking system.

Galaxy Auto Centers, Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pros since 1973. Experts at Galaxy Auto’s three convenient locations deliver top quality, full-service auto repair, preventative maintenance, and a full range of tire selections for all makes and models. ASE-certified technicians get repairs done right the first time, while providing customer service that is second to none.

Questions About Your Vechicle?

Ask An Expert

Discounts & Coupons

*Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers also Accepts all Competitor Coupons

Posted in ABS, Accepts All Competitor Coupons, Antilock Braking System, ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Alignment, Auto Repair Discounts, Auto Repair Shocks, Auto Repiar Brakes, Brake Fluid, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Schedule An Appointment, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

There Is Fluid Leaking From My Car

Posted on September 26, 2011 by admin

DO YOU HAVE A FLUID LEAK UNDER YOUR CAR OR TRUCK?

If you’re not sure what fluids you are losing, place an old sheet or a large piece of white cardboard under the vehicle overnight. If the leaks are the following color, you have a good indication of what fluid you are leaking.

  • Clear -If the liquid is clear, it’s probably water from your air conditioner, which is normal.  If it’s slippery, it may be brake fluid. Gasoline is also generally clear, but has a very distinct odor. 
  • Red – Reddish fluid may be transmission or power steering fluid
  • Amber – Amber colored fluid may be gasoline. There will be a distinct odor.
  • Yellow – Clear or yellowish fluid may be brake fluid. This is also slippery to the touch. This can be a life-threatening problem!
  • Green – Green fluid is likely coolant from the radiator. This is also slippery to the touch.
  • Blue, Pink – Windshield washer fluid comes in a variety of colors. Check to see if your leaking fluid matches your windshield washer fluid under the hood.
  • Light Brown – May be gear lube. Gear lube also smells like rotten eggs. Or, if you’ve recently had your oil changed, it may be and oil leak.
  • Dark Brown – If you haven’t changed your oil in a while, it may be engine oil. Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. Older cars may leak engine oil normally, but large quantities may be cause for concern.

The most common types of leaks are: Coolant Leaks, Oil Leaks and Water Leaks. A puddle that is 3 inches or wider under your car is considered a serious leak and requires immediate attention. Except for the air conditioner and small engine oil leaks, most of these fluid leaks are signs of a potentially serious problem and should be examined immediately.

The location of the leak could also be a dead giveaway. If you can, be sure to note the location of the leak, the color of the fluid, it’s texture and smell.

Galaxy Auto Centers, Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pros since 1973. Experts at Galaxy Auto’s three convenient locations deliver top quality, full-service auto repair, preventative maintenance, and a full range of tire selections for all makes and models. ASE-certified technicians get repairs done right the first time, while providing customer service that is second to none.

Questions About Your Vechicle?

Ask An Expert

Discounts & Coupons

*Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers also Accepts all Competitor Coupons

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

Check Your Tires and Your Trunk

Posted on September 15, 2011 by admin

CHECK YOUR TIRES AND YOUR TRUNK: before heading out of town.

In times of high gas prices and in inclement driving conditions, tire pressure can make a major difference in driving, wherever you are. Should the unexpected occur, Galaxy Auto and Tire Centers would like you to be prepared.

CHECK YOUR TIRES 

Get a Tire Pressure Guage - Tire Pressure Guages are available at any auto parts store. They range in price from a few dollars to $20.

Check Your Tire Pressure - Tire pressure is monitored by Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). Over-inflated tires are just as dangerous as under-inflated tires. If you are unsure about the PSI for your tires, check the tire pressure stated on the inside of your vehicle’s door or in the owner’s manual - or contact Galaxy.

CHECK YOUR TRUNK

The Basics

  • Jumper cables and/or a battery jumper
  • A tool kit, including pliers, a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench and a pair of work gloves
  • A basic first aid kit, including a hand towel
  • A few bungee cords
  • Tow strap
  • Emergency road flares
  • Flashlight
  • Flashlight batteries
  • Folding shovel
  • Kitty litter
  • Spare boots
  • Spare socks
  • Blankets
  • Power bars
  • Fully charged SPARE cell phone. In addition to your main cell phone, have a backup that you can use to call 911. Cellular carriers are required by law to complete 911 calls from any cell phone, even if it is not activated. Just throw that old cell phone into your glove compartment.
  • Cell phone car charger

*take into account the number of people in your family, the climate where you live and your mechanical capabilities. It may make sense to put together a kit for the driver and a special, secondary package with key items for the rest of the family. The secondary kit can be packed with baggage when the family goes on an extended road trips.

Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers Always Matches Competitor Prices, but They NEVER Match Our Service. *ASE Certified Technicians.

Schedule An Appointment

Posted in Accepts All Competitor Coupons, ASE Certified, Auto Repair Tire Pressure, 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 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Galaxy Makes Finding Tires Easy: Online Tire Selector

Posted on August 12, 2011 by admin

Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers offers an Online Tire Selector. Simply enter the, Year, Make and Model of your vehicle and our online tire selector will give you choices that fit your needs. It’s never been easier!

SCAN THE QR CODE TO TRY IT NOW! Or, CLICK HERE.

Not sure which tires fit your needs? Ask A Galaxy Expert.   

 Galaxy Tire & Auto Centers has 3 Convenient Locations:

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Like Us Your Way to Receive:

At Galaxy, We Beat Their Prices,

But They Never Beat Our Service.

Competitor Coupons Always Welcome!

Posted in Accepts All Competitor Coupons, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Alignment, Auto Repair Discounts, Auto Repair Tire Pressure, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Facebook Contest, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Goodyear National Fleet Accounts, Like Us, QR Code, Schedule An Appointment, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Tire Dealer, Tire Locations Minnesota, TPMS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Auto Electrical Systems: Dashboard Light Got You Uptight?

Posted on August 8, 2011 by admin

Today’s vehicles are more convenient and comfortable than years ago. We now have built-in navigation, voice commands and warning systems. With all of our added vehicle comforts, the electrical system becomes a highly-stressed component.

Automobile Electrical Systems Consist of 3 main components:

Your car or truck’s electrical system should be completely checked and tested every two years, or whenever serviced for any type of driveability problem.

Some of the Basic Signs That Your Electrical System Needs Attention:

  • Turn signal flashing at a different speed: this can be from a bad bulb or faulty wiring
  • Vehicle will not start (cold weather): dead/bad battery
  • Stalling at stop lights: a sign that the alternator is failing
  • Dashboard lights periodically go dim: a sign that the alternator is failing

Oftentimes, an electical problem can be intermittent. This can be frustrating and nerve-wracking. Where other auto repair shops can’t diagnose the problem, Galaxy has trained ASE Certified technicians. Our technicians have the latest training on the most complex vehicle electrical systems.

“The Galaxy Auto and Tire Center on University Avenue in Columbia Heights has serviced our family’s vehicles for over ten years with outstanding service continuously.  The friendly and informative guys at Galaxy know me by name and fix only what really needs to be fixed.  No costly, unnecessary add-ons.  Only honest evaluation on my repair and maintenance needs.  They keep detailed records on our vehicles and have seen our family through several accidents and years of normal wear and tear.  Go to Galaxy and they will treat you right.”

-Pastor Fred

We believe in customer satisfaction. For all of your lighting, wiring, ignition, battery and other automobile repairs, trust Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers. We’ll diagnose the problem, discuss the options and give you the results you expect.

Like Us Your Way to receive exclusive auto repair discounts and coupons.

Schedule An Appointment

Ask An Expert

Posted in Accepts All Competitor Coupons, Alternator, ASE Certified, Ask An Expert, Auto Repair Battery, Auto Repair Discounts, Battery, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Electrical Repair, Electrical System, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, Like Us, Schedule An Appointment, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Starter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Click or Scan to WIN FREE GAS CARDS AND OIL CHANGES!

Posted on July 29, 2011 by admin

Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, located in Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights and Spring Lake Park, MN, is having a FACEBOOK LIKE CONTEST.

HOW TO WIN

OR

  • Scan the QR Code
  • Click the ‘LIKE’ Button

PRIZES INCLUDE:

  • 3 – $50 GAS CARDS
  • 3 - FREE OIL CHANGES

*In order to give away these prizes, Galaxy NEEDS to have 100 people that LIKE their facebook page by August 30th, 2011. Help yourself win by helping us spread the word. There’s really nothing more to do, but sit back and WIN!

Posted in Accepts All Competitor Coupons, Auto Repair Discounts, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Facebook Contest, Fridley Auto Repair, Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers, QR Code, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Tire Dealer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HELP! My TPMS Light Is On!

Posted on June 28, 2011 by admin

TPMS signifies a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

There are two different types of tire pressure monitoring systems: Direct and Indirect. Direct TPMS measures the air pressure in each tire. It is designed to warn you when your tire pressure drops 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended level. Indirect TPMS works with your Antilock Braking System (ABS). This system measures the difference in the diameter of the tires to set off the warning light.

What are the benefits of TPMS?

Driving on a significantly under-inflated tires causes extra heat to the tires. This can lead to tire failure. We’ve all seen the remnants of tire failure on the interstate before. Monitoring and maintaining proper tire pressure increases driver safety and improves vehicle performance in a number of ways. Properly inflated tires improve handling, decrease tire wear, reduce braking distance, and improves fuel economy. Although your tire pressure is monitored, each tire should be checked monthly, including your spare.

What should I do if my warning indicator comes on?

When your TPMS warning light is lit, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible. Because some vehicles are equipped to tell you which tire is low & others can only sense a difference in pressure, you may need to check the air pressure in check all 4 tires.

Attention: if you are unsure of how to check your air pressure, please visit any of Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers 3 convenient locations: Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights & Spring Lake Park, MN. Our ASE Certified technicians will perform a systems test to insure all of your sensors are working properly, check your air pressure, and either fill, repair or replace the tire – and turn off the warning light!

Tire Selection and Services

Tires support the entire weight of your vehicle at all times. Summer time can be rough on drivers that have a long commute. Combined, the age of your tire and the hot weather could spell trouble. Worn tires mean less traction. Less traction can result in hydroplaning, along with poor steering control.

Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers wants you to drive safe. We’ll inspect your tires and TPMS for free. If you need tires, Galaxy fits the right tire to your type of vehicle. Unlike other tire dealers out there, Galaxy is a full-service tire dealer and offers a wide range of brands and prices to choose from. See which tires are right for your vehicle by using our online Tire Selector.

Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers employs factory trained Goodyear Certified Tire Experts. We are also members of the Nationwide Goodyear Tire & Service Network.

Have a question on your tire warranty? We can help with that!

FLEET VEHICLES WELCOME.

Galaxy Auto & Tire Centers services all Goodyear National Fleet Account Vehicles.
With over 20 years of experience servicing fleet accounts, Galaxy is able to service and invoice fleet vehicles based on each management’s criteria. Long-term relationships with fleet management companies allows Galaxy to obtain quick approvals. Our team understands that a quick turn-around minimizes your lost time and saves on the bottom line. We understand that these vehicles are critical elements of each driver’s employment.

*Shuttles to work or home available in most cases.

*Towing Available

Schedule An Appointment Today!

Posted in ABS, Antilock Braking System, ASE Certified, Auto Repair Alignment, Auto Repair Tire Pressure, Brooklyn Park Auto Repair, Columbia Heights Auto Repair, Fleet Vehicle Maintenance, Fridley Auto Repair, Goodyear National Fleet Accounts, Shuttle Service, Spring Lake Park Auto Repair, Tire Dealer, Tire Locations Minnesota, TPMS | Leave a comment