Brooklyn Park Auto Repair

  When was the first seatbelt birthed? The original seatbelt wasn’t actually invented until the nineteenth century. On February 10, 1885, New York resident, Edward J. Claghorn, was given the first safety belt patent. It was a simple lap strap that used hooks and other attachments to keep people secured to an object. Almost 75 years later, in 1959, the modern-day seatbelt came on the scene when an engineer at Volvo, Nils Bohlin, invented the three-point seatbelt. It was Volvo that inspired the use of seatbelts by becoming the first manufacturer to provide standard seat belts in all of its vehicles. This is one of the reasons why Volvo is recognized as the safety powerhouse that it is currently known as today. This safety feature remained as an optional feature for years. Congress finally recognized that many car fatalities were due to not wearing seatbelts and passed a new minimum federal standard for safety belts in 1963 to lessen fatalities. Once these standards were set ... read more

When you’ve got yourself a sweet ride, you want to make sure it looks the very best, so you invest in the right products to take care of it. While you buff that leather interior with a smile, you want to make sure that your car’s exterior--the paint job--stays fresh and new as long as possible. However, summer heat is not always the summer-lovin' we’ve been lead to expect. What’s a loving vehicle owner to do? Read on for tips on how to protect your paint job in the summer heat.  Bathing Beauty: It may seem counterintuitive, but it is a good idea to wash your car frequently. This is a great way to cool off if you want to do it on your driveway. Wait until the evening shadows grow long and whip out that hose while the kids play on their bikes. Gently buff your car, but be careful not to leave any scratches. Once you’re done with the wash, hand dry using a chamois or microfiber towel.  Wax on, and on, and on… A high-quality wax can go a ... read more

The right games in the car during road trips can be a wonderful way to prevent boredom and a fun opportunity to stay connected to your family and other passengers on your adventure on the road. There are so many easy and creative games and activities that are sure to keep your child from moaning, "Are we there yet?” over and over and keep any adult entertained. Here are some suggestions for games to play in the car:   Predictions Pick an upcoming exit, location, or landmark. Figure out how far away it is, the time, and your current speed. Have each person in the car predict the exact time you'll arrive at the location. Let the winner choose the next rest stop!        Mundane Game Challenge people in the car to recall recent events. "What was the server's name at breakfast?", “How many stalls did the last rest stop have?”, “How much was the soda we bought at the last gas station?"    &n ... read more

In the 1920's, Tetraethyl lead (TEL) was introduced into gasoline to raise the octane of the base gasoline. The critical difference between unleaded petrol and leaded petrol is the additive tetraethyl lead. The lead is released into the air due to the combustion of leaded gasoline. Lead is a pollutant that is heavy and can damage the environment and individuals who have been exposed to it. Lead is an element that is not capable of "burning" into anything but another lead-bearing compound   An outdated and incorrect belief is that lead was put into fuel to protect the valve seats. Since there is only unleaded gas at the pumps at gas stations now, older engines need to use a lead substitute as fuel or the valve seats will burn up.   What about premium gas? Regular unleaded gas usually costs about 15 to 20 cents less per gallon than premium. This could save a driver approximately $100 or more per year, depending on how often they fill up. The Federal Trade Comm ... read more

Is packing your trunk generally a nuisance for you? Here are some helpful packing tips that can take the complexity and challenges out of getting all you need in your vehicle: Step One: Organize your belongings into the following groups: Heavy items Awkwardly shaped items (things that aren't square, rectangular, or box-shaped) Medium weight items Lightweight things Malleable items (things you can squish like duffle bags and blankets) Belongings that must be easily accessible   Step Two: Unless they can be damaged easily, put your awkwardly shaped things in first. Put them in one area of the trunk because they can't be stacked like square suitcases and you'll need to arrange items around them. Keeping them together means that only one portion of your trunk is underutilized as opposed to multiple areas.   Step Three: Heavier items can be added to your trunk next. Back these things tightly and form one flat layer towards the rear of the trunk.   Step ... read more

Road trips with your friends, family, or alone can be an adventure. Having the right tunes can certainly add some zest to your time on the road. Books on tape are also a great option to keep you engaged while driving down the open roads. Here are a few suggestions that could keep you engaged and entertained for miles: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams If you like science fiction and humor, "The Hitchhiker’s Guide" is a colorful journey through time and space. The dialogue is pithy and rich in philosophy and science. If you liked "A Space Odyssey" and “Johnny Dangerously", this could be a right choice for you. It's not a long book and this is only the first book is a series of five. There are many dramatized versions. However, the most popular is the version where the text is narrated by Stephen Fry. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle There are 12 different stories of our favorite detective ... read more

  Getting your vehicle prepared for spring can save you hassles, anxiety, and steep auto repair costs down the line. Winter weather can cause some havoc on your vehicle. Be a responsible car owner and have your car ready for the warmer day and blooming flowers. Here are some suggestions to get your automobile for the spring:   Change Your Oil Changing your oil regularly determines how long your vehicle will be in motion on the road. Be mindful of periodically changing oil filters and how long the intervals are between oil changes.   Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids Your windshield wipers can experience a good amount of wear and tear from snow, sleet, and ice damage. It's wise to replace your car's wipers when they begin streaking. Getting new wipers easy to replace and inexpensive. Windshield wiper fluid and other windshield treatments can repel the elements.   Check Your Tires Interesting fact. You can save money on gas when your tires are in good ... read more

  With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what you and your special someone will do to celebrate the spirit of love. Luckily, there are romantic things to do in and around Brooklyn Park. Here are some suggestions:   1) Pazzaluna   One of Saint Paul's top restaurants is now taking reservations for cozy intimate romantic dinners. This eatery with a warm environment is so committed to the Valentine’s Day vibe that they're offering a special four-course meal from February 12th-14th.   2) Como Park Zoo & Conservatory   Saint Paul Como Zoo & Conservatory is getting into the Valentine's Day spirit and offering a candlelit dinner surrounded by ... read more

  Have you ever thought about becoming an auto mechanic? If you love the inner workings of trucks, cars, and other transportation, this could be a career that suits you. Some mechanics do general repairs and maintenance, while other technicians specialize in onboard computers, tires, brakes etc. The minimum education requirement for auto mechanics is a diploma from high school. However, it is preferred by most employers that their mechanics have completed an associate’s or certificates in an automotive technology program.   What exactly does a mechanic do?   Auto mechanics restore, troubleshoot, and examine a variety of vehicles, including personal automobiles, trucks and other heavy equipment machinery. If you’re considering a career in the auto repair industry, you must know about various equipment, tools, and procedures that are used at auto jobs to repair problems. In the age of technology, it’s significant that auto mechanics are knowledgeable ... read more

The holidays are approaching! Not only does this joyous time of year bring families together for great meals and anticipated gifts, but it also offers up many opportunities to see wondrous light displays. Luckily, we live in a part of the country that offers up a variety of shiny and bright lights that captivate people of all ages. Right here in Brooklyn Park, light-seekers can head to 8016 Upton Circle N. and view more than 50,000 lights with animated scenes. Should you want to check out displays in or near the Twin Cities, consider the following:   Downtown St. Paul's Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights St. Paul's Christmas tree is located in Rice Park. During the holiday season, the entire lawn is draped with sparkling lights. This historic Landmark Center hosts several holiday events and even has a free ice skating rink.   Downtown Minneapolis' Holidazzle Celebration The annual Holidazzle market takes place in Loring Park. Enjoy the food and crafts of loc ... read more