Elysian Auto Service

  Can I Drive With a Bad Thermostat? The short answer to this question is technically yes, but the long and smart answer is no. Yes, your car will still run but not very well. Without that thermostat properly working, it decreases performance and can cause damage. Most think a car would immediately overheat without a functioning thermostat and that may be true, but the car may also never warm up to its optimal temperature. Driving with a bad thermostat is a disaster waiting to happen. The thermostat serves an important role in your vehicle, it is basically a valve between the engine and radiator. When the coolant gets hot the thermostat opens letting the coolant pass to the radiator, if it is not hot then the thermostat stays closed allowing the coolant to circulate. Some common signs of a bad thermostat include your engine overheating or a fluctuation of your temperature gauge. If either happens get your vehicle into a certified shop as soon as possible. Overheating your vehicle i...

  Elysian Auto Service: Do I need a new battery for my vehicle? 5 Signs it is time to replace your battery It has been a frigid week here in Minnesota and it is no secret that our cars do not appreciate the cold! The freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on our batteries. What might surprise you is that it is actually the warm months that create our winter battery problems. The heat accelerates corrosion within the battery which then causes it to weaken. Here are some signs you should be looking for if you think you might need a new battery: 1. Your vehicle is sluggish to start. This is a good indicator that it may be time to replace your battery.  2. You hear a clicking sound when you turn the key. This happens because your battery is weak and sends a weak current to your starter which will cause the clicking noise.  3. You need to jump-start your battery. Keep in mind this is not a long-term fix and that you will need a battery replacement. 4. Have you noticed your ...

  Winter Maintenance: Fluids  Winter is right around the corner! Living in Minnesota, it is important to make sure your vehicle's fluids are ready for the cold. A couple particular fluids are very important to ensure your vehicle runs properly. You want to pay close attention to your: -Anti-Freeze/Coolant: Antifreeze ensures that your engine does not freeze up in the winter or overheat in the summer. Some antifreeze comes as a concentrated liquid and some are already pre-diluted. Make sure you pay special attention to which you buy, and that if needed you properly dilute it. We suggest a coolant service every 30,000 miles or 3 years.  -Oil: Make sure your oil change and filter are both up to date. Cold oil has a thicker consistency which puts more pressure on the filter. You want to make sure you have a clean filter, this will ensure that the oil can pass through with minimum resistance.  -Windshield Washer Fluid: Check your windshield fluid level and make sure you h...