Ask an Expert St Cloud, MN 56301

PREFERRED SERVICE AND REPAIR > REPAIR TIPS > ASK THE MECHANIC

Monday	7:30AM - 5:30PM
Tuesday	7:30AM - 5:30PM
Wednesday	7:30AM - 5:30PM
Thursday	7:30AM - 5:30PM
Friday	7:30AM - 5:30PM
Saturday	Appointment Only
Sunday	Closed

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Address:
2205 Roosevelt Rd
St Cloud, MN 56301

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320-251-8844

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Vehicle Tips

According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
Vehicle Tips

The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
Vehicle Tips

Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
Vehicle Tips

Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.
Vehicle Tips

Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
Vehicle Tips

A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
Vehicle Tips

Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
Vehicle Tips

Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
Vehicle Tips

Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
Vehicle Tips

Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
Vehicle Tips

Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
Vehicle Tips

Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
Vehicle Tips

Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
Vehicle Tips

Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.
Vehicle Tips

Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
Vehicle Tips

Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
Vehicle Tips

Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
Vehicle Tips

Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
Vehicle Tips

Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.
Vehicle Tips

Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.

What our clients say about us?

Reviews and comments from our satisfied customers

New management took over in 2017, but based on a few interactions seems to be upholding the good reputation.

Tim Miller
Scott and Rita are the best. We wouldn't let anyone else service our vehicles ever. So glad to continue our service relationship with Scott at his new location. If you are looking for a good and honest mechanic, I would highly recommend Preferred Service and Repair.

Barbara McDowall Linn
I was very happy with my experience with Preferred Service and Repair. I had my car towed there Friday assuming the starter was out. I did not think the car would even be looked at, let alone repaired, until the following week, but at the end of the day got a call reporting he had found the battery cables just needed to be replaced, and he had already completed it for less $ than my towing cost. They had given me a ride back to work, and then stayed open late for me to come back to pick up the car. Very friendly and professional.

Mike Lehn
New Mgmt team is great, plus great reliable service.

Paul Brown
Rita and Scott are the new owners, so don't hold them to the old reviews!! Honest and great people! Best place to take your vehicle!!

Monica Voth
Under new ownership! Great service and QUALITY work! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff with fair prices!

Stephen Westby