Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Car Starter Problems

A car's starter is one of its more important engine components. It is a small electric motor that engages the engine when the driver turns the key. Once the engine begins to run, the starter disengages. A bad starter is just one possible reason an engine won't start, but there are symptoms that can help pinpoint a problem with a starter.

Clicking

• One of the most common symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when turning the key to the "on" position. The clicking comes from under the hood and should be clearly audible since the engine won't even begin to turn over. If the engine does begin to turn over but never starts or if there are multiple clicks until the driver releases the key, the starter is actually functioning and the problem is elsewhere.

Headlights

• Headlights that are dim before trying to start the engine indicate a bad battery and the starter might be fine. However, when the lights shine at full brightness but become very dim when the driver turns the ignition key, the starter is almost certainly the problem. In this situation, the alternator is sending electricity to the starter, reducing that available for the lights. Even with the boost, the starter is unable to start the engine.

Smoke

• Smoke coming from under the hood can also indicate a faulty starter. This can occur when the starter motor burns out. If possible, open the hood and try to pinpoint the source. It may be possible to see smoke coming from the starter, which is in a metal cylinder mounted on the engine. Even once smoke clears, the starter may have a burnt smell.

Heat

• A faulty starter can cause battery terminals or wires to heat up. Like the dim headlight symptom, this comes from the alternator trying to send extra electricity to the starter. Always exercise care when handling battery terminals. If they cool down after the driver releases the key, the likelihood of a starter problem increases.

Courtesy of eHow.com

Buying a luxury car is a luxury experience. Thank you, Crystal, for appreciating us!

"Jon & Russell were both our sales people.  They were both extremely professional & friendly.  They did not pressure us, it was more of, if it works for you, great.  Buying a car got a little stressful for me, but their positive attitudes helped.  When you walk in the front door it feels like you are at a luxury car dealership, not just any dealership.  The front desk staff was also very friendly.  They have a fabulous lounge, and I am enjoying my car more than expected.  I am glad I spent the extra money to get a Lexus.  I am still finding features I didn't know it had!"

- Crystal

We appreciate the kind words and recommendation from our happy customer!

"From my arrival, browsing both used and new vehicles, my experience with both the sales manager(s), technology specialists, and service professionals at Lexus of Wayzata was thoroughly impressive. I was never left waiting, information was provided and questions were answered with surprising speed and accuracy. After purchasing my vehicle, I was thoroughly introduced to all the features in a nonstressful way, and didn't feel like the specialist was trying to hurry me along and get me out of the dealership. I've never felt so comfortable in purchasing a vehicle, nor have I been invited so many times to contact them with ANY concerns or questions. I would and WILL absolutely buy again from Lexus of Wayzata."

Remember 9-11-01

Today we remember all the loved ones that were lost 11 years ago. We will never forget 9-11-01.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Tailgating

It's nearly Fall, and odds are most of us are participating in, watching, or cheering on some kind of sports team. And for many fans, a game is not a game unless a tailgate precedes it. Taking it one step further... If you've got a 4WD Pick up Truck or SUV, chances are your vehicle serves as home base for your friends and family at the tailgate party!

Here are the best tips from professional tailgaters on how to throw the perfect tailgate party yourself, as well as tips to help you become the ultimate tailgater:

 

Make a Tailgating Checklist

To ensure nothing gets left at home, make a list of things you need to take to the tailgate party. Be sure to put your game tickets on the list too!

 

Have a Tailgating Theme

Think up a creative theme for your tailgate. If it's Thanksgiving, bring a turkey. If it's Christmas, bring a tree. Or, base your theme and decorations on the opponent. For example, you might have Cajun food against the Saints, Philly cheese steaks against the Eagles, or fish against the Dolphins.

 

Dress for the Occasion

Dress appropriately for several hours outdoors -- and be prepared for drastic temperature changes. And don't forget to wear comfortable shoes.

 

Show Some Tailgating Team Spirit

Show your team spirit... Wear team colors. Tailgaters are usually the biggest and best fans! After all, to become the ultimate tailgater, you'll want to stir up some tailgater's envy!

 

Timing is Everything

Get there early. You'll want to arrive 3-4 hours before game time to beat the crowd and claim your turf. And, plan to stay late so as to not miss a moment of the post-game enthusiasm.

 

Location, Location, Location

Set up your tailgate party near a grassy area, or bring a roll of Astroturf to set up at the end of the row -- for a more comfortable atmosphere with lots of room to socialize. Parking at the end of a row can also give you more partying space.

 

Tailgating in Parking Lots

Serious tailgaters choose a parking lot that has a view of the stadium if on-site parking is not available. Since the stadium is your Mecca, you need to be able to see it so you can bow to it occasionally.

 

Mark Your Spot At The Tailgating Party

A flag or team pennant on a tall pole helps people locate the party and makes a statement of team spirit.

 

Seating Arrangements

Don't worry about bringing chairs for everyone. Those who want to sit will bring their own chairs.

 

Generating Power

Serious tailgaters bring a small generator for powering a TV, stereo system or electric space heater during cold weather games.

 

Timing the Eats

Make sure your food is ready 1 to 2 hours before game time, so you have enough time to eat, clean up and find your seat in the stadium.

 

Put out the Fire

If you're using a charcoal grill, bring along extra water to douse the embers and a plastic garbage bag to put the cold coals in.

 

Be Smokey's Best Friend

Make sure that you have some way of extinguishing and throwing away your hot coals. Whatever you do, dispose of firewood or charcoal briquettes properly. Some stadiums have a designated place for hot ashes, but do not dump them in the grass or in trash bins.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

Bring your own lawn-size trash bags, because there never seem to be enough garbage receptacles on hand.

 

Courtesy of About.com

 

For more information about Vikings tailgating terms and conditions, click here.

We are happy to hear from our happy customers! Thank you for the 5-star reviews.

"Loved my experience. Dave was professional throughout my interactions with him. My inquiries were often done over email, primarily due to my distance from the dealership and busy work hours... and was frequently surprised at how quickly Dave replied. Information provided was always accurate, timely, and thorough. As far as options with my vehicle, Dave was very honest about options that he highly recommended, and options he would forego.

At the time of vehicle pick-up, I spent time with a specialist who was exceedingly professional, and was able to answer ANY question I had about any particular feature. Honestly, this somwhat surprised me, as I was trying to figure out if there was anything she wouldn't know about... there wasn't. I was extremely impressed with how thoroughly she knew the vehicle. I've never felt like I understand a vehicle so well immediately after purhase.

I also left the dealership feeling very comfortable contacting Lexus with any concerns or questions that may arise.

I can only say that I would purchase the vehicle with Lexus of Wayzata again, and, in fact, plan to."

 

"John did an outstanding job putting together the deal for our new Rx350. He is highly professional and personable. This is our second car we have bought with Johns help. These are great cars and great people to sell them like John Stusse. Thanks John for getting the car and the deal we wanted."

 

See more reviews on DealerRater!

Employee Spotlight - Christine Rogers

Christine Rogers was hired by Village Automotive Group almost nine years ago as an office assistant. However, on her first day she immediately began a career as a pre-owned car biller. Over the years she has had many different roles and positions, but is now back to pre-owned car billing and says she loves it! Her favorite part about her position is all the interactions with different departments and guests.

Christine grew up in Richfield, Minnesota and has spent the past 17 years living in St. Louis Park. She is a NASCAR fan and huge Dale Earnhardt Jr enthusiast. She also enjoys attending local sporting events, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Christine met up with an old boyfriend through Facebook and this past March they got married in Las Vegas. She has a son who will be a junior at St. Olaf and he runs on their cross country and track teams.

Thank you Christine for all your hard work and dedication to Lexus of Wayzata!