Lowell's Auto Repair – Brakes, Tire Repair, Suspension, Wheel Alignment, Engine Repair inColumbia Heights

About Lowell's Auto Repair

Lowell’s Auto Repair is a full-service preventive maintenance and auto repair center serving the northern Minneapolis, MN area, specializing in: Air Conditioning Service, Wheel Alignment, Tire Balance, Batteries, Belts & Hoses, Brake Repair, Computer Diagnostics, Cooling System trouble-shooting and repairs, Engine Repair, Exhaust Service, Fluid Change, Fuel Injection Service, Oil Change & Preventative Maintenance, Shocks, Struts and Suspension Service, Tires, Transmission overhaul, Tune-up, Towing, and General Car Care Services since 1978.

Our Reviews on Google

We offer a 12 month/12,000 miles Warranty on all repairs! (parts & labor)

If a Lowell’s Auto Repair part should fail during the manufacturer’s warranty period, we will replace it.

Our staff of highly skilled technicians coupled with our vast database of more than 80,000 repair records can do diagnosis better and faster than the competition.

Our repair technicians have over 75 years of automotive technician experience on staff

Need a ride? Use our local Free Shuttle Service to & from home or work while your car is being repaired or serviced. Loaner car also available.

Come to Lowell’s Auto Repair – Where the Customer Comes First!

Lowell's Auto Repair's Code of Ethics

As a Professional program we agree to:

Recommend corrective and maintenance services and explain to the customer which of these is required now to correct existing problems and which are for preventive maintenance.
Offer customers a price estimate for work to be performed.
Obtain prior authorization for all work done, in writing or by other means satisfactory to the customer.
Make every effort to keep the customer informed about appointments and completion deadlines.
Furnish an itemized invoice for parts and services, priced fairly, which clearly identifies any used or remanufactured parts. Replaced parts may be inspected upon request.
Furnish or post copies of any warranties covering parts or service. Use quality Auto Parts, guaranteed coast to coast.
Provide and honor our manufacturer warranty.
Exercise reasonable care for the customer’s property while it is being serviced.
Make every effort to fix the customer’s vehicle right the “first time”.
Maintain a system for fair settlement of customer’s complaints.
Cooperate with established consumer complaint mediation activities.
Uphold the high standards of the profession and seek to correct any or all abuses within the automotive industry.

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Car Problems and Issues

The Most Common Reasons to Come In!

Completing routine service and maintenance is vital to keeping your car, truck, or SUV running strong. At times, however, car issues will arise, and every vehicle will display certain warning signs.

To reduce the potential for breakdown, and expensive repairs, we’ve listed the 12 most common car problems that tend to pop up.

Warning Lights

Your warning or check engine light indicator is the most common issue for US car, truck and SUV owners. These lights come on when the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit) detects an error code triggered by a sensor. Since there are more than 200 possible warning codes, it’s best to have a professional mechanic complete a warning light inspection for the best way to determine the source and make the right repairs.

Engine Sputtering

Your vehicle’s engine runs best when air and fuel properly mix and burn in the combustion chamber. To efficiently complete this process, a series of fuel and ignition system components must work together. Though many moving parts help an engine run properly, engine sputtering or misfiring is one of the leading problems. To reduce engine misfiring or sputtering issues, make sure to replace fuel and ignition system components as recommended by your manufacturer.

Fuel Economy

When the engine is running efficiently, it burns fuel at a rate that helps improve fuel economy. However, several fuel system parts like fuel filters, air filters, mass air flow sensors, and O2 sensors will eventually get dirty or wear out. If this happens before they are replaced, it will cause the engine to consume more fuel than usual. Again, being proactive about routine servicing provides the solution.

Dead Battery

Most car batteries should last about three years or 50,000 miles. A dead battery is usually caused by reduced amps – or electrical currents – which naturally decrease as the battery loses its ability to maintain a charge. A damaged alternator, battery temperature sensor, or other charging system components can expedite this issue. It’s best to replace your car battery every 50,000 miles or three years, even if it’s not showing signs of damage.

Flat Tire

While most tires become flat after striking an object or being punctured, it’s possible for simple wear and tear to be the main source. Extend your tire’s lifespan by keeping them properly rotated, as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Generally, rotating tires every 5,000 miles (or when you change your engine oil) is the best advice.

Squeaky Brakes

Like any other moving part on your car, the brake system is intended to wear out over a designated period of time. Brakes are vital for safe stopping, so when they display any symptoms of issues, like squealing, squeaking or a soft brake pedal – it should be inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. While minor problems can cause squeaking or squealing noises, once the brakes start grinding, it’s a definite sign they need to be replaced.

Alternator Failure

The alternator is the part on your vehicle that keeps all electrical systems running once the car starts. It’s also responsible for supplying a charge to your battery to keep it in peak condition. When an alternator breaks, it will eventually cause the battery to wear out prematurely and other starting issues. Check your recommended service intervals and replace the alternator before it breaks to avoid this hassle.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is responsible for cranking your engine over, which begins the starting process. When this component fails, it’s usually because the electrical solenoid has been damaged, the starter motor breaks, or another electrical fault occurs – like a starter relay, for example. While a starter can be replaced before it breaks, it’s difficult to predict when this will happen. It’s best to have a car-starting inspection to determine the problem before assuming it’s the starter.

Steering Wheel Shaking

Multiple issues can cause the steering wheel to shake while driving. If it happens right after starting your car and beginning to drive, wheel bearings or damaged suspension components are often the source. If it happens at higher speeds, it’s typically a tire/wheel balance issue. Regardless, having a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle at your location is the best way to correctly diagnose and resolve this issue.

Emissions Test Failure

Most US states require an emissions test to register your car, and a failed test can occur for many reasons. In several states, if a check engine light illuminates, it’s an instant fail. Most emissions centers will let you know why the vehicle failed the test, so you can contact a mechanic to complete the necessary repairs.

Overheating

You might suspect overheating to be higher on this list, but in reality, it occurs rarely. In most modern cars, the cooling system is very complex, containing multiple sensors that monitor coolant temperature, flow and other components. Staying on top of radiator flush services and changing the water pump before it breaks are two easy ways to reduce the potential for overheating issues.

Slipping Transmission

When properly maintained, an automatic transmission can last for more than 200,000 miles without trouble. The modern automatic transmission is a hydraulic system comprised of several seals, gaskets, and lines that can become damaged, clogged with debris, or leak. When this happens, a transmission will ‘slip’ or not shift smoothly. To avoid this common car problem, stay on top of the recommended transmission service for your vehicle.

Choose Lowell's for Quality

Service Area

Lowell’s Auto Repair proudly serves the Columbia Heights, Fridley, Minneapolis, New Brighton, Hilltop, NorthEast Minneapolis, St Anthony, Robbinsdale, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Lauderdale, Hennepin County, Anoka County, and Ramsey County Areas.
Find us on this google map for directions and location!

4457 Univ. Ave. NE

763-571-9969

Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 5:00