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At Ruxer Truck Center, we have a variety of vehicles. They all come with different advantages, and sometimes, people wonder what's the difference between front-wheel and rear-wheel drive. It can be a little confusing, so here well present some basics about these two drivetrains.

For the most part, more standard vehicles will have front-wheel drive. This configuration is relatively efficient and compact, and it can be cheaper to build. Because most of the mechanical weight is in the front and over the wheels that steer, traction in the snow can be improved.

 

As you drive around Jasper, you will face many difficult driving situations that could put you and your passengers at risk. If one of these situations results in a crash, it is vital that you have dash cams installed so that you can prove to your insurance company what happened. At Ruxer Truck Center, we recommend installing two dash cams instead of one so that you can capture the entire incident from beginning to end.

Rear Dash Cam

A rear-facing dash cam can help capture the other motorists behavior before they collided with you. It can help show if they…

You may have heard of a part of your vehicle called a gasket. If you don't know what it is, don't worry. Here, you'll learn what a gasket is, what it does, where it is located, and when it should be replaced.

What Exactly is a Gasket?
A gasket is a protective sealant that is located in hundreds of parts of your vehicle. These gaskets will protect one component of your vehicle from outside contaminants. For instance, a water pump gasket will prevent dirt and brake dust from getting into your water pump.

Where are the Gaskets…

The battery inside of your vehicle will lower in its charge when it's being used for things like your radio, air conditioning or the startup of your vehicle. As long as the engine is running at some point in the near future, your battery will be recharged thanks to your alternator. As you drive faster, the battery will charge faster.

There are situations where people draw power from their battery without charging it. Once the battery is dead, you're not going to be able to rely on your alternator for a charge. You'll have to use an…

What will you do when you decide that you want to start off-roading in your favorite vehicle? The answer you should have ready is that you will take the time to meet others interested in the same hobby and get information from them. The best thing to do is to check out some Internet forums on the topic as well as checking in with local off-roading clubs for those interested in the world of off-roading and everything that you can do.

Those who have already been into off-roading for some time will know which National Parks to go to for…

Nobody wants to be stranded when driving around Jasper, so it's important to know the symptoms of part or system failure. Your fuel pump provides a constant stream of fuel to keep your engine going. If it starts to fail, you might notice these signs:

- Sputtering at high speeds
- Engine overheating
- Lower fuel pressure vs. what your owner's manual recommends
- Loss of power when climbing a hill, hauling or towing
- Surging randomly while driving
 

Have you ever wondered exactly what causes your windshield wiper blades to squeak, chatter or leave your windshield looking a streaked mess? Windshield wipers such as these need replacement. In general wiper blades should be replaced at least once annually or every six months. Here's why they break down and what to look for.

Windshield Wiper Blades 101

According to the seasoned team members of our Ruxer Truck Center service department, windshield wiper blades are basically automatic squeegees. Their main components are rubber and metal.

Like any natural and synthetic materials...

There is a certain level of confusion that is commonplace in regard to the how the electrical elements in a car are powered. Many people think the battery powers the electrics in a vehicle. In fact, the battery provides power to the starter motor which in turn activates the car. While the engine is running, the alternator provides the energy for the electrical elements of the vehicle and to charge the battery.

Historically, the alternator was called the generator because it functions in much the same way. The crank wheel on the alternator spins to create energy.

National Tire Safety Week is at the end of May each year. This is a great time to learn about the different ways that you can tell if your tires need to be replaced at this point in time. Ruxer Truck Center has compiled a list of some helpful tips.

• You can measure what's left of the tread on your tires. You should see a minimum of 1/16th of an inch of depth.
• Check to see if all four of your tires are wearing down at the same rate. One or two tires that are showing a lot…

An auto alignment is an important yet often overlooked form of maintenance. Here at Ruxer Truck Center, we are providing some information that will hopefully convince you just how important regular alignments are.

What is an Alignment?

An alignment involves adjusting your wheels and tires so that they meet the angles recommended by the manufacturer. This ensures safe handling of your vehicle and prevents your tires from wearing out prematurely.

Signs you Need an Alignment

Vehicles needing an alignment will not handle as well as they once did.