Fort Collins Auto Repair

Often, strange smells in our cars emanate from our children's hockey equipment. But sometimes, they are an indication of mechanical issues and potential trouble worth checking out with a professional. Below are 4 of the most common car odors you wouldn't want to ignore. Rotten Eggs A sulfur smell in your car mostly results from your catalytic converter's inability to convert toxic gasses in the exhaust system to less harmful compounds. If disregarded, it can damage your catalytic converter leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Driving your car with a damaged catalytic converter is dangerous and illegal, especially if your vehicle fails emission testing—Check-in with your mechanic for an early diagnosis and a chance to save your catalytic converter. Molds or Mildew If it feels damp, wet, or musty in your car, the main culprit is the air conditioning system. Mold or mildew could be growing in your ac evaporator due to condensing moisture. The solution to thi ... read more

Transmission is one of the many fundamental components of a vehicle that conveys power generated by the engine to the axles and wheels, putting it in motion. The transmission contains oil or fluid that facilitates frictionless shifting of the gear assembly, provides hydraulic power, and cools off the transmission. Regular maintenance of transmission fluid is vital for optimal vehicle operations. What is a Transmission Flush? With the passage of time and distance, transmission fluid gathers contaminants that cause increased friction and heat generation, overall hampering the transmission assembly. The process of removing this soiled fluid and replacing it with a fresh one is called a Transmission Flush. Transmission flush not only removes the dirty fluid but clears any leftover grime and residue as well, followed by a new fluid refill. Flushing of transmission fluid ensures that the new fluid does not get contaminated by the old debris. Does my Car need a Trans ... read more

The experience of driving during winter is different from all other seasons. It's tough, to say the least. The fog, icy roads, heavy snow, freezing temperatures, to mention but a few, make driving such a daunting task. However, all is not lost. You can still do something about it. This article is to help you prepare better. Driving Tips During WinterClean Your Windshield Your windshield will frequently get iced during winter. If you do not clean it, you will have a hard time driving. You will also be putting your life at risk and that of the other road users because your visibility is poor. Use an ice scrapper to clean your windshield. If you don't have it, use a credit card or something similar. You can also pour tap water on the windshield using a hosepipe to melt the ice away. Turn Your Headlights On Visibility is a big deal during winter because of the rain and fog. For a better visibility, turn on your headlight ... read more

Getting your vehicle prepared for the winter months is necessary when it comes to keeping it reliable in the cold weather. From icy roads to falling snow, making sure that certain safety features are in top working condition will help keep you safe on the road. Getting stuck in the snow is never a fun time, and driving in certain weather conditions with a poorly maintained vehicle can put you at risk for an accident.  There are several steps that you can follow that will help keep you prepared for the winter months ahead. Let’s look at some of our top recommendations to follow starting this month before the Holidays:  One thing to check is your car’s battery. A battery that hasn’t been replaced in a few years can be at risk of losing enough power in low temperatures to cause your vehicle not to start. A test at our shop can tell you if your car battery can still hold its charge ... read more

Vehicle maintenance is essential when it comes to your safety on the road. Factory recommended services are something that most car owners have heard, but may not fully understand what they are. The easiest way to think about it is that they are services that your vehicle manufacturer recommends at certain mileage or time intervals. These recommendations are based on estimations of how long certain parts will last and how often certain maintenance items will be needed to keep your vehicle running at its best. Factory recommendations are based on a number of things, including keeping you safe at all times, keeping warranties valid, making sure your vehicle stays reliable on the road, and helping you protect the overall integrity of your vehicle. These services are also planned out in order to help save you money on repairs over time. That is why it is in your best interest overall to stay current with these services.  If you reference your vehicle’s owne ... read more