Fort Collins Auto Repair

Have you ever wondered what all those numbers and letters in your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) mean? This unique code holds a wealth of information about your vehicle, from its manufacturer and model year to specific features and production details. Decoding your VIN can give you insights into your car's history and specifications, which can be especially useful for maintenance, repairs, or when purchasing a used car.  What is a VIN, and Why is it Important? A VIN is a 17-character string of numbers and letters that serves as your vehicle's fingerprint. Every car, truck, and motorcycle has a unique VIN, making it an important tool for identifying and tracking vehicles. It's crucial for various purposes, including registration, insurance, recalls, and service records. Understanding your VIN can help you verify the authenticity of a vehicle, check for recalls, and access detailed information about its features and history. Bre ... read more

📢Speaker Announcement: We are happy to announce Chris Whited as a speaker for the Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference! ❓ About Chris: Chris started in the auto industry as a detailer in 1997 for AutoNationUSA. After moving to Colorado, Chris became a service advisor for the local Nissan dealer and later for Toyota. Leaving the dealership world, Chris became the service advisor and then service manager for an independent heavy-line diesel shop in Northern Colorado. Chris took a step back from the auto industry and worked as a youth pastor and senior pastor for churches in California and Nebraska for 11 years. Upon returning to Colorado, Chris joined Community Auto and owner Eric Warrington as the service manager. Chris had considered never returning to the auto industry before joining Eric at Community Auto. In his time at Community, Chris has taken the culture that Eric started and refined it to be a beacon of integrity, Employee focus, and a customer education service center ... read more

Planning a long drive can be exhilarating. The open road, the scenic views, and the promise of adventure make it all worthwhile. However, ensuring your vehicle is in top-notch condition is crucial to prevent any unexpected hiccups along the way. A thorough safety inspection before hitting the road can make the difference between a nice and troublesome journey. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you perform an effective safety inspection before your next long drive. 1. Check the Tires Thoroughly Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, making their condition critical for safety. Start by checking the tire pressure; under-inflated or over-inflated tires can affect handling and fuel efficiency and increase the risk of blowouts. Use a reliable tire gauge to ensure all tires, including the spare, are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels. Next, inspect the tread depth. Worn-out treads can reduce traction, especially in wet ... read more

Ever wondered why your car needs repairs so often? It's easy to blame bad luck or the age of the vehicle, but sometimes the culprit is much closer to home. Many drivers unknowingly engage in habits that, over time, can cause significant damage to their cars. Intrigued? Let’s look into the most common driving habits that can harm your vehicle and learn how to break them. 1. Riding the Brakes One of the most common bad habits is riding the brakes. Many drivers keep their foot on the brake pedal, especially when driving downhill or in heavy traffic. This constant pressure on the brakes can cause them to overheat, leading to premature wear and tear. Over time, this habit can warp the rotors and reduce the lifespan of your brake pads. 2. Ignoring Warning Lights Those little warning lights on your dashboard are there for a reason. Ignoring them is like ignoring a fire alarm. Whether it’s the ... read more

One common experience most people have is getting into their car on a hot, sunny day, turning on the AC, and being greeted with a bad smell coming from the AC vents instead of fresh air. What causes this unpleasant odor, and how can it be eliminated? We will examine the main culprits behind bad car AC odors and learn how to get rid of them once and for all. Stagnant Water Accumulation Ever left your car sitting in the sun for too long with the AC off? This can lead to condensation buildup in your AC system, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. As these microorganisms multiply, they emit a musty odor that can permeate your car's interior. Regularly running your AC and ensuring proper drainage can help prevent stagnant water accumulation and keep foul odors at bay. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters When did you last check or replace your car's cabin ... read more