Fort Collins Auto Repair

Have you heard that annoying sound coming from your car when you brake? That is probably not because your car is haunted. It is more likely that something in the braking system has gone awry—and it is time to bring your car in for inspection and repairs. What Causes The Vibration And Shuddering Sound When Breaking? The most common cause of a shuddering sound when braking is warped brake rotors. Brake rotors are the large metal discs that sit at either end of your car's wheels and help slow it down as you press on the pedal. They are also massive heat sinks, meaning they absorb a lot of energy from friction between them and the pads that press against them to create friction and slow down your vehicle. When this friction heats up the rotors too much, they warp just like any other piece of metal would when heated too much—and when they warp, they begin vibrating under pressure from your brakes. This vibrating creates an audible noise as well as a sensation that feels l ... read more

One of the worst feelings you can have as a car owner is getting in your vehicle, cranking the ignition, and: nothing. No noise, no sounds, just a blinking red light and no ability to get where you need to go. But when this happens, what are you to do? Is it a battery issue, a faulty electrical system, time for a new alternator, or do you just need a jump? Let's talk about different kinds of startup problems and which ones mean what repairs. Dead Battery When your car doesn't start, this is the problem you want it to be. A dead battery can be caused by leaving your lights on or your key in the ignition for extended periods of time. If this happens, then all you need is a jump start from a family member, friend, or Good Samaritan. Faulty Starter If a jump start isn't doing anything and you really need to get going, then the starter might be the problem. You'll need to have this problem handled professionally, as there could be a few things to look at. Your battery mi ... read more

Most cars on the road nowadays have various filters on board to keep everything running through the car clean. When our vehicles don’t run well, car filters don’t usually come to mind. However, clean filters play a significant role in keeping your car in tip-top shape. Read on to learn about the three important filters in the modern vehicle. Cabin Air Filter Cabin air filters can be made out of  paper, foam, and cotton. They are responsible for catching debris and contaminants so that you can breathe clean, harmless air in the cabin. They can even help in absorbing unnatural odors to make your car smell better. As your filter collects all the dust and pollutants over time, the filter will eventually get clogged. As a result, you may find an off-smell in your car, less air going through your vents, or even a noisier fan. Fortunately, these filters are affordable and worthwhile to replace.  Engine Air Filter Speaking of engines, the motor has its own air filter ... read more

Your car's engine is typically its heart. In the case that it comes on, then you need to do something about it. The behavior of the light depends on the problem. The lights can either stay illuminated or keep blinking, in the latter case then it means the car needs immediate attention. How it Works The check engine light is turned on by your car's diagnostic computer system when it detects a problem that is or will affect the car's functionality. Together with other warning lights like the seatbelt symbol and fuel symbol light, the check engine light comes on every time the car starts. Don't be bothered by this, it is normal however, if the light stays on then there may be a serious issue. The 5 common reasons why your Check Engine Light came on Gas Cap Issue: This is one of the easiest and cheapest ones to fix. Check if the gas cap is loose and also check if it is missing or damaged. If not fixed, you will lose a lot of fuel to the atmosphere. Malfunction of the ... read more

Without healthy tires, you wouldn't be going anywhere with your car. To keep your tires running in tip-top shape, you’re going to need frequent tire rotations. Tire rotation is exactly what you think it is. It involves changing the position of your tires from back to front and/or left to right. This minor maintenance item can go a long way in extending the life of your tires and make your drives safer and more pleasant.   In some cases, tire rotations are required services if you want your warranty to be valid. Automakers typically recommend the service every 5,000 miles, give or take. You can do every oil change or tune-up to make things easier for you.   Most car makers don’t do this to get money out of you, since you can have them done anywhere. They do it knowing that rotating your tires will extend the life of your tires. A careful and precise tire rotation gives our technicians a chance to take a deeper look at the health and condition of your tires ... read more