Fort Collins Auto Repair

When many people think about their car’s electrical system, they instantly think of the battery. While the battery does give electrical charges to start your vehicle, the alternator is the component that charges your battery and runs electrical functions while your car is moving. Without a functioning alternator, your vehicle will abruptly stop all the time.    What Is the Alternator? The alternator is a fundamental aspect of your car because it converts power from the engine into electrical energy. This electrical current works to keep your vehicle’s electrical systems operating and keeps the battery charged. It was coined an alternator because it generates an alternating current that changes direction periodically.    5 Signs of a Bad Alternator The alternator is built up of many components such as bearings, rotors, and other internal parts. Over time these parts wear out, which means you need to take a trip to the auto shop. Here are some sympto ... read more

  Many adults can drive safely well past their 70s, 80s, and beyond. However, seniors are linked to various physical challenges related to aging that can interfere with driving. It is so important for older drivers - and the people who care for them, such as family and friends - to evaluate and spread these helpful tips to keep them safer on the road.   The following tips are general tips and resources for safe drivers (for any age group)! TIPS FOR SAFE, OLDER DRIVERS Mute your cell phone before operating the vehicle - Texting or talking while driving is one of the most common distractions while being on the road. Leave your cell phone on "Do Not Disturb" and away from your surroundings while you're driving. Always wear a seat belt - This one should be a no-brainer, considering 49 out of 50 states enforce it as a law to be buckled in every time you get in a vehicle. If it is uncomfortable, adjust the shoulder mount or purchase a pad that s ... read more

Every car owner should be able to recognize some signs that your car needs repairs. Whether it is for your engine or your breaks, your car will need repairs every once in a while. Windshield wipers are no different. Even though you might not think about it all of the time, windshield wipers are arguably one of the more important parts of your car. If you couldn't see out of your front windshield, it would make every other function of the car useless. Even the best sports car would be stuck if the driver couldn't see the road in front of him. We all know that windshield wipers need to be replaced and replaced often. If you are anything like the average person, you probably are confused about what signs you need to be watching for before you replace them and how long you need to wait in between. Experts recommend replacing your windshield wipers every 6 to 12 months, depending on the weather in your area. Keep reading for the main signs it's time to get that fresh set of wip ... read more

No one would be happy to see their car temperature gauge hitting the BIG RED "H" or smoke emanating from the hood. When any of this happens, it remains common knowledge that the cooling system has malfunctioned. It would be best to take precautions because overheating engines can cause further damage to your car. The engine that heats too much can ruin your journey. That said, you must understand why the engine overheats to take precautions if this happens while you are driving. If the engine begins to overheat: Turn of the AC to prevent further damage Ensure that your defroster is on, the fan high, and the heat at hot If you are in traffic, raise your engine speed with your car in parking or neutral gear Check coolant level and add the reservoir Open your car windows Find a safe zone and pullover to avoid further damage to your engine Common Causes of Overheating You Should Know When a car is overheating is evident that the cooling system is not functioning effective ... read more

A catalytic converter is used to convert exhaust gases like carbon monoxide in to safer emission substances such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. Vehicles have been fitted with catalytic converters since their introduction in the 1970's in a bid to reduce the level of pollutants emitted. Originally positioned close to the engine, the converter tends to be located further down the modern car toward the exhaust outlet. How Does a Catalytic Converter Work? The catalytic converter works by taking in harmful exhaust gases and purifying them through a chemical reaction within the converter chamber. This chamber has a metal exterior but contained within the chamber is a delicate honeycomb structure. The catalyst needed to create the chemical reaction that converts the exhaust gases to safer emissions comes in the form of precious metals which are coated on to the honeycomb structure of the converter. These precious metals can include platinum, palladium and rhodium. U ... read more