Fort Collins Auto Repair

Shopping around for automotive repair is much like shopping for anything else, right? There’s many factors to consider: price, quality, convenience, etc. It’s one thing to seek out the best burger in town; maybe ask a few people and try a few places to get there. It’s also appropriate to investigate options for, say, your next sinus surgery. You wouldn’t, however, call all the burger joints and surgeons in town, ask how much the burger or surgery costs, then go with the one that tells you the cheapest price, right? Or maybe you would. I don’t know. But let’s assume we agree it’s a bad idea to make an important decision, one that costs you taste buds or money, via a mere phone conversation convincing you of the cheapest price. Oddly, this frequently happens when people choose who to have fix their car. I get it. You’re just wondering how much a certain repair will cost so you figure you’ll call a few shops, see how much they’l ... read more

While not quite there, our shop is well on the way towards being…paperless! Community Auto is always super excited to rock new technologies so I thought I’d share with you our exciting avant-garde, the Digital Automotive Inspection! Just like a physical exam from your doctor, technicians are trained to inspect a vehicle’s health in a bumper-to-bumper fashion, assessing the the health and safety of various parts and components and recording their findings in a way you’ll understand. They procedurally go over the vehicle, checking belts, hoses, fluids, tires, suspension, etc. and inspect for any issues or soon-to-be issues. In the past, technicians used paper forms to record their findings, leaving greasy fingerprints on the forms and hard-to-read sloppy handwriting (to the defense of mechanics everywhere, going directly from turning a wrench to writing with a little pen is dexterous!). But luckily for us ... read more

“They’re greasy…and scary–they are speaking a language I don’t understand and I don’t trust them.” Can you relate to similar thinking? When searching for good auto mechanics in Fort Collins, you may find yourself overwhelmed. With so many options, the price of auto repair, and possible horror stories you’ve heard, maybe you don’t know where to start. It’s worth noting that as with most things, it’s true that you often get what you pay for. Cheap repairs are generally…well…cheap. Many factors play into this but since I’m sure you’re seeking service that’s a great value (quality work at a good price), I’ll keep it simple. When shopping for a mechanic, pay attention to the following things and know you’re in good shape. 1. Certifications Mechanics who invest in themselves and their profession will undoubtably turn out higher quality work than those who don’t. Look f ... read more

Like any independent mechanic, we are an extended warranty repair shop. This means if you have purchased an extended warranty for your new or used car, we’ll honor it AND help you work through the fine print. If you’re faced with a break-down, leak, noise, smell, dash-light or any other issue you think may be covered under your extended warranty, here’s what you should do: 1. Read your warranty. Vehicle warranties do come in all shapes and sizes; including the manufacturer’s warranty, dealership warranties, and extended warranties. Extended warranties are the the kind that are bought after or when you buy a new or used car and cover anything from bumper-to-bumper to specific components (like the powertrain or emissions systems). Some warranties also require you keep up on scheduled maintenance. Warranties also vary in where the vehicle can be re ... read more

There are times when a trip to the dealership versus your trusted home shop is necessary. Maybe there’s a warranty recall. Maybe your vehicle requires special tools. But what if you’re stuck between deciding to take your vehicle to the dealership or an independent repair shop for service? Is the dealer more expensive than an independent shop? Can you trust independent shops? Can you trust dealerships? Of course, you’re ultimately wondering where you’ll get the best value. While it’s a decision you’ll have to make at some point in your life, having some more information will empower you to make a decision you feel great about. Ultimately, it is a similar decision we make regarding any industry–do you prefer the experience of dealing with large corporations or small operations? Here are some things to consider: Dealership T ... read more