Fort Collins Auto Repair

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

With today’s flurries and yesterday’s treacherous slide home, my vehicle is at the forefront of my mind. I’m also thinking about the condition of other vehicles on the road with me. Driving conditions were so bad yesterday, there was no shortage of cars tipped over and slid out along the medians of I-25. Without windshield washer fluid, working wiper blades and tires with proper tread depth, the drive would not only have been 100X more miserable, but my car and I may not have made it home safely. Colorado weather greatly affects our vehicles, requiring us to manage and maintain them in ways that residents in warmer states don’t have to. As with any machine, cold temperatures cause components to shrink, making plastic pieces brittle and more likely to break, seals and hoses more likely leak, tires to lose pressure, and batteries to weaken and cause no or hard starts. Preventive maintenance can reduce cold-related headaches and ensure safe, reliable transportatio ... read more