Fort Collins Auto Repair

The experience of driving during winter is different from all other seasons. It's tough, to say the least. The fog, icy roads, heavy snow, freezing temperatures, to mention but a few, make driving such a daunting task. However, all is not lost. You can still do something about it. This article is to help you prepare better. Driving Tips During WinterClean Your Windshield Your windshield will frequently get iced during winter. If you do not clean it, you will have a hard time driving. You will also be putting your life at risk and that of the other road users because your visibility is poor. Use an ice scrapper to clean your windshield. If you don't have it, use a credit card or something similar. You can also pour tap water on the windshield using a hosepipe to melt the ice away. Turn Your Headlights On Visibility is a big deal during winter because of the rain and fog. For a better visibility, turn on your headlight ... read more

Getting your vehicle prepared for the winter months is necessary when it comes to keeping it reliable in the cold weather. From icy roads to falling snow, making sure that certain safety features are in top working condition will help keep you safe on the road. Getting stuck in the snow is never a fun time, and driving in certain weather conditions with a poorly maintained vehicle can put you at risk for an accident.  There are several steps that you can follow that will help keep you prepared for the winter months ahead. Let’s look at some of our top recommendations to follow starting this month before the Holidays:  One thing to check is your car’s battery. A battery that hasn’t been replaced in a few years can be at risk of losing enough power in low temperatures to cause your vehicle not to start. A test at our shop can tell you if your car battery can still hold its charge ... read more

Tires are a very important safety feature of your vehicle. They are the only thing sitting between your vehicle and the road, and a good set of tires is essential to proper control and road traction. We know that tires can be expensive, so extending the life of your tires as much as possible should be a priority. Plus, it's always a good idea to replace all four tires simultaneously. Uneven tire wear can happen over time, which is why rotating your vehicle's tire is so important.  What is a tire rotation? A tire rotation is service performed which rotates your tires to different positions. For example, your front tires are moved to the back, and the back tires are moved to the front. They are also rotated from left to right.  Depending on your vehicle, whether it is a front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive, certain tires may wear down faster than others. When you have your tires rotated, your tires will be able to wear down more evenly in comparison ... read more

We love our cars. When they’re running great, we depend on them to get us to where we need to go. If you’ve ever been without a car, you know the freedom they represent.  But with great freedom comes great responsibility. Vehicles emit a host of toxic gases from combustion in the engine, which come right out the tailpipe and into the atmosphere.  Emissions tests are designed to ensure these gases are released at a safe limit, improving air quality and the environment. Therefore, these tests are government regulated.  You won’t legally be allowed to drive your vehicle if it fails its emissions test.  Whether you’re a “fix it when it breaks,” or “prevent a breakdown in the first place” kind of driver, the required emissions test will be the legal determiner if you can get your vehicle registered and drive it on public roads.  How do I get an emissions test? In Colorado, there are two options for getting a gas ... read more

Whether you’re a weekly commuter or weekend warrior, saving money on gas is probably worth it to you. After all, gas can add up to around $200 a month just for the necessities of your life. Getting that cost down can greatly impact the overall cost of driving your vehicle and allow for more dollars to be allocated elsewhere such as for trips and vacations. And don’t worry, buying a new vehicle is not necessary to improve your fuel economy! Follow these tips to maximize any vehicle’s fuel efficiency. 1. Vehicle Maintenance Up-to-Date A vehicle runs optimally when all systems are in great working order. Having necessary repairs and staying up-to-date on factory scheduled maintenance helps ensure that all systems in your vehicle are functioning at their best. Preventive maintenance will not only help you ... read more