Fort Collins Auto Repair

A recent study found that younger drivers are “1.5x more likely to identify popular emojis correctly” than the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) dash warning light. Who cares?   Well, while funny, the finding is also concerning. Dash warning lights are important indicators for things gone wrong with your car. Not understanding them can lead to unexpected and costly auto repairs.     Know about these dash warning lights and you’ll save time and money down the road   Do you know what the check engine light means? What about all the other lights that ocassionally pop up? Here's the download:   Most warning lights require professional diagnosis and repair. You can learn ... read more

Keep up on your vehicle maintenance and you’ll most likely avoid ever needing the help of an engine shop. But even proper diligence doesn't always stop a breakdown. Here are 6 signs that could indicate an engine needs repair. Check Engine Light There are many dash warning lights that can pop up. But here, we’re specifically talking about the check engine (or service engine soon) light. The presence of the check engine light is especially concerning if it is flashing. This indicates you need to get your vehicle to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Consider parking your vehicle and having it towed to the shop, especially if there are other symptoms such as the engine stuttering. When the check engine light is flashing it means the engine is in need of repair, and that further driving could cause permanent and irreparable engine damage. Smoke from Exhaust Some smok ... 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

Fleet Repair Management The more vehicles you own, the more difficult it becomes to manage maintaining them. Think about it--a vehicle requires an oil change and tire rotation about every 3 months, other fluids serviced at 6 or 12 months, and a host of other inspections and replacements recommended in the schedule of your Owner’s Manual. Depending on how much you drive, your vehicle may need to go into the shop or be attended to 4-5 times a year or more. If you have multiple vehicles that are used to get a job done--a fleet--it becomes ever more important to have a system in place that keeps them running in tip-top shape. Now imagine your fleet of five or ten vehicles, all of which are required for the proper functioning of your business, and keeping up on what service each vehicle needs and when. Sounds impossible! If you are a fleet manager, sm ... read more

Staying cool is one of the most important things these days. OK, there are more important things, but it would be pressing to find someone who won't agree that getting into a hot car is highly inconvenient. Even dangerous [painful]. Including vehicle maintenance for summer, how to keep your car cool is a popular question during these hot Colorado summer months. Completely avoiding a vehicle from getting hot may be close-to-impossible but a few thoughtful actions could really make the difference between roasting alive and actually beating the heat.   1. Cover your hot bits   The initial shock (or injury) of getting into a hot car is oftentimes caused by infamous areas that end up burning hot--the door handles, leather seats, steering wheel, seat belt buckles and gearshift. To avoid getting burned, all you need is to do is simply ... read more