Fort Collins Auto Repair

  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

Often, strange smells in our cars emanate from our children's hockey equipment. But sometimes, they are an indication of mechanical issues and potential trouble worth checking out with a professional. Below are 4 of the most common car odors you wouldn't want to ignore. Rotten Eggs A sulfur smell in your car mostly results from your catalytic converter's inability to convert toxic gasses in the exhaust system to less harmful compounds. If disregarded, it can damage your catalytic converter leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Driving your car with a damaged catalytic converter is dangerous and illegal, especially if your vehicle fails emission testing—Check-in with your mechanic for an early diagnosis and a chance to save your catalytic converter. Molds or Mildew If it feels damp, wet, or musty in your car, the main culprit is the air conditioning system. Mold or mildew could be growing in your ac evaporator due to condensing moisture. The solution to thi ... read more

Transmission is one of the many fundamental components of a vehicle that conveys power generated by the engine to the axles and wheels, putting it in motion. The transmission contains oil or fluid that facilitates frictionless shifting of the gear assembly, provides hydraulic power, and cools off the transmission. Regular maintenance of transmission fluid is vital for optimal vehicle operations. What is a Transmission Flush? With the passage of time and distance, transmission fluid gathers contaminants that cause increased friction and heat generation, overall hampering the transmission assembly. The process of removing this soiled fluid and replacing it with a fresh one is called a Transmission Flush. Transmission flush not only removes the dirty fluid but clears any leftover grime and residue as well, followed by a new fluid refill. Flushing of transmission fluid ensures that the new fluid does not get contaminated by the old debris. Does my Car need a Trans ... read more

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

Vehicle maintenance is essential when it comes to your safety on the road. Factory recommended services are something that most car owners have heard, but may not fully understand what they are. The easiest way to think about it is that they are services that your vehicle manufacturer recommends at certain mileage or time intervals. These recommendations are based on estimations of how long certain parts will last and how often certain maintenance items will be needed to keep your vehicle running at its best. Factory recommendations are based on a number of things, including keeping you safe at all times, keeping warranties valid, making sure your vehicle stays reliable on the road, and helping you protect the overall integrity of your vehicle. These services are also planned out in order to help save you money on repairs over time. That is why it is in your best interest overall to stay current with these services.  If you reference your vehicle’s owne ... read more

The fall season is finally here, and with the changing season comes the changing weather. While it is still sunny here in Ft. Collins, we can expect the rainfall to begin in the next month. Is your vehicle ready for the rain? After the warm (and strange weather) summer, your vehicle may not yet be prepared to keep you safe in wet conditions. So, how can you prepare your vehicle for the rain?  There are certain areas of your vehicle that need to be inspected and possibly serviced that will help ensure that you are safer on the road when it is wet outside. Here are some of our top recommendations for how you can help prepare your vehicle for the rain this fall:  Change your windshield wipers When you think of rain, you think of your vehicle's windshield wipers, of course. Wipers can dry out quickly, especially after a warm summer. If they look dry, cracked, or aren't performing smoothly, it's time to have them replaced.  Check your ... read more