Fort Collins Auto Repair

A pre-purchase vehicle inspection (PPI) is an important step before purchasing a used car. It's a thorough examination of the vehicle to identify any issues or potential problems. A PPI can help you make a more informed decision about the car's condition and whether it's worth the price. Here are some things you should look out for and have in mind. Choose A Reputable Mechanic It's important to find a mechanic or shop that specializes in pre-purchase vehicle inspections and has a good reputation. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family or check online reviews. Schedule the inspection before you buy Have the car inspected before you make the purchase. This way, you can negotiate with the seller based on what you find during the PPI, or choose not to purchase the vehicle if there are too many issues. Be Present During The Inspection We advise you to be present during the inspection so the mechanic can point out any issues and explain them to you. This ... read more

With temperatures dipping below freezing, now is the worst time to be dealing with car heater issues. For those who haven’t been keeping up with their cooling system maintenance or HVAC system maintenance, you may notice your vehicle struggling to warm up. So, if your car heater is blowing cold air, keep reading to learn what could be causing the problem. Low Coolant Levels The vehicle heater is directly linked to the cooling system, which is what you may come to find as you read this blog. The coolant absorbs the engine’s excess heat and brings it all the way to the heater core to warm up the air that will eventually reach the cabin. If there isn’t enough coolant, you will feel cool air instead of warm. Low coolant levels can be due to anything from worn seals, damaged gaskets, or leaky hoses. Stuck Thermostat The thermostat is also a crucial part of the cooling system. It monitors engine temperature to let your vehicle know when it needs more coolant or less co ... read more

Are you noticing any signs of a leak in your vehicle? If so, it's important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. Signs of a leak can include an odd smell, drops of fluid under the vehicle, or a puddle under the car. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to determine the cause of the leak and take steps to fix it. Common sources of leaks include the oil pan, transmission, radiator, fuel tank, and air conditioning system. Another way to check for signs of a leak is to visually inspect the underbody of your vehicle. Look for any wet spots, as well as any spots that look like they have been recently cleaned up. Another sign of a leak is pooling oil or coolant. If you see either of these liquids pooled underneath the car, it's likely that there is a leak somewhere. Another tell-tale sign of a leak is a burning smell coming from the engine. This is often caused by oil or coolant leaking onto the hot engine and burning off. It's important to look out ... read more

If you and your family are hitting the roads for the holidays, know that you will be one of many. In a perfect world, holiday road trips are full of spirit and fun. While few families use this opportunity to jam out to Christmas carols, many sit in stress or frustration. To prevent a disaster on the road, we’d like to share these tips to ensure your road trip is safe and as stress-free as possible: Stay buckled up - Safety always comes first. That said, make sure everyone in the car is buckled in. Store valuables - For longer trips that span for several hours, stops for gas, restrooms, and even meals are inevitable. When you make stops, ensure valuables (including christmas gifts) are stored out of sight.  Prepare for icy conditions - Depending on where you’re traveling, you might hit some icy or snowy conditions. Make sure you take it slow while on the road. Additionally, make sure your vehicle is equipped to handle such conditions. Some areas to check include tir ... read more

Have you heard that annoying sound coming from your car when you brake? That is probably not because your car is haunted. It is more likely that something in the braking system has gone awry—and it is time to bring your car in for inspection and repairs. What Causes The Vibration And Shuddering Sound When Breaking? The most common cause of a shuddering sound when braking is warped brake rotors. Brake rotors are the large metal discs that sit at either end of your car's wheels and help slow it down as you press on the pedal. They are also massive heat sinks, meaning they absorb a lot of energy from friction between them and the pads that press against them to create friction and slow down your vehicle. When this friction heats up the rotors too much, they warp just like any other piece of metal would when heated too much—and when they warp, they begin vibrating under pressure from your brakes. This vibrating creates an audible noise as well as a sensation that feels l ... read more