Fort Collins Auto Repair

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