Fort Collins Auto Repair

Like any independent mechanic, we are an extended warranty repair shop. This means if you have purchased an extended warranty for your new or used car, we’ll honor it AND help you work through the fine print. If you’re faced with a break-down, leak, noise, smell, dash-light or any other issue you think may be covered under your extended warranty, here’s what you should do: 1. Read your warranty. Vehicle warranties do come in all shapes and sizes; including the manufacturer’s warranty, dealership warranties, and extended warranties. Extended warranties are the the kind that are bought after or when you buy a new or used car and cover anything from bumper-to-bumper to specific components (like the powertrain or emissions systems). Some warranties also require you keep up on scheduled maintenance. Warranties also vary in where the vehicle can be re ... read more

There are times when a trip to the dealership versus your trusted home shop is necessary. Maybe there’s a warranty recall. Maybe your vehicle requires special tools. But what if you’re stuck between deciding to take your vehicle to the dealership or an independent repair shop for service? Is the dealer more expensive than an independent shop? Can you trust independent shops? Can you trust dealerships? Of course, you’re ultimately wondering where you’ll get the best value. While it’s a decision you’ll have to make at some point in your life, having some more information will empower you to make a decision you feel great about. Ultimately, it is a similar decision we make regarding any industry–do you prefer the experience of dealing with large corporations or small operations? Here are some things to consider: Dealership T ... read more

With today’s flurries and yesterday’s treacherous slide home, my vehicle is at the forefront of my mind. I’m also thinking about the condition of other vehicles on the road with me. Driving conditions were so bad yesterday, there was no shortage of cars tipped over and slid out along the medians of I-25. Without windshield washer fluid, working wiper blades and tires with proper tread depth, the drive would not only have been 100X more miserable, but my car and I may not have made it home safely. Colorado weather greatly affects our vehicles, requiring us to manage and maintain them in ways that residents in warmer states don’t have to. As with any machine, cold temperatures cause components to shrink, making plastic pieces brittle and more likely to break, seals and hoses more likely leak, tires to lose pressure, and batteries to weaken and cause no or hard starts. Preventive maintenance can reduce cold-related headaches and ensure safe, reliable transportatio ... read more

Every once in a while we encounter some confusion about vehicle diagnostic charges. “You mean I have to pay for you to tell me what needs to be repaired? Even if you don’t fix anything?” Or, “I still have to pay for a diagnostic even though I get it fixed by you?” Diagnostic charges are sometimes a topic of debate. But they shouldn’t be. You don’t see people upset about paying their doctor for their yearly physical exam. It takes education, a whole lot of experience (I’m talking YEARS), and talent to be a really good mechanic. And it’s not easy. Having problems with your vehicle solved and fixed is a valuable service that saves you a lot of headache. Proper equipment, experience, and training are required to consistently and accurately diagnose the cause of vehicle problems. These pe ... read more

When a vehicle has a problem that occurs unpredictably it is called an intermittent problem. An intermittent problem may not occur while operating the system or even during a test drive. This can make it very difficult to diagnose the cause of the problem. Intermittent car problems can be a pain for everyone involved! This post should help you understand why that is and the complexities of diagnosing the cause of car problems. And in doing so, hopefully relieve any related frustration. Fortunately, Community Auto is equipped with the latest repair information, technical service bulletins, and recall information. If your vehicle has a system or component with an inherent safety, emissions, or reliability problem and there is a factory fix available for it, we will be able to make you aware of it and repair the problem for you. What you can do to save money, time, and frustration and to help us solve the problem: Pay attention to driving conditions What is the temperatu ... read more