Fort Collins Auto Repair

It's first thing in the morning and you’re already late for work. You hop in your car, turn the key to start it and...nothing.  The worst! You panic as you try to figure out what to do first: call someone--your boss, AAA, the Quick Lube who changed your oil two months ago...    We’re instead going to turn this panic into power and armor you with knowledge that will 1. keep you calm and 2. get you back on the road as soon as possible.    Your first step is to troubleshoot. And the best part is you can do this yourself. It is easier than you may think!    Start here:   When you turn the key in the ignition, does the engine crank (try to start)? Do the lights and radio come on? Do you hear a “clicking” noise? Or, does nothing happen at all (you might as well not even be trying here)?    Can you remember the last time the battery was replaced? You may simply need a new battery.   Or maybe you le ... read more

Your vehicle's timing belt is important to the overall operation of the engine. It ensures the correct timing of the crankshaft and camshaft so that the engine valves open and close at the proper times. Over time, timing belts begin to wear out and can fray or tear. This is why they need to be replaced at certain intervals, typically around every 60,000 miles or so. When a timing belt breaks, it can cause damage to surrounding components and end up costing you more money on repairs.  If you're unsure how often your vehicle's timing belt should be replaced, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for this information. It is so important to replace your timing belt on time, even if you don't see damage on the outside of the belt. The inside of the belt could be dry, making it more likely to snap unexpectedly. Not only will a snapped belt leave you stranded, but it can bend valves, cause piston damage, and ruin cylinder heads.  The level of damage t ... read more

We love our cars. When they’re running great, we depend on them to get us to where we need to go. If you’ve ever been without a car, you know the freedom they represent.  But with great freedom comes great responsibility. Vehicles emit a host of toxic gases from combustion in the engine, which come right out the tailpipe and into the atmosphere.  Emissions tests are designed to ensure these gases are released at a safe limit, improving air quality and the environment. Therefore, these tests are government regulated.  You won’t legally be allowed to drive your vehicle if it fails its emissions test.  Whether you’re a “fix it when it breaks,” or “prevent a breakdown in the first place” kind of driver, the required emissions test will be the legal determiner if you can get your vehicle registered and drive it on public roads.  How do I get an emissions test? In Colorado, there are two options for getting a gas ... read more

Isn’t it frustrating to spend your time and money taking your vehicle to an auto shop only to learn the problem is something you could have easily fixed yourself?  Knowledge is power. Therefore, we believe part of our job to educate drivers on how their vehicles work. Be sure to pick our brains whenever you come into the shop.     But for now:     We have five secrets to keep you from needing to make that appointment call.   1. Save yourself a trip to the auto repair shop by taking care of your car battery   If you go to start your car and the engine won’t crank and the electronics (lights, radio, door locks, etc.) won’t work, your car battery might be dead.      Now, instead of having your vehicle towed to the shop, you can try a few things on your own.   First, check for corrosion on the battery terminals.   When corrosion builds up on the terminals, it can make for poor connection to ... read more

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