Fort Collins and Longmont Auto Repair

The most important elements of safe winter driving are being prepared, staying in control and staying alert. This winter, follow these three tips to remain safe on the road. Winterize your car. Winterizing your vehicle includes an oil change, fluid check, tire swap and general maintenance. You want to ensure that your fluids are full, including your gas tank. It is important to keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter to prevent freeze ups. Avoid being stranded with a flat tire by having your tires filled and rotated or, ideally, by putting winter tires on. Winter tires will give you the best traction when driving in winter conditions. Lastly, have general maintenance performed. This includes a check up of the battery, belts, hoses, radiator, lights, brakes, heater and defrost system and wipers. Drive for the weather. One of the most important things you can do while driving in the winter is to watch your speed and drive for the weather. When you are headed out the ... read more

More than half of Americans prefer a real tree over a fake one for Christmas. However, one of the biggest challenges of getting a real tree is having to transport it home. It can be a difficult task if you don’t have the tools and don’t have an idea of what you are doing. Fortunately, the team at BG Automotive is here to help with some tips to make your Christmas brighter. Below are some of our key tips for Christmas tree transport to keep you safe and your car free of damage.  Bring Items for the Job You will need a blanket, tarp, or sheet of some sort to provide a barrier between your car and the tree. You don’t want to lay the tree bare on your car roof or truck bed because its needles can scratch your vehicle and its sap can hurt your car paint. Next, you will need to bring a rope, bungee cord, or other forms of the durable strap. You will use those to wrap the tree onto the car securely. Last but not least, don’t forget to pack glo ... read more

Brake fluid is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle. It helps transfer the force from your foot on the pedal to the brakes. If your brake fluid is low, it can cause several problems with your braking system. The most common symptom of low brake fluid is a soft or spongy brake pedal. This can be caused by a leak in the system or air getting into the brake lines. Other symptoms include a grinding noise when you apply the brakes or the brakes not working as well as they should. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have your car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Low brake fluid can cause your brakes to fail, so it's not something to take lightly. What Are the Functions of the Brake Fluid 1. The brake fluid is responsible for transferring the force from your foot on the pedal to the brakes themselves. 2. The brake fluid also acts as a lubricant for the moving parts in the braking system. 3. The brake fluid helps to keep the brakes cool by dis ... read more

With hundreds and thousands of moving parts that make up an automobile, it can easily get lost when your mechanic throws some terms at you. A common problem that we’ve seen firsthand at BG Automotive is with the vehicle’s major belts. Many drivers get the timing belt and serpentine belt confused. Is there just one? Are they the same? We’re here to answer all the questions regarding the serpentine belt and timing belt.   First things first, the timing belt and serpentine belt are two entirely different components. The timing belt is located near the engine, and its purpose is to synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft(s). It has rubber ribbing that is equally spaced apart to time when the engine intake and exhaust valves to open and close. In contrast, the serpentine belt is a long snake-like belt that transports power to many accessories and sits outside of the engine. Some people call it the accessory belt.    The physical appearances of the two be ... read more

The summer months are all about having fun with family and friends, and we’re sure the last thing you’d want to think about is auto service and repairs. However, if you don’t want to hit any roadblocks this summer, we want to make sure that your car is safe and in good shape. Wherever you go this summer, please make sure you have done the following maintenance steps.  Monitor Your Tires Throughout the year, your tires lose and gain pressure on an everyday basis. As temperatures fluctuate throughout August and into the fall, please properly adjust your tire pressure to the recommended levels. Not only will it minimize the risks of tire accidents, but it will promote even tire wear. Make Sure Your A/C is Cool What is a good summer without air conditioning? You’ll need cold air blowing in your cabin to make sure you and your passengers are comfortable.  Test Lights Even with long summer days, you’ll want to have all your car exterior lights sh ... read more

The power steering system warning light is one of the many dashboard lights that can come on in your car. It's usually accompanied by a message on the dashboard display, telling you to check or service the power steering system. But what does this warning light mean, and what should you do if it comes on? The power steering system warning light comes on when there's a problem with the power steering system. This could be caused by a leak in the system, low fluid levels, or a failing pump. If you see this light, it's important to have the system checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. If the power steering system warning light comes on while you're driving, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, don't panic. The power steering system is still working, but you may notice that it feels harder to turn the wheel. Second, avoid sudden movements or turns, and take extra care when driving in tight spaces. Finally, if possible, pull over and turn off th ... read more

Although your vehicle battery requires less maintenance than your engine or brakes, doesn’t mean you should neglect it completely. Most drivers forget to clean their battery terminals. It is not until they have starting problems and come to open their hood, that they find that the battery is completely corroded.   Over time, your car battery can have corrosion around its terminals. By cleaning the connection area, you can better the performance of your battery and extend its lifespan. Cleaning your battery is simple, and it can be done with items you have lying around the house! What to Grab Gloves Baking Soda Water Rag Toothbrush Petroleum Jelly Steps Step 1 - Combine 1 tbsp of baking soda with a cup of water, and stir until they are mixed. Step 2 - Open the trunk, locate the battery, and undo the cables. Inspect the battery to assess what areas need to be cleaned. Plus, check for signs of leaks or swelling. If so, you should skip cleaning and he ... read more

If you often drive in the evenings or night, you’re going to need dependable lighting to see where you’re going. Whenever our car lights start to look dim or even flicker, it could negatively impact your safety. There are many different problems that can cause your lights to appear darker. The most common problems can usually be traced to your battery, alternator, bulbs, or ground wires. Battery  The first electrical part that you should check is your car battery. An old battery can cause your lights, as well as other electrically powered accessories, to go bad. Feel free to come by our auto repair shop for a battery test. Alternator If your battery doesn’t seem to be the problem, consider checking your alternator. Faint lights are often a symptom of a bad alternator. A broken alternator will typically only cause the lights to do this when the car is on. The team at BG Automotive can assess your alternator’s condition too. Bulb If an electrical compon ... read more

Weekends are good and convenient for tailgating. Whether you are planning to spend time with family and friends or attending a sporting even or a football match, safety is key. However fun such events would be over a grill, some dangers may arise. Here are some safe tips for a successful tailgating experience. Timely planning and sourcing for meals saves time to find foodstuffs. It is often stressful to find everything you might need within a tight schedule. Planning will accord you an ample time to organize a great tailgating experience and also save your pockets from impulse buying. While having much fun, danger always sticks around for a bone or two. It is important to keep the grill a safe distance away from the gathering as people risk dangerous falls as it cooks your meals. In addition, fire extinguishers would also come in handy in case of fire emergencies while a first aid kit would be used to nurse minor injuries. It is important to note that nowadays, so much affects our h ... read more

As we transition from winter to spring, your car will need some maintenance items to cater to the changes. Plus, most drivers tend to use their vehicles more often during the warmer months. Please follow these tips to ensure you're driving safe on the road this season!   Get an Inspection When you bring your car, SUV, or truck to our auto repair shop, one of our qualified technicians will closely examine all your hoses and belts for leaks and other signs of wear. Everything should be tucked away nicely. Check Your Coolant Coolant or antifreeze is necessary to keep your engine temperatures at bay. Warmer temperatures outside increase your chances of engine overheating, so you need to be fully stocked on this superfluid. Check Your Tires There is nothing more nerve-wracking than having a flat tire or tire blowout. This is why it is crucial for all drivers to regularly check their tire pressure and tread depth. Ensure they're more than 2/32" deep and filled to the ... read more