Fort Collins and Longmont Auto Repair

When it comes to car maintenance, we often focus on big-ticket items like oil changes and brake checks. But what about the unsung heroes hidden under the hood, like your car's hoses? These seemingly small components play a vital role in your vehicle's health and overall performance. Why Are Car Hoses Important? Before we dive into the importance of hose inspections, let's understand the role they play in your vehicle: Coolant Hoses: Temperature Control Coolant hoses circulate engine coolant through your car's engine and radiator - more specifically, they connect each part and transfer the fluid between them. They help regulate the engine's temperature, preventing it from overheating. A malfunctioning coolant hose can lead to engine overheating, which can cause severe damage. Fuel Hoses: Fuel Delivery Fuel hoses transport g ... read more

Your vehicle's differential is the unsung hero that ensures smooth turns and optimal power distribution between wheels. To keep it running like a well-oiled machine, quite literally, regular maintenance is key. Changing the differential oil might sound like a daunting task, but with the right tools, a bit of know-how, and some elbow grease, you can tackle this DIY project at home! Tools and Materials You'll Need: Jack and Jack stands Wrenches and sockets Drain pan Funnel Differential oil (check your vehicle's manual for specifications) Safety gloves and goggles Step 1: Preparation and Safety Safety first! Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. For extra security, place wheel chocks behind the front and rear wheels. Put on your saf ... read more

As temperatures rise during the summer months, so does the strain on your vehicle's engine. The scorching heat can pose unique challenges and potentially affect the performance and longevity of your engine. In today's blog, we will explore how the summer heat impacts your engine and engine oil, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and care to ensure optimal performance and avoid costly repairs.   Increased Operating Temperatures Hot weather significantly increases the operating temperatures of your engine. The combination of ambient heat and the internal combustion process generates higher temperatures under the hood. Extended exposure to high temperatures can put additional stress on engine components, potentially leading to accelerated wear and an increased risk of overheating.   Engine Oil Thinning Engine oil plays a critical role in lubricating engine components and reducing friction. However, excessive ... read more

While many car owners focus on keeping the exterior of their vehicles clean and shiny, keeping everything maintained under the hood is equally important. The engine bay is the heart of your car, and proper care and cleaning are crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. Wondering how you can achieve this? Simply follow these seven steps and the results will ensure a long-lasting and good-looking engine bay. Safety First: Preparation is Key Before you begin, ensure your engine is cool to the touch to prevent burns. Park your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and cover sensitive components such as the alternator, fuse box, and exposed wiring with plastic bags or waterproof covers. Disconnect the battery or cover the terminals to avoid electrical mishaps. Start with Dry Cleaning Begin by removing loose debris and dirt from the engine bay. Use a soft-bristled brush or compressed air to gently brush away dust, leaves, and dirt from the surfaces ... read more

Changing a tire is an essential skill that every driver should know. Whether you’re on a long road trip or just driving around town, getting a flat tire can be a major inconvenience. Knowing how to change a tire can save you time and money, and it can also help keep you safe on the road. To change a tire, you’ll need a few tools and some basic knowledge of the process. Here’s what you’ll need: Spare tire Jack stand Lug wrench Wheel chock (optional) Once you have these tools, you’re ready to get started. Here are the steps to follow: Find a safe location to change the tire. Make sure you’re on level ground and away from traffic. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire - don't completely loosen them. Use the jack to lift the car off the ground but make sure the jack is positioned correctly under the car at the designated points. Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire; you can put it under the car in case the car ... read more

Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for the safety and performance of your vehicle - incorrect tire pressure can adversely affect your car's handling, fuel efficiency, and tire lifespan.  Do you want to learn more about tire pressure? If so, continue reading to find out how to check your tire pressure, why it's important, and what happens when you neglect it. Let's start with what you need and how to properly measure the pressure: Tire pressure gauge Portable air compressor Check What The Recommended Pressure Is Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side door frame for the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure specific to your vehicle. Test The Current Pressure Of The Tire Park your vehicle on a level surface, remove the valve cap from one tire, and firmly press the tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem. Take note of the reading. Repeat this process for all four tires ... read more

The thing that keeps your engine from overheating or even blowing up is the cooling system. It's a closed loop with liquid that goes through your engine block and transfers the heat toward the cooler. Now that you know how important this system is, we will give you five warning signs to look out for. Overheating Engines overheat if not cooled sufficiently. This results in a whole lot of other problems down the road, including the engine blowing up. This mainly happens when coolant is low or completely gone. You can spot this problem with the engine temperature markers. A/C Problems Your A/C is connected to the cooling system because it heats the air with its help. When coolant is leaking or evaporating, this process becomes slower and can completely stop. Make sure to visit a repair shop if you notice any problems with your AC - it might save you money in the long run. Check Engine Light Is On The check engine light is your b ... read more

European vehicles are known for their style, performance, and reliability. Here, we'll take a look at four of the most reliable European vehicles available today. Keep in mind that only models are given, without a model year or trim. Every model and trim has a variety of options to choose from depending on your budget, liking and preferences.  Volkswagen Golf - The Volkswagen Golf has been a popular choice among European car buyers for decades, and for good reason. The car is well-made, comfortable to drive, and offers a range of reliable and efficient engines. With a spacious interior, high-quality materials, and a comfortable ride, the Golf is a great choice for those looking for a dependable car. Audi A4 - The Audi A4 is a luxury car that offers a smooth, quiet ride, and excellent handling. With a range of engines to choose from, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options, there's an A4 for every driver's needs. The car's interior is well-made and packed wit ... read more

There’s more to an oil change than replacing the oil itself. At most auto service shops, they will inspect other aspects under the hood to ensure everything works. Another aspect of an oil service is the oil filter. The oil filter is a little cylinder component that can do wonders on keeping your motor clean. Read on to learn more about the oil filter and what it does. Oil Filter Basics Your engine has many components that all require lubrication from motor oil. Engine oil improves efficiency and reduces wear and tear on those components, allowing more power production. Before oil flows through the engine, it needs to be filtered through the oil filter. The oil running through the engine can only be effective for so long until it gets dirty. As motor oil flows in and out, it can pick up dirt, metal fragments, and other contaminants. To keep the nasty stuff out of the engine, the oil is kept clean with the oil filter. It traps these harmful particles, so your oil can last long ... read more