Fort Collins Auto Repair

There are many parts to your vehicle, some of which you may have never heard about before. But that doesn't make them less important. The CV axles are like a drivetrain that is found on most vehicles today. They transfer power from the transmission to the different wheels and drive them forward. They have a greased joint that allows your vehicle to move without as much effort. Since the axles have a direct impact on the motion of your vehicle, they have a high level of stress over time, which can subject them to failure at some point. Here are some signs that yours might be on the way out. Clicking Noises When Turning If you hear your vehicle making a clicking noise when you turn, or perhaps when you accelerate, the CV axle could be worn. That joint will click when it is loose and when it is loose, it could be close to the point of no return. The clicks will get louder when you drive faster or turn harder. Grease On The Tire's Edge If ... read more

You have already surpassed the 7000 miles in your driving, but you continue to ignore recommended oil changes for your vehicle. After all, the car is still running effectively without signs indicating the need for an oil change. Do you continue driving in the same oil? Well, oil changes are services that we mostly ignore in vehicle maintenance. However, it is important to understand that even though you may fail to notice, recommended oil changes make the vehicle function effectively and run properly. Oil changing is a vehicle service that should be completed without fail. Importance of Oil Changes As important as blood is in your body, so is oil in the car. Heating is among the common trouble to car parts mostly heat from the engine. The oil prevents the overheating in the engine and ensures that the heat is spread away from the combustion chamber. The oil further prevents carbon and vanish from settling in the engine and thus protects the engine and ensure it remains functional th ... read more

We rely on our tires to get us from point A to point B. Consistent tire rotations are essential to extend their life. Without them, your tire performance can experience costly setbacks. For most drivers, a tire rotation should be done every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. However, this is depending on driving habits. For drivers who frequently commute or are using their vehicle for rideshare or deliveries, you may need a rotation sooner than later. Tire rotations are essential because they have several advantages to tire performance and the safety of the drive. We’ve outlined below a few significant benefits to tire rotations.   Tire rotations extend the life of the tire tread. Several aspects can cause different effects on the tread of your tires. Driving on commutes, city driving, and various terrain wear the tread differently. If the tire tread wears inconsistently, you increase the risk of flats and tire blowouts. A tire rotation service ensures t ... read more

If you're on a road trip and the check engine light comes on, it grabs your attention immediately. Dashboard lights have been implemented for a while. Today, modern vehicles have a sophisticated system that can give plenty of information about your vehicle's health. The indicator lights on your dashboard can tell you if your tire pressure is low or your engine runs too hot. However, the check engine light can be more of a mystery. Is it a significant problem that needs professional attention or a minor issue that can be corrected right away? If you know the possible meanings, you'll be less likely to feel a sense of panic. Below are seven of the most common reasons your check engine may come on.  The gas cap is loose.  Have you just recently left the gas station? If you just filled your tank, make sure your gas cap is completely secured. A gas cap that is loose or damaged may be the reason the check engine light is on. The gas cap prevents the fuel from evapora ... read more

If you're driving along the road and were startled by a loud pop sound, your engine may have backfired. An engine that has backfired is not an issue to take lightly. It usually indicates that the engine has a significant problem and, if ignored, can jeopardize your vehicle's health. Several reasons can push the engine to backfire; that's why it's essential to have your car inspected the moment you notice any issues. Below are three major reasons the engine may be backfiring and how you may prevent it in the future.        Air/Fuel Ratio is Too Lean  If the air/fuel ratio is too lean, there's too much air and not enough fuel in the engine. Excessive vapor can develop and combust in the exhaust. However, this isn't the only cause for the air/fuel ratio to become too lean. A bad fuel pump or clogged fuel injectors can also cause the air-fuel balance to become too lean.   Air/Fuel Ratio is Too Rich  In healthy ... read more

Once inside their vehicle, most people don’t give their headrest a second thought before starting their drive. Despite the headrest being standard in most cars, they are a forgotten gem for most drivers. The headrest isn’t just a comfortable place to lay your head; they are a safety feature that protects your head and neck during an accident. New vehicle models have evolved with more comfortable seats that are ergonomically shaped to fit your body; however, the headrest has always stayed awkward and primitive to protect your spin.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), whiplash and neck injuries are among the most frequently reported injuries in automotive insurance claims. Most often, cases of whiplash occur during rear-end vehicle collisions. When a car is hit from the rear, the driver’s torso moves forward so quickly that their head lags behind. The headrest helps prevent whiplash by preventing your head from yanking back an ... read more

There’s nothing more frustrating than approaching your car and noticing a cracked windshield. It wasn’t there earlier, what happened? A cracked windshield seemingly occurs unexpectedly, and the size of the damage is correlated with the amount of the cost. Your vehicle’s windshield is one of the most crucial safety devices in your car. Its primary function is to protect you and your passengers from the elements and dangerous rocks and debris. Your windshield also provides up to 60% of structural support to your vehicle. One small chip on your windshield can spread into a long crack across the entire length of the surface. Small chips can be fixed pretty quickly, but long cracks always require a complete windshield replacement.  A cracked windshield can leave you walking away with a fix-it ticket on top of a costly bill in most states. A damaged windshield is hazardous because it can obstruct your view, leading to a significant accident. A broken windshield should ... read more

Road trips are a great way to pass the time now that we’re restricted from doing too much else. And if you don’t pack enough snacks for you and your passengers, you’ll be tempted to get something fast & quick while commuting. Before you pull over for that double bacon cheeseburger, consider the dangers of distracted driving before you take a bite out of that five-dollar burger. It may be worth taking additional time to pull over to eat during your next trip.  Eating while driving causes three types of distracted driving: physical, cognitive, and visual. Physical distractions are any distraction that causes the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel. One example of this would be holding a taco in one hand while steering. A cognitive distraction is when a driver’s attention is divided between the road and anything else. Visual distractions take the driver’s eyes off the road. Most people struggle to eat without looking at their food ... read more

Father’s day is that special time of year dedicated to celebrating the amazing father figures in your life. If your dad is a car lover, you’re in luck. 2020 has a variety of gift options that’ll make him forget you got him a pair of socks and a coffee mug the year before. Allow this list to inspire you to make this year’s gift one that your car enthusiast will always remember:   A throne that’s fit for a king  Custom seat covers for his car are a great way to protect his investment and spruce things up. From plush to genuine leather, there are multiple options to choose from that can fit different preferences.   24/7 Dash Camera There are dash cameras that provide 24/7 video surveillance that can capture his fun and spontaneous moments during road trips. Dash cameras also provide the essential benefit of capturing footage from an accident or break-in. This benefit alone is an incredibly invaluable asset because it gives police and insu ... read more

The summer months are the perfect time for road trips, especially when the kids are out of school and the weather is warm. If you’re planning a road trip that travels out of state, we recommend doing research before you embark to ensure that you’re ready for your travels.  When traveling out of state for a road trip, be sure to research the state or states that you will be traveling to or through. A good thing to be familiar with are state traffic laws, which can greatly differ between states. This will ensure that you’re able to drive safely and obey the law on your journey.  It is also a good idea to research the weather and climate of your destination. This will allow you to be more prepared for a certain weather conditions, such as rain. You’ll be able to pack clothing more efficiently and ensure that you have the right belongings to accommodate different weather if needed.  Another good thing to look up before your road trip is your exact ... read more