Denver Auto Repair

Driving with dim, blinking, or blurry lights can put yourself and others at risk of an accident. Not only do bad headlights reduce your ability to see clearly at night or in foggy or rainy conditions, but it makes it harder for other drivers to detect you as well. As a friendly reminder from your favorite neighborhood shop, South Denver Automotive, we’d like you to check that ALL your car lights are working properly to ensure safe driving this fall!    Checking your lights can take a matter of minutes, and all it requires is a quick walkaround. If you want to check all your lights, it may be helpful to grab a friend to make the job easier.    Here are the following lights that you should check: Headlights - These should have adequate brightness and aim at the right angle. Fog lights – These lights are great for driving in foggy conditions. Though they aren’t used as often as headlights, they will come in handy. Daytime Lights – These a ... read more

So you get into your car and see the bright letters, “A-B-S” on your dashboard. Those letters stay on there as you keep driving. What should you do next? And what does it all mean? Read on to learn more.   The ABS, or anti-lock braking system, is responsible for preventing your vehicle’s wheels from locking up. Therefore, it allows you to have more control of your vehicle and minimizes your chances of skidding across wet conditions. When you press really hard on your brakes, the sensors on your vehicle’s wheels lets the ECU know that you might skid.   What Causes the ABS Light To Come On? There are many potential reasons why your ABS light is on. Here are some instances below: Low brake fluid – The first thing you should check after you catch the ABS light is your brake fluid reservoir. When levels of DOT fluid have dropped significantly, the light will come on. You should top off your fluid and bring your car to an expert to check for leak ... read more

A water pump is responsible for moving coolant throughout your vehicle's cooling system. The coolant circulates through the engine to keep it at a consistent temperature and then travels to the radiator, where it is cooled down before being circulated back through the engine again. If the water pump fails, it can cause a number of problems with your vehicle. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate you have a failing water pump. 1. Leaking coolant One of the most common signs that your water pump is starting to fail is leaking coolant. Coolant leaks can occur for a number of reasons, but one of the most common is a bad water pump. If you notice coolant leaking from your vehicle, especially if it is coming from the front or back of the engine, it's a good idea to have your water pump checked out by a mechanic. 2. Overheating engine Another common symptom of a failing water pump is an overheating engine. If the water pump is not circul ... read more

If you’re wondering whether wheel alignments are a necessity, the answer is yes. Wheel alignments help straighten out your tires' angles to have them pointed the right way. When they are misaligned, it can be very dangerous for your safety.   A wheel alignment, also sometimes referred to as tire alignment is more involved than adjusting the wheels themselves. They include your tires, wheels, steering, and suspension. All these processes will make your tires make proper contact with the road while improving handling and safety.    Are Wheel Alignments Necessary? Wheel alignment is key to enhancing your overall driving experience. Over time, your car's wheels change angles and positioning from normal wear and tear. In order for your vehicle to travel the way they're intended to, the wheel's angles must meet manufacturer specifications. Misaligned wheels can lead to negative consequences, including: Uneven tire wear Shorter tire lifespan Poor v ... read more

Tires are the number one car part that you should never ignore. The safety of your vehicle depends on your four wheels. Knowing when to get tire maintenance and replacement is crucial if you want to make sure your commutes are safe. When you get behind the wheel, especially for road trips, you should quickly assess your tires. We've compiled this checklist of all the things concerning your tires that you should check.  Tread Depth First and foremost, your tires need to have sufficient tread depth. Without its grooves, it won't be able to grip the road properly. Tread depth is vital when accelerating or braking, particularly in slippery or wet conditions. Your tires should have at least 2/32 of an inch on their tread.  Air Pressure All your tires should be at the manufacturer's recommended psi. Under- or over-inflated tires can cause irregular driving and affect the handling and control of your automobile. Proper air pressure in your tires promotes smooth rides ... read more

With the widespread use of cell phones and other onboard electronics in cars, distracted driving is becoming an increasingly serious problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a key factor in fatal automobile incidents, accounting for up to one in every ten fatalities on the road. Below are some of the most common distractions while driving: Use of Cell Phone Since the introduction of mobile phones, distracted driving has risen in popularity across the United States. Cell phone usage is particularly harmful when it comes to prospective diversions. It accounts for around 12% of all distracted driving accidents. Events Outside the Vehicle Turning your head to gaze at an accident or other roadside incident while driving is extremely risky. This is especially true when numerous cars in close proximity slow down to watch the same thing. If you turn your head, the vehicle in front of you may slow down or come to a complete stop ... read more

Every day, millions of people rely on our vehicles to get them where they need to go, whether it be for work, school, errands, etc. After some time, you can understand how it handles and the typical noises it makes. When your vehicle stops accelerating the way it used to, it will be apparent to spot.  A sluggish vehicle often suggests that there is an underlying issue with your car. Below are some problems that can cause your vehicle to lose its acceleration power: Clogged Air Filter A dirty air filter can stop the right amount of air from getting into the engine, which can cause issues with its general performance. Fuel System Problem A problem with your vehicle's fuel system, such as a faulty fuel pump or dirty fuel injectors, can prevent the appropriate amount of fuel from getting to the engine, thus causing it to operate laggy. Failing Catalytic Converter A broken catalytic converter, or a similar problem concerning the exhaust system, such as a damaged pipe or faul ... read more

Driving with worn suspension parts, including shocks and struts, is not only unsettling, but it can cause a horrific car accident. Your vehicle will shake and bounce uncontrollably and be embarrassing to say the least. Here are some of the situations that can occur if you continue to drive with poor suspension: Lose Control Over Dips and Bumps Old shocks and struts can make driving over bumps a nightmare. You might "fly" over speed bumps, no matter how slow you drive. Furthermore, you may also get random vibrations from your wheels and ultimately lose control of your vehicle. Less Effective Anti-Lock Braking System  If your suspension is worn, it may have a hard time triggering your ABS to engage. And if it does, it won't be as effective. This can be especially dangerous if you need to brake abruptly. Problems Maneuvering and Turning Car Worn-out shocks and struts will prevent your car from gaining proper traction; therefore, you may end up heavily gripping the ... read more

A fuel injector is an integral part of the fuel system that supplies fuel into the engine in the form of a mist. The fuel injectors themselves are directed by the car's computer to allow a precise and efficient amount of fuel for the combustion process.   Fuel injectors can typically last the vehicle's life if the automobile is well-kept. However, as with every part, varying issues can arise. One common problem for fuel injectors is failing due to excess build-up of things like dirt, carbon, and fuel. Most of the time, you can fix clogged fuel injectors with a fuel cleaning service. If it is severe, your technician may go ahead and recommend a replacement.  Another problem that can occur with fuel injectors is leaks from cracks. Unfortunately, the only fix for a cracked injector is an entire replacement.  Last but not least, the electrical parts of an injector can also die off from wear and tear or exposure to heat and moisture. There are various warning sig ... read more

Nothing is exasperating as a car heater that suddenly stops working in the middle of a drive during the cold season. As you tune your car for this winter, please don't ignore the heating system or assume it will continue working well as always. Your vehicle's heating is one of the most important components in the cold season, and you should exercise due care. While there is no specific warning for a faulty car heater, you should know the main reasons behind a failing heating system. There are different repairs, depending on the cause and problem detected. Rather than wait and suffer in the bitter winter cold, ensure your car heater is well inspected in advance. Causes of Faulty Car Heater Different reasons cause heater failure in your vehicle and understanding these factors will save you from unpleasant surprises in those unfavorable weather conditions. Let's take a look at these causes. Faulty Thermostat A defective thermostat is one ... read more