facebook pixel
We will be closed only on Christmas Day, December 25th

Yearly Archives: 2023

Unusual Traffic Laws That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head

Unusual Traffic Laws That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head

As drivers, we're accustomed to following a set of well-established traffic laws and regulations to ensure road safety and order. However, some traffic laws from around the world leave us wondering if they were concocted in a parallel universe. We'll explore the bizarre, amusing, and outright perplexing traffic laws that exist in various corners of the globe.     The Elephant Dilemma Ever wondered what to do if you encounter an elephant on the road? In some parts of Africa, drivers are required to yield the right of way to these massive creatures. It's a reminder that traffic laws can vary significantly from one region to another.  Also read: 5 Telltale Signs It's Time for a Diagnostic Check     Don't Run Out of Gas in Germany In Germany, it's against the law to run ou ... read more


How Does The Brake System Work?

How Does The Brake System Work?

Ever wondered what magic occurs when you press your foot down on the brake pedal and your vehicle obediently slows to a halt? It's not magic, but rather an impressive symphony of mechanical components working in harmony to ensure your safety.    The Basics - A Lesson in Physics and Friction Braking is all about converting kinetic energy (the energy of your moving car) into thermal energy (heat). This transformation is achieved primarily through friction. When you press down on the brake pedal, a lever pushes a piston into a cylinder filled with hydraulic brake fluid. This fluid travels through lines to other cylinders positioned next to the brakes on each wheel.   Disc Brakes In disc brake systems, which are commonly found in most modern vehicles, the hydraulic pressure forces a caliper to squeeze pairs of pads against a ... read more


How To Keep Your Lexus Performing At Its Best

How To Keep Your Lexus Performing At Its Best

Owning a Lexus is more than a symbol of luxury and dependability. To ensure it continues to deliver an exceptional driving experience for years to come, it's essential to prioritize its maintenance and care. From routine servicing to adopting specific practices that optimize its performance, nurturing your Lexus goes beyond mere upkeep—it's a testament to your commitment to excellence. Explore the essential strategies and insider tips with us down below that will keep your Lexus performing at its absolute best, empowering you to revel in the unrivaled combination of luxury and performance! Regular Maintenance and Servicing Regular maintenance and servicing are crucial in preserving your Lexus's peak performance. Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule and ensure that oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid top-ups are conduc ... read more


5 Telltale Signs It's Time for a Diagnostic Check

5 Telltale Signs It's Time for a Diagnostic Check

Your vehicle is more than just a mode of transportation; it's a sophisticated machine with an intricate network of systems and components working in harmony to get you from point A to point B. Yet, like any finely tuned instrument, your car may sometimes send out distress signals, quietly asking for attention. These signals often manifest as peculiar symptoms or malfunctions that require a closer look through a diagnostic procedure. Understanding the Diagnostic Procedure A diagnostic procedure, in the context of automotive care, is like a health check-up for your car. It involves connecting specialized diagnostic tools to your vehicle's onboard computer systems to identify and pinpoint issues. These tools read error codes and provide valuable data to trained technicians, allowing them to diagnose problems accurately. In essence, it's a vital step in ensuring your car's optimal performance and reliability. Now, let's explore the seven signs that i ... read more


The Evolution of Headlights: From Halogen to LED

The Evolution of Headlights: From Halogen to LED

In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, one aspect that has seen significant advancements over the years is vehicle headlights. From the traditional halogen bulbs to the cutting-edge LED (Light Emitting Diode) headlights, the way we light up the road at night has transformed. This transformation is not just functional but also plays a pivotal role in the aesthetics of modern vehicles. Halogen Headlights - A Classic Choice Halogen headlights have been the standard for decades. They are known for their warm, yellowish glow and affordability. These lights work by heating a tungsten filament until it produces visible light. While they've been reliable, they have limitations in brightness and energy efficiency compared to newer technologies. The Rise of HID - High-Intensity Discharge As technology progressed, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights emerged. HID headlights use a gas and an electrical arc to produce a brighter and whiter light than halogen. They offered ... read more


The Ultimate Summer Car Care Guide: Preparing for Road Trips and Heatwaves

The Ultimate Summer Car Care Guide: Preparing for Road Trips and Heatwaves

It's an exciting adventure to embark on a road trip during the summer. To ensure you don't encounter problems, it's essential to prepare your car for hot weather conditions. Getting Ready For Road Trips Performing these activities is vital before heading on a road trip to minimize the problems you might encounter: 1. Check Your Cooling System The cooling system prevents your engine from overheating during long drives under scorching temperatures. Inspect all components, including hoses, radiators, and fans, for any signs of leaks or damage. Ensure that coolant levels are adequate, and consider flushing the system if needed. 2. Test Your Battery Extreme heat can accelerate battery fluid evaporation and increase internal corrosion, leading to potential breakdowns when you least expect it. Have a professional ... read more


Can You Use Add Water in Lieu of Coolant

Can You Use Add Water in Lieu of Coolant

The coolant in your engine serves the crucial purpose of cooling it and ensuring it does not overheat. There may be times when you do not have antifreeze or coolant and think that water will do a good enough job of cooling your car. Can you add water in place of coolant? Read on and find out. Coolant Vs. Water First and foremost, we have to define what a coolant is. A coolant is a mixture of water and additives that increases water's boiling and freezing points. The additives in coolants also help prevent engine corrosion. Therefore, the coolant regulates the engine's temperature and hence prevents it from overheating. It is crucial to check the coolant levels in your engine because it will affect the car's performance and longevity. Refill the coolant every time it is below optimal levels for better car maintenance. If your vehicle is low on coolant, then there is probably a leak in the engine. You should take the car to a mechanic or auto repair shop as soon as possi ... read more


What to Know About Timing Belt Replacement

What to Know About Timing Belt Replacement

Your vehicle's engine is a marvel of precision and synchronization, with countless components working together to ensure its smooth operation. One such crucial component is the timing belt. Although hidden beneath the engine's cover, the timing belt plays a necessary role in maintaining the engine's proper timing and ensuring optimal performance.  The Importance of the Timing Belt The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing the crankshaft and camshaft(s) rotation in your engine. It ensures that the valves open and close at the right time, allowing the pistons to move up and down without interference. This synchronization is vital for proper combustion, efficient power delivery, and overall engine performance. When to Replace the Timing Belt Timing belts are subject to wear and tear over time, and their replacement intervals vary depending on the vehicle's make, model, and manufacturer's recommendations. Generally, it is suggested to change the timing b ... read more


Fluid Change vs. Fluid Flush: What’s the Difference?

Fluid Change vs. Fluid Flush: What’s the Difference?

If you're a frequent visitor of the auto repair shop, you’ve probably heard the terms “fluid change” and “fluid flush” being thrown around before. While they both refer to the process of replacing a car's fluid, they are not interchangeable terms. There is a distinction between the two terms, and we'll discuss them in our blog today! Fluid Change vs. Fluid Flush: What’s the Difference? A fluid change involves draining the old fluid and refilling it with new fluid. This method replaces only a portion of the fluid in the system, leaving some of the old fluid in place. A fluid change is typically less expensive than a fluid flush, but it doesn’t clean the gunk out of the system. A fluid flush, on the other hand, involves completely clearing out all the old fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid. This more intricate process involves using specialized equipment to flush out all the old fluid and debris that may have accumulated in t ... read more


Everything to Add to Your Spring Car Maintenance Checklist

Everything to Add to Your Spring Car Maintenance Checklist

Spring is finally here, and it's time to start thinking about getting your car ready for the warmer months ahead. After a long winter in Denver, your car, SUV, or truck may need some extra attention to ensure it's running smoothly and ready for the road ahead. Here is everything you should add to your vehicle's maintenance checklist this spring. Change Your Oil and Monitor Fluid Levels Start by changing your car's oil and oil filter. Doing so will help eliminate any contaminants that have built up in your engine over the winter months. While you're at it, check your car's fluid levels, including the transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Check Your Tires Check your tire pressure and tread depth. Properly inflated tires can help enhance fuel efficiency and prevent tire wear, while good tread depth is essential for safe driving. You should also rotate your tires and get a wheel alignment if necessar ... read more


12
South Denver Automotive is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call South Denver Automotive (303) 756-0513 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.