Boulder Auto Repair

When winter arrives in Colorado, the temperature isn’t the only thing that drops – your tire pressure does too! As the mercury falls, the air inside your tires contracts, causing a decrease in pressure. This can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and even safety risks. Let’s dive into why tire pressure matters and how to keep your tires road-ready this winter. Why Does Tire Pressure Drop in Cold Weather? For every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature, your tires can lose about 1-2 psi (pounds per square inch). For example, a tire properly inflated at 35 psi when it’s 70°F may drop to around 30-31 psi at 20°F. Since Colorado winters often bring significant temperature swings, this change can catch drivers off guard. Low tire pressure impacts more than just your ride comfort. It increases rolling resistance, which means your car has to work harder, lowering fuel efficiency. It also leads to uneven tire wear, shorteni ... read more

Hearing a clicking noise when you turn the wheel of your Ford Explorer can be unsettling. While this sound might not seem like a big deal at first, it could indicate an issue that needs prompt attention. Let’s break down the common causes and why it’s important to address them. Common Causes of Clicking Noises When TurningWorn CV Joints If your Explorer is equipped with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, clicking noises could stem from worn constant velocity (CV) joints. These joints are crucial for transferring power to your wheels while allowing them to turn. Over time, the protective boot can crack, allowing grease to escape and dirt to get in, which wears down the joint. Faulty Wheel Bearings Damaged or worn wheel bearings can also cause clicking noises when turning. This issue often worsens over time, leading to vibrations or a grinding noise if left unchecked. Loose or Damaged Suspension Components ... read more

Winter in Boulder, Colorado, brings breathtaking snowy landscapes and plenty of opportunities for skiing at Eldora and the resorts on the I70 corridor, but it also delivers frigid temperatures that can wreak havoc on your car’s battery. Understanding how cold weather affects your battery and taking steps to maintain it can save you from the frustration of a vehicle that won’t start on a chilly morning. Why Cold Weather Drains Your Battery Car batteries rely on a chemical reaction to generate electricity. When temperatures drop, these chemical reactions slow down, reducing the battery’s ability to produce power. At 32°F, a battery operates at about 80% of its capacity; at 0°F, that drops to just 60%. Simultaneously, your car’s engine demands more power to start in the cold due to thicker oil and sluggish engine components. This combination puts your battery under serious strain. Signs Your Battery May Be Struggling He ... read more

Winter in Colorado can be tough on your vehicle, and your windshield is no exception. Whether you’re driving to Eldora for a ski day or commuting around Boulder, clear visibility is crucial for staying safe on icy roads. Here are some tips to keep your windshield clear and in top condition all winter long: 1. Inspect and Replace Wipers Your windshield wipers are your first line of defense against snow, ice, and road grime. Check for cracks or stiffness in the rubber, and replace them if they’re worn. Consider using winter wiper blades designed to handle snow and ice buildup. 2. Use the Right Windshield Washer Fluid Regular washer fluid can freeze in low temperatures, leaving you stranded without a way to clean your windshield. Switch to a winter-specific fluid with antifreeze properties to ensure it works even in sub-zero conditions. 3. Defrost Before Driving Never use hot water to remove ice from your windshield&mdas ... read more

When your car isn’t running right or a dashboard warning light comes on, the first step in solving the problem is diagnostics. But what does that mean, and why is there a fee for it? Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you're paying for and why it’s worth it. What Are Vehicle Diagnostics? Diagnostics involve using specialized tools and expertise to identify what’s wrong with your car. Modern vehicles are equipped with onboard computers that monitor how the engine, transmission, brakes, and other systems are functioning. When something goes awry, the system generates a trouble code. These codes give mechanics a starting point to investigate the issue, but they don’t tell the full story. For example, a "Check Engine" light might indicate a misfire, but it doesn’t explain what’s causing it—like a faulty spark plug, a bad fuel injector, or even a problem with the wiring. That’s where diagnostic ... read more