Auto Repair News and Tips from Best Auto Longmont

News & Tips

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Welcome to our News & Tips Blog!

Best Auto of Longmont loves to share auto repair and service tips and other news worthy information, as we are truly passionate about what we do best! Thanks again for visiting our website, and we hope to see you down at the shop sometime soon!

Auto Maintenance Tips for Spring

Posted on 2019-03-28 by Traci

Spring has sprung and chances are, your car probably took a beating over the winter months. The stress from frigid temps and snowy roads, to potholes and road salt can really take its toll on a vehicle, but fortunately, there are maintenance tips that can relieve that stress and get your car ready for the spring and summer months ahead.

Springtime Vehicle Maintenance Tips:

Check/Replace Filters – Filters can become clogged and/or damaged, and because they are such an important part of your vehicle’s ‘health’, it’s important to have them checked or replaced, if necessary.
Oil Change – Changing the oil and oil filter per your vehicle’s specifications is one of the best (and affordable) ways to keep your car’s engine running smoothly. Regular oil changes will increase fuel efficiency and prevent poor performance and serious engine damage.
Replace Wiper Blades – Snow and ice can really damage wiper blades, causing poor visibility in inclement weather. Replacing wiper blades will have you prepared for those springtime showers and keep you safe on the road.
Check Tire Pressure and Rotate Tires – Your vehicle’s tires are one of the most important components of the car. Checking the pressure and rotating the tires every 5,000 miles will promote even treadwear, improve traction, and keep you safe. If tires are worn or there is noticeable damage, they need to be replaced.
Check the Battery – Cold temperatures can negatively impact your vehicle’s battery. Having the battery checked and ensuring that the connections are secure and free of corrosion will help keep you on the road this spring.
Check/Replace Fluids – From transmission fluids to washer fluids and everything in between, make sure to have all your vehicle’s fluids checked, flushed, replaced, or topped off. While you’re at it, make sure there aren’t any leaks.
Check Hoses and Belts – Extreme weather conditions can damage rubber hoses and belts. Check these components for blisters, cracks, frays, hardening, or loosening and have them replaced when necessary.
Don’t Be Salty – Road salt can cause rust and damage to a vehicle and its undercarriage. A thorough wash that includes a high-powered cleaning to the undercarriage can prevent such damage to your vehicle.

These springtime maintenance tips can save you the headache and costly expenses associated with extensive repairs that can occur if left unchecked. Best Auto of Longmont understands the importance of preventative maintenance. The skilled, ASE certified auto mechanics at Best Auto will provide a comprehensive diagnosis of your vehicle and provide sensible recommendations and necessary maintenance and repairs to get your vehicle ready for Spring and Summer.

Call the professionals at Best Auto of Longmont today for all your auto maintenance and repair needs!

Engine Services in Longmont

Posted on 2019-02-25 by Traci

Replacing your vehicle’s engine can be the most expensive repair you can make on your car. Although the engine isn’t built to last forever, it can have a lengthy lifespan if it is properly maintained. Regular preventative maintenance provided by a licensed auto technician is imperative in keeping your engine healthy. Best Auto of Longmont and its ASE certified mechanics understands the complexities of the auto engine and have the knowledge and expertise to provide engine services from preventative maintenance to repairs and replacements.

Common Engine Problems:

Bad Spark Plugs: Old or faulty spark plugs can cause misfiring or stop the engine from turning over. This is a typical issue in older vehicles and if not corrected, can create greater damage to the engine.
Poor Compression: Inadequate air and fuel compression can equal serious issues for the car’s engine. Poor compression can be caused by holes in the cylinders, broken seals in the valves, or overused piston rings.
Failing Oil Pump: A failing oil pump can seriously impact the lifespan of the engine. A properly functioning oil pump will provide the necessary lubrication to the engine, keeping it mechanically sound.
Leaking Coolant: If you notice that your coolant stays low, even after topping it off, chances are there is a coolant leak. Keeping coolant free from debris and at the correct levels will help to maintain the proper temperature for your engine, keeping it safe.
Poor Lubrication: Regular oil changes can be vital in keeping your car’s engine and parts properly lubricated. Poor lubrication in the engine can create unnecessary friction which can lead to overheating or the engine freezing up.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor: This sensor is responsible for providing data on oxygen in the exhaust and fuel in the tank. If it starts to fail, it can be dangerous for the engine and the automobile.

Having a regular inspection of your car’s engine, along with regular preventative maintenance, can make all the difference in the health of your vehicle and its lifespan. If you notice you are having problems with your engine, or your check engine light is on, getting the necessary repairs can save you time and money in the long run. Best Auto of Longmont offers comprehensive inspections of your vehicle’s engine, preventative maintenance, engine repairs, rebuilds, and replacements to keep your car on the road. Call the professionals at Best Auto of Longmont today!

Finding a Trusted Auto Repair Shop in Longmont

Posted on 2018-12-26 by Traci

When it comes to finding an auto repair shop in Longmont, the choices are abundant. From the small mom and pop shop to the national chain company or dealership, Longmont has its fair share of auto repair shops to choose from but finding an auto repair shop you can actually trust might be a real challenge. Best Auto of Longmont has been providing honest, professional auto service and repairs in Longmont for over 12 years.

What to Look for in a Trusted, Quality Auto Repair Shop:

Reviews: With today’s technology, finding reviews and feedback are literally at your fingertips. Check written reviews on the internet to see what other clients have to say about the repair shop you are considering. Most auto repair shops will have reviews from previous customers right on their website. Asking family and friends for recommendations is another great way to narrow down your search.

Certifications: Auto repair shops and their mechanics should be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE. If you have a potential shop in mind, verify that they carry the necessary certifications before having any work done.

Warranties: Warranties can vary among repairs and shops, so understanding the warranty based on your specific repair can be helpful when determining who to use.

Better Business Bureau: The BBB can be a helpful guide when choosing a trusted auto repair shop. Visit their site at www.bbb.org to help in your decision-making process.

Make and Model: Does the auto repair shop that you have in mind have experience working on your car? If the auto repair shop specializes in your brand of vehicle, then chances are they’ll have up to date training and equipment to adequately perform the repairs.

If you need service, maintenance, or repairs on your vehicle, the ASE certified mechanics at Best Auto of Longmont have the experience and training on virtually all makes and models and have been providing quality, trusted auto repairs and service since 2004. We know how important your car is to you, which is why we treat each and every vehicle as if it were our own. Give Best Auto of Longmont a call today!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Classic Car Repairs

Posted on 2018-11-21 by Traci

Owning a classic car can be a rewarding, but as with all hobbies, they do require a certain amount of upkeep and work. For the classic car enthusiasts, deciding whether the vehicle should be restored or completely customized might come as the greatest challenge, but when it comes to repairs, understanding the do’s and don’ts can make all the difference when maintaining the safety and drivability of the automobile.

The Do’s:

Do Your Homework: While some auto repair shops claim they can “fix” your classic car, they may lack the knowledge and experience to get the job done right. Do your research by visiting local mechanics and verifying their experience. Talk with other classic car owners in the community to get recommendations and reviews.
Get Written Estimates: Once you’ve narrowed down your search and have a couple of repair shops in mind, discuss the repairs and get written estimates on the work to be performed.
Find the Right Parts: When restoring a classic vehicle, finding original parts is ideal, but can be quite difficult, depending on the make and model. Choose to go with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, when available.

The Don’ts:

Don’t Go Cheap: When repairing your classic car, going the cheap route isn’t always the best alternative. Hiring an experienced mechanic to perform the work and using aftermarket or OEM parts can be a little more expensive, but as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”.
Don’t Forget to Upgrade the Safety Mechanisms: Authenticity is great when investing in classic car restoration, but going original on brake lines or hoses, for example, can compromise overall safety. Always opt for new parts versus original when it comes to wear-and-tear items on your vehicle.
Don’t Remove the Thermostat: Some believe that removing the thermostat is a quick fix to keeping the engine from overheating. Not true! Without a thermostat, the coolant can’t absorb the heat, thus, causing the likelihood of overheating.

If you own a classic car and need an estimate on repairs, call the experienced, ASE certified mechanics at Best Auto of Longmont. We look forward to providing you with trusted, quality service on any of your vehicles, old or new!

Brake Service in Longmont

Posted on 2018-10-24 by Traci

Nothing can be more important when it comes to automobile safety than making sure that your brakes are in good working condition. While brakes are a vital safety component of your vehicle, they are not very expensive to service and maintain. Best Auto of Longmont offers inspections of your brakes and provides maintenance, service, and repair on disc and drum brake systems so that you can stay safe on the road.

Know what to look for if you suspect your brakes are failing:

• Dashboard Indicator – Most dashboards have indicators letting you know when there is an issue. If your brake light indicator shows, chances are you have a problem with your brakes and need to have them inspected.
• Leaks – If you notice leaking around or behind your automobile’s wheels, this could mean that there is a leak in the master cylinder or brake line and you need to have your brakes checked.
• Pedal Pumping – Excessive pumping of your brake pedal to get the car to slow down or stop could indicate that your brakes are failing. If you are having this issue, you should have your vehicle’s brake system inspected and serviced by a licensed auto mechanic immediately.
• Car Pulls to One Side – When your car pulls to one side upon applying the brakes, this could indicate damaged or failing brakes, or worn brake linings.
• Loud Noises – Worn or damaged brakes tend to squeak or grind when the brake is applied. Such noises could indicate metal to metal contact, worn brake pads, or added friction.

Safety matters when you’re on the road. Having a mechanically sound brake system can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe behind the wheel. Brakes should be inspected about every six months, or per your vehicle’s recommendation because brakes do wear out over time. If you suspect your brakes are failing and are having any of these issues, you should have your brake system inspected by a licensed auto mechanic. Best Auto of Longmont and their team of ASE Certified mechanics know brakes. They are equipped to provide a thorough inspection of your brakes and make any necessary repairs to disc and drum brake systems. Call the trusted team at Best Auto of Longmont today.

Ways to Winterize Your Vehicle

Posted on 2018-09-26 by Traci

It’s hard to believe that the winter months are right around the corner. And while we’ve seen some unseasonably warm days here in recent times, Colorado’s climate can change at the drop of a hat. Just as we prepare for the colder temps by shopping for winter clothes and coats, or having our furnaces inspected at home, we sometimes forget about our vehicles. Colder temps, inclement weather, residue from road-salt, etc. can really impact the health of your automobile. Best Auto of Longmont offers maintenance services that will get your car ready for the winter months ahead.

Winterize Your Vehicle with These Simple Tips:

Tires: Make sure tire pressure is accurate. Low tire pressure can reduce traction, making travel on wet and snowy roads dangerous. If you live in an area where heavy snow fall is the norm, consider switching to snow tires.
Fluids: Refill and/or replace the fluids in your vehicle. Make sure you have the correct mixture of water and antifreeze to avoid freezing in the radiator. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended ratios of these fluids or contact an ASE certified mechanic to have your fluids checked and filled. Washer fluid that can withstand cold temperatures is also recommended.
Battery: Have your battery inspected. The cold weather can reduce cranking power, so having a healthy battery, to include the cables, terminals, and fluid will help insure your car is ready for winter.
Heater: If you don’t feel like your heater is working, it could indicate a thermostat or coolant issue. Having a properly working heater can make all the difference in the winter months, especially if you find yourself stuck.
Oil Change: The engine can struggle if the oil becomes to thick, which can happen in cold climates. Have a licensed mechanic check and change your oil per your manufacturer’s specifications.

These simple tips can have you and your vehicle ready to face the winter months head on. Best Auto of Longmont and its team of experienced auto mechanics can perform these and many other preventative maintenance services and repairs to make sure your car survives the cold. Call Best Auto of Longmont today!

Signs of a Faulty Alternator

Posted on 2018-08-28 by Traci

While your vehicle is made up of many important components, the alternator is one of those components that helps your car function properly. It’s responsible for keeping your battery charged and supplying power to your car’s electrical system. While your vehicle may run on the battery alone, without the alternator, it would eventually lose its charge altogether. Replacing an alternator can be pricey, but they can last, on average, 8 to 12 years. The professional team at Best Auto of Longmont can properly diagnose and make any necessary repairs if you feel your alternator is failing.

How to Recognize a Failing Alternator:

Having a Difficult Time Starting Car: Often the battery can be the problem if the car doesn’t want to start. Have the battery tested. If the battery isn’t the problem, chances are it’s the alternator. Another indication is the car dies or won’t stay started.
The Indicator Light: Most vehicles have a light on the dashboard that resembles a battery. While this icon will light up when starting the vehicle, it should disappear. If the light stays on, it could suggest that your alternator is failing.
Bad Smells or Sounds: When an alternator starts to fail, you may notice a smell resembling burning rubber. A faulty alternator can also make growling or whining sounds. If you are having these issues, it’s a good idea to have your alternator diagnosed by a licensed auto mechanic.
Weak or Dead Battery: If the battery is weak, or won’t stay charged, this could indicate a failing alternator since it supplies power to the battery. Again, having the battery tested will help determine the problem.
Flickering or Dimming Lights: If you notice the headlights, dashboard lights, or interior lights becoming dim, or flickering, this could be a common sign of a faulty alternator.

If your vehicle is having any of these symptoms, call Best Auto of Longmont. Their trusted team of ASE certified mechanics will properly diagnose your alternator and make the repairs needed so that your vehicle is back on the road in no time.

Trusting a Mechanic with Your Classic Car

Posted on 2018-07-30 by Traci

Classic cars – they just don’t make them like that anymore. From the muscle car to the classic cruiser, these timeless machines are the envy of any car enthusiast, especially to those who dream of owning one. For those who are fortunate enough to have such a masterpiece, it can be quite the challenge when it comes to trusting a mechanic to maintain or perform any repairs on them. Best Auto of Longmont has a professional team of ASE certified mechanics whose primary goal is to earn the trust of their clients. They have been providing their expertise in Longmont for over 14 years.

If you own a classic car and need maintenance and/or repairs, here are a few things to consider when choosing a classic car mechanic to perform the work:

Certifications and Experience: Verify that your mechanic is ASE Certified. This certification is given by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence to mechanics through testing based on knowledge and experience. Ask the mechanic if they have extensive experience with classic vehicles, in particular, your make and model.
References: Ask your friends and family who they recommend. If you own a classic car, seek out reviews from other classic car owners. Word of mouth based on personal experiences are a great means to choosing a trustworthy auto mechanic.
Is the Work Guaranteed: When looking for an auto repair shop, ask if they guarantee their work. Compare different shops and ask for the specifics before you have any work performed.
Assess the Repair Shop: Is the shop clean? Is the staff friendly and professional? Take notice of the atmosphere. The physical appearance, along with the demeanor of the employees says a lot about how the business is run.
Make a Judgement Call: A lot can be said about trusting your gut, after all, your classic car is your baby. If the auto mechanic isn’t willing to answer your questions, or makes you feel pressured, keep looking until you feel your ‘baby’ is in good hands.

Finding a classic car auto mechanic can be challenging. Best Auto of Longmont and its experienced team of ASE certified mechanics will take the time to talk with you about your classic car maintenance and repair needs. Best Auto of Longmont strives to provide trusted service at fair prices. Call us today for all your auto maintenance and repair needs.

Muffler Repair in Longmont

Posted on 2018-06-27 by Traci

The primary purpose of a muffler is to minimize the sound that your vehicle makes during the exhaust process. It is a necessary component of the vehicle’s exhaust system because it is responsible for expelling harmful exhaust fumes from the car. When the muffler starts to fail, it will make a lot of noise and can be very problematic for those occupying the vehicle. With regular emissions tests being performed in Longmont, and throughout Colorado, it’s important to maintain your vehicle’s exhaust system and know the signs of a bad muffler.

Bad Fumes – If the muffler isn’t properly directing exhaust fumes away from the vehicle, you may notice gasoline fumes, or other bad odors in the vehicle. This can be very dangerous to the occupants of the vehicle. If you notice bad fumes, have a certified auto mechanic inspect your muffler, or exhaust system immediately.
Loud Noises – This is an obvious sign that your muffler may need to be repaired or replaced. Also pay attention to rattling or other strange sounds, as this could also indicate a problem.
Physical Damage – If there are obvious signs of damage to the muffler, such as rust or holes, this is a good indication that your muffler needs to be repaired or replaced.
Poor Gas Mileage – A healthy exhaust system can increase your vehicle’s gas mileage. If you notice that you are spending more time filling up than usual, it might be a good idea to have your exhaust system inspected.

Best Auto Repair of Longmont are experts when it comes to muffler repair and replacement. Our team of ASE certified mechanics will thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s exhaust system and perform the necessary repairs to get you back on the road. Keeping your exhaust system healthy can minimize the need for costly repairs and keep Colorado’s air cleaner. We offer a full line of top quality replacement parts. If you think it’s time to have your muffler checked, call Best Auto Repair of Longmont today!

Getting the Most Out of Your Tires

Posted on 2018-05-29 by Traci

All vehicles have them, and we couldn’t get very far without them, yet you could say they are taken for granted. They are tires. Tires are the only part of the automobile that touch the pavement, and deserve the greatest of care, but they are also the easiest part of the car to neglect. As with the engine, routine and preventative maintenance can increase the life of the tires.

On average, a set of new tires will last approximately 50,000 miles, but certain factors can affect the tread life, such as the age of the tires, or the condition of roads frequently traveled.

Following these simple guidelines can maximize tread life and get you the most out of your tires:

- Maintaining proper tire pressure – Checking your tire pressure and maintaining the recommended pressure will help to avoid uneven or increased tread wear and damage to the tires. It’s good practice to check the pressure once a month and before long road trips.
- Avoid potholes – Cracked or broken pavement and potholes are hard on your tires. If you can avoid roads that are deteriorating, it’s best to do so. Screeching your tires will also cause wear the tread.
- Routine alignments – Aligning or straightening your wheels per your vehicle’s recommendation is very important in keeping your tires ‘healthy’. If you notice pulling to one side, or there’s visible damage to the tire, your wheels most likely need aligned.
- Tire rotation – Having your tires rotated will keep the tread wear even. Tires should be rotated approximately every 6,000 miles, or as outlined in your owner’s manual.
- Maintain suspension components – Regular maintenance of your car’s suspension system can prolong the life of your tires. Bad wheel bearings and shocks can cause excessive or irregular tread wear. Replacing such components on a regular schedule, rather than waiting for them to fail will extend the life of your tires.

Routine and preventative maintenance are vital in keeping your vehicle on the road. If you need your wheels and tires inspected, Best Auto of Longmont and its team of ASE certified mechanics can provide the proper inspection of your vehicle, perform necessary repairs, and help you get the most out of your tires.