Auto Repair News and Tips from Best Auto Longmont

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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!

Timing Belt Replacement: Part of Affordable Car Maintenance Service in Longmont

Posted on 2016-08-25 by admin

Timing belt Longmont With Labor Day right around the corner marking the end of summer, perhaps you’re starting to think about home maintenance to prepare for cooler temperatures. Now is also a good time to schedule a maintenance appointment for your vehicle, especially if the odometer is approaching 70,000 miles. The professional mechanics at Best Auto Repair in Longmont perform thorough maintenance checks to catch potential problems like a worn timing belt before they cause major damage to your car.

The timing belt is crucial to the smooth operation of the engine through controlling valve regulation by connecting the camshaft to the crankshaft. When it breaks, the pistons start striking against open valves, the engine stalls and your car won’t restart. This critical part is durable but will start to wear out over time and needs to be replaced between 70,000 to 110,000 miles.

Signs a Timing Belt Needs Replaced

Major exhaust: If your car begins to emit significant smoke, the valves may not be operating correctly and causing the fuel to burn improperly.
Peculiar vibrations: The engine’s rhythm will become irregular if the timing belt loses teeth or elongates.
Trouble starting: The timing belt should be checked to see if it is the cause of ignition difficulties.

The cost of timing belts varies but is typically only a couple hundred dollars while the engine damage that can be caused from a broken belt often runs into the thousands. Call Best Auto Repair in Longmont today for a quote on a timing belt replacement and other affordable maintenance services.

Expert Gasket Repair in Longmont

Posted on 2016-08-08 by admin

Gasket Repair Longmont We all want to avoid someone who “blows a gasket”, and the engine trouble that this phrase stems from is also something we also hope to avoid. However, if your car is showing signs of a blown gasket, trust the professional mechanics at Best Auto Repair in Longmont to expertly restore your engine.

The head gasket’s function is to seal off the pressure occurring inside the engine’s combustion chamber while blocking the outside coolant. The gases generated from combustion are extremely hot compared to the coolant’s temperature, which can dip down to just above freezing. There are also a small relative number of bolts between the engine block and cylinder head, which can create uneven wear on the head gasket. Due to the stress of extreme temperatures and uneven pressure, gaskets are prone to developing leaks eventually or blowing if the engine has overheated.

4 Signs of a Leaking Head Gasket

Coolant leak, or extreme loss of coolant
Bubbles in radiator or overflow tank
White smoke from exhaust
White milky oil

It is critical to stop driving your vehicle if it is showing two or more of the above symptoms. If these signs are due to a gasket leak, the gases and coolant that have escaped can cause significant damage to the engine block. Unfortunately, there is not much preventative maintenance that can be done to avoid a blown gasket besides keeping the engine coolant filled and fresh.

Repairing a damaged head gasket is not an easy procedure because it requires the removal of many other components, such as the intake and exhaust manifold, alternator and power steering pump, to reach the broken part. If your vehicle needs gasket repair, it is critical to have this work performed by a trusted repair shop because all the components that need to be removed also need to be reinstalled perfectly. Best Auto Repair in Longmont has the required expertise to properly repair a leaking or blown head gasket or any other needed engine repair– call us today!

Check Engine Light Diagnosis in Longmont

Posted on 2016-07-29 by admin

Check Engine Longmont Everyone dreads seeing one warning light start glowing on their dashboard: the check engine light. Your mind races to all the potential problems and resulting bill, and you hope that it will just go away. Fortunately, the check engine light often signals a small problem and the ASE certified technicians at Best Auto Repair in Longmont can quickly diagnose and repair the cause.

Top 4 Reasons Behind the Check Engine Light:

Loose or Broken Gas Cap- Make sure to tighten the gas cap after filling up to avoid this irritation. The reason the warning light comes on if the cap is loose or cracked is because if the seal is not tight, gas can evaporate and/or escape.
Oxygen Sensor Goes Out- If one of your car’s oxygen sensors goes out, its emissions will go up and the gas mileage will go down. It will need to be replaced to properly adjust the air-fuel mixture.
Spark Plugs Wear Out- The older your vehicle, the more likely a worn out spark plug is to blame for the check engine light coming on. If it is the ignition coil, you may also notice issues when starting your engine.
Faulty Catalytic Converter- If this part goes bad, it is usually after something else has broken. The reason the warning light will come on if it breaks is because your car will be producing more hazardous emissions.

If your car’s check engine light comes on, don’t just hope that the problem will fix itself- delaying diagnosis can often lead to more significant and costly repairs. For check engine light diagnosis in Longmont, come to the ASE certified mechanics at Best Auto Repair to get your vehicle’s problem identified and fixed efficiently. Our professional technicians are also trained in all types of electrical system repairs for cars, trucks, SUVs and vans- come in today!

How to Find the Best Auto Mechanic in Longmont

Posted on 2016-07-11 by admin

Best Mechanic Longmont While it’s true that there is no shortage of auto repair shops around town, it’s hard to know which one will provide the best service at a fair price. Best Auto of Longmont offers car owners the assurance that they are getting the best deal in town when they entrust their vehicle to one of our ASE certified mechanics.

ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and is an independent organization that tests and certifies mechanics to give consumers a trustworthy tool in their search to find a competent automotive technician. According to their website, ASE exists to “test and certify automotive professionals so that shop owners and service customers can better gauge a technicians level of expertise before contracting the technician’s services.” This non-profit group has been testing mechanics’ technical knowledge since 1972.

What does it mean for a mechanic to be ASE certified?

First, the technician needs to have either 2 years of on-site training, or a two-year degree and one year of job training.

Second, the mechanic must pass an ASE Certification test, of which there are 8 in the Automobile Series: Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning and Engine Performance. (An ASE-Certified Master has passed all eight tests.)

Third, the automotive professional must retest every 5 years to stay current with changing technology.

As you can see, the process of becoming an ASE-certified mechanic is rigorous and those professionals who qualify have definitely earned their blue badge. So if you’re looking for a reliable mechanic in Longmont, come to Best Auto Repair where our ASE-certified professionals will provide peace of mind along with excellent customer service!

Get Your Air Conditioning Repaired Fast in Longmont

Posted on 2016-06-27 by admin

Air Conditioning Repair Longmont With the heat of summer upon us here in Longmont, your vehicle’s AC unit is getting a workout and the professionals at Best Auto Repair want to make sure you’re riding in comfort by maintaining your car’s air conditioning. There are six main components of a vehicle’s air conditioning system that could cause a problem: the refrigerant, the receiver that filters it, the compressor that circulates it, the condenser that changes it from gas to liquid, the expansion valve and the evaporator that cools the refrigerant and blows the cooled air into the car.

5 Main Reasons Your Car’s Air Conditioning Isn’t Working in Longmont

Low refrigerant- If the compressor is cycling too frequently, the mechanic will use an AC gauge to determine if the system is properly filled.
A leak- A visual inspection of the unit will reveal a leak from a hose, condenser or compressor if there is oily residue on any of these parts.
Faulty valve- If the expansion valve is not functioning correctly, the flow of the refrigerant will be impeded and lead to a warm cab.
Broken cooling fan- If the air conditioning only seems to work when driving at high speeds, a broken cooling fan is usually to blame.
Failing compressor- When the system is charged but still making a lot of noise, it’s prudent to replace the compressor before it completely fails and contaminants the rest of the parts.

If your vehicle’s AC unit is not keeping you cool, bring it into the ASE trained mechanics at Best Auto Repair of Longmont to quickly diagnose and repair your air conditioning system!

How to Tell If Your Car Needs a New Battery

Posted on 2016-06-06 by admin

New Car Battery Longmont Our vehicle’s battery isn’t something we really think about until we go to start our car and nothing happens. Is there a way to prevent the inconvenience of a dead battery? The professional mechanics at Best Auto Repair in Longmont can test your battery alongside your vehicle’s entire charging system, and quickly replace your car battery with a new one if needed.

Most car batteries are composed of lead cells filled with a dilute sulfuric acid and eventually the process of sulfation causes the battery to lose its capacity. If your vehicle is driven daily, you can expect its battery to last between 5 to 7 years. A battery can fail sooner than that if it sustains mechanical damage, starts leaking or if there is a problem with the larger charging system.

Besides the telltale sign of silence when you turn the key in your ignition, are there other signs that indicate a failing battery?

3 Signs That Your Car Battery May Need Replaced

When starting your car, the engine turns over sluggishly.
The interior lights flicker or dim when the starting your car.
The warning icon on your dashboard comes on while driving.

Everyone would like to avoid the hassle of dealing with a dead car battery, so periodically getting the battery tested- especially before a big road trip this summer- makes sense. Mechanics use a battery tester to get a reading on the state of the car’s battery and also its alternator, the main component of the vehicle’s charging system, which could be causing the battery to not charge properly. The ASE certified technicians at Best Auto Repair of Longmont can efficiently test your entire electrical system and, if needed, make an economical recommendation for the best car battery replacement.

Prevent Overheating this Summer with a Radiator Flush

Posted on 2016-05-19 by admin

Radiator Flush Longmont With Memorial Day right around the corner, maybe you’ve started to think about taking a road trip this summer. If so, the last place you’ll want to end up is on the side of the road with smoke pouring from under your car’s hood. When planning your summer vacation, be sure to prevent an overheated engine and get your radiator flushed while the expert mechanics at Best Auto in Longmont prepare your car for the road.

An overheated engine is most often due to the coolant that circles through the engine and radiator not effectively dispelling heat. It’s a good idea to have the condition of your anti-freeze checked at each oil change and if it’s found to be dirty, it’s relatively inexpensive to have your coolant flushed out and replaced. It’s important to distinguish between draining and flushing your radiator: draining only removes about half of the anti-freeze, which means the the old solution will mix with and reduce the efficacy of the new; flushing, on the other hand, pushes several gallons of anti-freeze through the cooling system and guarantees that all contaminants are removed.

3 Benefits of a Radiator Flush

Removes Contaminants- like rust and scale that build up as the anti-corrosive properties of the coolant wear out over time. Fresh additives in the new anti-freeze will prevent build up much more effectively.
Efficient Operation- New anti-freeze will also do a better job at preventing foaming in the cooling system, and will freshly lubricate the water pump, whose operation is critical in preventing overheating.
Safety- A complete inspection of the entire cooling system to check for leaks is included when flushing out your radiator.

So before you hit the road this summer, call Best Auto of Longmont for a quick and economical radiator flush to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely!

Brake Service in Longmont

Posted on 2016-05-09 by admin

brake service longmont

Does your vehicle need brake service? Brakes are vital to your safety when driving. What signs indicate that you need brake service?

Our mechanics at Best Auto of Longmont suggest that you watch for these signs that might indicate you need brake service.

Do you have brake noise?
Does it take you longer to stop than it used to?
Does your steering wheel wiggle in your hands when you come to a stop?
Are your rear wheels locking up?

Best Auto of Longmont offers a brake inspection service and a vehicle maintenance program. If you need brake repair, all key components will be considered.

Master cylinder and brake fluid: Brakes operate hydraulically (using fluid to transfer the power of your foot on the pedal to the actual brakes on the wheels). The master cylinder is the start of the power flow. If the master cylinder can’t exert enough power to push the fluid to the brakes, brake service is needed. Also, brake fluid will be inspected for cleanliness.

When the fluid is clean and the master cylinder and lines are operating properly, the mechanical parts of the brakes will be inspected.

Brake calipers, pads and rotors work together to stop your vehicle. When you step on your brake pedal, the master cylinder sends fluid to the brake calipers which squeeze together, exerting pressure on the brake pads. It’s important to have your calipers inspected often for signs of wear or damage.

When the calipers squeeze, the brake pads clamp down on the rotors in order to slow your car. If your brake pads are worn down, they can’t make a smooth connection with the rotors and this can cause damage.

Rotor repairs can be very costly. Best Auto of Longmont will make sure your brake pads are sized to specifications and that they’re not worn down too far.

Most brake pads come with wear indicators that will make a squealing sound to let you know it’s time for replacement. It’s best to replace them before you hear a squeal.

Sticking to the schedule in your owner’s manual will keep you from forgetting when it’s time for brake service. A good rule of thumb is to have your brake pads inspected for wear about every 12,000 miles.

Best Auto of Longmont takes into consideration, when it comes to replacing brake pads and brake fluid, your style of driving and your vehicle’s specific needs. Best Auto’s qualified automotive technicians use parts specifically designed to fit your vehicle’s braking system.

Participating in a vehicle maintenance program for all of your brake service needs is important for obvious safety reasons, but also for your wallet. You will spend less on brake maintenance than brake repair.

When considering future car repair services, keep in mind the safety and savings in a vehicle maintenance program.

Auto Mechanic for Shocks or Struts Repair in Longmont

Posted on 2016-04-25 by admin

Shocks or Struts Repair Longmont Although spring brings the welcome return of green trees and warmer weather, it also means the unwelcome return of potholes and road construction. These rough road conditions might bring to your attention that your ride is not as smooth as it used to be. When your suspension system needs inspected, Best Auto Repair of Longmont is the reliable and efficient auto mechanic you should turn to for shock or strut repair.

Dampening the suspension’s spring action and assisting in handling are the two main functions of your vehicle’s shocks or struts. The shock absorbers subdue the springs that absorb road fluctuations and prevent the tires from continually bouncing up and down- essentially, keeping your car manageable to control. Shocks are more commonly installed on trucks and SUVs while struts are standard on cars, and one system cannot be swapped for the other. Struts are more complex structural units that combine shock absorption with steering to also stabilize your vehicle and provide a smooth ride. Without correctly functioning shocks or struts, your vehicle will sway on turns and slide on rough roads.

3 Signs that Your Shocks or Struts Need Repaired

The telltale sign your suspension needs work is when it feels like your vehicle drops severely when going over a bump or bounces excessively after.
If your car’s front end takes a nosedive when the brakes are applied or the rear end dips when you accelerate, the suspension needs checked.
Premature or abnormal tire wear may also point to worn down shocks and struts.

Fortunately, shocks and struts are slow to wear (most manufacturers suggest maintenance only every 50,000 miles) but since they are such a critical part of driving control, it is imperative they be replaced once worn out. If you suspect your shocks or struts need replaced, let Best Auto Repair in Longmont perform a full suspension inspection to ensure you’re riding safely and in comfort!

Transmission Repair and Service in Longmont

Posted on 2016-04-10 by admin

Transmission Service Repair Longmont One of the most complicated and basic components of a vehicle is the transmission. It’s, essentially, how the power gets to the wheels of your car. If your car doesn’t move it’s pretty much useless. With that in mind, you can understand why transmission maintenance, repair, and service are so important. Transmission service providers become very important to the overall health of your vehicle—so you should always looks for a qualified, trusted, and capable auto repair shop and mechanic.

Your first priority is to keep your vehicles transmission well maintained and serviced regularly. Prevention is always the best course of action. Your car is a big investment and no one wants a transmission repair, rebuild, or full replacement when it could have been prevented.

How Do I Know my Transmission is Failing?

Here is a list of common transmission warning signs:

Leaking Transmission Fluid (bright red, sweet or tart smelling)
Warning Signals Light Up (Newer Vehicles)
Transmission Levels Measured via dipstick (Not sure how to do that? Come in to our shop and let one of our transmission experts do it for you!)
Vehicle Making Noise—manual transmission will be a grinding noise when shifting, automatic transmissions will start to have noticeable problems shifting between gears with whining and/or buzzing.
Your vehicle is meant to move through gears seamlessly. Any hesitation in doing so is a sign of trouble with your transmission every time.

If you do find yourself with transmission problems, Best Auto Repair of Longmont is your best choice for transmission repair, rebuilds, and replacement. Our highly qualified mechanics are ready to deliver their knowledge and skills to get you back on the road. We invest in the latest technology and equipment for any transmission repair service—for all makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs. We have the best auto mechanics in town who have the experience to handle all kinds of transmission problems so we welcome custom transmission rebuilds, older and vintage vehicles.

We have a long standing commitment to our customer satisfaction. We promise to diagnose your transmission problems expertly and honestly. Many transmission shops will commonly recommend repairs and rebuilds that are either not necessary or just as costly as a new transmission altogether. We promise not to remove a transmission unnecessarily in order to complete a repair and we promise to give you an honest assessment of repair vs replace options.

Best Auto Repair realizes there are plenty of auto repair shops in Longmont to choose from and that is why we strive to provide quick and courteous repair service to all of our automotive transmission clients.