Our Expert Automotive Service & Collision Repair Blog

It is hard to believe we are nearing back to school! For some, this is the first time in 18 months that they will be inside a school building. For others, a transition back to full-time in-person learning. Huge kudos to all parents out there, you survived some of the most challenging learning times, and now the kids (and adults!) get to return to some semblance of normal. No matter the circumstances, we want everyone to be safe and ready to hit the books. Now, let's take a moment of appreciation for our teachers and get these kids ready for school! Back to school is an excellent time to review car safety as it relates to young kids and car seats, pre-teens, and teens, as well as those going off to college.

Collision repair technology is changing faster than ever before. New materials like high strength and ultra-high strength steel require new repair methods and new equipment. These stronger materials help control crash energy and direct it around the passenger compartment. Ultra high steel cannot be straightened and must be replaced. Even though vehicles are becoming lighter, they are also stronger and safer. In 2018, the Honda Odyssey is 100 pounds lighter, the Chevy Equinox is 400 pounds lighter and the Chevy Traverse/Buick Enclave are 300 pounds lighter than the corresponding 2017 models. Many car makers have gone to aluminum to save weight with applications like hoods and lift gates all the way to Ford’s F150 and Explorer with complete aluminum bodies.

Summer brings many wonderful things to life in Colorado: pools, vacations, beautiful weather – but there’s also one huge drawback: ubiquitous and dreaded Road Construction…

Have you noticed a trend of people doing just about everything besides driving when they’re behind the wheel? Have you noticed a trend of people doing just about everything besides driving when they're behind the wheel? The driver who believes it's safe to use their phone if they add a few extra car lengths behind the flow of traffic or the driver applying makeup or eating their meal behind the wheel.

Our oldest grandson got his driver’s license a few weeks ago and being the “car guy” of the family, I got involved in his car search. My first obstacle is to convince him that because of his budget, he can only afford something a little older so he needs to look for a reliable and safe vehicle since he can’t afford a lot of maintenance expense. No fast cars. No turbos.

How do you know you have faulty brakes on your vehicle? Symptoms include; less responsiveness or pedal sinking toward the floor, pulling to one side while braking, grinding or growling and vibration or pulsating brake pedal. 

The I-70 mountain express lane from Empire through Idaho Springs opened in December 2015. Since its opening it has reduced travel times and accidents. According to CDOT, during the 2015-2016 winter, this section of highway had normal travel times with traffic volume “that would have collapsed the corridor with speeds of 5-10 mph in previous years”. 

Summertime is here and the rivers are flowing! Sounds like it’s about time to head up the the mountains for hiking, camping, fly-fishing or just about whatever your heart desires!