Category Archives: Blog

Your Car’s Filters and Why You Replace Them

car air conditioning maintenance LongmontWhile not every vehicle is alike, they all have something in common: filters. Your car has four main filters that are all important components to the vehicle’s overall mechanical health. When these filters become dirty or clogged, they can compromise the performance of your vehicle, which is why it’s so important to know your car’s filters and have them changed on a regular basis.

The Oil Filter:

The oil filter is responsible for removing particles, such as dirt, metal, and oxidized oil, that occur from engine wear. It also maintains continuous oil flow while purifying the oil so that it effectively does its job. Changing the oil filter every year or two, depending on your vehicle’s age, will keep impurities out of your engine and allow for proper oil flow, greatly reducing engine wear or failure.

The Cabin Filter:

The cabin filter serves the important purpose of cleaning the air that enters the cabin of your car through the heating and air vents. Changing these filters per your vehicle’s specifications, typically every year or 12,000 miles, is important not only for your respiratory health, but it maximizes air flow and can help in prolonging the life of your car’s heating and air conditioning system. If you notice dust, bad odor, or minimal air flow from your auto’s air vents, it’s a good indication that your cabin filter needs to be replaced.

The Air Filter:

The air filter allows for clean air to reach the engine by keeping dust particles, debris, and insects out. A clean air filter promotes combustion in the engine and optimizes fuel efficiency, supporting the vehicle’s overall performance.

The Fuel Filter:

The fuel filter keeps impurities found in the fuel from entering the vehicle’s engine and helps protect the fuel injectors. A clogged fuel filter can weaken the performance of the engine, and contaminated fuel can increase wear and tear on pricey parts, decrease fuel efficiency, or cause the fuel injector or fuel pump to fail.

Carworks of Longmont offers preventative maintenance, to include inspection and replacement of the automobile’s different filters. The experienced team of ASE certified mechanics at Carworks of Longmont knows cars and understands the importance of regular service and maintenance. If you suspect your car’s filters need to be changed, or you need service or repair on your vehicle, give Carworks of Longmont a call today!

Are Your Shocks or Struts Failing?

car-suspension-repair-service-longmont

Nothing makes a car bounce like hitting a big pothole or bump in the road, but does your vehicle seem to bounce around a lot? While not all vehicles offer the smoothest ride, they should be relatively comfortable, however, there are differences in the way a Lexus handles the road versus a Jeep, for example. Only you know your car and can spot the differences in the way it rides. If you notice that your driving experience has declined and is bumpier than usual, this could indicate a problem with your shocks or struts. Carworks of Longmont and their team of ASE certified mechanics can evaluate your car’s suspension system and make the repairs needed to get you running smooth again.

Signs of Failing Shocks/Struts

  • Squatting – “Squatting” is a term used to describe the front end of your vehicle appearing to rise a bit upon acceleration and is a result of bad or failing shocks.
  • Nose Diving – Nose diving refers to the front end of your vehicle pointing down when the brakes are applied. This can indicate bad shocks or struts.
  • The “Body Roll” – When you make a turn and your vehicle feels as though it’s leaning, this is what is referred to as the body roll. Not only is this a safety concern, it’s a good sign that your suspension probably needs some work. You should have your vehicle inspected by an ASE certified auto mechanic if you have this issue.
  • Damper Leaks – The reserve tube, which is part of the damper, is bolted to the axle and contains hydraulic fluid. If the seals start to leak, it will impact the function of the shocks, so any sign of leakage is a good indication that your suspension may need work.
  • Visible Damage – Leaks in the seals, or any dents or cuts in the seals can be caused by failing shocks or struts. You may also notice uneven tire wear. Any of these visible signs should warrant an inspection of your car’s suspension.

If you notice your vehicle having any of these issues, call Carworks of Longmont to schedule an inspection of your car’s suspension system. The experienced mechanics at Carworks of Longmont will perform a comprehensive diagnosis and make any necessary repairs. Give the team at Carworks of Longmont a call today!

Brake Repair in Longmont

When it comes to brakes, there’s nothing more important than making sure that they are in good, working condition. While brakes are a critical safety feature of your automobile, they are relatively inexpensive to maintain. Regular inspections of your brakes, including proper maintenance, can ensure the safety of you and your passengers, along with everyone else on the road. Carworks of Longmont provides maintenance, service, and repair on all disc and drum brake systems.

There are key indicators that your brakes may need to be serviced or repaired, so it’s important to understand what to look for if you suspect you might be having issues with your brakes:

  • Noises – Squeaking or grinding noises that occur when the brake is applied could indicate friction, worn brake pads, or metal to metal contact.
  • Pedal Pumping – If you have to pump your brake pedal to get your vehicle to stop, this could mean air in the brake line, or a leak in the brake system.
  • Car Pulls to One Side – When the vehicle pulls to one side upon braking, this could be the result of a damaged brake line or worn brake linings.
  • Leaking – Leaks behind the wheels of your automobile could indicate a leak in the brake line or master cylinder.
  • Brake Light Indicator – If your brake light indicator shows on your dash, it could mean it’s time for a brake inspection, or that there is a problem with your brake system.

If you are experiencing any of these issues with your brakes, you should have your vehicle inspected immediately. Because brakes do wear out over time, it’s good practice to have brake inspections about every six thousand miles, or every six months. Using a trusted auto repair shop to inspect and repair your vehicle’s brake system is imperative. The professional team of auto mechanics at Carworks of Longmont have the knowledge and skill to inspect your brake system and perform any necessary repairs. Call today for all your auto maintenance and repair needs.

Faulty Alternator

The Effects of a Faulty Alternator

The alternator is an important component to your car functioning properly. Not only does it supply electrical power to your vehicle’s electrical system, it keeps your battery charged. Although your car may run for a brief time on its battery alone, without the alternator, the battery would eventually lose its charge, leaving you with a lifeless vehicle. A new alternator can last, on average, for 8 to 12 years, but replacing one can get expensive. If you feel that a faulty alternator might be the problem with your vehicle’s performance, the experts at Carworks of Longmont have the equipment and training to properly diagnose and make any necessary repairs.

How to recognize a faulty alternator?

  • Indicator Light: Most vehicles have an icon that resembles a battery. This typically appears, or lights up, upon starting your car but should turn off once the car is running. If the light, or icon, stays on, this could be a sign that your alternator is having issues.
  • Dimming Lights: If the alternator is becoming weak, you may notice the vehicle’s headlights, dashboard displays, or interior lights becoming weak, too. It’s common for these lights to flicker or become dim if the alternator is going bad.
  • Sounds and smell: When an alternator starts to go bad, you may hear sounds coming from the motor. Such sounds are usually described as a whining or growling noise. You may also notice the smell of burning rubber.
  • Weak or dead battery: The alternative supplies power to the battery. If the battery won’t stay charged, or is weak, this could be an indication that the alternator is failing.
  • Difficulty starting car: A battery is often the cause of a vehicle not starting, but if the battery has been tested, or can be ruled out as the problem, then the alternator could be the root of the problem. If your vehicle won’t stay started, or tends to die, this could also indicate an issue with the alternator.

If you are experiencing any of these issues with your car, it’s probably a good time to get your alternator checked. Carworks of Longmont will perform a comprehensive diagnosis of your alternator and its components, and make any necessary repairs to get you back on the road.