Spring has sprung, and after several months of cold temperatures and harsh road conditions, it’s that time of year to make sure your vehicle is ready to face the warmer months ahead. Regular preventative maintenance is key to extending the life of your vehicle while optimizing its performance and is an ideal way to identify minor issues before they turn into costly repairs.

Carworks of Longmont offers quality auto maintenance and repair services for customers throughout Northern Colorado. Our team of auto technicians are ASE certified and have experience servicing virtually any make or model of vehicle. Carworks cares about our clients and their well-being, which is why we take the time to perform comprehensive inspections and sound recommendations that will keep your vehicle running smooth and you safe on the road.

At Carworks, we recommend regularly scheduled maintenance per your car’s specifications and below you will find a checklist of preventative maintenance services that should be performed every Spring.

Auto Maintenance Checklist:

• Battery Check:  Frigid temps take a toll on the car’s battery because it has to work much harder, which in turn, drains it. Testing the battery, along with checking the connections to make sure they are corrosion-free and secure are the best ways to maintain a healthy charging system.
• Oil Change:  Regular oil changes are necessary for optimizing engine performance and preventing engine damage. On average, a car’s oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
• Cooling System Service:  To protect the vehicle’s cooling system and its components from corrosion, the coolant should be regularly flushed and replaced.
• Fluids Check:  Checking fluids for low levels will indicate the need to either flush and replace them or top them off. If brake fluid, coolant, or power steering fluid is low, it’s important to check for leaks.
• Windshield Wipers Check:  Windshield wipers are an important safety component of the vehicle, and after heavy use in the winter months, it’s a good idea to have them replaced.
• Tire Inspection:  Tire pressure, uneven tread wear, cracks, etc. are all an indication that your tires need attention. Having regular tire inspections and rotating the tires are critical to keeping you safe on the road.
• Lighting Check:  Defective lighting, such as taillights and turn signals, can be dangerous for you and other drivers. Have the lights in your car inspected to make sure they are functioning properly.
• Belts/Hoses Check:  It’s common to see damage to rubber hoses and belts after months of cold temperatures. Inspecting the belts and hoses will determine if there is damage and a need for replacement.
• Filters Check:  Filters, such as cabin, air, and fuel filters can become damaged or clogged. To promote longevity in the car, these filters should be replaced regularly.
• Undercarriage Check:  To prevent damage and rust caused by road salt and chemicals, the undercarriage of the vehicle should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any accumulation of these elements.
• A/C Check:  Cleaning the condenser and topping off the refrigerant, along with inspecting the other components of the air conditioner, is the best way to ensure that you’ll stay cool all summer long.

If you need these, or any other auto maintenance or auto repair services, contact the professional team at Carworks of Longmont today. With over 25 years in the industry, you can trust that your car will be in good hands at Carworks.

The muffler plays an important role in your car’s exhaust system. Not only is it responsible for reducing noise pollution produced by the engine, the muffler is also necessary for allowing toxic fumes to safely escape the vehicle. When a faulty muffler is suspected, taking your vehicle to a reputable auto repair shop for inspection and repairs can make all the difference in your car’s performance and save you money on costly repairs that can occur when left unchecked.

Carworks of Longmont provides quality exhaust system maintenance and repair services on most makes and models of vehicles, imports and domestic. Our team of ASE certified auto technicians are equipped with the knowledge and experience required to provide comprehensive exhaust inspections and any necessary repairs to ensure that your vehicle operates proficiently and safely.

Signs your muffler might be faulty include:

• Overall Performance – If you notice that the performance of your vehicle is declining, this could indicate an issue with your muffler. Such signs of poor performance include large smoke clouds coming from the tailpipe, poor gas mileage, or rough idling. When one or more of these signs are present, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle’s exhaust system checked.
• Visual Inspection – When your muffler becomes louder than usual, or starts to emit more smoke, inspecting the muffler is an easy way to identify potential issues. If the muffler has rust, damage, corrosion, or a build-up of soot, these are a good indication that it should be replaced. Holes in the muffler should also be addressed and corrected asap, as holes allow toxic fumes to enter the cabin of the vehicle, which can be detrimental to the health of its passengers.
• Loud Noises – An increase in noise, along with rattling, coming from the muffler is the most common and obvious sign that the muffler is compromised. When the muffler becomes louder than usual, getting it checked by a certified auto mechanic is your best line of action.

Addressing potential muffler issues early on can make all the difference in preventing costlier repairs down the road. If you suspect a faulty muffler, call the team at Carworks of Longmont today. We will provide a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s exhaust system and offer sound recommendations and repair services to ensure that your muffler is operating properly and safely. With over 25 years of auto maintenance and repair services in Longmont, you can trust you’ll be in good hands with Carworks!

Keeping up with the maintenance schedule of one vehicle can, sometimes, be a task, but managing a fleet of autos and staying on top of the maintenance schedules required to keep those vehicles up and running can be a real challenge. Carworks of Longmont understands what it takes to keep a business operating smoothly, especially when that business relies on a fleet of automobiles, which is why we offer fleet auto maintenance services that include regular schedule reminders.

Regular preventative maintenance is essential in the performance and longevity of any vehicle, but when your business depends on a fleet for production and profitability scheduled maintenance is imperative. When you partner with Carworks of Longmont to maintain your fleet, you can rest assured that your vehicles will get the required maintenance on a schedule that best accommodates the needs of your operation. With discounted rates, convenient maintenance schedules and reminders, comprehensive service reports, and fleet service warranties you can have peace of mind that Carworks is the right choice for your fleet auto maintenance needs.

The fleet auto maintenance services offered at Carworks of Longmont include:

• Inspections
• Preventative Maintenance
• Alignment Services
• Suspension
• Brake Service
• Transmission
• Electrical System
• Tune-ups

When it comes to maintaining a fleet of autos, our goal at Carworks of Longmont is to provide reliable maintenance services and flexible scheduling to curtail disruption to the operation of your company. Whether a government agency or service business with a fleet of 3 or 23, our ASE certified auto technicians are highly trained and skilled to service virtually any make or model of automobile and we use state of the art equipment and quality auto parts to ensure that your fleet is professionally serviced with the best that the industry has to offer.

If you operate a fleet in Longmont or any of the surrounding communities and need a trusted auto repair shop for fleet maintenance services, call Carworks of Longmont today! Providing quality auto maintenance and repair services since 1993.

When your car’s transmission isn’t properly maintained, not only will it affect the smooth operation of your vehicle, it can cause major issues with the transmission. Since the transmission can be quite costly to repair or replace, it’s good practice to have it properly maintained per your vehicle’s specifications. Carworks of Longmont offers preventative maintenance services to include transmission services for customers in Longmont and the surrounding areas.

A transmission can easily go 100,000 miles or more when properly maintained. The team of ASE certified auto technicians at Carworks of Longmont are well-equipped to provide the necessary maintenance services on your car’s transmission. With extensive experience and the use of quality products and parts, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle’s performance will be optimized, saving you time and money.

Indicators that your transmission needs servicing include:

• Check Engine Light – A displayed “check engine” light indicates there is a problem, and while it may not be the transmission, it’s a good idea to have the codes checked by a reputable auto technician to be sure. Addressing the issue in a timely manner can prevent costly repairs in the future.
• Slipping Transmission – Low transmission fluid, contaminated transmission fluid, and/or internal transmission issues can cause the transmission to slip. If you notice your transmission slipping, get it checked sooner than later.
• Humming Noises – Noises, such as buzzing or humming, can be caused by leaking transmission fluid or internal transmission damage.
• Transmission Fluid Leaks – One of the easiest problems to detect is leaking transmission fluid, which will be visibly noticeable under the car. Having this issue corrected can make all the difference in your transmission’s health and performance of the vehicle.
• Hesitation – Low transmission fluid, water or contaminates in the fluid can cause the transmission to hesitate when put into gear. These issues are easy and affordable to correct.

If you live in Longmont or any of the neighboring communities and have issues with your transmission and need professional preventative maintenance services, call the team at Carworks of Longmont. Trusted in Longmont since 1993!

What is a Serpentine Belt?

A serpentine belt is a long, snake-like belt responsible for the operations of many components of the car’s engine, such as the power steering pump, water pump, alternator, and air conditioner. The serpentine, or S belt is a key element in keeping your vehicle running, and while it plays a vital role in the engine, it’s relatively inexpensive. The serpentine belt should be checked at least once a year because when it breaks, your car won’t run.

Carworks of Longmont offers preventative maintenance to include serpentine belt inspections, and when needed, serpentine belt replacement services in virtually any make or model of vehicle. Our ASE certified technicians have the necessary training and skills to provide a thorough inspection of your car’s engine and diagnose any potential issues with the S belt. If your serpentine belt is compromised, we will replace it with a quality Napa Auto belt and get you on your way.

Signs of a compromised serpentine belt include:

Power Steering or A/C Fails – When the serpentine belt becomes damaged or breaks, the power steering will fail, making it very difficult to steer. This can be very dangerous, especially when driving, so having the belt inspected and/or replaced is imperative. If the air conditioning in your car quits working, this can also be an indication that the serpentine belt needs to be replaced.

Loud Noises/Squealing – A misaligned or slipped serpentine belt can cause a loud squealing noise from the engine. The only way to fix this issue is to have an auto technician inspect the belt and replace it, if necessary.

Cracked or Worn Belt – The serpentine belt should be inspected at least once a year to check for abrasions, tears, cracks, and uneven or damaged ribs. If the S belt is damaged, it’s time to replace it.

Overheating – The water pump won’t properly circulate coolant through the cooling system if the serpentine belt is broke, thus, causing your engine to overheat.

Regular preventative maintenance goes a long way in keeping your car healthy. Part of that preventative maintenance is having your serpentine belt inspected at least once a year. If you suspect your S belt needs replacing, the team at Carworks of Longmont will provide a comprehensive inspection and offer sound recommendations to have you back on the road in no time. Call Carworks of Longmont today!

While all makes and models of cars can have their variances in how they handle on the road, the role of the wheel bearing is standard when it comes to the wheel, tire, and hub assemblies operating properly. Wheel bearings are a critical component of the vehicle. Their purpose is to allow movement and rotation of the hub assembly, free of friction, thus providing level rotation of the wheels and tires.

When the wheel bearing starts to fail, not only can it create additional costly repairs, it can be a huge safety issue. Carworks of Longmont offers wheel bearing diagnosis and replacement services on most makes and models and recommends seeking immediate attention if you notice any of these signs:

• Loud Noise:  Grinding or metal on metal sound is one of the most common indicators that the wheel bearing is going bad. If you notice a grinding noise that gets louder as you accelerate, call a mechanic immediately.
• Worn or Uneven Tire Wear:  A bad wheel bearing can cause tires to wear much faster or show uneven wear. While there are other reasons that tires can become worn, it’s good to have your wheel bearings checked as a precaution.
• Loose Steering:  Another sign of a bad wheel bearing can be loose or wobbly steering. When bearings begin to wear, they can cause the steering to feel loose, therefore, affecting the response of your vehicle while driving. This can be dangerous and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
• Pulling:  If you notice that your car pulls to one side, this could indicate a failing wheel bearing. There are other reasons that could cause your vehicle to pull in one direction, such as bad alignment or worn suspension, but a bad bearing could also be the culprit.

Safety should be of utmost concern when driving, so if you notice any of the issues, your best bet is to call a mechanic right away. Carworks of Longmont and their team of ASE certified auto mechanics have the experience to perform a thorough inspection of your wheel bearings and make the necessary repairs to get your car back on the road in no time. Give the team of professionals at Carworks of Longmont a call today!

Our driving habits coupled with road conditions can play a big role in misaligning a vehicle’s tires and wheels. Potholes, bumps, hitting a curb, automobile accidents, and worn parts can all be contributing factors to a car’s misalignment. Just as with regular oil changes and any other preventative maintenance, keeping your vehicle’s wheels aligned can make all the difference in your car’s overall performance. Carworks of Longmont has been providing preventative maintenance, including alignment service, on most cars and light trucks since 1993.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alignment:

• The Vehicle Pulls:  A great indication of a misaligned vehicle is pulling to the left or the right. If the car seems to want to steer left or right when you release the steering wheel, chances are you need an alignment.
• Vibrations in Steering Wheel:  Vibrations in the steering wheel when driving could suggest that your car is experiencing misalignment.
• Uneven Tread Wear:  If you notice uneven or rapid tread wear on your tires, this is typically the result of a misaligned vehicle. Correcting the problem with an alignment service will save you time and money in the long run.
• Squeaking Noises:  When noises start coming from your tires, one of the potential reasons could be a bad alignment. Taking your car in for an inspection is recommended to determine the cause of the noise.

It is recommended that a vehicle have an alignment service with every oil change or per the manufacturer’s specifications. Keeping your car’s wheels aligned will enhance tire performance and wear, increase fuel efficiency, and offer better handling. Finding a trusted ASE certified auto mechanic to perform an alignment, or any other preventative maintenance service or repair is the first step when it comes to keeping your car “healthy”.

Carworks of Longmont and their team of ASE certified mechanics understand the importance of staying safe on the road. They will provide a thorough inspection of your vehicle and offer their professional, trusted advice for any maintenance or repairs. If you think your alignment is going bad, or have any other concerns about your car, give Carworks of Longmont a call today!

The power steering system is an important and complex component of your vehicle. The primary element of the power steering system is the pump, which is driven by the engine’s serpentine belt. This pump pressurizes the power steering fluid that assists with the steering of the vehicle. Maintaining your automobile’s power steering system is a big deal. After all, it’s hard to drive if you can’t steer the car. Carworks of Longmont can perform an inspection of your power steering system and perform any necessary maintenance or repairs.

Reasons Why Your Power Steering System Might Have Issues:

• Worn or Cracked Hoses: Old, damaged hoses and seals are the most common reason for power steering fluid leaks. Low fluid and/or leaks can cause serious damage to the power steering pump, causing it to wear out. Keeping a check on these hoses and fluid levels can make all the difference in maintaining the life of the pump.
• Contaminated Fluid: The power steering fluid is the most valuable element of the power steering system. When the fluid becomes contaminated, it can cause interference with the hydraulic system, ultimately leading to failure of the steering system.
• Slipping or Broken Belt: When the drive belt in the pump starts to slip or breaks, it will no longer be able to power the pump. Common signs of a slipping or broken belt are loud squealing sounds when steering, or the inability to easily steer the vehicle.
• A Worn Pump: When the power steering pump starts to go bad, you may notice noises coming from the pump and have to use more force when trying to steer the vehicle. Regular inspections and maintenance will help keep your power steering system healthy, making you safer on the road.

If you notice problems with your car’s steering system, Carworks of Longmont has a team of ASE certified mechanics who can perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s power steering system and provide the necessary maintenance and repairs, using quality NAPA auto parts. Carworks has been providing quality auto maintenance and repairs in Longmont for over 25 years. Call the experienced auto technicians at Carworks of Longmont today for all of your auto maintenance and service needs!