Posted on 8/22/2014
Most Eldorado Springs folks worry about running out of gas or having a breakdown on the side of the road. That is why we practice preventive maintenance on our vehicles — that and to keep our repair bills down. But one important part of preventive maintenance that may get overlooked by Boulder auto owners is a periodic alignment inspection. Poor alignment causes tires to wear rapidly, unevenly or both. This means they will have to be replaced early, and new tires are more expensive than an alignment check in Boulder. Bad alignment can also cause damage to suspension and steering systems, which can be expensive to repair in Eldorado Springs. Tire wear on misaligned wheels can also lead to blowouts, which are dangerous, can lead to serious accidents, and can seriously damage your family car. Also, poor alignment itself can be the cause of an accident, since the family car may not steer properly. One or more ... read more
Posted on 8/14/2014
Weight is the enemy of fuel economy. Everyone from here to Boulder knows this makes sense. Some of us in the Boulder area carry a bunch of unnecessary weight, and I’m not talkin’ what you see in the mirror. Guys; sports equipment and tools. Ladies; well, just take a look around the passenger compartment and trunk. I think my car has about forty-five pounds of French fries on the floor. All that extra weight wastes gas as you drive between here and Boulder, and everywhere else. Lose the junk and save some money. …And you really only need one of those spare tires
Posted on 8/6/2014
Boulder motorists often ask the question: “Will using premium gas make my car run better?” The answer is simple. But first, let’s talk about what exactly premium gasoline is. Different grades of gasoline have different octane ratings. Regular gasoline has the lowest octane rating and premium the highest. Most gas stations around Boulder, CO also carry a mid-grade that falls in between the two. The octane range for the different grades of gas varies by region due to altitude differences. Engines require different octane ratings because of design differences. For example, turbocharged engines usually require premium gas. There’s a sticker on your gas tank filler lid that tells you the minimum octane rating your car maker recommends.Boulder drivers should read their owner’s manuals carefully to see if it’s acceptable to use lower grades. With some cars in Boulder, CO it is; the engine control computer can adapt. Boulder drivers will lose some performa ... read more
Posted on 7/30/2014
The price of gas in CO has got Boulder auto owners talking. It seems that Boulder folks who need a bigger vehicle to carry family and gear, or provide four wheel drive, are hit especially. That is why we thought it would be good to review some things that anyone can do to improve fuel economy. First let’s start with how we drive in the Eldorado Springs area. Boulder auto owners may not realize that they can really save money on gas by just changing a few driving habits. One of the biggest is jackrabbit starts – you know, flooring the gas as soon as the light turns green. That really wastes a lot of fuel. Building up your speed at a slower pace uses less fuel and is easier on your engine and drive train. And don’t drive with one foot on the brake. That’s also a drag on fuel economy, and it wears out your brakes faster too. Another thing Boulder drivers can do is drive slower – but only when it’s safe. Sometimes on th ... read more
Posted on 7/24/2014
Custom wheels are one way that Boulder folks express themselves and personalize their family car. But they aren’t as cheap and easy as sticking decals on your back window. There are several critical factors need to be considered, including cost, the fit of the wheel, modifications that will have to be made to the family car, how the new wheels and tires will affect the operation of the vehicle, your driving habits, and, of course, the style of the wheels. Most Boulder motorists start with the last factor: the style of the wheels. But that should be the last thing we choose. When considering custom wheels, you should first carefully consider your budget. Some wheels may require costly adjustments to your family car suspension system, brakes, or traction systems. You need to know what you can afford before you start shopping in Eldorado Springs or get your heart set on a particular type of wheel. There are t ... read more