Boulder Auto Repair

When you get an oil change, it’s always a safe bet to just use the type of oil the auto manufacturer recommends. But sometimes we’re asked if we’d like conventional or synthetic motor oil. We glance at the price tags on the two options and choose the cheaper one. But in this case, the more expensive oil might be the better bargain for Boulder auto owners. Conventional oil is made from petroleum. Its molecules form long hydrocarbon chains. Synthetic motor oil is either more highly refined petroleum or completely man-made. Its molecules are more uniform. This provides essential advantages over conventional motor oil. First of all, the molecular structure of synthetic motor oil makes it more slippery than conventional oil so it lubricates better. This translates to better wear protection for Boulder car owners, cooler operating temperatures, more engine power and increased MPG. Further, synthetic oil is more heat-resistant than conventio ... read more

Blind spots may be a good thing when it comes to a spouse’s annoying habits, but when driving an automobile in Boulder, they are definitely to be avoided. So, while it’s not good marital advice, it’s good auto advice to minimize your own blind spots and stay out of other Eldorado Springs car owners’ blind spots, especially when it comes to large, heavy vehicles like trucks and buses. First, minimize your own blind spots. Do this before you pull out of the driveway or parking space. Adjust your rearview mirror so that you see as much of the area behind you as possible. And, no, this doesn’t include the passengers in the back seat. The rearview mirror isn’t designed to be a baby monitor. Next, lean to the side until your head almost touches the driver’s side window. Now adjust the driver’s side mirror so that it just catches the side of the family car. Then, lean to ... read more

Good brakes are obviously very important. If you’ve ever had your brakes go out while you’re driving around the Eldorado Springs area, you’ll know how terrifying it can be. Today we’ll focus on how to tell when you have a brake problem, and how to make good repair choices. Often, the first indication that something’s wrong with the brakes is an unusual sound. It could be a squeal, chatter or grinding sound. Some brake pads have a little piece of metal embedded in them that will make a squeal or chirping sound when the brake pads have been worn down to the point that they need to be replaced. It’s an early warning indicator. When you hear that sound, schedule an appointment at John’s Auto Care soon. Now a chattering sound is more urgent. That usually indicates that something is loose. It could be a brake pad or even the brake calipers ... read more

People in Boulder have been hearing a lot about higher oil change intervals these days. Maybe you’re wondering: What are the key issues? Some new vehicle manufacturers in Boulder are now recommending much higher oil change intervals than they have in the past. As much as 5,000 to 8,000 miles or more. This practice came under scrutiny when four of the largest new car manufacturers announced that owners like those in Boulder were experiencing engine damage resulting from these higher oil change intervals. The manufacturers’ standard oil drain service for particular vehicles was scheduled at around 7,500 miles. People following these recommendations were experiencing engine damage. It turns out that oil sludge was building up. This caused small oil passages to clog and engine parts to fail. What causes oil sludge? It’s a factor of time and mileage. There are hot spots in every engine that cause oil burn off that leads to ... read more

Remember snow tires? They were basically just regular tires with big, knobby lugs to get them through deep snow. They were loud and rode hard, and Boulder drivers couldn’t wait to get them off the car. Then along came television advertisements for “all-season” radials. CO motorists ran out and bought some and we thought we were done with snow tires forever. Tires have come a long way since then. Modern winter tires sold in the Eldorado Springs area are much better designed for the wide range of dangerous conditions that come with CO winter weather. They are made with a rubber compound that helps them stay flexible in cold weather. Regular tires become hard and stiff at Boulder temperatures below 45°F, which reduces their traction. That’s an important concern in winter, especially with snowy or wet Boulder conditions. But it also means that Boulder auto owners are better off with winter tires in cold weather even when it’s dry. The tread design on wint ... read more