Boulder Auto Repair

When winter arrives in Colorado, the temperature isn’t the only thing that drops – your tire pressure does too! As the mercury falls, the air inside your tires contracts, causing a decrease in pressure. This can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and even safety risks. Let’s dive into why tire pressure matters and how to keep your tires road-ready this winter. Why Does Tire Pressure Drop in Cold Weather? For every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature, your tires can lose about 1-2 psi (pounds per square inch). For example, a tire properly inflated at 35 psi when it’s 70°F may drop to around 30-31 psi at 20°F. Since Colorado winters often bring significant temperature swings, this change can catch drivers off guard. Low tire pressure impacts more than just your ride comfort. It increases rolling resistance, which means your car has to work harder, lowering fuel efficiency. It also leads to uneven tire wear, shorteni ... read more

Winter in Boulder, Colorado, brings breathtaking snowy landscapes and plenty of opportunities for skiing at Eldora and the resorts on the I70 corridor, but it also delivers frigid temperatures that can wreak havoc on your car’s battery. Understanding how cold weather affects your battery and taking steps to maintain it can save you from the frustration of a vehicle that won’t start on a chilly morning. Why Cold Weather Drains Your Battery Car batteries rely on a chemical reaction to generate electricity. When temperatures drop, these chemical reactions slow down, reducing the battery’s ability to produce power. At 32°F, a battery operates at about 80% of its capacity; at 0°F, that drops to just 60%. Simultaneously, your car’s engine demands more power to start in the cold due to thicker oil and sluggish engine components. This combination puts your battery under serious strain. Signs Your Battery May Be Struggling He ... read more

Winter in Colorado can be tough on your vehicle, and your windshield is no exception. Whether you’re driving to Eldora for a ski day or commuting around Boulder, clear visibility is crucial for staying safe on icy roads. Here are some tips to keep your windshield clear and in top condition all winter long: 1. Inspect and Replace Wipers Your windshield wipers are your first line of defense against snow, ice, and road grime. Check for cracks or stiffness in the rubber, and replace them if they’re worn. Consider using winter wiper blades designed to handle snow and ice buildup. 2. Use the Right Windshield Washer Fluid Regular washer fluid can freeze in low temperatures, leaving you stranded without a way to clean your windshield. Switch to a winter-specific fluid with antifreeze properties to ensure it works even in sub-zero conditions. 3. Defrost Before Driving Never use hot water to remove ice from your windshield&mdas ... read more

Planning to hit the slopes at Eldora or one of the many ski resorts along I-70 this winter? Colorado’s mountains are gorgeous in the snow, but they also present unique driving challenges that can take a toll on your vehicle. Before you head into higher altitudes and icy roads, it’s important to prepare your car to handle the demands of winter mountain driving. Here’s what you need to know. 1. Check Your Brakes for Optimal Stopping Power Driving on steep, snowy mountain roads requires top-notch braking power. Cold temperatures can impact your braking system, so it’s wise to have your brakes checked before you venture out. Signs your brakes might need attention include squealing, vibrations, or a “soft” brake pedal. A brake inspection can ensure everything is in peak condition to handle icy roads safely. 2. Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires If you’re regularly driving to Eldora or the resorts along I ... read more

When we think of winter car issues, transmission problems don’t usually top the list. Yet, cold weather can actually put extra strain on your vehicle’s transmission, especially here in Boulder where winter temperatures and conditions can be extreme. If your car feels a little sluggish on cold mornings or shifts harder than usual, it could be because of how the winter weather impacts your transmission system.  Here’s why winter driving can take a toll on your transmission—and what you can do to protect it. Why Does Cold Weather Affect Transmissions? Transmissions rely on fluid to keep all their moving parts well-lubricated and working smoothly. In colder temperatures, however, transmission fluid thickens, which can make it harder for the fluid to flow properly and for parts to move freely. This can lead to is ... read more