*New From AAMCO Colorado: Ask a Mechanic*
Posted by Aamco Colorado in 
AAMCOColorado.com is proud to announce a new a new way to help you keep your car, truck, or SUV in shape: Ask a Mechanic online. Submit a car maintenance or repair question to us, and we will pass it along to one of our expert mechanics at one of local Colorado AAMCO Center! Let us help you with your auto repair and maintenance question.
For more information about auto repair, transmission repair, brake service and more in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Aurora, and other locations on Colorado’s Front Range, visit aamcocolorado.com. To find a Colorado AAMCO location near you, visit aamcocolorado.com/locations/. People who know, go to AAMCO.
New Technology Will Help Keep Colorado Roads Clear this Winter
When snow starts to fall in Colorado this winter, the Colorado Department of Transportation will not be able to stop it. They will, however, be able to respond to it and clean it off Colorado roads with unprecedented speed and efficiency this year, thanks in part to some upgraded snow removal technology.
This year CDOT will have 102 snow plows at its disposal, including 42 equipped with advanced weather tracking systems that can tell a snow plow driver in real time what type of de-icing material he or she should use, in what composition and what quantity. Additionally, this winter CDOT will incorporate a liquid de-icing composition called APEX. In past years, CDOT crews used a mixture of salt and sand in temperatures above 20 degrees, using a liquid compound if the temperature dropped under 16. If the temperature dropped more, APEX was generally used. Now, APEX will be the primary liquid de-icer, so crews won’t have to change products if the temperature drops over the course of a storm.
According to CDOT officials, this new technology will help snow removal from Colorado’s 3800 miles of roads be quicker and more efficient than ever. The state of Colorado has budgeted $64 million for winter maintenance this year.
For more information on how to get your car ready for winter, visit aamcocolorado.com.
Get Your Car in Shape For Fall Driving in Colorado
Early October is the perfect time for driving in the mountains in Colorado. The Aspens are changing color, and the weather and driving conditions are ideal. Before you head up to check out the foliage, make sure your vehicle is ready for driving on mountain roads. Here are some guidelines for driving on Rocky Mountain roads this fall.
Make sure your brakes are in excellent condition
This is the most important thing you can do before driving in the mountains. Because of the steep declines, sudden turns, and changes in speed required, mountain driving can be extremely hazardous to drivers who’s brakes are in poor condition. If necessary, bring your car to a Colorado brake repair expert first. View here to find an AAMCO brake repair location near you.
Pay attention to the road!
Mountain roads are winding and treacherous, and demand your full attention. Avoid using the radio, and turn off cell phones, laptops, and other distracting devices and simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Make sure that your transmission is in excellent condition
When descending on steep mountain roads it is critical to shift your automatic transmission into a lower gear or second gear, to avoid riding your brakes down the mountain and wearing out your brake pads and shoes (never drop your transmission gear at a high speed). A well-maintained, well-functioning transmission is critical for mountain driving in Colorado. View here to find an AAMCO transmission repair location near you.
Pay attention to the weather!
Although fall weather conditions are generally good, the weather in the mountains of Colorado can change rapidly at any time. Make sure you are prepared for inclement weather, including packing tire chains and warm clothing. Also, winter driving conditions in the Colorado mountains can be extremely dangerous. Be prepared to slow down and be cautious when coming around sharp turns and down inclines.
Watch your fuel level
Gas stations in the mountains are more scarce than in the Front Range, particularly in sparsely populated areas and away from main roads. Also, your vehicle will consume more fuel driving on rising and falling mountain roads than in the flat lands. Be sure to plan accordingly.
Fall is beautiful in Colorado, and by taking a few precautions while driving, and before you leave, you can explore the scenery happily, and safely, this fall.
