Winter’s wrapping up- take advantage of our FREE A/C inspection!
Posted by Aamco Colorado in 
Winter is drawing to a close, and it may be time to pay attention to your car’s air conditioning. It’s easy to put off this particular element of your car while the weather’s chilly, but don’t get caught in the summer with an air conditioning system that doesn’t work—visit one of our Colorado auto repair locations for high-quality diagnosis and repair.
Here’s what we can do for you at AAMCO. With our free air conditioning check, you can get all the kinks in the system worked out before the sun starts heating up. Trouble with your air conditioning an also be indicative of a larger problem, so make sure you’re not putting off a simple check that could end up saving you lots of money and time later on.
At your free A/C check, we’ll inspect hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks, take temperature readings, make sure your compressor is working properly, and check the drive belt for damage. Depending on the problem, your vehicle might call for further maintenance such as installing a new compressor or repairing your air conditioning belt drives, or you might just need a recharge of your refrigerant. Come in to one of our convenient AAMCO locations for your free check ASAP—and in the meantime, here’s how to tell if something’s off.
There are really two main signs that tell you all is not well with your air conditioning: if it’s blowing hot air, or if it’s blowing just a slight amount of cool air. When your A/C is blowing hot air, a wide variety of factors could be the culprit—including a loose or broken drive belt, inoperative compressor or slipping compressor clutch, defective expansion valve, clogged expansion valve, or a blown fuse. It could also mean that you have a leak in one of your A/C lines, hoses, or seals.
When your A/C is blowing a slight amount of cool air, it could mean a few different things. A low refrigerant charge, loose drive belt, slipping compressor clutch, clogged condenser or evaporator, a slow leak in the system, or a partially clogged filter or expansion valve could all be the culprit.
Either way, air conditioning maintenance is best left to a professional mechanic, since strict laws dictate air conditioning fluids such as Freon and refrigerant. Bringing your vehicle in for a check with us ensures that your car will get an accurate diagnosis and you’ll get the best information about moving forward. For more information on our free air conditioning check, or for an appointment with an AAMCO transmission expert or a list of our AAMCO transmission locations near you, visit www.aamcocolorado.com. Those who know, go to AAMCO!
Need Colorado radiator repair? AAMCO can help.
When your car appears to be having radiator trouble, you need to take it seriously. As one of the most important components of your vehicle, the radiator must be operating smoothly for you to be able to drive safely. At AAMCO, our expert mechanics have the knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose and repair problems with your radiator, so if your car is demonstrating any of the below symptoms, don’t wait. Bring it in to one of our AAMCO locations and let us put your car back on the road to recovery.
The function of a radiator is to keep your car cool enough to run safely and effectively. A malfunctioning radiator can’t keep your car at a safe operating temperature. Problems with auto radiators can develop without you realizing it when small particles of debris (like rust and dirt) clog your radiator. When this happens, your radiator loses the ability to cool off your engine—which can have potentially disastrous consequences, including leaving you stranded.
One of the most common warning signs of radiator trouble is a low coolant level, which usually means you have a leak. This is problematic because radiator coolant is what circulates through the radiator hoses and keeps your engine’s temperature down. The other likely sign of radiator trouble is when you notice smoke coming from under the hood of your car. This means that your engine is no longer at a safe temperature, and the best thing to do is pull over immediately and start exploring other options for travel (such as a tow truck or a taxi.)
To avoid either of these scenarios, make sure you’re up-to-date with your routine car maintenance. The best way to keep your radiator in top shape is with a radiator flush, which keeps your radiator clean and free of debris. You can perform this procedure yourself, but if you’re not familiar with basic radiator maintenance, it’s best to bring your car into a garage. Check your car’s radiator coolant regularly to keep it from dropping to dangerously low levels.
As with almost all potential car problems, the best method of prevention is regular maintenance and early detection. Your coolant system should be checked at least once a year by a professional mechanic. Make sure you are bringing your car in for the recommended checkups, and don’t overlook signs that your radiator isn’t functioning effectively. If you’re not sure, our radiator repair experts are here to answer your questions and check your vehicle for any radiator problems.
For more information on radiator repair, or for help with anything from an auto tune up to advice from an AAMCO transmission expert, visit the Colorado auto repair one-stop shop: www.aamcocolorado.com.
Free brake inspection from AAMCO
Your brakes are the most important safety element of your car. If they’re not functioning normally, it’s highly unsafe (and illegal) for your car to be on the road. It’s common for motorists to put off much-needed brake service for longer than necessary, so here at AAMCO we decided to offer a free brake inspection to help get you back on the right track. Read on for some more tips on how to recognize failing brakes, and what to do when all is not well. After all, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how well your car is running if it can’t stop.
One common warning sign of faulty brakes is when it becomes difficult to stop your car, or if your vehicle makes a grinding or squeaking noise as your car slows. If your brake pedal pulses or makes a clicking noise while stopping, those are also troublesome signs. Of course, more obvious indicators of brake issues are problems such as a missing brake pedal or when the ABS light for your antilock braking system comes on. No matter what the indication is, if you notice these signs or other problems while accelerating or braking in your vehicle, you should take your car in for a brake inspection immediately.
There are a few common issues that can cause these braking symptoms. The first is when your brakes have become hard due to heat, or ‘crystallized,’ and are no longer able to effectively grab and slow down the rotation of your vehicle’s brake drum or rotor. In most cases, this is an indication that the brakes in your vehicle have been overused, either by ‘riding the brakes’ or ‘panic braking,’ both which result is premature brake wear. Oil and grease can also leak onto the brakes and prevent them from working effectively. This can happen if an oil seal in your car is loose, perhaps one from the rear differential or front transaxle, and your brakes have been saturated.
Worn or glazed brake pads are a common reason for the squealing or grinding noise your brakes can make. This means that the pads are worn down, and a brake replacement is in order. ‘Hot spots,’ another common problem, are caused when excessive overheating of the brakes creates hardened areas in the metal makeup of the drum or rotor. All of these issues are either already serious problems or will be soon.
Now, it’s time for the good news. Come in for our FREE brake inspection, and our expert mechanics will diagnose your vehicle and tell you what steps need to be taken to get your vehicle back on the road. Remember to check your brakes every six months to catch problems early in the game, and don’t forget that our AAMCO transmission experts are here for all your vehicle’s needs—whether it’s a car tune up in Broomfield or Colorado Springs auto repair. Take a look at our Colorado auto repair shops for a list of AAMCO locations.
For more information on our free brake inspection, or for other resources like AAMCO transmission locations or general Colorado auto repair, visit www.aamcocolorado.com. Those who know, go to AAMCO!
Special Deals on Colorado Vehicle Maintenance
There’s no getting around it—car repair can be expensive. At AAMCO, we understand that sometimes it’s hard to give your vehicle the maintenance it needs. That’s why we offer special deals for our customers that help you get your car in tiptop shape without dipping too deep into your wallet. Here’s what we’re offering now—and don’t forget to keep checking back with our discount car maintenance services for new specials, deals, and discounts from our AAMCO transmission experts to keep you on the road.
If you’re worried about your transmission, check out our Free Multi-Point Inspection. This multi-point transmission systems check includes an inspection of your vehicle’s transmission fluid, a road test, and a computer scan. This inspection would ordinarily put you back $85, but visit our special offers for vehicle maintenance and bring in the coupon before February 29 to get it free!
If you’ve been putting off that repair job, it’s time to get your car running smoothly. And now you have one more reason to take care of it sooner rather than later—use one of our discount coupons and save 10% off any AAMCO service over $150. That means whatever fix you need—whether it’s replacing that cracked windshield or straightening out that body dent—bring it in before February 29 we’ll help you out with some TLC for your car and your wallet.
Through the end of February, take $100 off our Guaranteed Rebuilt Transmissions with one of our coupons. If your transmission needs rebuilding, don’t wait—visit one of our Colorado transmission locations for an opinion from the experts. We have the expertise to make your transmission like new—and now you have the discount to help get you through the door.
Has your engine light come on? Now you can stop putting off that check with our Free Check Engine Light offer. Bring in your car, and we’ll take a load off your mind and figure out what the problem is for free. Don’t put it off too long, though—the offer expires at the end of February. And whether you need repairs or further internal diagnostics performed, you can always trust AAMCO.
Whether you need an Arvada auto mechanic or Brighton auto repair, AAMCO is here to keep your vehicle running great and on the road. For more information on special maintenance deals, or to find AAMCO transmission locations near you, visit www.aamcocolorado.com. Those who know, go to AAMCO!
What happens during a car tune-up?
A regular car tune-up can prevent a wide range of common—and expensive—vehicle problems. Though a regular tune-up can be easy to overlook, make sure you take in your car for a thorough checkup every two years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first). Why is this maintenance check so important and what happens during one? Read on to find out, and check out our auto tune-up services for more details on Colorado auto repair.
When you bring your vehicle in for a car tune-up, one of the first things checked and probably replaced is your fuel filter. After thousands of miles, the filter is likely clogged and replacing it is a must. Your spark plugs are then replaced (unless they’re platinum), and the spark plug wires are examined and may be replaced. If your car is older, the distributor cap and rotor may be replaced. Another tune-up for older cars (those without electronic ignition) would be changing out your points and condenser, but few cars made after the eighties will require this.
Next, your car’s valves will be adjusted as needed. The valve-cover gasket will also be replaced. One of the main things your mechanic will be sure to hit is checking the belts in your car and replacing them if they’re worn down—worn belts can cause serious engine damage as well as a host of other problems.
Basic checks will also be performed, such as checking all your under-the-hood fluids and replacing them if necessary. If it’s been 3,000 miles or more since your last oil change, your oil and oil filter will also be replaced. The air filter will also be changed out if it’s about 15,000 miles old. If your car has a manual transmission, the clutch may be adjusted. The battery will also be checked and cleaned. Finally, the positive crankcase ventilation (PVC) valve will be replaced. When clogged, it can make your car run badly or have trouble starting.
Taking your car in for regular tune-ups is more than just running through a laundry list of potential problems. It can mean the difference between a prohibitively expensive breakdown and your car running smoothly for years to come. While this regular maintenance check isn’t a cure-all for major car maladies, it makes it much more likely that your mechanic will see a potential problem before it causes permanent damage.
For AAMCO transmission locations near you, or for more information on Colorado car tune-ups or transmission repair, check out our Colorado vehicle maintenance resources at www.aamcocolorado.com. Our team of expert mechanics can answer your questions and give your vehicle what it needs to keep you safe and on the road. Those who know, go to AAMCO!
Stay safe when driving in Colorado high winds with these tips
As winter begins to turn into spring, Colorado high winds also morph from an occasional inconvenience into a driving hazard. With Colorado winds averaging higher speeds during the months of January, February, and March, it’s important for motorists to adjust their driving technique to stay safe on the road. Below are some tips to help you drive safely in Colorado high wind conditions—and if you need more information on vehicle safety or Colorado auto repair, visit one of our convenient AAMCO locations.
A particularly eerie experience is when you can feel the wind actually buffeting and moving your car as you drive. This is dangerous for obvious reasons—if you don’t have a firm grip on the wheel, your vehicle could be pushed onto a shoulder or into oncoming traffic. If the roads are icy or snowy, the risks are greater: even a small nudge to your car could push you onto a slippery patch that could cause you to lose control. To combat this, drive with both hands on the wheel at all times, and pay attention to what the wind is doing outside your car.
If you are driving a high-clearance vehicle, you need to be extra-aware of high winds. Because your vehicle has a higher center of gravity, it’s more likely to tip over in the best of circumstances—but throw unexpected gusts of wind into the mix, and the situation quickly becomes even more dangerous. Take extreme caution when rounding curves, especially if strong winds are present. Those driving trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, campers, and drivers towing trailers are at a higher risk and should exercise additional safety precautions.
Those living at higher altitudes—such as 5,000 ft. and higher—should be prepared for even higher winds than their lower-altitude counterparts. Living and commuting from higher elevations often comes with the additional considerations of more dangerous weather and longer driving time, so staying on top of the weather and driving slowly and attentively are even more important.
Another easily-overlooked problem high winds can bring is blowing up standing snow or debris. Even if the last snow was days earlier and the day is clear and sunny, high gusts can quickly obscure your view by blowing snow, dust, or other objects into the road. This is particularly dangerous because of how suddenly and unexpectedly it can occur—while you are on a curve, for example, or while you’re attempting to pass another vehicle. Stay vigilant and be prepared to quickly slow down if snow or debris suddenly clouds the road.
As always, make sure your vehicle is up to date with any maintenance checks or repairs. It’s especially important to stay on top of this during the winter and spring months, when Colorado driving conditions can be treacherous. Visit us online and find more resources on Colorado auto repair and a Colorado vehicle maintenance location that’s convenient for you.
Keep these pointers in mind when you head out to drive on Colorado winter roads. For more driving safety tips, or to find a Colorado radiator repair or AAMCO transmission mechanic near you, go to www.aamcocolorado.com. Those who know, go to AAMCO!
Transmission trouble? Our Colorado transmission specialists can help.
Your vehicle’s transmission is one of the most vital components of your car—and when something goes wrong, it can result in a very expensive repair job. There are several clues you can watch for that may mean your transmission is having problems, so keep these signs and symptoms in mind and stay on top of potential transmission issues. If your car is demonstrating any of the following, take it to an AAMCO transmission expert or Colorado auto mechanic as soon as possible for further evaluation.
Look. There are several things you can check to either rule out transmission problems or catch them early in the game. First, check for a milky or pink color in your transmission fluid, which may mean there’s a leak from the radiator cooler into the transmission lines. If coolant from the radiator gets into the transmission, it could cause clutches to wear out quickly and make the gears slip while shifting. Find a Colorado radiator repair expert to check your car for radiator problems.
Also, make sure you check the transmission oil dipstick regularly to catch any potential transmission problems early on. If the oil appears burned or dark brown, it could be a sign that the clutches are dangerously worn. If there is a brownish film stuck to the tip, then the transmission oil itself is worn and could have covered valves, pistons, and other internal parts. If your transmission oil looks problematic and your car is having difficulty shifting (or not shifting at all), this could be the reason.
Listen. If your transmission is making screeching or grinding noises—even if it’s only occasionally—it could be a sign of serious mechanical issues. The problem could also be a lack of oil, but either way it should be taken in for further evaluation.
Feel. If your car is shifting faster or slower than usual, or not at all, it’s likely that you have a transmission issue. This can be caused by lack of oil, clutches that are worn down, or other internal mechanical problems in the transmission. If the problem becomes severe enough, you may not be able to move your car.
As with most other things, the best cure is prevention. Make it a habit to pay attention to what your transmission is and isn’t doing, and your chances improve of finding a problem early enough to fix it. Typically, the earlier you bring in a vehicle that’s displaying troubling signs, the easier and less expensive it is to fix the problem.
Whether you need a rebuilt transmission in Denver, an oil change in Arvada, or a car tune-up in Broomfield, we’re here to help. For more information on AAMCO transmission repair, or for a Colorado auto mechanic near you, go to www.aamcocolorado.com. Those who know, go to AAMCO.
How To Get Your Car Out of Colorado Snow
The recent rescues of an Arizona woman trapped in her car on a remote, snowy road and a Texas family stranded in a snow bank for two days highlight the importance of being prepared for getting stuck in the snow in Colorado. As with most things, it’s easy to forget to form a backup plan for getting your car out of a snow drift until it actually happens. Fortunately, these rules and tricks are easy to follow and can make all the difference when the weather turns foul—and for more information on keeping you and your car safe during Colorado winters, visit one of our Colorado auto repair locations.
What to bring: Pack a bag with a screwdriver and hand trowel and throw it in your car. These items are small and easy to store in a trunk or backseat, as opposed to a full-sized snow shovel. Make sure you have blankets, warm clothing, and emergency food in case you need to wait for help. It’s wise to keep snow chains in your car as well, especially during the winter months.
What to do: When you find yourself stuck in snow, the first thing to remember is safety. Turn on your hazard lights, check and make sure the road is free of other vehicles before getting out, and minimize your time outside of the car.
The second thing to do is to check your tailpipe. If it’s blocked by snow, clear it—this can cause deadly fumes to build up in your car. Dig out the snow immediately surrounding your tires, and break up the ice under the tires with the screwdriver (or anything sharp you have handy.) This will give your wheels more traction. Clear away snow that’s higher than you vehicle’s clearance in the direction your car is going to move, and make sure there aren’t any smaller snow bumps that your car might not be able to go over.
Straighten your wheels as much as possible and try to create even more traction by sprinkling rock salt, sand, or kitty litter in front of your tires. Pouring extra windshield wiper fluid on icy tires will help thaw them out. If your tires still need more traction, you can lay branches or weeds from the side of the road under them—only use floor mats as a last resort, since they’ll likely be ruined.
What to not do: Some common mistakes motorists make when trying to free their car can end up causing far more damage and expense than just having the vehicle stuck in snow. Techniques such as rocking your car by switching it rapidly from forward to reverse can damage your transmission—a much more costly fix than calling for a tow. Make sure you clear snow from your grille before driving off—blocking this vent can cause your car to overheat.
If all else fails: Call a tow truck. It’s wise to have a membership with an organization like AAA to make the process of calling for help as simple and reliable as possible. Remember that depending on how many other motorists need aid, you may end up waiting a while before help comes—so make sure you have blankets, warm clothes, and emergency food in your car to stay safe and comfortable.
As always, AAMCO is here to meet you and your vehicle’s needs. Next time you’re searching Colorado auto repair shops, visit one of our expert Colorado mechanics at one of our convenient locations. For more information on Colorado vehicle maintenance, or to find an AAMCO transmission expert near you, visit www.aamcocolorado.com. Those who know, go to AAMCO!
Battery trouble? Keep your vehicle starting in Colorado winter conditions with these tips.
As the temperature drops, many of you may have fallen victim to that common cold-weather vehicle malady—the car that won’t start.
When it’s time to get to work or go home after a long day, an engine that won’t turn over is the last thing you want—and there are things you can do to prevent your car battery from letting you down when you need it most. Read on for information from AAMCO on how you can help your car battery in cold weather and keep your car starting even when the temperatures dive.
(On an encouraging note: though more cars won’t start on cold winter mornings, summer is the more dangerous season for your car’s battery. More batteries fail when rising temperatures sap your electrolyte and boil your battery dry.)
When temperatures dip below freezing and stay there for longer and longer periods, it takes a toll on your battery. When the oil inside your car engine has frozen into a soupy sludge, your battery has to work harder to turn the engine over. This requires a higher current from the battery—and since cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions required to produce electricity, in cold weather batteries can’t produce their normal amount of energy. This is a frustrating reality that often means an overloaded battery will leave you out in the cold just when you need it most.
It’s important to act quickly when you suspect your battery is under the weather. Have a skilled battery technician inspect the battery connections, the hardware, the condition of the case, the battery load, and the electrolyte level (if applicable). The technician should also check the alternator belts, brackets, and connections, and then test the voltage and current.
The starter also needs to be examined for proper connections and mounting, and should then be tested to see how much electrical power is required to turn over the engine when the engine is cranked. These tests help the technician determine where the problem is and what the best and least expensive solution will be.
Your battery could be suffering from other failed connections as well. The starter motor demands a large amount of electrical current—between 200 and 400 amps—and if your battery clamps aren’t connected to the posts properly, the clamps can heat up. This poor connection will eventually prevent the battery from becoming fully charged, which means the battery could freeze internally in cold weather.
If you’ve noticed that your battery is running down, your vehicle is starting more slowly, or that the weather is affecting how your battery is performing in any way, stop in at one of our AAMCO locations and one of our Colorado auto battery experts will check it out. We will perform all the above inspections and provide you with the best possible plan of action. For more information on Colorado battery technicians, or to find a Colorado auto repair location or AAMCO transmission expert near you, visit www.aamcocolorado.com.
Colorado winter driving conditions: snow tires vs. snow chains
As winter sets in, the age-old debate is kicking back up: Which is better for navigating Colorado winter roads, snow tires or snow chains?
For those of you new to the discussion, some definitions are in order. Snow tires are a special set of tires outfitted with holes where snow studs can be fitted. These studs allow the tires to gain better traction when driving over snow or ice.Snow chains, or tire chains, are usually sold in pairs and come in different sizes based on tire diameter and tread width. They fit all the way around the tire, giving wheels an extra grip on slippery roads.
Both options give motorists a much-needed edge when venturing out in Colorado winter driving conditions. But issues like road wear, expense, and safety concerns divide many on which backup is best.
One major concern is which option creates the least damage to roads. Both snow studs and chains take their toll on pavement, gradually wearing down the roadway as hundreds of thousands of motorists commute during the winter months. The consensus is that studded snow tires cause the most damage, and must be swapped out with summer tires when the weather warms up. Chains must also be removed when there isn’t sufficient snow or ice on the pavement.
Both snow tires and snow chains take a bite out of your wallet, but the price of snow chains remains significantly lower than the cost of snow tires. Though once you’ve had your tires put on, the upkeep is minimal- a small fee is charged by a tire technician for stud attachment and removal- the initial cost for a set of four tires ranges from $500 to $700. On the other hand, the cost of a pair of snow chains is in the neighborhood of $50 to $100, and you install them yourself—but be aware that driving with chains reduces your fuel efficiency.
As far as safety is concerned, both options improve your traction on icy or snowy roads. Snow tires with studs significantly increase your stopping power on ice, and improve your grip while climbing or descending slippery Colorado winter roads. A set of snow tires gives you roughly the same stopping time and traction as a set of snow chains on the drive wheels of your vehicle. However, if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, chains should be installed on all four wheels of your vehicle—and this gives you the safest ride of all, with excellent traction and stopping time.
While snow tires remain an option worth considering, snow chains are likely your best bet for keeping you and your passengers safe on Colorado winter roads. Make sure you’ve purchased a pair and know how to put them on before you drive into a blizzard, not after. For more information on winter driving with snow chains or snow tires, or to contact a Colorado tire technician or transmission repair mechanic, go to www.aamcocolorado.com.
