If you’ve been driving long enough, chances are you’ve been pulled over. At times we know why, while other times its a mystery until the cop explains the reason. There are a few vehicle repairs which can be made that can help to prevent those unknown reason for being pulled over. This is obviously only possible if you are aware of the problems before departure, so to help with this, here is a few things to ensure you check before hitting the road.

Night driving creates certain dangers that are not prevalent during the day due to a decrease in visibility. This obviously means that every driver on the road should have a properly illuminated path in front of them. Check to make sure your vehicles headlights are properly functioning, if you start to drive at night, a single headlight may be out and you may not notice. Check this before departing, if a cop notices the malfunction before you do, it may result in a ticket being issued.

Tail lights are also another area of the car which are difficult to notice if a malfunction is occurring. It is dangerous because if there are no visual clues that you are slowing down, it is very likely that you will be rear-ended at some point. It is also hard to notice as you have to be pressing the break to see them, which you cannot do as you check the back of the vehicle. Ask a friend or someone near by if they can check it for you. Even proper vehicle maintenance cannot ensure a malfunction will not occur, you just have to be continually aware.

The final precaution to be aware of for your vehicles lights are those that illuminate your license plate. This does not create any certain hazard on the road, but it does definitely up your chances of drawing the attention of the police. The reason for the lights is so that they can make out the letters on your license plate, this is also the reason you may be pulled over if your plate is dirty or obscured. So if there was ever a reason to clean off the dust accumulating on your car, this may be one.

Certain car repairs are necessary and not solely visual fixes…excuse the pun. If your review mirrors are missing or are obviously unusable, this may create certain dangers when attempting to switch lanes or merge. This is especially true for large trucks as the blindspots for them are numerous.

A common reason you may be noticed by police while driving is if your windshield is cracked across where it may impair your vision. Rightly so, you cannot drive safely if you are unable to see everything on the road. There are numerous auto services which can repair chipped windshields before they turn into cracks. But once the crack begins, the windshield has to be replaced.

Every driver has been behind a large truck or vehicle when it revs up and emits an obscene amount of smoke from the exhaust. This can be due to various reasons, but it can also cause dangers for other drivers. It’s as if a smoke screen has been dropped and may impair the vision of the drivers behind said truck. Beside the danger to driving, there are also certain dangers to our environment created, which is why we have emission control centers to test and ensure vehicles dont surpass certain levels. Some vehicles may need a vehicle tune up to reduce their emissions.

If any of these problems have occurred or are present for you, and you are in need of repairs, please visit your local AAMCO dealer. They will be able to help you ensure your vehicle is safe for travel. Because those who know…. go to AAMCO!

Recently, a new AAMCO customer named James paid a visit to a Broomfield AAMCO location. After he had been serviced, we caught up with him to ask how about his experience with AAMCO. James first mentioned that in late April he realized that he needed to have his vehicle checked up as his truck was making strange noises and not acting normally. Though, before he could have his vehicle looked at, it stopped working entirely. He called around and found that other transmission service providers were not getting back to him, they said that they would call but never did. James needed to have his car repaired, and he couldn’t wait. The distance he had to travel to work was great, and needed to be mobile again as fast as possible.

James called a Broomfield AAMCO location and found that they understood how urgently his vehicle needed to be repaired. AAMCO also offered to tow his vehicle at no extra charge to their shop location. Once there, they found that there were 8 parts total that needed to be replaced, and his transmission needed to be fully rebuilt. James found this out after his free AAMCO transmission check, which is available to anyone. James mentioned that he trusted their judgment and found them to honest. After his free check up, they found the various problems and made recommendations as to what can be done. James, being happy that he finally understood what was wrong, told them to proceed with his vehicle repairs.

AAMCO towed James’ vehicle on April 30th, and told him it was ready for him to pick up on May 3rd with all of the repairs made. Within that time, James mentioned he was very pleased with the communication he received from the shop, and he was never in the dark as to what was happening with his vehicle. He was pleased about a $100 off coupon he received, and was told that he should come back in after a week or so for another free inspection to ensure that all of the repairs made were holding up. He was also offered an extended warranty on his transmission. James believed this to be a worthwhile investment as the cost to that as opposed to having to rebuild another transmission in the future is quite significant.

We asked James on a scale of 1-10 what his experience was dealing with AAMCO and he emphatically answered a 9. When asked what kept it from a 10, he said “Nobody can receive a rating of 10 on anything, as that leaves no room for improvement.” He mentioned that he was completely satisfied with their work thus far, would use them again in the future, and he would recommend their services to anyone who needed transmission repair work done.

We are pleased to hear about another another satisfied customer. As the saying goes… those who know, go to AAMCO!

It was the famous Sherlock Holmes who mentioned that “Many people have the ability to see, but few are able to observe.” There is an art to observation pertaining to any activity. Even something as everyday and simple as walking. People can clearly “see” others walking around, but few would be able to “observe” that the length of a persons stride is directly related to their height. The taller the person… the longer the stride. This observation may be simple once stated, but the same can be said for many things.

Now walking is seemingly pretty straightforward, and little knowledge is needed to understand the above statement. However, there are countless areas in which you can “see” or “notice” something and not be able to “observe” the reasoning behind it due to a lack of knowledge. Many people use automobiles daily, yet few understand how they work. So when something is “noticed,” it often goes un-observed due to their lack of knowledge of automobiles.

One such area is a vehicles Transmission. There are certain signs that if “observed,” can make the difference between having to make Transmission Repairs or having to replace it entirely. Auto Repair Services are obviously going to be less expensive than the entire replacement of a transmission. This is of course dependent on whether it is “observed” early enough or not. These signs are also very difficult to recognize if you are not familiar with the mechanics behind automobiles. Thus your ability to “observe” the problem is limited, though you can clearly “see” something is wrong.

So to help shed some light on this otherwise dark subject, here are a few tidbits of information to help bring those who “see” something is wrong into “observing” something is amiss with their transmission. Now the reasoning behind these signs are varied, but so long as it can be “observed,” you will know perhaps where the problem persists.

• Regardless of whether you drive an automatic or manual, if the vehicle refuses to shift into gear.
• If the vehicle, while in neutral, makes a noisy or rattling sound.
• If there is a distinct burning smell.
• The vehicle mysteriously shifts out of gear and into neutral.
• With manual transmissions, a grinding sound occurs when trying to put the vehicle into a certain gear otherwise known as a dragging clutch.
• Once a vehicle has been parked for some time, if it is noticed that a fluid has been leaking.
• One sign that literally shows you, is the check engine light. Do not ignore this as most tend to do.
• If the vehicle oddly shakes while in neutral.
• It is to be noted that your transmission is supposed to switch gears on command, so any lag time with the gear shift should be recognized.

If any of the above problems are noticed, you may want to receive an AAMCO Free Transmission Check. It is safer and cheaper to have a preventative check up rather than wait to fix something that has failed due to negligence. To assist you in this, there are numerous AAMCO Transmission Locations found throughout Colorado which can further assist you in diagnosing the problem. Hopefully this short list can help some to recognize that their car needs a bit of attention, and when given, much can be learned. Remember, knowledge is power, and those that know… go to AAMCO!

At AAMCO, we want to ensure that people are able to enjoy the summer as much as they can- which means they need to be able to get to where they are going, and they need to get there safely. Before taking any long distance trips, be sure that your vehicle is prepared for the trip as well. A car tune up may be something forgotten before departing, but the mistake may be realized while on the road and trouble arises. Upon a trip from Colorado to Nevada, the worst case scenario on many of the stretches of road there is overheating. Ensuring that your coolant fluids and all others are topped off before heading out is an easy precaution to prevent any mid-trip headaches from arising, especially through hot and arid areas.

Many Colorado residents love to travel off-road, which is especially difficult on vehicles. One area in particular are a vehicle’s brakes. Be sure to have a brake maintenance check before heading off and into the wild. You would hate to have your brakes either go out in the middle of your trip or even on the highway heading home. There are a few other strong points to make sure of before going off road. Check that your tires as well as your spare are all in good condition. Check your filters, belts and hoses and ensure that those as well are in good condition. It is also a good idea to take a peek under your car and make sure that everything appears sound and functioning.

The important thing is that you make sure all and any repairs are made before taking a trip, as while on the trip if a problem arises, chances are there will nothing an individual can do to fix it. And here at AAMCO we want to make sure any trips made are ones that the vehicle successfully makes it there and back, and it makes it there and back safely.

For more information on AAMCO services that will help make your trips this summer safer such as Colorado Springs Auto Repair, Colorado Springs Transmission Repair, and a Colorado Springs Oil Change, please visit your local AAMCO center for more details. Those who know, go to AAMCO!

At AAMCO, our biggest priority is the safety of you and your family. We demonstrate this with our high-quality Colorado car maintenance, and now we’re taking our focus on your family’s safety even further by offering free car seat fit stations at AAMCO locations all over Colorado to make sure your child is safe every time you hit the road.

The statistics regarding children’s safety in vehicles are grim. Motor vehicle accidents represent the leading cause of death among children ages 3-14 in the United States. Over half of these accidents could have been prevented if the children had been in a properly fitted car seat. Placing children in age and size-appropriate car seats drastically reduces serious and fatal injuries.

More than 90% of the car seats inspected by Colorado CPS technicians are improperly installed. When a child is in an improperly installed car seat, it can result in injury or death. Taking the time to have your child’s car seat checked and to make sure you are installing it correctly can mean the difference between life and death.

In addition to this, having a correctly sized and installed car seat for child passengers is the law. Depending on the age and size of a child, mandatory restraints and requirements are outlined in the Colorado’s Child Passenger Safety Law. Whether a child is a newborn or a teenager, there are specific rules in place to ensure their safety and that of their parents.

This is why AAMCO is offering car seat fit stations all over the state. We want you to know when your child is in the car, every measure has been taken to ensure their safety. At our “fit stations,” parents will find free assistance, including car seat checks, to ensure proper installation. For parents facing financial hardship, some stations provide car seats at a reduced price.

For more information on AAMCO services that make your vehicle safer for you and your family—like Colorado brake repair and AAMCO transmission repair—visit www.aamcocolorado.com. Contact your local AAMCO center today to find a car fit station near you and more information on Colorado auto repair. Those who know, go to AAMCO!

Your car’s transmission performs one of the most important functions in your vehicle. Understanding how it works can help you realize when it isn’t functioning correctly and how to avoid practices that may damage it. Read on for some insight into this fundamental part of your vehicle and the differences between automatic and manual transmissions.

The transmission of your vehicle can be described as a funnel. It takes very narrow outputs of energy from the engine, and translates it to a large range of speeds in a variety of ways. For instance, on flat ground, driving at 50 mph can be done with low RPM in a higher gear than if you were trying to maintain 50 mph going up a steep incline.

If it were not for the variable gearing provided by transmissions, you would have cars are stuck in a gear ratio and only able to accelerate to a certain speed. (For example, if you wanted a car to have a top speed of 100 mph, then it would be like driving a car in 4th gear all the time.) As you would soon find out, you would have no acceleration starting out with this gearing, and then you would redline almost constantly when you were on the highway. This car would wear out extremely quickly and be almost impossible to drive.

Put another way, a car without a transmission is like a one-speed bicycle—not particularly useful for anyone other than children. The gears your vehicle has are what give it usefulness and more capability.

That said, there are several key differences between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission. Automatic vehicles have several benefits when it comes to their transmission. They tend to be less expensive to maintain, because manual transmissions use a clutch plate and at some point the clutch will need to be replaced (which is a fairly major expense.) In an automatic, hydraulic fluid is used in lieu of a clutch plate, so if you’re looking to keep down costs on transmission maintenance an automatic may be the best way to go.

Another benefit of automatic transmissions is that they allow for computer control, whereas manual transmissions generally do not. (Manuals can have automatic clutches, but this isn’t widespread.) For this reason, it’s likely a vehicle with an automatic transmission will perform better in terms of emissions and fuel economy because the engine and transmission can be synced much more closely and narrow the margin of error.

It seems that automatic transmissions are often the best choice for the average motorist—but manual transmissions are not without benefits. In heavy duty applications, such as big-rig semis, construction equipment, etc., manual transmissions are preferred because they’re inherently stronger and able to take more abuse. This is often the case in racing applications as well, where manual transmissions are also preferred because they weigh less than automatic transmissions.

Mechanically, the main difference between a manual transmission and an automatic are the number of gear cogs. In a manual transmission, there are many gear cogs, usually one per gear, and you manually change to each gear. In an automatic, a single gear is paired with other auxiliary gears to get the same gear-range.

For more information on transmission maintenance and transmission repair, or to contact one of our expert transmission mechanics, visit www.aamcocolorado.com. As your Colorado transmission specialists, we’re happy to assist with all your vehicle’s needs. Those who know, go to AAMCO!

With spring in full swing, it’s time to make sure your vehicle’s free of winter wear and tear. Between undercarriage damage from salt and sand and accelerated rusting from snow melt, the last few months have likely wreaked some havoc on your car. Come in to one of our AAMCO locations, where an expert mechanic can assess any areas your vehicle needs help and talk with you about what steps you can take.

To make your car’s spring cleaning even easier, we’re offering special discounts for several of our most popular vehicle maintenance services. Come in with one of these coupons before April 30, 2012, and get your vehicle summer-ready for less.

FREE Multi-Point Inspection. During this multi-point transmission system check, a mechanic will inspect your vehicle’s transmission fluid, perform a road test, and give a computer scan to make sure all of your car’s elements are in working order. Sit back and relax while our mechanics check your transmission for you.

Save 10% off any AAMCO service over $150. We know winter is hard on cars, so if yours needs a little TLC in order to get back on the road, we’re here to give you the help you need. Until April 30, 2012, take 10% off any of our services costing over $150 and get your vehicle road-ready without breaking the bank. (Not to exceed $100 off.)

Take $100 off our Guaranteed Rebuilt Transmissions. If it’s time for a new transmission, come to us and save more money. As the leading experts in transmission maintenance and transmission repair, you can depend on AAMCO to rebuild this critical component of your vehicle the right way the first time. Visit your local AAMCO center if your transmission is failing, and we’ll give you $100 back and the peace of mind that comes when your vehicle is in good hands.

FREE Check Engine Light Offer. When your engine light comes on, it’s easy to put off a trip to the mechanic until something serious happens. Don’t wait and put your car’s efficiency (and your safety) at risk—stop into an AAMCO center as soon as the light comes on and we’ll tell you what the problem is for free. Whether it’s an overdue oil change or a serious transmission issue, let us put your mind at ease and tell you what steps to take next.

For more information on our special deals on car maintenance, or to talk with an expert mechanic, visit www.aamcocolorado.com. We’re here for all your vehicle’s needs.

Whether you’re in the market for a new vehicle or not, it’s important to know the difference between the different drive trains in cars. Depending on where you’re living and what you need out of your vehicle, the best choice for you might be two-wheel, four-wheel, or all-wheel drive. Read on to get the specifics for the different types of drive trains, and get in touch with one of our Colorado mechanics if you have any questions about what type is right for you.

Two-Wheel Drive

Since this is the most common drive-type in cars, you have likely already owned or driven one. In two-wheel drive vehicles, energy produced by the engine is fed through the transmission, which turns one axle containing two wheels. To summarize, two-wheel drive is when two wheels on the same axle are permanently powered.

One benefit of this drive-type is that it is the cheapest option to produce, since it’s the only one that doesn’t require specialized parts to properly deliver power to the wheels. But along with a lower price comes a range of limitations—the most obvious being the two-wheel drive vehicle’s relative lack of traction. A two-wheel drive vehicle is only taking advantage of the traction from two tires, leaving the other two free-spinning and unable to give the vehicle the same power. In addition to this, two-wheel drive vehicles are more susceptible to tire wear, since half your tires will endure the stress of transferring the energy from the engine to the ground.

Four-Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive vehicles fall into one of two categories: part time and full time. Part time four-wheel drive was designed to give a car more traction to tow things, carry heavier loads, or drive in adverse conditions. These cars are two-wheel most of the time, and have a lever or knob to select four-wheel drive. Since this capability was meant to be used only when needed, using it on regular dry pavement will actually cause extra mechanical wear and damage your car.

In cars that have full-time four-wheel drive, all four wheels are driven by power delivered to both axles. However, a vehicle with full time 4WD will be worse in adverse conditions than its part-time cousin. The reason for this comes down once again to production cost. To make a four-wheel drive vehicle active full time would require an extremely robust transmission, which isn’t the standard on production lines. Usually, these cars don’t even have a two-wheel drive option, and some rough terrain competence is retained. The reason for rolling this out is to provide added stability to everyday driving.

All-Wheel Drive

The difference between 4WD and AWD is a computer that adjusts the amount of power going to each wheel. While a four-wheel drive vehicle delivers the same power to both axles all of the time, when an all-wheel drive vehicle encounters slippery terrain, the computer starts comparing variables such as speed, friction, tire wear, tire rotation, road quality, and road slope. When some of those variables cause the wheels on one axle to start to lose traction, the computer decreases the amount of power going to that axle, and redirects it to the other.

If you plan on icy, snowy commutes or want the safest possible car for your family, you might want to consider four-or-all-wheel drive. If not, the lower price tag of two-wheel drive vehicles might appeal to you. Either way, if you want more information on Colorado car maintenance or transmission repair, contact AAMCO at www.aamcocolorado.com. Whether you need a car tune-up, radiator repair, or just want to speak to a Colorado mechanic, come in to one of our AAMCO locations today for help from the experts.

As gas prices continue to rise, many motorists have begun to take advantage of money-saving strategies that help keep driving in the budget. Making a few small choices and changes can add up to a big difference, so read on for some gas-saving advice to consider next time you head out on the highway. And if you need a little vehicle maintenance to get back out on the road—whether it’s radiator repair or transmission repair—give AAMCO a call.

Think Before You Leave. By taking some extra time to brainstorm before you head out the door, you can shave off miles and save dollars. Group your trips by distance and function; mapping a route that hits each of your errand spots efficiently will save you significant time and gas money later on. Instead of treating errands as isolated trips, wait a little longer to get your hair cut so you can swing by the nearby grocery store as well.

You can also change the time at which you commute. If you have to make it to a high-traffic area, leaving an hour early not only can save you some time in traffic, but some money as well on gas.

Cruise or Lose. Let the car do the thinking for you—this is one of the best ways to increase your MPG. When you hit cruise control, you let your car’s computer calculate the most efficient way to drive—which means you can sit back and reap the benefits.

Human error while driving accounts for much of the inefficiencies your car is plagued with: factors like talking on your phone, anger, sadness, and even the time or day of the week affect your driving for the worse. Putting your car on cruise control eliminates these inefficiencies and replaces them with driving at a more consistent speed, accelerating more slowly, and stopping further away, which are three of the most important factors in making what’s in your gas tank count. Make this feature in your car your new best friend.

Keep Your Cool. Overheating is never good, whether for people or for cars. Make an effort to drive calm and keep your car’s temperature cool, and you’ll see the benefits in your bank statement.

Studies show that driving angry or agitated decreases your fuel economy considerably, but did you know that the colder you are in your car, the slower you go? Statistically speaking, the majority of speeding tickets are given in the summer months, when the sky is clear and the heat is rising. It’s hard to say whether this means that being physically cold is correlated with slower speeds, or other factors account for the difference. Either way, the fact remains that when you’re colder, you drive slower and more consistently—a tried-and-true recipe for saving gas.

Use these tips to keep your mileage low and your bank account happy. Visit one of our AAMCO locations for expert advice from the best Colorado mechanics in the business. Whatever Colorado auto repair you need—whether it’s a car tune-up or radiator maintenance—we’re here to help make it happen. Visit www.aamcocolorado.com for all of your vehicle’s needs.

If you read last week’s article on when to replace your tires, you might be in the market for a new set. Tires come in all shapes, sizes, and prices, so replacing worn-out ones might seem overwhelming—but it’s important that you take the time to understand what tires are best for your vehicle. This week we’re going to address the difference between high-mileage and lower-mileage tires.

When it comes to choosing tires, perhaps the most important choice you make is whether you choose the higher or lower-mileage option. Many motorists opt for the higher-mileage tires in an effort to save money, which at first glance might seem like a wise decision. In theory, higher-mileage tires save you money in the long run by going a longer period of time before needing to be replaced, and replacing tires is usually a costly venture—setting you back an average of seven or eight hundred dollars.

However, let’s take a step back and evaluate how important your tires are to your safety and your vehicle’s well-being. When you’re taking a corner at a higher speed or driving on icy or snowy roads, how much grip your tires have on the pavement is the most important factor determining the safety of you and your passengers. The four softball-sized spots on the bottom of your wheels are your only point of contact with the road, and in order to stay on it they need to be on their game.

When you take this into consideration, it becomes very important that you have tires with high-quality composition that is going to give you the most grip (or friction) possible—and almost all of the time, this means lower-mileage tires.
The specific reason that your tires wear down is from friction, usually referred to as traction. If your tire wears quickly, you know that more of your tire surface area is touching the ground, and you have more traction.

The problem with high-mileage tires is that they substitute some of the rubber compound, which is what chiefly contributes to traction, for silicone. Silicone is harder than rubber, and wears less quickly; the higher mileage tire you can safely bet has more silicone.

When shopping for new tires, take these facts into account and consider buying lower-mileage tires. They do tend to run at a higher cost—averaging between $150 and $200 per tire—but an average repair bill from an accident is much higher, and you can’t put a price on your life or health. Visit one of our AAMCO locations to get an opinion from an expert car mechanic on what your best options are. Do yourself and other drivers a favor: buy tires that do what they’re meant to do—grip the road.

We’re here with answers to all your questions on Colorado vehicle maintenance. For more information on Colorado auto repair—whether it’s radiator maintenance or transmission repair—visit www.aamcocolorado.com.