Boulder Auto Repair

Photo Credit: BG Website Fuel injection has been in use for many years because it greatly increases efficiency.  Computer controls direct a precise amount of gasoline to be injected at the moment of the intake stroke.  The amount of fuel depends on information from an array of sensors including engine temperature, ambient temperature, and oxygen levels, for example, along with input from the driver pushing on the accelerator pedal. In the past ten years or so automobile manufacturers have transitioned to “direct injection” fuel injection because it offers more power and reduced emissions.  The main difference between traditional and direct fuel injection is the point of fuel delivery. “Direct” refers to fuel being injected directly into the cylinder immediately prior to the spark which ignites the gasoline instead of the fuel spray being pulled into the cylinder.  That difference means the detergents in the gasoline never come in contact ... read more

Under-inflated or over-inflated tires wear out quickly and excessively. Additionally, tires with incorrect pressure may lead to lower gas mileage and negatively impact your car’s handling. It’s vital to know how to check tire pressure as it is a significant component to maintain a safe driving experience. The air pressure in tires measures in pounds per square inch or PSI. An essential first step is determining what your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure is. Your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure is on the sticker inside the driver’s door. Tire recommendations can be found in the owner’s manual as well. While the weather is cold, use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of your tires. With warm weather rolling into Boulder, it may be best to check the tire pressure in the early morning. If a morning time check is not possible for you, wait at least three hours for the tires to cool down before checking. Tire pressure can increase or decr ... read more

How often should you check the oil in your car?  Would you consider checking it every time you filled your vehicle with gas? On one hand, checking the oil every time you fill up might seem excessive. On the other hand, doing so may very well save you thousands of dollars.  Checking the oil costs nothing, and it takes just a few seconds. Given the potential savings, why not make it a routine? Click here for a Haglin Automotive Tutorial on checking the oil. Forget for a moment the obvious “blown engine.” Plenty of damage happens long before a catastrophic engine failure - and that fact may be the most compelling reason to check your oil regularly.  Bonus! There is a less obvious, but nonetheless compelling reason to check your oil regularly. More about that in a minute.  A brand new car may use a surprising amount of oil, and every engine will burn some ... read more

Excellent news!  The majority of vehicles sold in recent years can go 200,000 miles with precious few major repairs.    But there is a catch: Preventive maintenance is required.  And there is more to it than meets the eye. Also, there are important new services that not everyone is aware of yet.   Oil Change?  But of course.  Many people still refer to it as a “lube, oil and filter” service.  Chassis lubrication has pretty much gone by the wayside, but the fresh oil and filter part is still the meat and potatoes of a basic car service.   A proper oil change should include an examination of the vehicle’s major components and a check of other fluids; transmission, brake, power steering and coolant, in most cars. This service is due by mileage, or at least twice a year. Some of the preventive services recommended on modern cars are necessary because cars are lasting so much longer.  It’s also like ... read more

The versatile and robust Transit Van has found its way into the hearts of drivers and fleet managers in a wide array of transportation services. From the nimble little Transit Connect all the way to the F-350 Cargo Transit, this modern panel-van-style creation is responsible for delivering everything from flowers to construction supplies to passengers virtually anywhere.  They are also being outfitted as conversion vans, police vehicles, and ambulances.  Of course we’re talking about the Ford Transit line, which evolved from and replaced the Econoline Vans produced for decades, but other manufacturers have similar vehicles - the Ram ProMaster (pictured below) and Mercedes Sprinter vans among them.   For fleet operators, downtime can mean lost revenue, so the choice of a repair facility is especially important.  Who can do the preventive maintenance and any needed repairs in a timely manner?   Haglin Automotive, a full-service, independent aut ... read more

Can we talk preventative maintenance?  Fram famously said “You can pay me now or pay me later,” and it remains true to this day - nothing will prolong the life of your vehicle better than a good preventative maintenance regimen. Everybody knows that regular oil changes are critical to keeping a car running, but today there’s much more that can be done - and many more benefits to be enjoyed - for those wishing to properly maintain a vehicle.   Industry standards for preventative maintenance practices have changed.  Engine oil, for example, is far better today than in the past. Synthetic engine oil, now required in many new cars, provides an even higher level of protection for your engine while safely allowing extra time or miles between changes.   Because vehicles are lasting longer, manufacturers have adopted additional preventative maintenance practices that will help maximize the reliability and safety of your car or light truck. Brake flui ... read more

October is the start of Fall Car Care Month, a time of year dedicated to reminding car drivers to get their vehicles ready for the winter months and to practice good vehicle maintenance. As we approach the winter months, it is important to inspect vital components of our cars that are important for keeping safe and comfortable in the colder weather.    Regular car care is key to keeping your vehicle running healthy and to avoid costly repairs down the road. A properly maintained vehicle will also ensure your safety on the road.    The Car Care Council recommends 10 Fall maintenance items that will help make sure that your vehicle is ready for winter.:   Check fluids - This includes engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield wiper solvent, and coolant. Clean and topped off fluids will help make sure that all systems are running smoothly.  Check hoses and belts  ... read more