Vehicle Winterization

Welcome back everyone! Ken here from Tune Tech Automotive in Aurora. Given the recent alternating weather we've been having, I felt it was important to revisit one of our recent topics - Vehicle Winterization. I know, we just talked about this, but with the number of disabled vehicles and accidents that have been caused by the slippery roads, we should cover these important topics again. 

This time I was able to make a video to highlight the most important steps you should take. So give it a view, take some notes, and then go out and check the condition of your vehicle. The nice thing is a lot of the things we recommend can be done by you yourself! However, if you're uncertain about anything or want some help to make sure your vehicle is in tip top shape and ready for the roads, give us a call at 303-364-3391 or visit our website http://tunetechautomotive.org and our incredible staff of experienced mechanics will take care of everything! 

Auto Diagnostics Aurora

Hello everyone, welcome back! Hope everyone is staying warm during this recent wonderful Colorado cold snap. Today, I wanted to take a bit of your time to discuss something very important; vehicle diagnostics. Why is this so important? To be simple and brief, it's the best way to determine what the problem might be that's plaguing your vehicle. Now this isn't all about hooking up your car or truck to a computer and running some tests. There are actually a number of things you can do as the vehicle owner to determine the problem before you even bring it to see us!

Since you own the vehicle and drive it each day to and from work, you are in the best position to know when there is something wrong with your vehicle. You are the one that knows what it sounds like under normal conditions and if there is something that's wrong with it. It happens to everyone; you're driving down the road one day and all of a sudden your vehicle starts making an odd sound, maybe a rattle or maybe it sounds like the engine is working extra hard. Pay attention to these sounds! They could be your first indication for a bigger problem. If you're having a hard time locating the source of the noise, it's best to have a friend drive so you can sit in the passenger seat or in the back allowing you to focus on that sound. Listen for when it starts, how fast the vehicle is traveling when it starts, and if there are any turns involved. That will greatly help us nail down the problem.

Dashboard warning lights are another thing you must pay attention to. When one flashes up, don't wait to take care of it when it's convenient! You're going to want to pull out your vehicle owner's manual and take the steps it suggests to rectify the problem. Most often it's a simple low tire pressure warning or an oil light suggesting you add a little more oil to your engine. However, if those lights fail to switch off after taking the suggested steps, do not hesitate to give us a call! It could well be that everything is fine and we might need to troubleshoot the switch, but it could also be an indicator that something more severe is afoot. You do not want to be stuck on the road when something bad happens!


At Tune TechAutomotive here in Aurora, we have state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment ready to root out the problem in your vehicle. Along with our advanced equipment, our incredible staff of mechanics have years of experience; so it shouldn't take us long to locate the problem and inform you of any repairs that might be needed. If your car is giving you troubles and you've exhausted your vehicle maintenance knowledge, give us a call at 303-364-3391 or visit our website http://tunetechautomotive.org to schedule an appointment! 

Get Your Vehicle Ready For Winter!

Welcome back fellow commuters! It's that time of year again, winter is on the horizon. It's time to break out the sweaters, hats, gloves, heavy coats and get ready for that biting wind that comes down from the mountains. But that also means it's time for you to get your car ready too!

I know what you're thinking, “what more is there to do beyond the routine scheduled maintenance?” Well it just so happens there is a lot you need to do. If you think your car is good enough without bringing it in where myself or one of my fellow Tune Tech Automotive mechanics can take a look at it, you might find yourself with more trouble than you can afford this winter season!

Right out of the gate I need to tell you to double check your oil! I know you've probably been pretty good about getting your oil changed when it needs to be, but you need to consider the incredible temperature swings we endure here in Colorado. One minute it feels like it's in the 50's and full sun, the next it's below zero and we're getting socked by a blizzard! That has a real effect on your engine oil and its viscosity. If you're running your car or truck on your standard 10W-30, you may want to consider moving to a 5W-30 for the season. Of course you're going to want to consult your vehicle's owner manual to make sure you're using the correct weight of oil or you can bring it in to see us and we'll be able to tell you.

Believe it or not, your coolant will need to be prepped as well. I know with that winter chill in the air it may not seem like the coolant needs any help, but it does. Coolant doesn't just help regulate the temperature of the engine, it also works to prevent corrosion. If the coolant to water ratio is off just by a little bit, you could be causing your vehicle's engine a lot of damage down the road. A good ratio to remember is 60-40, 60% coolant, 40% water. That is also something we'll take a look at for you as well.

The next thing you're going to need to be aware of is your vehicle's battery. Nothing can kill a battery faster than extreme cold, so you're going to want to make sure that your battery is fully charged and is maintaining a charge. A quick and simple way to do this is by checking the terminals and cables and making sure they're connected correctly. You're also going to want to double check the battery's fluid levels. If they're low, you can fill them with some distilled water that you can pick up from the supermarket. Next you're going to want to check the age of your battery. Every battery has a manufacture date stamped into it, if it's getting old, we can recommend a quality, reliable replacement.

As you well know, living in this mountain climate, the roads can get a bit slippery and treacherous out there. One way to weather these conditions is by having a good set of snow tires. That extra amount of tread can be invaluable when the snow starts to pack into the roads. If you live into the higher elevations, you already should own a set of snow chains, if you don't, make sure that you get some. They're an inexpensive solution when compared to the damage that could happen to your vehicle on slippery roads.

You're also going to want to make sure you have a good windshield wiper fluid with an anti-freeze solution fully topped off. As the snow comes down, it can melt and buildup ice on your windshield quickly. A good washer solution will keep that buildup from forming. It will also help effectively remove the dirt and mud that gets kicked up by other vehicles driving ahead of you. Since we're still in the fall season, now is the perfect time to replace those wiper blades. Making sure your blades are in good shape is a great safety measure for this time of year.

The last thing I have to recommend for you is perhaps one of the most important. Bad weather can happen almost at any time around these parts. Things can get so bad that you have to pull over or your vehicle might get forced off the road. If you're in an area that doesn't see a lot of traffic, you run a pretty serious risk of not being seen for a good long while. The DMV recommends, and I also highly recommend that you have a well stocked emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle. A good kit should have road flares, blankets, a battery powered radio, a good set of warm boots, as well as extra engine oil, coolant, washer fluid and a reliable flashlight with extra batteries. Some people like to add in there a bag of cat litter to help your wheels get some extra traction. And in the event that the storm is a bad one, having some extra water and snacks on hand is a really good idea.

The precautions I just listed are pretty basic and simple, but they're essential. By taking those precautions to heart and making sure your oil and fluids are topped off, your battery is in proper order, making sure you have good wiper blades, and by having an emergency kit ready, you're going to be all set for winter. If you're not comfortable doing a lot of this on your own, that's okay. After just one quick visit at Tune Tech Automotive and you should be all set for the snow! Give us a call at 303-364-3391 to schedule an appointment for your vehicle!

Tune Ups

Maintain Your Vehicle With Regular Tune Ups

Following scheduled maintenance intervals and getting regular tune ups on your vehicle is a great way to keep it running smoothly, safely and efficiently. A properly tuned vehicle can have increased gas mileage, better performance, and improved emissions (better for the environment).

What Is A Tune Up?

Essentially, a tune up is a one over by a skilled mechanic of all of your vehicle’s important systems to be sure everything is in optimal condition.

Common items that are checked during a regular tune up are spark plugs, idle speed check and adjustment, set timing, inspect the choke, throttle linkage, spark plug wires, and distributor cap. Usually a tune up includes checking the battery as well, because this is a very important component in a vehicle’s function, with a known limited life span.

Other things that are routinely inspected during a tune up are tires, transmission and fluid, brakes, exhaust, air pressure, and belts.

Simple things like checking the fluids and air pressure in a vehicle’s tires can lead to a noticeable positive difference in fuel efficiency, meaning you’ll be spending less at the pump!

Fortunately, most newer vehicles need very little when it comes to tune ups, as long as the scheduled maintenance is being performed alongside with oil changes at normal intervals.

Brakes

Stay Safe - Maintain Your Brakes!

Brakes are the most important safety device on your car. If you’ve ever partially lost your brakes in the past, you’ll agree that it’s not something you want to experience again. Inspecting your brakes twice a year for wear and damage can protect you and your passengers. Additionally, it will also help save you money by catching any damage before it becomes too costly.

Brake System Component Issues

The master cylinder, the heart of the vehicles braking system, holds the brake fluid when it is not being delivered to the brakes through the brake lines. If brake fluid leaks because the master cylinder is worn or brake lines are plugged or broken, the fluid cannot be delivered and the brake pads will become ruined.

The brake fluid itself can become dirty or contaminated as it draws rust-causing moisture and picks up other debris, or it can break down from excess heat. Clean brake fluid is either clear or slightly yellow, while dirty brake fluid may be brown or even black. Old and dirty brake fluid can damage ABS brake systems internally.

The brake lines connect to the master cylinder through a combination valve, which combines a metering and proportioning valve. It regulates the pressure on the front and rear wheels to make sure both sets of brakes are applied simultaneously. A malfunctioning combination valve may cause the wheels to lock up.

Brake System Parts Wear Out Over Time

Brake pads and shoes can be made of ceramic, metal or organic materials, while the disc rotors and drums they press against are made of metal. Because the pads and shoes create friction to stop the car, they gradually wear down over time and may wear away completely, letting the metal of the calipers and cylinders they are attached to grind against the rotors and drums and damage them. Some pads have a metal strip attached that sounds a warning whistle when the pad becomes too worn, but this strip sounds only when the car is in motion and the brakes are not applied.

Make sure to have your mechanic routinely check your vehicle's brakes to maintain the safety of your vehicle.

Automotive Electrical Repair

Information About Automotive Electrical Repair

Most of a modern vehicle’s systems are controlled by electrical components, and occasionally these components can fail. Part of what we do at Tune Tech Automotive is diagnose and repair automotive electrical components.

Check Your Vehicle's Starter

One of the most important parts in a vehicle is the starter. This is what turns the engine over when you put your key into the ignition to start it. There are a myriad of conditions that can cause problems with the starter in a vehicle, ranging from minor to major repairs. Because of this, it’s recommended to have a professional mechanic check the state and function of the vehicle’s starter once a year.

A Car's Alternator Is Essential

The next crucial part of a vehicle’s electrical system is the alternator. The alternator keeps the vehicle running continuously by charging the electrical systems. It does this by feeding a charge to the battery, which, in turn, charges the other electrical components of the vehicle. Because it is such a vital piece of the vehicular puzzle, it can be very expensive to replace. However, other things can impact the performance of the alternator, so it’s important to have your mechanic check it regularly. Many vehicles have an alternator warning light that reads “ALT” or a small battery symbol that will light up on your control panel. Some signs of a failing alternator can include erratic dimming or brightening of headlights, or speedometers/tachometers suddenly not working for no apparent reason. If you experience any of these “symptoms”, bring your vehicle in as soon as possible!

Be Aware Of The Age Of Your Vehicle's Battery

As mentioned above, a car’s battery feeds a charge to the rest of the vehicle’s electrical system. Most batteries need to be replaced every 3-4 years on average. Several factors influence battery life, such as extreme heat or cold, vibrations from consistent rough travel, and even driving style. You will find that most vehicle batteries come with a warranty for failure within one year of purchase.When a car battery is getting old and in need of replacement, you may or may not know it. Many car owners find that when their battery is around 4 years old it just dies! However inconvenient, this is actually an easy fix. Many times the life of the battery is checked with every oil change, which is usually around every 3,000 miles.

Other electrical components that we regularly repair are tail and headlights, power steering and windows, windshield wipers, and more. Many times the repairs to these electrical components are relatively simple, and due to a blown fuse or bad wiring. Sometimes car owners change these components themselves, but we can happily make sure it’s done correctly with the right parts.

Trust a good mechanic to diagnose and repair your automotive electrical problems, and be sure to contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment!

Vehicle Suspension Information

What Does A Suspension System Do?

The suspension is a major system found in your vehicle. It plays a vital role in stopping, steering and stability. All of the components of the suspension system absorbs all the impact and helps you maintain control when you hit bumps, obstacles or potholes, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. It supports the weight of the vehicle and contents, helps maintain consistent tire contact with the road, and transfers the weight of the vehicle as you round corners and turn.

The whole idea of a suspension system is to allow the vehicle body to travel over irregular surfaces undisturbed. Surely today’s vehicle suspensions enable a much more comfortable ride compared to that of the original automobiles. This is due mostly to the enhanced technology and maintenance knowledge we have today.

Suspension System Components

There are many parts to a suspension system, the important ones to the function of your vehicle being joints and pivot points. These allow a vehicle’s wheels to move up and over obstacles and to turn as you steer. As you cross over a bump or dip into a pothole, the suspension system moves in many places to accommodate these changes, resulting in a much smoother ride.

Suspension components wear out over time with prolonged use. Simply put, when they become worn out, the suspension elements don’t fit together as well as they should. This results in poor handling of the vehicle and the driver may even hear some odd noises coming from the suspension underneath the car. All of the components of your suspension system work together, so one part affects the function and quality of all the others. Having a loose joint , for example, can cause other suspension parts to wear out faster than they normally would.

Maintain Your Vehicle's Suspension

One of the suspension’s main functions is to maximize friction between the tires and the road surface. This contact between the road and tires is what affects a car’s ability to steer, brake and accelerate. A result of worn out suspension parts is uneven wear on the tires. The contact surface of new tires can actually be totally worn off in a couple of months due to poor suspension maintenance or unnoticed/neglected damage.

A trusted mechanic will be your best asset to ensure the function and safety of your suspension system. They will easily identify signs of damage or wear. Repairs can restore the correct handling to your vehicle and ensure your safety, as well.

It’s important to address small problems as quickly as possible, to avoid what could become a major and costly repair later. Remember, each component of the suspension’s structure makes up a much bigger and important system that is vital to your vehicle’s handling and safety. Keeping up with routine maintenance on your vehicle’s suspension system will help keep it driving as it should.

Scheduled Automotive Maintenance

Avoid Costly Repairs With Regular Car Maintenance

Everyone dreads the thought of a major car repair, but the bright side is that many major vehicle issues can be avoided by following the vehicle maintenance schedule recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Each vehicle has varying service intervals, but there are common guidelines to follow about what service to perform, and how often. Keeping up with these intervals will ensure that your vehicle keeps running smoothly and safely. The normal service intervals are three months, six months and one year. At these intervals there are several different routinely recommended services that are outlined below.

Auto Maintenance at 3 month Intervals

Every three months it’s a good idea to have your coolant level and mixture checked. Coolant helps regulate the temperature of your engine in all seasons. Keeping the right mixture and level of coolant can help you avoid potentially costly radiator repairs. Also at three months, the oil and brake fluid should be checked to ensure proper lubrication for moving parts. Other things commonly inspected at three months include power steering fluid and lug bolts. Topping off your washer fluid is also recommended.

Brake Inspections at 6 Months

In addition to the inspections above, every six months you should have a brake inspection done on your vehicle, as well as tire depth. The brake inspection will ensure your brakes have enough life in them for maximum stopping power and safety. A tire depth check is a simple check to see how much tread remains on your tires. Other commonly performed procedures around 6 months are cleaning the battery to ensure function and replacing your windshield wipers.

Check Major Running Systems Once a Year

Once a year you should bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic who can perform some preventative maintenance. Common one year maintenance items include replacing the spark plugs, flushing the radiator, and replacing brake pads. Spark plugs are a fairly inexpensive way to keep the motor of your vehicle running smoothly, and like many other parts in a vehicle, they wear out over time. A radiator flush is just as it sounds- flushing out the radiator to avoid the build up of corrosion over time. Just like spark plugs, brake pads wear out over time. Your mechanic can easily check the wear on your brake pads and replace them if necessary.

Following the scheduled maintenance intervals recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer can save you time, money, and ensure your safety. Be sure to keep up with recommended maintenance, and your vehicle will be in great shape for years to come!

Oil Change Information

Oil Change FAQ

My shop, Tune Tech Automotive in Aurora, has been in business since 1995. We are a family owned and operated automotive service center that provides repair, tune ups, and belt and hose replacement, to major engine repair and transmission replacement. The technicians are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified and are equipped to handle all major and minor repairs on domestic as well as foreign vehicles. Tune Tech is a certified NAPA AutoCare Center. Since opening my business in 1995 I have answered many questions about automotive repair, and some of the most commonly asked questions are in regards to oil changes.

Why Change My Car's Oil?

I was asked about why it’s important to change your car’s oil. As your engine runs the oil collects contaminants, that get absorbed by the oil, so it loses it’s ability to lubricate. Oil is the essential lubricant for your car’s engine, and it lets metal work against metal. Oil picks up not only the dirt, but small metal particles and and other impurities from the engine and circulates them to the oil filter so they don’t damage your engine. Contaminants like these can interfere with the regular workings of your engine because it becomes thick and abrasive over time.

What Does Oil Do?

Oil doesn’t just help filter out dirt and contaminants. It also acts as a coolant for the engine. It lowers the friction between the metal parts in your engine. Your engine also moves oil that’s sat in the oil pan, allowing it to cool off. Sometimes vehicles also move oil through a tube in the radiator where it’s cooled off even more efficiently. Without oil, a car’s engine could seize, causing costly repairs for the owner. I can’t stress how important this simple component is to the life and quality of your vehicle. It’s relatively inexpensive, as well.

How Often Should I Change The Oil In My Vehicle?

It’s best to change your vehicle’s oil according to the manufacturer’s guidelines set forth in your owner’s manual, and that those intervals may vary. If you don’t have a owners manual, it depends on the driving conditions, the type of oil you are using, and the vehicle you are driving. If you are using a conventional oil I would recommend 3000 miles. If you are using a full synthetic oil I would recommend changing the oil every 5000 miles.

Do I Have To Replace The Filter?

Another important aspect of changing the oil in a car is the oil filter. It filters out all the solid contaminants that are in the oil that you don’t want circulating through the engine causing engine damage. Over time the filter builds up all the contaminants, so it’s important to be sure to change it every time the oil is switched out.

What Happens To Used Oil?

I frequently field the question of what Tune Tech Automotive does with all the used motor oil we accumulate while working on hundreds of local customers’ vehicles each week. We collect the motor oil, and are able to store it and recycle it to heat the shop. We use an EPA approved clean burning furnace that works very well!

More information about oil changes and auto repair can be found on this page of Tune Tech Automotive’s website.