Colorado Springs Auto Repair

Your vehicle’s fuel system pumps fuel from the gas tank and into the engine. Needless to say, it can be problematic if the fuel system isn’t working properly. You will lose fuel efficiency (MPG). If something is really wrong, then the car might not run at all. Damage to fuel system components may also lead to a fuel leak, which can be dangerous in a number of ways. In most cases, major fuel system issues will come down to the fuel pump. It’s what keeps the gas flowing through the lines. Other problems that can be developed are clogged fuel filters or fuel lines. Or, a leak can happen with a loose connection or damaged parts. Here are are 7 common signs that your car has a fuel system failure, according to LightHouse Automotive: 1. The Engine is Sputtering This ofte ... read more

Every vehicle has four primary types of filters that perform very simple, yet important functions. As the term implies, they filter out dirt, debris and impurities that can otherwise contaminate vital automotive components and hinder performance. Here's what you need to know about your vehicle's different filters, according to the Colorado Springs auto repair experts at LightHouse Automotive: 1. Oil Filter This is probably the filter that most car owners are most familiar with because it needs to be changed the most often. When a standard oil change is performed, the oil filter will be replaced along with any oil in the reservoir. This ensures that fresh oil is running through the engine components and providing the necessary lubrication and cooling properties. It's important to change the oil filte ... read more

We often take our cars for granted, but owning a vehicle is a big responsibility. Whether you bought a cheap used car or have an expensive vehicle that you got brand new, it needs regular maintenance to keep it running right. At LightHouse Automotive, we call it "preventative maintenance" because it is done to help prevent major automotive damage while improving vehicle performance and driver safety. Here are 8 of the most important vehicle maintenance tasks that need to be done regularly, according to our top mechanics at LightHouse Automotive: 1. Oil Changes Motor oil is the lifeblood of the engine. Without enough clean oil flowing through all the different fast-moving engine components, major internal damage can happen. That's why it is so vital to change the oil and the oil filter ... read more

Though it's something we hope you never experience, there's no worse feeling than when you try to start your car and it won't fire up. Whether it's struggling to start up or the engine won't turn over all, it's time to seek professional help from a mechanic that can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. Sometimes it's a simple part that needs to be replaced. Other times, it's something more significant. Here are some of the most common reasons why a car won't start, according to the Colorado Springs auto repair experts at LightHouse Automotive: 1. Starter/Ignition System There are different types of ignition and starter systems found in vehicles made throughout the years, and each has different components that can fail. Problems to look for may be a failing ignition switch, starter motor, ignition coil, distributor cap or spark plugs. Ther ... read more

Other than maybe the engine itself, there is nothing more important in a car than the transmission itself. It transfers the power from the engine to the wheels, essentially controlling all forward or reverse motion. To put it simply, your vehicle wouldn't move at all without a working transmission. Transmission Service That's why your transmission needs regular maintenance just like everything else in the vehicle. The most common transmission maintenance procedure is what we'd call a standard transmission service. It is often referred to by auto shops as an "automatic" transmission service, as well. However, it applies to all types of transmissions, including manual, automatic and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).  A standard transmission serv ... read more

Though they are small and relatively simple in design compared to other automotive components, spark plugs play a very important role in the overall health and performance of your vehicle. If any of the spark plugs are dead or not working right, your engine will struggle and it may not fire up at all. Spark plugs need to be changed out periodically and tested regularly to ensure they are doing what they are supposed to do. Here are 5 of the most common signs that you need new spark plugs, according to the Colorado Springs automotive repair specialists at LightHouse Automotive: 1. The Car is Struggling to Start This is an obvious problem that you will want to get looked at. It may be a failing spark plug or something wrong with the ignition, fuel system, alternator, ba ... read more

The brakes in our car are often something we take for granted as drivers. We know that when we need to slow down or come to a stop, we can press on that little brake pedal and the vehicle will do what it's designed to do. Unfortunately, a lot of car owners ignore their brakes and let them get really worn out before finally doing something about it.  What Happens if Your Brakes Are Bad If your brakes aren't working properly or the brake pads/rotors are getting too worn out, it can be cause for concern. Your vehicle won't handle right and you might find it difficult coming to a quick stop when you need to. That puts your safety at risk. You may also hear unpleasant sounds like screeches and squeals. Last but not least, you could be doing damage to other aut ... read more

Your car has various belts under the hood that perform different functions, such as running the cooling system and air conditioning fans. The most important belt in any vehicle is typically the timing belt. This keep's the engine's camshaft and crankshaft turning at the correct rate. In turn, the camshaft opens and closes valves for the intake and the exhaust. This is all done with precise timing to allow the engine to run efficiently. That's why it's called the "timing belt." What Happens When the Timing Belt Wears Out or Breaks? Since the timing belt is composed of lightweight rubber materials, it is prone to get worn out over time. It can begin to slip on the gears its controlling or the material itself can begin to crack or fray. It could even snap completely without warning. This is especially careful to monitor here in Colorado b ... read more

Whether you live in Colorado or are just visiting, there are few things more enjoyable than exploring the vast countryside and splendor of the Rocky Mountains. This is truly God's country, with beautiful mountain views and scenic vista points around every corner. However, it's important to be smart when venturing off into the mountains or other rural parts outside of Colorado. That's why LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs offers these helpful driving and auto care tips to keep you safe on the back roads. 1. Keep the Gas Tank Full Gas stations can be sparse the further you stray from the towns and uphill driving will burn a lot more fuel than flat or downhill stretches. Keep your tank filled up to prevent running out of gas in the middl ... read more

Other than a weak battery, bad wiring is the most common cause of electrical problems in today's cars. In some cases, a frayed wire or corroded/loose connection is just a minor nuisance. It can cause your electrical components to malfunction and act strange. In other cases, bad wiring can be quite dangerous. Just as you don't want faulty wiring in your home, you won't want it in your vehicle. It can spark electrical fires and do a lot of damage. Signs of Auto Electric Problems The first sign of auto electric issues is when you notice that your electronics are acting up. Perhaps your power windows or door locks aren't working consistently. Maybe your car stereo, GPS system, onboard computer or phone charger plug-ins are causing problems ... read more