Lakewood and Arvada / Westminster Auto Repair

Winter driving conditions are here, and there are some things you should review before you head out on those snowy, icy roads. We have all heard that “four wheel drive does not mean four wheel stop!” This is a very true statement; even though you can maneuver better in the snow with a four- or all-wheel drive vehicle, stopping is a different story. Here are a few common sense tips to make your winter driving – and stopping - safer. First – Slow down Ignore the posted speed limit signs and just SLOW DOWN.  Slower speeds will not only give you more control of your truck, SUV or automobile, it will give you more time to react to other drivers that aren’t as “educated” about winter driving. But at this time of year, S&%$* (skids) Happens! If you do happen to skid, remember – take your foot off the accelerator. Steer away from the skid and don’t over steer. Second – Increase your distance fro ... read more

The truth is that most Americans struggle or neglect to understand the true importance of car care. They only really know that they have to get oil changes, but beyond that, some have no clue that there's more than just one important fluid that goes into every vehicle. Here are some of the essential liquids that enable the critical processes of your car: Engine Oil Engine oil lubricates your engine's parts, regulates the engine temperature, and enables a smooth and efficient combustion process. Without clean oil, your engine will suffer great damage and break down.  Coolant    Your car needs more than just engine oil to keep the engine's hot temperatures at bay. As a  result, your vehicle relies on coolants (or antifreeze) to absorb the excess heat from the engine. Without the right amount of coolant, your engine will cons ... read more

Your car’s air conditioning system does more than just cool the interior of your vehicle in the warm summer months. Did you know that you use your air conditioning to dehumidify your car in the winter to clear up fogged windows quickly?  It’s vital to keep both your heater AND your AC in top condition throughout the entire year. So now it may make sense why, when you turn on your defrost, your AC comes on! But, contrary to what many think, the AC and the heating systems in your car are not run by the same system.  Known as HVAC  - heating, ventilation and air conditioning – the AC uses a refrigerant (makes sense) and the heater uses coolant (wait…what?!) Here’s where things get confusing.  Trent Pickering of Pickering’s Auto Service in Lakewood and Arvada Colorado states, “Your heater works with your car’s coolant, thermostat, radiator and the wate ... read more

Though a cabin air filter doesn't directly impact your vehicle's engine performance, it doesn't give any driver the excuse to put it off. Switching your cabin air filter is just as crucial of service as getting an oil change or wheel alignment. It is a fundamental part of regular vehicle maintenance, and ignoring a dirty air filter can lead to other negative consequences.  Negative Effects of Dirty Cabin Air Filter Personal Health - A fresh cabin air filter is necessary to keep the air inside your vehicle clean. An air filter that is dirty or clogged won't be able to separate these contaminants, causing difficulties for people who suffer from allergies or breathing problems. Also, a new air filter can filter out pollutants that can make you sick.  Restrict HVAC System - A cabin air filter left bad for too long will make your car's HVAC system work harder than it has to, which can cause ... read more

When you own a car, you have signed on for some responsibilities. And while you didn’t actually have to sign a contract that guarantees you will do everything that needs to be done to keep your car running smoothly – and safely – you know that you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for a “healthy” vehicle. We’re talking more than just the usual oil and filter changes here!  Just like a child, spouse or pet, that once-trusty vehicle can give you problems if you choose to ignore certain signs. To be a good auto owner and continue to have a reliable ride, you need to use common sense…and your senses.  Don’t ignore the sights, sounds, feel and even smells that don’t seem right or “normal” when you’re driving. Here are the top ... read more

At Pickering's Auto Service, we always emphasize the importance of preventative maintenance. While some car problems can be preventable, the unthinkable can still happen on the road, and you may require a tow. With the assistance of a tow truck, you can prevent further damage to your car trying to drive with a persistent problem. Here are the circumstances that may require a tow truck to come for the rescue: Flat A flat tire is one of the most common problems that will require a tow. Depending on the damages, it can only drive at a certain distance. The safest bet is to pull over to the side of the road and call a tow truck. If you know how to change out a flat with your donut (spare tire), then that can get you to the repair shop. If you don't have a spare available or know how to change your tire, you'll want to call ... read more

With the price of everything going up, now more than ever you need to do things to help conserve your money…and your time is valuable, as well!   One way to save both is to find ways to up the miles per gallon you get on a tank of gas.  You may wonder, “How can I increase my miles per gallon in Denver, CO?” Maintaining your car’s gas mileage to its full potential not only saves you money and time…it also promotes a longer life for your vehicle, safer driving and preservation of your car’s resale value.   There are only 2 things that are keeping you from maximizing your gas mileage -   how your drive and how you maintain your car. Below are easy-to-do tips to help you get better gas mileage:     Take it easy. Pushing down hard on the gas pedal has a negative impact on your fuel consumption.  It causes the engine to work harder – meaning more gas is burned.   The constant ... read more

It's officially September, which means fall is here. As you may know, seasonal changes can affect your vehicle in many different ways. As a result, it's necessary to prepare for autumn's cool air by performing essential maintenance tasks. Bring your vehicle to Pickering's Auto Service so our Master ASE Certified Technicians can inspect your vehicle's critical components and identify any inherent issues before they become serious ones. Below are five key tips to keep your vehicle in top shape throughout the fall (and upcoming winter).   Tip #1: Inspect brake pads.  It's no surprise that your brakes are critical to your safety; without them, your vehicle will not be able to slow down to a stop. Your brakes should be a top priority on your maintenance list. If the brake pads have less than 3 millimeters of area left, it's time to have them ... read more

  When Do I Need an Oil Change? WHY IT'S JUST BETTER TO GET THAT OIL CHANGE DONE! Although a lot of you out there try to “push the limits” for your oil change intervals, there are some good reasons why you may not want to wait.  Depending on the vehicle and oil that’s used consistently, the time between oil changes could range anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 miles most generally, according to the owner’s manual. Your driving environment also plays a role in how long you can wait for your next oil and filter service; road dust and dirt could mean you need changes sooner. Having said this, at Pickering’s Auto Service, we recommend servicing your vehicle based off the 3,000 miles for standard oil and 5,000 miles on synthetic. Now, if you go 1,000 miles over, will that make your vehicle brake down tomorrow? No, most likely not. However, it is important to know that on many newer vehicles that take full synthetic oil, many ... read more

The industry recommends that all motorists check their tires once a month, but it's better to do it more often than not. Having an inaccurate tire pressure can lead to irregular tire tread wear, ultimately lowering your gas mileage and affecting your vehicle's handling. It can also result in having to replace your tires prematurely. Don't worry, though, because Pickering's Auto Service has got you covered. Here's our beginner's guide to fulfilling your tire pressure checking routine.   How to Look For the Tire Pressure Requirements for Your Vehicle Before you bring out any instruments, you need to know how much air your tires need. Tire pressure is scaled in units of psi or pounds per square inch. You should find a sticker that shows the recommended tire pressure on the driver's side door or door frame. If you struggle to find the sticker, you can look for the information in the owner's manual or onli ... read more