Lakewood and Arvada / Westminster Auto Repair

A Winter Affair…Your Car’s Opinion on Loving or Leaving Rust and Corrosion     If you live in Colorado, or any other mag chloride-loving state, you probably already know that this chemical improves traction and can replace sand and gravel on icy and snowy roadways.  Magnesium chloride helps to bind the fine dirt particles that are present on all streets and highways, to create a hard, stable surface. This, in turn, helps your vehicle’s traction. Mag chloride is not only a road de-icer, it can also be used to control dust and lessen erosion.  This can contribute to less potholes and expensive road maintenance…and that’s another plus for auto owners! Sounds good, so far…but what does it do TO your car? First, you need to know that rust and corrosion are not the same.  Rust is a type of corrosion. Rust is the oxidation of the iron found in metals.  Corrosion can occur on both metal ... read more

Spring is right around the ­­­corner…and so is the next pothole that might cause you and your vehicle “a HOLE” lot of problems. Just like your chiropractor knows that everything must be in proper alignment for optimal motion and health; the same goes for your car. When your wheels are out of alignment a host of problems can occur such as: diminished steering, advanced tire wear, suspension and braking issues. Brandon Pickering, General Manager of Pickering’s Auto Service offers, “It’s always amazing to me how a person’s health and the health of your vehicle are comparable. Keeping your vehicle healthy by performing needing adjustments keeps your life in motion much like keeping your body healt ... read more

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

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