Automotive News & Information - South Platte Auto Center LLC

The best way to keep your car out of the repair facility with major repair problems is to follow a basic vehicle care maintenance schedule. It is recommended that you make general visual inspections and stay on top of vehicle maintenance items. The skilled automotive technicians at South Platte Auto Center in Sterling, CO can assist with basic vehicle maintenance and more complex repairs. Feel free to give us a call or come by at your convenience if you have any questions.

Nobody - I mean nobody wants a high repair bill. Ever! So why ignore the easy things like filters and fluids? Here at South Platte Auto Center our Sterling drivers know that their car and truck’s filters are important to the longevity of that vehicle as well as the interior comfort. Maximize your car investment by replacing filters regularly. The oil filter traps contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted. The fuel filter separates harmful contaminants that may cause problems with carburetors or intricate fuel injectors. The air filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings. The air filter also plays a role in keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (in fuel-injected cars). The cabin filter helps trap pollen, bacteria and dust that may find their way into a car’s ventilation system. Keeping the filters and fluids changed regularly is simply a win-win solution!

Every vehicle - whether new or old - must receive regular maintenance to keep running at peak performance. Check to see if your vehicle may be over-due for a 3,500-mile, 7,500-mile, 15,000-mile, 30,000-mile, 60,000-mile or 90,000-mile service. South Platte Auto Center in Sterling would like to share with you the following suggested guidleines for routine maintenance. If you have any questions, or would like us to give you a hand, call or come by South Platte Auto Center today.

We all love the sunshine but getting into that HOT car isn't always so wonderful even when you have remote start it will take the breathe out of you when the temperatures are soaring. Makes you want to pack your lunch instead of meeting friends for lunch! We decided that you should meet friends for lunch! So we got together and found some quick ideas for you. It isn't much but enjoy the sunshine on us here at South Platte Auto Center here in Sterling! Call it our fun day fact!

Easiest Fix By Far......Sunshade. Buy one for the front window and they how have them available for the sides and back windows! It reflects the sun's rays away from the interior of your car or truck keeping the heat level down and bonus feature is that it will help keep your interior looking great longer so you will stay in love with your car or truck longer "plus" it is easy to pack away in seconds out of sight!

There seems to be a common misconception among many that if you have an aftermarket/extended warranty, that your car, truck, SUV or Jeep must be taken to a dealership. This is not true. Non-dealership / Independent Automotive repair shops can service and repair your new or UNDER WARRANTY/EXTENDED WARRANTY. As a positive, at our shop you can get fast service and work with highly trained technicians! We'd love to take care of your vehicle for you and can do so right here at our automotive shop. Repairs by highly rated and trained automotive technicians with dealer rated diagnostic tools, at BETTER PRICING by a shop that knows you!

It is a law that independent automotive repairs shops can maintain and service your warranty. All consumers are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, that is enforced by Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It prohibits a manufacturer from voiding the new vehicles warranty or a vehicles extended warranty because service was performed by a Non-Dealer/Independent Repair shop.

Per the FTC, “It's illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had warranty work or routine maintenance or repairs performed by our automotive shop. Routine maintenance can include anything from oil changes, tire rotations and belt replacement, to fluid checks, flushes, new brake pads and inspections.” It is also important to note that the “Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for a company to void your warranty or deny coverage under the warranty for the simple cause that you used an aftermarket or recycled part.”

One of the major perks to bringing your vehicle to an independent repair shop is the ability to make your money go further. Many times, warranties will have a limit or a deductible. Our goal is to make your warranty work for you.

Lastly, If you are on the fence about whether or not to purchase an AFTERMARKET or EXTENDED warranty. We suggest opening a savings account for your car and putting back money for possible breakdowns. While warranties are great the limitations can sometimes outweigh the benefits.

Whichever option you may choose we will be there for you every step of the way! We look forward to taking care of your new or under extended/aftermarket warranty, car, truck, SUV or Jeep right here. Give us a call today!

It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from a simple problem that requires a little maintenance and TLC or there is real engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your car or truck engine, there are some obvious warning signs that require a vehicle inspection here at the shop right away.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the manufacturer recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

What does it mean if my “check engine” or “service engine soon” light comes on?

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems or failure of emission tests.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?

This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long you can damage your engine. As soon as possible find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop.

When should I get my oil changed?

You should get your oil changed every 3000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If intervals are extended ensure you use oil that is capable of extended mileage changes.

What is that milky brown engine oil?

Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly.

How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?

Battery cables and terminals should also be cleaned and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

What is synthetic motor oil?

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates.
Synthetic motor oils, though several times more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. They also provide instant lubrication on start-up.

When should I replace my vehicles fuel filter?

To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your vehicles fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

When should I change my spark plugs?

For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.

I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?

Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.