Denver Auto Repair

Labor Day weekend is considered the mark of the end of the summer, and most families like to squeeze in one last vacation before the kiddos are back in school. Whether you plan to be at the beach or lake or host a BBQ, you will likely run into some traffic this holiday as more people are out celebrating. It is critical to prioritize your and your loved ones' safety and do what you can to have fun this Labor Day weekend.   Here are some tips that Mancinelli's Auto Repair Center has to offer to ensure your safety: Stay alert of your surroundings. Labor Day is among one of the most dangerous holidays to drive in the United States, primarily due to heavy traffic and increased drunk drivers.   Practice defensive driving. Maintain a safe distance between drivers, especially when driving on the freeway. Another way to practice defensive driving is to wait a couple more seconds when waiting at a stop sign or stoplight before darting through an intersection.  Pl ... read more

What is an Alternator? An alternator is a fundamental component of your car as it is responsible for converting mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy. The reason it is called an alternator is that it generates an alternating current that turns periodically. The electrical charge is sent to restore your battery life which powers your vehicle's electrical systems. Without an operational alternator, your engine will abruptly stop working.    Symptoms of a Bad Alternator The alternator comprises many components such as bearings, rotors, stators, fans, and other internal parts. Over time these pieces get worn out. Whenever it does, you should stop by the auto repair shop pronto. Besides a stalling engine, here are the other signs that indicate you need an alternator repair or replacement:   Fuzziness or Flickering of Interior & Exteriors Lights The alternator generates the power necessary for the functionality of your car's interior and e ... read more

Most of us throw random junk in our car trunks without even thinking, and before you know it, piles begin to accumulate. Next thing you know, you are playing a game of Tetris in your grocery store parking lot. Though it may not seem like a problem at first, it could get embarrassing when exposed in public. An overpacked trunk can also decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency due to the heavy load. So here are a few of our tips for organizing your car and maximizing your space:   Trunk Nets - Most trunks have some sort of nets and hooks to help with storing miscellaneous items. Outside of what may already be included with your vehicle, you can buy an additional trunk net to help things stay in place.   Collapsible Storage Baskets - These flexible storage bins are great because you can store them efficiently when not in use. They easily fold open and close whenever you please. If you are concerned about them sliding in your trunk, use sticky velcro to keep them fastene ... read more

The suspension system of your vehicle is well known for keeping its movement stable and smooth. It does a lot more than just prevent bumps in the road from being felt, however. Properly functioning suspension reduces the centrifugal forces felt when turning or the dipping experienced when braking. Working suspension is important for maintaining a safe vehicle that can turn and brake correctly. Signs of Failing Suspension The suspension keeps your vehicle stable, so it's usually easy to tell if it's beginning to experience problems because it can be felt while driving the vehicle. Some of the most common signs of failing or faulty suspension include: Rough driving Drifting during turns Increased difficulty turning Dipping during braking Vehicle lower on one corner or side Oily shock absorbers Failing suspension impacts the smoothness of movement and it becomes possible to feel every bump in the road. This is often one of the first and most prominent signs that you need t ... read more

Spark plugs are components of a vehicle engine made with durable materials that can withstand multiple explosions before they wear out and start producing weaker sparks. The plugs produce electric sparks that ignite the fuel and air mixture in the engine cylinders. The spark plugs are an essential part of the ignition system and have a limited lifespan. Without functioning spark plugs, your vehicle may not move because it needs the combustion process possible with the energy produced by the plugs. It will require the expertise of a professional to replace the faulty plugs that are identified by: Engine Misfires Malfunctioning spark plugs can make an engine stop for a while and resume its normal functioning. It can happen when you are driving. The engine can also sound rough when idle. The misfires affect the proper functioning of your car's engine due to failing spark plugs that have no power to ignite the fuel-air mixture. Taking your car to a well-known au ... read more

The TPMS warning light alerts you when your vehicle's tire is over or under-inflated, creating a serious safety concern. By the time the TPMS warning light illuminates on the dashboard, the tires pressure is way below or above the manufacture's recommendation range (and what is considered a safe operational level). Under inflation causes reduced tire performance, tire overload and excess heat buildup. An underinflated tire often shows signs of premature wear, particularly on either side of the tread edges. On the other hand, over-inflated tires have poor traction with the ground, leading to premature wear and inability to absorb road impacts. Can I Drive with my Car's TPMS Warning Light On? A more straightforward answer to this question is no. Do not ignore your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems warning light-you could be getting a flat. Once you notice the little light with an exclamation mark flashing on your dashboard, you should being your vehicle into o ... read more

Transmission fluid works by keeping the transmission lubricated to facilitate proper gear shifting. It works as both a hydraulic fluid, supporting the movement between the transmission and engine, as well as oil for your transmission and as coolant in automatic engines. Make sure to ensure your transmission fluid levels are always at optimum levels by performing regular maintenance on your car or truck. What Does Transmission Fluid Do Your vehicle's engine and transmission have many moving parts - transmission fluid's mission is to ensure these parts are able to move freely, without excessive friction and heat that lead to corrosion and other common engine issues. The fluid also helps to move energy from the engine to the drive wheels, as well as clean the transmission and condition the gaskets, among other tasks. Transmission Fluid Keeps Engines Moving The engine and transmission work together to keep your wheels moving at the exact speed that you want, and there are numer ... read more

Brake pads are essential to the safe functioning of your car's brakes. They allow drivers to stop effectively and safely, as the pads allow for smooth, easy braking and can protect in times when a sudden stop may be necessary. However, just like any other car part, your brake pads will eventually wear out. Brakes that are strong, functional, and reliable can make driving safe for everyone out on the road and will protect the value of your vehicle. Thankfully, brake pads are made of different compounds which are suited for different driving situations. Softer compounds are best for those living in the city who typically drive at lower speeds. Reduced speeds prevent the material from melting into the brake rotor and will allow for a much longer lifespan. Those living outside the county lines would benefit from having brake pads that are made up of harder compounds, as they allow for harder stops without significant damage. Good driving habits contribute to the lifespan of your brak ... read more

Gaskets, oil pans, valves, sensors... Your engine has a lot of parts and components, each vital to the safe and efficient running of your vehicle. But what exactly is an oil pan gasket? Let's start with the oil pan. As a proud car owner, you'll know your engine needs oil. The oil pan is a reservoir for this oil as it travels through the engine and all its moving parts, lubricating and cooling them. It's bolted to the engine and is located in the bottom section of the engine block. To prevent leaks, the oil pan gasket seals the pan to the engine block, acting also as a cushion to prevent damage that may otherwise occur due to vibrations from the engine. Types of Gaskets Oil pan gaskets are built to withstand large amounts of heat and pressure. They're made of durable materials, such as steel, along with an aluminized seal with a rubber coating. Different cars may have different oil pans and, therefore, different gaskets. For example, an aluminum pan will have a liqui ... read more

A good car wash and wax can make your vehicle feel new again. However, if you wash your car and your headlights still look foggy, they may need some extra spot cleaning. Clean headlights are critical; not only do they help you see the road, but they also make you visible to other motorists and pedestrians on the road. Headlight lenses are typically made of polycarbonate plastic. Manufacturers choose this material because it's strong enough to withstand extreme weather and harsh road conditions without breaking. Despite its strength, headlights are very sensitive to the UV rays from the sun. Over time, the protective UV film on the outside of the headlights can be destroyed by the sun. This can cause the plastic to oxidize. If your headlights have become yellow and fuzzy, we have developed a few helpful tips to clean and restore them.  Cleaning tips for foggy headlights: Always start your headlight restoration by cleaning them with automotive soap and water.  ... read more