Denver Auto Repair

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

Does it seem like once you fill up your gas tank, you have to refill your vehicle in a matter of days? Chances are your car isn't getting good gas mileage. Your engine works hard, and over time fuel deposits can accumulate on the inside. These fuel deposits prevent your engine from performing its best. And over time, they can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. A fuel induction clears out carbon deposits and other harmful builds, preventing them from entering the engine. It is the most effective solution for enhancing drivability and fuel efficiency. Below are four signs it's time for a fuel induction service. Your vehicle takes a long time to accelerate.  The drive feels rougher over time. Your car shakes while idling.  Your vehicle is becoming a gas guzzler.  Your vehicle hesitates when accelerating. Only top-of-the-line ASE Certified Specialists perform fuel induction services at Mancinelli's Auto Repair Center. The fuel induction service includes a ... read more

Car fires aren’t common, but even a small risk is still a risk. With such a deadly circumstance, it’s important to know what to do if you encounter one. Vehicles are robust machines with flammable fuel, electrical wiring, and hot engine components. Your best line of defense is staying informed and prepared for the worst. According to the National Fire Data Center:  45% of fires are caused by mechanical failure.  21% are caused by electrical failure or leaks.  13% are caused by the misuse of flammable products or materials.  What are some warning signs that can lead to a vehicle fire?  Spilled oil under the hood.  Crack or loose wire that’s exposed to metal components  Usually loud sounds coming from the exhaust.  Fuses that continuously blow.  High engine temperature  Extreme changes in fluid levels  Broken hoses   Vehicle fires don’t just start under the hood ... read more

So it’s time to purchase a new vehicle, and there’s nothing more pleasing than that new car smell. With air travel still in such a precarious state, some drivers are excited to trade in their old ride for something new and exotic. You may not have cash on hand, and that’s completely fine. Financing is a great alternative to help offset that crazy price tag into smaller manageable payments. Car shopping is stressful, and to help make the financing process less of a hassle - below are few tips to secure the best loan possible. Check your credit report in advance. Check all three major credit reporting agencies to plan in advance. If you need to dispute any mistakes or build your credit, checking in advance will help you properly do that. It’s also important to remember that your credit will be dinged with a hard check each time. Make sure you do thorough research to select the best dealer and lender for your vehicle needs. Know what you ... read more

Summer road trip travel is expected to increase this year. Expedia recently conducted a study that showed over 70% of their research respondents feel safer road-tripping rather than traveling by air this summer. Every place seems like an exotic location when you’ve been restricted to your home for months. While national parks and major tourist attractions are still popular locations, most drivers plan to stay somewhat close to home. Below are some popular tips to consider before making your summer journey:   Make sure to make time to have your car inspected and serviced before you head out. Don’t be afraid to mention that you’re planning a road trip. We can provide an inspection specific to your road trip needs. Our team can make sure your wheels are balanced and aligned, your fluids are topped off, and your tires are ready to take on the journey.    Thoroughly clean the outside and inside of your vehicle. Make sure you take a moment to sanitize ... read more

Covid-19 took the world by storm. After 128 months of record economic expansion, it has been announced that the U.S. is officially in a recession. In its simplest explanation, a recession is a stall in economic growth for two or more consecutive quarters. With the country in a dreaded doom and gloom, it’s hard to remain calm in such volatile times. It’s easy to focus on the day to day calamities that are surrounding the news, but your strategic approach today is one step closer to lightening the burdens of tomorrow. When not sheltering in place, some people are on the road to minimize any current health risks associated with air travel. While other people are home, adjusting to the new world of communication through Zoom and Skype. So many balls are in the air and two more to still juggle, where does your vehicle fall on the list of major priorities? Below are few tips to recession-proof your life and your car during a time of uncertainty. Stay calm. The ... read more

Why do head gaskets fail? Many vehicle owners who have had their vehicles for years may wonder why they are suddenly experiencing head gasket failure. Head gasket failure can be worrisome because it means that coolant is more than likely leaking into the crankcase. If the coolant is leaking, it means that your vehicle's engine isn't being properly cooled and lubricated, which can quickly lead to engine overheating - something you definitely want to avoid!  Engine overheating can significantly hurt your engine. It can corrode engine components, cause metal to metal contact of components, and lead to damaged parts. This is why it is so important to have your head gasket repaired as soon as it is discovered as failing. Symptoms that can indicate that your head gasket may be failing include the following:  Engine overheating Leaking underneath vehicle Engine misfiring Decreased fuel efficiency  Loss of power As soon as you notice any of these engine issues ... read more

Cars are a huge investment, and one of the most important things we can do as vehicle owners to protect that investment is to take care of our cars. Whether you own an older vehicle or a newer car, there are certain steps that you can take in order to increase the lifespan of your car and keep it running at its best throughout the years.  Make sure to always be on time for maintenance, especially oil and filter changes. This will ensure that your car is always taken care of and will help you avoid major repairs along the way.    Be sure that your fluids are always in good condition. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct intervals regarding how often your different fluids need to be flushed out and replaced.    Drive safely and follow the speed limit. Try to avoid pressing down hard on the brakes and gas when driving. Driving safe will also help you avoid car collisions.    Keep your car clean and washed. Having a clean ... read more

Your health and safety is important to us, which is why we would like to share with you what preventive measures we are taking to keep us all safe and healthy. Did you know we offer concierge service? If you are homebound, give us a call and we will arrange to pick up and deliver your car. April is a prime time for adventures and car care. When you are thinking of spring car maintenance, you most likely remember to have your tires and brakes checked, but what about your pesky check engine light that is on? Is that amber light shining at you, making you feel nervous? Maybe it is time to get it checked out. If you are ready to know what is going on with your car, there are a few ways to go about it, since a piece of tape covering the light won't solve the problem. If you have a dash light on in your car, it may not be a check engine light. You will want to consult your owners manual to become familiar with your dash lights. Some lights indicate that maintenance is needed, lights ar ... read more