Posts by dakotaridgeauto

Today’s vehicles are rolling computer networks with multiple processors, sensors, and miles of wiring. The mechanical elements from the suspension to the engine valve train are extremely sophisticated.  Diagnosis and repair are more exacting than ever before.  Even a simple tire rotation may involve resetting the tire pressure monitoring system. Our technicians train hard to…

A driver who uses his or her ears has a leg up on those who don’t.  In addition to noises helping, you be aware of traffic, they can give you clues to potential problems in your vehicle.  One noise to pay attention to is growling. Growling is a universally recognizable noise; you know it when…

You may own a vehicle that you only drive occasionally.  Maybe it is a summer day cruiser, an off-roader, or vacation hauler.  Here are some things you need to know about a vehicle that doesn’t get driven all that much. You know it has oil in it, and the problem with not driving a vehicle…

If you feel your vehicle vibrating when you’re braking, or if you don’t stop in as short a distance as you used to, it may be time to have your brakes checked. All newer vehicles have disc brakes in the front, and more manufacturers are using disc brakes all around (instead of an older technology…

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) help you stop faster. That is not always the case on loose gravel or snowy surfaces. Anti-lock brakes, in fact, are designed to help you maintain control of your vehicle in an emergency braking situation. Imagine you are driving on a snowy Littleton road. You slam on your brakes and your rear…

Your serpentine belt drives your alternator and air conditioning compressor. The power steering and power brake pumps are driven by the serpentine belt in many vehicles. In some vehicles, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt (in others it’s driven by the timing belt). The radiator cooling fan on some vehicles is also…

Let’s debunk some of the myths about diesel powered vehicles. Diesel Burns Dirty This was true years ago. Since 2006, however, U.S. diesel vehicles have been required by law to use ultra-low-sulfur diesel or USLD. Modern diesels are soot-free and have a smaller carbon footprint. Diesels Are Sluggish Not any more. They are as fast…

Steering should be something you don’t have to think about too much. You want to go somewhere, you turn the wheel, and you head in that direction. Simple, right? What happens when your steering wheel becomes hard to turn?  Or what happens if it starts to feel disconnected from the wheels, a little loosey-goosey? Steering…

Your brakes are extremely important.  Having good brakes just keeps you out of trouble.  You’ll want to carefully maintain your brakes.  With disc brakes, brake pads rub on a disc – or rotor – to slow the wheels.  The pads are attached to a caliper that squeezes the pads against the rotor.  It’s kind of…

Let’s talk shocks and struts.  Shock absorbers and struts last a long time and wear out pretty slowly.  They’re easy to take for granted, but your shocks and struts do a very important job, so you need to pay attention to them.  They keep your tires on the road; and your tires are what connect…