Posts by dakotaridgeauto

So you’re probably wondering, how does a timing belt work?  Dakota Ridge Auto is here to help.  As your engine runs, the intake valves need to open up to allow air into the engine. They remain closed while the air and fuel are compressed and ignited, powering the piston. Then the exhaust valves open to…

Littleton drivers often ask questions about the cooling system, the system that cools your vehicle engine and keeps it at the proper operating temperature. Let’s examine the topic in two areas: first, the coolant itself, and second, the parts that make up the cooling system. The coolant is the mix of water and antifreeze that circulates through…

The Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some and is totally ignored by just as many.  Just what it means is a mystery to most of us. First, if your check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe damage to the catalytic converter or other…

No matter how well they’re made, vehicles will have design or manufacturing problems.  And when the government thinks a problem is really serious, they require the manufacturer to issue a recall notice and fix the car free of charge.  The manufacturer then tries to contact everyone who owns that type of car to get the…

Nobody loves wasting money.  Gasoline costs money, so using less saves money.  One of the ways vehicle manufacturers are helping you save gasoline (and money) is with smaller, turbocharged engines. You might have heard of turbos associated with race cars, but more and more everyday street vehicles are getting into the turbo game.  The big…

Brrrr.  It’s cold outside.  And if your vehicle’s heater isn’t working, then it’s cold inside too.  No fun – and potentially dangerous: heat is needed to defrost your windshield.  Unlike your house that has one furnace, a vehicle’s heating system has several different components, so it takes a trained technician to figure out where the…

“Emergency Shopping” is not to be confused with a “Shopping Emergency.”  This one is encouraging you to go shopping for a few items that could help you out if you ever have an emergency in your vehicle.  They’re all things carried in emergency vehicles. This goes beyond the old standards like a first aid kit,…

Oh, thank goodness for oil filters on our vehicles.  As your engine runs, dirt gets into the oil.  Oil sludge can also start to build up.  Fortunately, motor oil contains detergents that clean the engine and gather up contaminates.  The oil circulates through the oil filter where clumps of dirt and sludge are captured.  An…

Here are 5 tips from Dakota Ridge Auto for used car buyers: 1. Ask for service records. Most owners who document regular maintenance service take care of their vehicles. 2. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly. Check for uneven tire wear, alignment, suspension issues, strange sounds and funky odors. 3. If everything checks out up to this…