Posts by dakotaridgeauto

This fuel saving tip for Littleton residents is so simple you won’t believe it. It has to do with your gas cap. The first thing is to make sure it’s screwed on tight. If it’s loose, gas vapor will be constantly leaking out – reduced fuel economy. This could cause the check engine light to…

Today’s Dakota Ridge Auto post focuses on the importance of protecting your mass air flow sensor or MAF. Air and fuel are mixed together to be burned in your engine. The amount is controlled by how hard you press on the accelerator or by external factors like climbing hills or hauling loads. Based on how…

When Littleton drivers take a corner in their vehicle, the outside wheels have a slightly longer distance to go than the inside wheels. That means that the outside wheels have to turn a bit faster than the inside. The piece of mechanical wizardry that makes this possible for is called the differential. The differential allows…

Simple Answers Service Intervals Question: I hear a clunking sound from my front wheel when I make a turn. What could be the problem? Dakota Ridge Auto Answer: One possible cause of the problem is a worn axle. Front-wheel drive vehicles have axles that transfer power from the transmission to your front wheels. There is…

When it comes to vehicle service, a lot of people procrastinate.  The reasons? Don’t want to spend the money, don’t have time to get it done, it’s not urgent.  Sound familiar? Here are the three service items you shouldn’t put off, no matter what. Oil Change.  Oil is one of those things that just quietly…

Today’s Dakota Ridge Auto post focuses on the importance of protecting your mass air flow sensor or MAF. Air and fuel are mixed together to be burned in your engine. The amount is controlled by how hard you press on the accelerator or by external factors like climbing hills or hauling loads. Based on how…

When all a vehicle’s wheels are lined up exactly with each other, your wheels are in alignment.  Hitting a road hazard or even just the normal bumps and bounces of everyday driving can cause your wheels to be out of alignment.  This can lead to expensive premature tire and suspension wear. Here are some alignment…

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…