Posts by dakotaridgeauto

dakotaridgeauto

547 posts

Power Steering, Everything You Need to Know

February 8, 2019

Power steering is one of the things we Littleton, Colorado drivers take for granted in our vehicles. Let’s look at two areas: first, the power assist and second, the actual parts that steer the vehicle. Giving You the Power to Steer In Littleton, most drivers under the age of 40 have never driven a vehicle…

What’s the Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil Change?

January 28, 2019

At Dakota Ridge Auto in Littleton, Colorado, one of the questions we get most from customers is: what’s the difference between synthetic and conventional oil change? While we can provide basic information on the spot, understanding each type is and what’s right for your car requires a broader explanation. Generally speaking, here’s the breakdown of…

The Critical Role of ABS Brakes

August 25, 2018

There’s a common misconception that anti-lock brakes (ABS brakes) help you stop faster. That’s not always the case on loose gravel or snowy surfaces. In fact, the role of ABS brakes is to help you maintain control of your vehicle in an emergency braking situation. Imagine you are driving on a snowy CO road. You need to…

The Importance of Exhaust System Services at Dakota Ridge Auto

August 13, 2018

Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Repair

Driving around Littleton, we’ve all heard a car or truck that needs a new muffler. But there’s more to the exhaust system than just the muffler. The exhaust system has three main functions: Safely get hot exhaust gas from the engine out the tailpipe Treat the exhaust to remove harmful pollutants Muffle the engine noise…

What Does the EVAP System Do for Your Vehicle?

August 1, 2018

EVAP System, Evaporative Emissions System Repair

Your vehicle’s oil and fuel give off vapors that are harmful to the environment. That’s why evaporative emissions control systems – EVAP for short – are mandated in all cars and trucks. The EVAP system is there to capture these vapors and direct them into the engine to be burned – kind of like an…

What Does the Tire Pressure Warning Light Mean?

July 12, 2018

Here at Dakota Ridge Auto in Littleton, we understand that vehicles these days come with all kinds of warning lights that can be confusing to decipher. However, if your tire pressure warning light comes on, it means just what you think – that one or more of your tires has low air pressure. The dashboard…

What’s So Important About Your Car Thermostat? Plenty.

July 2, 2018

Your car thermostat is an important part of your cooling system. As our experts at Dakota Ridge Auto can explain, the vehicle’s thermostat performs a similar function to the thermostat in your home. At home, you set your thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature range. When your home gets too hot, the air conditioning kicks…

Can I Put Off Replacing My Engine Air Filter?

June 20, 2018

What’s the harm in putting off replacing my engine air filter a little longer? It’s a question we hear often. According to our Dakota Ridge Auto experts in Littleton, this is a fair question because the harm takes a while to manifest. What an Engine Air Filter Does The air all around us contains dust,…

The Many Jobs of Your Car’s Serpentine Belt

June 13, 2018

You know that long belt that snakes around the front of your engine? It’s called the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is driven by the engine as it turns. It powers your alternator, air conditioning compressor and power steering pump. On some vehicles, it also runs the water pump, radiator fan and power brakes. Sounds…

The Radiator Fan, What You Need to Know

June 2, 2018

If you’re old enough, you’ve heard the term “fan belt.” Back in the day, the radiator fan in your vehicle was turned by a belt driven by the engine. There are still belt driven fans, although most are now driven by the serpentine belt. But most vehicles now have electric fans that draw fresh air…