Posts by dakotaridgeauto

You’ve probably seen them lying around at the side of the road: someone’s outside rearview mirror that’s been knocked off by a driver’s not-so-perfect driving.  And you realize the person who owns that vehicle now has lost an important safety feature.  Having functional mirrors enhances your safety and that of drivers around you. You probably…

If you feel a slight shudder or vibration coming through your brake pedal when you stop, it could be a sign you need some brake work done. That gets you thinking, how long should my brakes last anyway? It depends on a lot of factors.  But for discussion’s sake, let’s talk about the components that…

Dakota Ridge Auto Tech Question: I was driving on a local Littleton road and my vehicle started sputtering. And then the engine finally quit and I couldn’t get it started. I was towed to a shop in Littleton and found out I had to replace my fuel pump. What could I have done to have…

When the weather gets hot, some of the components of your vehicle are pushed to the limit.  Here are a few things to watch out for as the mercury climbs higher: Your vehicle’s air conditioning (A/C) system.  You might notice it’s blowing only hot air, even though when you last had it on in the…

Of all the warning lights on your vehicle’s instrument panel, there’s one that demands your attention.  And that’s the brake warning light. Common sense will tell you that if you can’t stop, you are endangering yourself and others.  Brake warning lights are there to warn you that something is wrong with this vital safety system.…

Question: My battery keeps going dead.  I had it tested and it is fine – what could be the problem? Answer: Well, your problem could be caused by several things.  Let’s start with a likely suspect: your alternator.  The alternator is like a little electrical generator.  It is spun by the serpentine belt on your…

With front-wheel drive being so common these days, the differential is just taken care of during a transmission service, so most folks don’t even have to think about it.  And most rear-wheel drive differentials don’t need to be serviced for many miles, so it’s understandable that it’s not something on the top of mind.  So,…

Emergencies can range from a flat tire downtown to being stranded in a snowy ravine for three days. So, you may always want to consider a basic emergency kit to keep in the car and a travel kit tailored to a specific trip. Your close-to-home kit would have some basic items to work on your…

Diesel engines are appearing in more and more vehicles in nearly every category from compact cars to pick-up trucks to high-performance luxury vehicles.  In much of the world, 40% or more of passenger vehicles are equipped with diesel.  North America is beginning to appreciate the power and fuel economy benefits of diesel engines. Many maintenance…