Best Colorado Springs, CO Auto Classics & Hot-Rods provider : Check what fuel grade you are using at the pump. Many people assume and put the wrong grade of gas in their car. This can cause damage to your vehicle’s fuel injection system. Cars that require premium gas have a higher combustion rate than cars that take regular fuel. Check your car owner’s manual or gas cap to see which grade is recommended. Using less than the minimum octane rating can have your car run sluggish and you may hear knocks in addition to fuel injection damage.

Keeping your tires in good shape is essential for your safety and of others on the road. With only a few tire maintenance tips, you can prolong the life of your tires and ensure your safety on the road. The first thing you can do is to check the tire pressure. This is something that you can do yourself without a mechanic. You will find the correct tire pressure for your car either in the owner’s manual or the tire placard located on the doorjamb. Experts also recommend getting your tires rotated every 6,000 or 8,000 miles. You can get your tires rotated when you take your car in for oil changes. A mechanic can also inspect the alignment of your tires.

Decide between the independent corner garage and the dealership service department. Technicians at the dealer are specialists; they are manufacturer-trained and typically work exclusively on your make of vehicle. Most dealers have an ongoing training program for the service staff, which includes not only the service technicians but also the service manager, advisors and support staff. (See “Roles of the Dealership Service Staff…Who Does What”.) But the dealer service department is usually the most expensive route. And it doesn’t mean that the dealers always have the best technicians. Many independent auto repair service facilities are started by previous dealer employees who want to operate their own repair store. For help deciding which is right for you, see “Corner Garage vs. Dealer Service Department.”

Another setup question is quizzing you about the oil weight that your vehicle can take. If you appear ignorant, you can easily be duped into believing that your vehicle may need services that are unnecessary. Additional Tips and Warnings: Study your car owner’s manual. Besides appearing more knowledgeable about your own vehicle, you’ll also may be able to solve simple problems just by knowing more about the basic controls of your car, meaning you may not even have to take it into a shop. See even more info on Auto Repairs Colorado Springs.