Aurora Auto Repair

The pandemic has caused many areas of life to look and function quite differently than they did before 2020. One of the organizations that has been hit the hardest during the pandemic is the DMV. Locations across the country shut down at the beginning of last spring, and while most have reopened, they are generally operating under an appointment-only basis in order to keep social distancing intact. As you might expect, being shut down for months caused a long backlog of appointments, which means the current state of visiting the DMV is still far from normal. This state of affairs has left young aspiring drivers who are eager to take all of the steps necessary to get their licenses, as well as seasoned drivers looking to renew theirs, unsure of how to proceed. While each individual DMV location will vary slightly in how it’s moving forward, here are a few general and Colorado-specific things to keep in mind during this chaotic time: Expect Long Wait Times for a DMV Appointment o ... read more

Most car owners know that regular oil changes are necessary. But many people don’t realize that all vehicles have multiple systems that require fluid changes/flushes! Systems with moving components require lubrication to perform their tasks. These systems are: Engine Transmission Braking system Cooling Differentials Transfer case Power steering ____________ (by the time you read this, engineers have likely invented MORE systems that need special fluids!)   Specially designed fluids  provide the right conditions for optimal performance. Over time, these fluids break down. If routine fluid maintenance is ignored, eventually those components lack adequate lubrication to keep moving as designed - and that leads to expensive repairs (BOO!). Flushing and replacing the various fluids at the recommended intervals OR when an inspection indicates can save time, money, and inc ... read more

In an ideal world, we have steady income, along with a solid budget and responsible lifestyle to fit that budget. The budget includes money for scheduled maintenance and repairs. But no one is perfect and things aren't always ideal. There are months that we go over budget, we encounter unexpected expenses, and we just adjust. One expense that all car owners have is scheduled maintenance - oil changes, fluid flushes, filters, belts, hoses, etc, - based on the manufacturer recommendations. Most of our customers plan for the expense but no one relishes paying for maintenance. It is just a necessary cost we incur to enjoy the freedom and access our vehicles provide. But our customers have a way to build up credit towards service! We offer $50 Referral Credit for EVERY NEW CUSTOMER sent our way. No limits! Referral credit can be used on ... read more

The brakes are obviously how we stop or slow down a vehicle but  many drivers don’t realize the various components of the braking system that work together to keep us safe. It's more than just pushing the pedal.  The components of the brakes are pads, rotors, shoes, drums, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, brake lines, brake fluid, brake calipers – phew! That’s a lot of moving parts. When you get a brake inspection, these are the components should be inspected! If the ABS light is on, that is an indication that something is awry; you should schedule diagnostics to be performed.  Most newer vehicles have Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS System) but many drivers don’t understand its function. The ABS System enhances the brakes by preventing preventing the wheels from locking up while you try to steer normally ... read more

Winter is coming and now is the time to winterize your vehicles. But what does that really mean?  If you keep up with regular maintenance, there is not a whole lot to do. A simple inspection before the cold settles in is helpful to avoid delays or bigger issues. Most of winterizing is pretty common sense, but here is a list of items that will have you feeling extra prepared. Battery – have it tested and replaced if needed Fluids – windshield washer fluid will be needed often so be sure the reservoir is full. Be sure that coolant is at the proper level and condition Wipers – check for tears which cause streaking and reduced visibility Heating and Air Conditioning – Heat is obvious but the A/C system is important for the defrost to work well. Lights – be sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working well Tires – You want g ... read more

Fun Fact: Heat can cause your battery to fail. Did your brain just do a double-take? Are you now thinking, “Wait. But my car struggles to start in the cold, not the heat. So that can’t be right!” I hear you and yes, it’s the cold that often seems to stress out the battery but here’s why you might notice once the cold weather arrives: Heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, and insufficient fluid causes damage to the inner workings of the battery. That is why we recommend having your battery tested when the seasons change. And yes, the cold can also add stress to the body of the battery which could cause the acid to freeze and expand, putting pressure on the cells. It isn’t super likely but it is possible. Another sign to test or change the battery is if the car struggles to start. If you go out in the morning ... read more

For many, a car means the freedom to go when and where you want! But no one relishes the maintenance needs that come with it. And yet, maintenance prevents untimely breakdowns and expensive repairs! Occasionally do these 5 Simple Tasks to stay ahead of problems. Oil Change - The best thing you can do for your vehicle is to get regular oil changes from a trusted shop. At Aurora AutoPros, every oil change includes a Digital Safety Inspection that helps our customers plan and make informed decisions. Walk around your vehicle – Some people are rarely passengers in their own cars and given our busy lives, many only see the driver’s side. Occasionally walk all the way around your vehicle to check tires and see if they have decen ... read more

Windshield wipers are the helpful driving tools we rarely think about until they are really needed. They are also frustrating if not working well! Typically, wipers can last from 6 months up to a year. You’ll know they need to be replaced when they aren’t clearing well - they skip, streak, squeak, or smear – and are impairing visibility, rather than making it better. To help your windshield wipers last longer, consider the following: Regularly wash your car. Or at least your windshield! This will reduce the amount of grit that adheres to your wiper blades and causes them to deteriorate faster. Consider washing your wipers on occasion. As you use them, your wipers blades are collecting some of the grime that they are wiping away. You can wash the rubber blades and help pr ... read more

Air conditioning becomes a BIG priority when we start reaching 80-90 degree days. If you are sweating on your commute or are planning a road trip, be sure that the a/c is performing at its best. Serpentine belt, cooling system, a/c compressor performance, freon levels, leaks, and even dirty cabin air filters are all factors in ensuring maximum comfort on a hot day. (Side note: if your engine is overheating, it will affect the efficiency of the air conditioning.) Watch this videoto learn a bit more about the diagnostic process and how testing various components helps to ensure you keep cool all summer long.  If you aren't sure about your a/c and if it's in travel-ready condition, bring it to Aurora AutoPros and our certified technicians will do an inspection that includes the following: Check the tem ... read more