Colorado Springs Auto Repair

Sometimes you might hear the terms “powertrain,” “drivetrain” and “driveline” used interchangeably. They are all very much related, but there are important differences between these automotive terms. Everyone knows about the engine and the transmission, and most people have at least a basic understanding of how those work. The engine supplies power and the transmission controls the power as it is sent out to the wheels. The driveline is often the most misunderstood part of this equation. It is ultimately what transfers that torque from the transmission to the drive wheels when the vehicle is in motion. The first thing we want to look at is the differences between the terms powertrain, drivetrain and driveline. One way to think about is like a Russian nesting doll. Each term describes components that are part of the previous ... read more

It can be really disheartening when you try to turn on your car in the morning and it is struggling to start. You never want to have that feeling that you are going to be stranded somewhere because of a dead battery.  Winter Battery Concerns Though there are numerous reasons why your car may be struggling to start (spark plugs, alternator, engine problems, cooling system problems, starter, etc.), a weak battery is one of the most common issues. Especially during cold winter months, the battery is put through a lot of extra strain. It gets really cold when the vehicle isn't running for awhile, and that causes it to lose its charge faster.  Keeping Your Car Battery Healthy You need a healthy battery to make the car run and to control all your electronic components. You may notice that your headlights or interior lights are starti ... read more

Kari needed new brake pads and rotors on her car and she was in a pinch. She needed the work done as soon as possible. After calling around, LightHouse Automotive was the only shop in Colorado Springs willing to get her in the shop that day for her brake repairs. “I had called several places and he was able to work me into the schedule,” Kari says. “None of the other shops I called were willing to work with me and they said I’d have to leave it. Rylan [Blair, owner] took the time to inspect our car and get it done!” At LightHouse Automotive, we do our best to work around our customers' busy schedules. Emergency repairs can be tough, especially because we never know what issues we’ll find when we inspect the vehicle. Kari’s ... read more

The holiday season is here. The snow is falling and the Christmas decorations are up at home and at the LightHouse Automotive shop. We love this time of year. It's a special time to celebrate with friends and family. It's a time to reflect on the year that's past and look forward to the New Year ahead.  We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and wonderful holiday season! A Memorable 2019 2019 has been another memorable year for LightHouse Automotive. We've been blessed to serve so many great people and help them with their automotive repair and maintenance needs. We can't do what we do without our amazing team. They are what make our shop tick. Thank you to our excellent auto technicians and our customer service team! Thank You Everyone! ... read more

When the roads in Colorado Springs have ice, snow, rain, slush and road salt on them in the winter, it's important to take care of your tires. After all, they are your vehicle's only direct point of contact with the road surface. The handling of your car and your safety depend greatly on the health of your tires. LightHouse Automotive would like to share these winter tire care tips: 1. Check the Air Pressure Often Cold temperature can decrease the air pressure in your tires. On the other side of the coin, overinflated tires will provide much less traction. It's worthwhile to check the air pressure at least every couple of weeks during the winter to make sure they are inflated properly. 2. Check the Tire Treads Your tire treads are very important during the winter to help with stability and traction. Look at the ... read more

Mariano was experiencing suspension issues in his Dodge Caravan, so he took his vehicle into LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs for a proper diagnosis and professional repairs. He had been to our shop previously for some transmission repairs, so he knew he could count on our team to provide quality service. “The replacement of the rear suspension bushings for my Dodge Caravan turned out to be more difficult and time consuming than expected, but the crew at LightHouse stayed with it until the job got done at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE!”Suspension problems can often be more complex than simply replacing some worn parts. Ultimately, the bushings themselves are pretty simple to install. They are there to provide cushi ... read more

It's easy to check the oil in your car using the dipstick under the hood. Most cars will have several dipsticks for different fluid reservoirs, so consult your owner's manual to locate the engine oil reservoir and corresponding dipstick.  If you've never done it before, it's really simple. First, pull out the dipstick and use a cloth or paper towel to wipe off any old oil that may be on it. Dip it all the way back in and pull it out to get a fresh sample. It's a good idea to check your oil every so often because you want to make sure you have enough healthy oil in the pan to help keep your engine running smoothly. If not, it's time for an oil change! When you do take the time to check your own oil, here are 4 things you should look for according to the Colorado Springs auto repair experts at Light ... read more

At LightHouse Automotive, we believe in the "attitude of gratitude." We've built our business on making positive connections with people, so it's only natural for us to want to give thanks during the holiday season. Thanksgiving is a special holiday to spend quality time with your friends, family and loved ones, and it's also a time to be grateful for everything we have. We want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Teamwork at Work We also want to give out our own thanks and share our gratitude for all the people who have helped make LightHouse Automotive what it is today. Rylan and Tia Blair started this Colorado Springs auto repair shop over 15 years ago with a simple mission to provide friendly customer service and quality auto care. These values are still at the core of everything we do as a business. It starts with our ... read more

Edward was concerned when the check engine light came on in his 2007 Chevrolet Impala. He didn't hesitate to bring his car into LightHouse Automotive for a diagnostic check and inspection to determine what the problem was.  "They let me know my fuel pressure sensor was bad and needed to be replaced," Edward says. "They gave me an estimate to see if I can afford it, which was a good thing." The fuel pressure sensor (also known as a fuel rail sensor) is one of many important sensors within a vehicle. It monitors the fuel pressure in the fuel system, and then sends measurements to the car's computer. The computer then makes adjustments to keep the fuel burning consistently in the engine. It's a very sensitive component, so when it fails it can really impact the fuel efficiency and performance of the vehicle. When any sensor in you ... read more

Your vehicle’s fuel system pumps fuel from the gas tank and into the engine. Needless to say, it can be problematic if the fuel system isn’t working properly. You will lose fuel efficiency (MPG). If something is really wrong, then the car might not run at all. Damage to fuel system components may also lead to a fuel leak, which can be dangerous in a number of ways. In most cases, major fuel system issues will come down to the fuel pump. It’s what keeps the gas flowing through the lines. Other problems that can be developed are clogged fuel filters or fuel lines. Or, a leak can happen with a loose connection or damaged parts. Here are are 7 common signs that your car has a fuel system failure, according to LightHouse Automotive: 1. The Engine is Sputtering This of ... read more