Posted on 3/6/2019

People often take engine oil leaks pretty lightly. They look past that stain on their driveway, they put down some kitty litter to absorb the leak, or they just keep topping off the oil tank. Dealing with Any Fluid Leaks The truth is that any fluid leak in your vehicle shouldn't be ignored. The most concerning leaks will be transmission fluid, radiator coolant (antifreeze) or brake fluid. If you notice any of those fluids leaking from under your vehicle, you will not want to wait to bring it to a knowledgeable mechanic for a proper inspection. Even the smallest leak can be a sign of bigger problems. Or, it may be something minor that can be fixed immediately before it develops into something much more costly. Engine Oil Leaks The same is true with motor oil. It is the lifeblood of your car's ... read more
Posted on 2/27/2019

Each wheel hub in your vehicle contains a bearing assembly that allows the wheel to rotate freely as you drive. If one of these wheel hub bearings fails or becomes damaged in any way, it will definitely impact the performance and safety of your car. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may just be a minor noise nuisance at first. If the bearing is not repaired/replaced, however, it can lead to much bigger problems in the wheel. As with any automotive issue, it’s better to get it repaired now before it leads to a much more expensive auto repair. Here are some of the common signs associated with worn wheel hub bearings: 1. Grinding Noise If you hear (or sometimes even feel) a grinding noise coming from the car, it is often a sign of a damaged wheel bearing. 2. Humming Noise Sometimes, you might just hear an unusual humming noise or high-pitched sound coming ... read more
Posted on 2/20/2019

Jacob is really knowledgeable about cars. He does most of his own repairs and maintenance procedures at home. Recently he needed some work done on his car, but he didn't have the time to take care of it himself. That's why he decided to trust it with LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs. "Fantastic service," writes Jacob in his recent online review. "I had a problem with my car that I didn't have the time or energy to troubleshoot and fix, so I took it to LightHouse. I am thoroughly impressed!" Once Jacob brought his car into LightHouse Automotive, our technicians were able to inspect the problem and uncover the source of the problem he was dealing with. Specific repairs were recommended and explained. Jacob obviously isn't the average customer ... read more
Posted on 2/13/2019

Motor mounts (also known as engine mounts) serve a very simple, yet extremely important function in your vehicle. They represent the connection point between the engine and the chassis. They are typically a combination of metal and rubber. The metal is there for support and security while the rubber component helps absorb and minimize the vibrations. As you can imagine, the engine is generating a lot of power and torque with many fast-moving parts inside. This causes an incredible about of vibration, making the role of the motor mounts so vital. Yet, as with most vehicle parts, the motor mounts (and especially the rubber seals) will often deteriorate over time with regular wear and tear. If you are having a motor mount issue, it is very important to get it looked at by a professional mechanic and re ... read more
Posted on 2/6/2019

People are often hesitant to bring their vehicle into an independent auto repair shop. You never know what kind of service you are going to get. Will they be honest with the inspection and repair recommendations? Will they try to upsell you on unnecessary services and parts? Will they mark up the prices a lot? We get it. It's not easy to put your trust in a business you've never been to before, especially when it comes to automotive repair. It's All About Trust We opened LightHouse Automotive to be a different kind of auto shop where trust is earned and honesty is the cornerstone of our business. Perhaps it's based in our unwavering faith, but we are all about treating people the way they deserve to be treated. This means honest service, fair prices, professional expertise and personal care throughout the entire process. Locally Owned. Family Operated ... read more
Posted on 1/30/2019

Luke owns a 4x4 vehicle that is over 30 years old. It means a lot to him and he sure gets plenty of use out of it. Colorado Springs is a great playground for drivers who like to do a little off-roading. Naturally, a vehicle like this needs a lot of care. Luke knows how important it is for him to have a mechanic he can trust to keep his 4x4 running right. After a recent visit to Rylan & Tia Blair and their team at LightHouse Automotive, Luke shared his appreciation in a Google review. "Hands down the most honest mechanic I have ever met," Luke writes. "You know I have seen a LOT of mechanics and needless to say I will never go anywhere else. I took him a broken down hunk and he had me back on the road in no time." Our initial inspections of Luke's vehicle at the LightHouse Au ... read more
Posted on 1/23/2019

Today's vehicles are more advanced than ever, and the automotive technology is continuing to evolve at a very rapid pace. Obviously, the more modern the car, the more complex the electrical system is going to be. From the onboard computer and a multitude of different sensors to complicated wiring systems that power various components, today's automobiles are extremely high-tech. And, we haven't even mentioned the innovations behind hybrid and electric vehicles! You can usually tell if you have an auto electric problem. Some of the common symptoms include: • Check engine light or battery warning light • Engine not starting or having trouble starting • Dimming interior or exterior lights • Electrical malfunctions (stereo system, power windows/doors, etc.) • Smoke (not steam) coming from under the hood All of these are signs that you probably have an ... read more
Posted on 1/16/2019

If your car has an exhaust leak, it is not something you want to take lightly. The performance of your vehicle will be hindered. More importantly, it can potentially be deadly for you and your passengers if carbon monoxide and other harmful fumes are leaking inside the vehicle. If you have an exhaust leak, here are a few key things you need to know. Source of the Leak The exhaust system has many different components that remove the exhaust fumes from the engine, burn them off and then expel the reduced emissions out of the tail pipe. A leak can occur anywhere throughout the system. It could come from a manifold gasket, the catalytic converter, the muffler or somewhere within the pipes themselves. You will want a professional mechanic to inspect your vehicle and identify the source of the leak. Then, you will know what kind of repairs need to be made in order to resolve the leak ... read more
Posted on 1/9/2019

Kerry knew he was in need of numerous automotive repairs for his car, so he brought his vehicle into LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs, CO. He wanted to have the experts perform a full inspection to identify any problems and perform the necessary repairs. Kerry recently wrote about his service experience on Google. "The folks at LightHouse Automotive are amazing," Kerry writes. "Over a period of two days, they diagnosed and fixed many of the major problems I was having with my car." The inspection process is very important at LightHouse Automotive. The goal is to make sure any and all potential issues are properly identified before specific repair services can be recommended. There may be faulty parts that n ... read more
Posted on 1/2/2019

When is the last time you changed the oil in your car? It's important to keep track of this most common vehicle maintenance procedure. The engine oil is truly the life blood of any car, truck or SUV, and it's vital to make sure that it is changed per your manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. Whether it's every 3,000, 5,000 or 10,000 miles depending on your vehicle, you will never want to overlook your regular oil changes. Winter Maintenance This is especially true during the cold, wet and icy winter season here in Colorado Springs. This weather can really put a lot of extra stress on your vehicle, especially the engine. If clean oil is not running through the system as needed, parts will seize up and it will lead to major engine damage. Something as simple as changing out the oil and oil filter every few mo ... read more