Posted on 5/2/2018
A leaking transmission is no laughing matter. Transmission fluid provides vital lubrication and cooling properties throughout your transmission. If the fluid is at a low level or the fluid itself is in bad shape, it will lead to bigger problems. Transmission repairs, rebuilds and replacements are not cheap. Like any automotive issue, it's always a good idea to address a small issue before it develops into a huge concern. How to Identify a Transmission Fluid Leak If there is a major leak, transmission fluid is very easy to identify. It is typically bright red in color. If you notice any drips or puddles on the ground underneath your car, this is a big problem that you will want to get checked out by an auto repair expert immediately. Any drips on the ground means there is a significant leak that should be dealt with as soon as possible. Otherwise, a minor transmission fluid leak ca ... read more
Posted on 4/25/2018
Are your brakes screeching and squealing? Is your car not stopping quite as quickly as it normally does? Are your tire treads wearing out very unevenly? If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, you are due for a brake inspection. Let's face it. Your brakes are one of your vehicle's most important components. Without good brakes, you won't have good control over your car and it can be extremely dangerous. You want to be able to come to a quick stop when the situation demands and you also just want to enjoy a smoother ride without herky jerky stops and starts. If you live in the Colorado Springs area and think you might have brake issues, bring your vehicle into LightHouse Automotive for a proper brake inspection. Our team of ASE Certified auto repair technicians will inspect your brake system a ... read more
Posted on 4/18/2018
Burton is a Volkswagen Passat owner and he recently had issues with his vehicle's fuel system. He knew it needed to be repaired or replaced, so he took his car into LightHouse Automotive for expert auto repair service. "I brought my VW Passat in for a new fuel system," Burton writes in his Google review. "Rylan [Blair, Owner] and the guys took good care of my car and got it back to me." A few days after getting his car back, however, Burton noticed that something still wasn't quite right with his car. The fuel system was still causing problems. He knew the work performed at LightHouse Automotive was backed by the NAPA AutoCare Peace of Mind Warranty (36 months ... read more
Posted on 4/11/2018
Most cars, trucks, SUVs and vans manufactured in the past 30-40 years will feature power steering. The reason for this is because it makes the vehicle easier to control. You are able to turn the wheels freely with minimal effort compared to older cars without any sort of power steering components. However, as vehicles continue to evolve in the 21st Century, so too do power steering systems. In this article, we will discuss the different types of power steering systems found in modern vehicles and the maintenance required to keep these systems working properly over time. Traditional Hydraulic Power Steering Systems A vast majority of power steering systems (up until the past few years of manufacturing) will feature a hydraulic setup. Hydraulic fluid (a.k.a ... read more
Posted on 4/4/2018
Your fuel intake system is very important. It is what takes the fuel from your gas tank and pumps it into the engine as needed. If the lines are dirty or clogged, or the fuel filter is old, you just won't experience proper performance from your engine. It could even lead to bigger engine problems down the road if your fuel intake system isn't working properly. A Fuel System Service at LightHouse Automotive will entail careful cleaning of the key fuel system components. This includes the fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injector, intake valve and combustion chambers. Specialized cleaning solutions and techniques are used to remove debris, dirt and gunk throughout the all-important fuel system. This will allow your engine to run as smoothly as possible while also providing added b ... read more
Posted on 3/28/2018
Katelynn recently visited LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs for the first time. She was in need of automotive repairs and wanted to find a local shop that she could trust. After doing some research, she decided to bring multiple vehicles into LightHouse Automotive. Katelynn recently wrote about her experience in a Yelp review. "This is a great repair shop," Katelynn writes. "I have had two issues with my vehicles and I was told to bring it on in. They are fast, professional and very affordable." As a local, family-owned automotive repair shop, we understand how important it is to treat people right. We strive to build customers for life throughout the Colorado Springs community by providing exceptional auto repair services with a friendly appr ... read more
Posted on 3/21/2018
When you bring your car into LightHouse Automotive for repairs, the first step is to identify the problem. Our technicians want to find out exactly what is wrong and then we can provide you with an accurate repair estimate. It's like going to the doctor and getting a diagnosis. We'll determine what needs to be fix and how to fix it. Then, we'll give you the information you need to make your repair decisions. Depending on the severity or complexity of the automotive issue, different types of testing and inspections may need to be performed. In this article we will outline the differences between the different steps our technicians might take in order to identify any problems within your vehicle. External Inspection This is almost always where we will start because it is the simplest ... read more
Posted on 3/14/2018
Your car has many different fluids inside that help keep components lubricated and vital systems working properly. We're talking about engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and radiator coolant (antifreeze). If these fluids aren't kept at a certain level and the fluid itself is not in good shape, your vehicle could develop major problems and you could be in for expensive repairs. Fluid Maintenance First of all, it's a good idea to get all your fluids checked regularly. The most common maintenance service is an oil change (which includes changing out the oil in the pan along with the oil filter). Other fluids usually don't need to be changed as often, but they always need to be taken care of properly. You may hear a c ... read more
Posted on 3/7/2018
When you have a car that's 20 years old, you can expect that it will need some work from time to time. Whether it's routine maintenance or more significant repairs or parts replacements, it helps to have a local auto repair shop that you can trust to keep your vehicle running as well as possible. Richard knows that he can turn to LightHouse Automotive for help with his older Mazda. Check out what he had to say in his recent review on Google: "Hey there. So, I just wanted to say thank you to Rylan and associates at LightHouse for fixing and taking care of my 1998 Mazda Protege, as well as being straightforward, reasonable and honest in their estimates and pricing," Richard writes. "I cannot express my gratitude enough, especially in respect to one's honest, as that is unfortunately becoming a harder virtue to find today's age." ... read more
Posted on 2/28/2018
Even the best-made vehicles have some room for improvement after they roll off the factory line. You may want to make various customizations to match your own taste and style. Or, you will want to consider custom performance upgrades to really get the most out of the vehicle. One of the most popular aftermarket upgrades that serious car owners will consider is a custom exhaust system. It can improve performance and it certainly can add a lot of flair. Here are five reasons why you might want to have a custom exhaust system installed at LightHouse Automotive: 1. Engine Performance and Power An aftermarket custom exhaust system can really unleash the full power of your car’s engine. By giving the exhaust gasses a more efficient escape route, your engine wi ... read more