Posted on 8/26/2020
All modern vehicles will have at least one oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) in the exhaust system, with most of today's cars having as many as four different sensors located at key points between the engine, exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. These are highly sensitive pieces of equipment designed to detect any dangerous fluctuations in your exhaust gases. Because these sensors are so sensitive, they will fail from time to time. They could start giving off false readings and warnings, or they may not work at all. You could have a harmful exhaust leak or other exhaust system problem and not even know it if the oxygen sensors aren't doing what they are designed to do. The good news is there are several ways to tell if you have a failing O2 sensor in your car: 1. Check Engine Light One of the most common sources for your ... read more
Posted on 8/19/2020
Keith was experiencing automotive problems with his truck, but he wasn't sure exactly what was wrong. He decided to bring his vehicle into LightHouse Automotive for a professional inspection and repair recommendations. Owner, Rylan Blair, and his team of automotive technicians looked over Keith's truck and were able to give him the information he needed to make the right repair decisions. "LightHouse went way beyond expectations from start to finish," Keith says. "They made sure I understood exactly what was wrong with my truck and what my options were. Rylan and his guys provide excellent customer service and quality work for a fair price." Providing helpful information and insight is important to us at LightHouse Automotive. We understand that some of our customers know more about ca ... read more
Posted on 8/12/2020
Your vehicle's suspension system does a lot more than give you a smoother ride. It affects the handling of the car and your overall safety while also protecting other components like brakes, drivetrain, wheels and tires. All of these systems need to be in good shape and work together to create the best possible performance. Here are 7 things you can do to help keep your suspension system in good shape: 1. Periodically Inspect the Shocks or Struts A clear sign of suspension problems is when you notice the shocks or struts leaking hydraulic fluid. A leaking shock/strut should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent more significant automotive damage. 2. Get Your Wheels Aligned The suspension system can have an impact on the ... read more
Posted on 8/5/2020
Figuring out what type of engine oil to use in your vehicle is more confusing than ever nowadays. There are many different brands, weights, synthetics and other options that will boggle your mind. However, it is important to make sure you are using the right kind of oil that's best for your particular vehicle—especially if you are doing your own oil changes. Look it Up The first and easiest recommendation is to look in your vehicle owner's manual or search online. It will tell you the recommended weight and type, whether it's a fairly standard 10W-30, synthetic blend or full synthetic. If you are taking your vehicle to a quick lube shop, they will usually ask you what kind of oil you want. If you don't have an answer, they will use their best judgment. In most cases, they are going to make the right decision. For your own peace of mind, however, it helps to know the ... read more
Posted on 7/29/2020
Mariano has been coming to LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs for years. He knows he can count on our service team to treat him right and our automotive repair technicians to take care of his vehicles. He recently paid our shop a visit and was kind enough to share his thoughts in an online review. "I really appreciate the entire staff at LightHouse Automotive and the friendly family-oriented philosophy they practice," Mariano writes. "Especially when they need each other's help to solve a customer's vehicle problem. The technicians willingly share their personal experience and skills to make sure customers are taken care of." Teamwork has always been a very important part of our business at LightHouse Automotive. We aren't the largest auto shop in town, but we make a concert ... read more
Posted on 7/22/2020
Your car needs electricity to power many different systems. If your automotive electric system is acting up or is low on battery power, certain things will not work properly. You may not even be able to get your car started at all. Here are 5 of the most common signs of auto electric problems, according to our top mechanics here at LightHouse Automotive: 1. Car Won't Start This is a pretty obvious sign that something significant is wrong. There are many reasons why a car won't start, but it is often associated with the electrical system. You might just have a dead battery, but that can be caused by a failing alternator or something else that is draining its power more than usual. There could be loose wiring or something else that is breaking the circuit between the ignition an ... read more
Posted on 7/15/2020
Other than the engine, there is nothing more important in your vehicle than its transmission. The engine provides the power to the car. The transmission is what actually makes it move, as it transfers power from the engine out to the drive wheels. At the first sign of any transmission problem, you will want to get your vehicle looked at by a professional mechanic. You never want to take any potential transmission issue lightly. A small concern can quickly turn into major internal transmission damage. Then, you may be facing major repairs—including a full transmission replacement or a custom rebuild. And let's just say that neither of those services are cheap. Here are 5 of the most common transmission issues that we see at LightHouse Automotive, along with what you need to know if you think one of these problems ma ... read more
Posted on 7/8/2020
Mike Jewell owns Jewell Auto in Fort Worth, TX. He got a call from one of his usual customers who happened to be here in Colorado Springs and was experiencing some problems with his truck. Mike looked up local shops in a professional automotive organization that he belongs to and found LightHouse Automotive on the list. He gave us a call and and ended up having his customer give us a chance to show what we could do. "When I called and spoke to Rylan [Blair, owner] about the issues my customer was concerned with, he immediately scheduled an appointment for the following morning," Mike writes in his online review. "My customer was completely satisfied with the service he received at LightHouse Automotive." Sometimes there's a bit more pressure when our shop is referred to us by another shop owner, especiall ... read more
Posted on 7/1/2020
Happy 4th of July from everyone at LightHouse Automotive! This will not be our typical Independence Day holiday in Colorado Springs. Many of the big fireworks shows have been canceled, but there are still a few happening [check out this link for a current list]. We're all being discouraged to attend big social get-togethers. We have to celebrate safely and find our own creative ways to enjoy this holiday with our friends and loved ones. It should still be plenty of fun for everyone this holiday weekend. Celebrating the Independent Spirit We love the 4th of July at LightHouse Automotive. It's a time to celebrate our country's independence and that means a lot to each and every o ... read more
Posted on 6/24/2020
We're heading into Colorado's summer season. We'll see more drivers on the road and visitors coming in from out of town. The warmer weather and longer drives usually mean you will depend on your vehicle's air conditioning system more than during the colder seasons. You want to keep yourself cool and your passengers comfortable, so now is the perfect time to get your A/C tuned up at Colorado Springs' own LightHouse Automotive!A/C System Repairs and Maintenance No matter what kind of air conditioning services you need, LightHouse Automotive has you covered. If you need repairs, our team will inspect your A/C system and let you know what parts need to be replaced or refurbished. Thermostats can fail or refrigerant leaks can develop. There may be any number of reasons why your ... read more