Colorado Springs Auto Repair

There's a simple equation that explains what powers your car's engine:  Fuel + Air = Combustion Gasoline or diesel is obviously the fuel in this equation, but many people overlook the importance of the air intake when it comes to the health and performance of their vehicle. First, it explains the need for a clean engine air filter. You should have your air filter checked with any automotive maintenance service visit and replaced if it is getting dirty. Otherwise, it will hinder the air flow and/or air quality being taken in, which both will impact the overall performance of your engine in negative ways.  Second, you need a system that controls the air intake and allows just the right amount of air into the engine at just the right times. This is where you'll either have a carburetor or a fuel injection system. L ... read more

Tommy is a longtime Subaru owner and he has lived in Colorado Springs for more than 30 years. Because he’s been pretty loyal to that vehicle brand throughout his life, he used to trust the local dealership and auto repair/service chains. However, Tommy recently decided to declare his independence and bring his Outback to LightHouse Automotive—a family-owned and operated Colorado Springs business. He wanted a second opinion on his suspension problems because the “other guys” quoted him a very high repair estimate. “These guys are the best I have experienced in a LONG time.” Tommy writes in his Google reviews. “I will not be using the brand name groups ever again. Rylan [Blair, Owner of LightHouse Automotive] saved me hundreds, possibly more, by being honest and showing me why I did not need the work and parts another group flat-out lied ... read more

Just like your body, your car has a number of different fluids running through it to keep it healthy. Specific fluids are used for lubrication to keep all the vehicle’s vital components moving freely and to prevent major internal damage. If you notice a leak under your car, it helps to understand the different types of fluid. There is some maintenance you can do on your own, while most automotive fluid issues should be handled by a professional auto repair shop like LightHouse Automotive. Let’s take a look at your vehicle’s fluids and what each of them does: 1. Engine Oil The oil in your engine is obviously very important, which is why you get your oil and oil filter changed every 3,000-5,000 miles as recommended. It keeps all the internal engine components properly lubricated. It is easy to ... read more

  The fall season is upon us. The leaves are turning colors and the weather will only get more unpredictable as we head into winter in Colorado Springs. Having your vehicle in good shape is important when you live in a place with four distinct seasons. With some simple maintenance steps, it will perform better and you will be safer as a driver. As we get into fall and start preparing for winter rain and snow, here are some Colorado car care tips from LightHouse Automotive for you to follow: 1. Replace Your Windshield Wipers Visibility is so important when it's raining, snowy or foggy out. Make sure your windshield wipers are working well, and get them replaced if needed. 2. Check Your Headlights Headlights are also vital when it comes to visibility. As the days get shorter, you need good headlights. Make sure yours are bright and the housings are clean for opt ... read more

Dana wasn't happy. She had some work done at a different auto repair shop in Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, they seemed to do more damage than good. She was losing faith in local auto mechanics, but then she decided to give LightHouse Automotive a shot. Dana was glad she did. "I had initially taken my car to another shop which I paid a little over $900 to fix. It hadn't run right since," Dana says in her review on Google. "I had seen the reviews for LightHouse Automotive and decided to take a chance. I don't regret it one bit!" It's too bad that it had to come to this, but we see it all the time. Someone else does a poor repair job that we have to fix or completely redo. In Dana's case, it was totally messed up, so we essentially had to start over from scratch to perform the repair that the other shop had attempted—and failed—to complet ... read more

Summer is almost over, which means it's time to get ready for fall and winter weather here in Colorado Springs. When it comes to your safety as a driver, few things are as important as your tires. If the treads are getting low and starting to go bald, now is the ideal time to get new tires. Here is a tire tread test you can do yourself. It's called the "penny test" and it's really easy to do. Take a normal penny (some say a quarter is even more accurate, but either coin will give you a basic idea). Turn it upside down and stick it in the middle of your tire treads. If there is any space between Lincoln's head and the tread, then you are getting dangerously low. Remember that your tires may not be wearing evenly, so it's a good idea to check them all in case one is lower than the rest. If you fear that your tire treads are getting low, bring your vehicle into LightHouse Automotive ... read more

When it comes to your vehicle, the electronic systems are very complicated. There are many different components of a car that are powered by the battery, including the audio system, the starter, the headlights, dashboard gauges, computer system and more. The more complex that modern vehicles get with features such as entertainment and GPS systems, the more important the electronics are. Then, we also have hybrid and fully electric vehicles that depend greatly on the battery power to run so many different things. Some electrical issues can be easy to diagnose and fix. Wires may come undone or fuses could short out. Other electrical issues require a great deal of inspection to figure out the root of the problem. Either way, dealing with vehicle electronics repairs is probably not something you want to deal with yourself. It can be dangerous and it requires specialized knowledge from an auto repair ... read more

Raymond wanted to make some upgrades to his 1994 Chevy Silverado. More specifically, he was looking to install a new custom exhaust system. Raymond had heard good things about LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs, and he learned that we are known for our exhaust expertise. Owner Rylan Blair is very passionate about exhaust repair and skilled at custom exhaust work. It's one of many specialty automotive services available at our shop. "I took my '94 Silverado LightHouse for a custom dual exhaust," Raymond says. "I am very picky and hard to please. Ryland and his crew bent over backwards, and earned my business the good old fashioned way. He totally reworked my exhaust and it sounds incredible." The work ... read more

In the field of auto repair, oil changes are the most common service performed at just about any shop. And of course, there are those "quick change" places all around town. "Quick" doesn't always translate to good service or proper work, though.  What the Oil Does for Your Vehicle Getting your oil changed regularly is a very, very important part of regular vehicle maintenance. It may seem simple and easy, but bad things can happen if you don't do it on a regular basis. Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car. There are many different fluids performing different functions within the vehicle, but there's no doubt that the oil is the most important. It lubricates vital components in the engine that are moving that high speeds as the motor is runni ... read more

We're in the middle of the summer and we're using our air conditioners more than usual. Before long, the seasons will change and you'll need your car's heater and defroster to be working well. Your vehicle's air conditioning system is very important to your personal comfort (and sometimes safety) all year round. The summer is a great time to get your air conditioner and heater checked out and tuned up as needed. First, let's look at some of the common signs you might have heating or air conditioning problems:      • Air not as cold or as warm as you want it to be.     • Defroster taking too much time to clear windows.     • Unpleasant smells coming from vents.     • Air conditioning only works when car is in full motion ... read more