Posted on 8/8/2018
Nobody likes the sound of brakes that are screeching and squealing every time you step on the brake pedal. There are actually a number of issues that can cause these unpleasant sounds, and it's not always the brakes that are the culprit. LightHouse Automotive has put together this list of common brake issues that you will want to have inspected and repaired if you hear screeching or squealing. 1. Worn Brake Pads This is the most common cause of squeaky brakes and it is also the easiest fix. Your brake pads may be worn out and it's time to get them replaced. If you wait too long, the sounds will only get worse as metal grinds on metal and potentially more damage is caused. 2. Dirt and Grease Sometimes brake pads, rotors and other components just get dirty. This is especially common during the wet winter months when there is a lot of dirt, mud, grease and grime get ... read more
Posted on 8/1/2018
Gaby was a little hesitant to bring her Dodge Dakota R/T to a mechanic. She knew the truck needed a lot of work, but she couldn't hold off any longer. Gaby decided to bring it to LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs for a thorough assessment and a breakdown of her repair options. Her recent review on Google outlines her positive service experience. "This is the best service we have had in a long time," Gaby writes. "Went in needing a big job for our Dakota R/T and expecting to pay money I couldn't afford at the time. I was not only greeted with great customer service, but given affordable options to my problem which I really appreciate." At LightHouse Automotive, we are going to tell it like it is. We perform thorough ... read more
Posted on 7/25/2018
Your engine is the heart of your car and you want to keep it running its best. The Colorado Springs auto repair experts at LightHouse Automotive know what it takes to keep engines performing well. Let's take a look at some of their engine repair and maintenance services. Preventative Maintenance When it comes to caring for your car's engine, preventative maintenance is important. Getting your oil and filter changed every 3,000-5,000 miles is crucial to keep all the components inside the engine properly lubricated. Then, you have other things like the fuel filter, air filter, exhaust system and cooling system that you want to keep in good shape to protect your engine from major damage. Check Engine Light Obviously, if your ... read more
Posted on 7/18/2018
We're in the middle of summer in Colorado. The combination of mountain driving with some warmer temperatures will put extra stress on your engine. What do you do if your vehicle happens to overheat? Here are some helpful tips from Colorado Springs' own LightHouse Automotive. 1. Turn the A/C Off The first preventative step you can take when you notice your vehicle is running hot is to turn off the air conditioner. Even turning the temperature dial to hot can be helpful as it will draw away the hot air from the engine. With the A/C on, your engine will be working harder and overheating becomes a real concern. 2. Pull Over If the engine ... read more
Posted on 7/11/2018
Sabrina was desperate. Her 2000 Ford Focus had been sitting dead for 10 months and she needed it repaired. She couldn't hold off any longer. At the same time, Sabrina had to stay within her budget. After doing extensive research, she decided to bring her car into LightHouse Automotive. Sabrina was ultimately very glad she made this decision. Her recent Google review will attest to her positive experience at our Colorado Springs auto repair shop. "This place is awesome, very courteous and professional," Sabrina writes. "I had to have my 2000 Ford Focus towed to the shop. It had a world of problems (just completely dead) after sitting for 10 months. I did my research on auto mechanics through the Better Business Bureau. Rylan [Blair, owner of LightHouse Automotive] was the only one that woul ... read more
Posted on 7/4/2018
If your transmission is not working properly, your car won't run right and it may not run at all. Rebuilding, replacing or making major repairs to your transmission can be costly, so it's a very good idea to address any minor issues before they develop into major problems. Here are some common transmission trouble symptoms that you can look for: Transmission Fluid Leaks Transmission fluid is generally bright red in color, so it's easily identifiable if you notice a leak under your car. This is something you will want to have looked at immediately if you notice a leak or check the transmission fluid dipstick under your hood and find that the fluid is discolored or the level is low. Transmission fluid is the lifeblood o ... read more
Posted on 6/27/2018
Your engine is the heart of your car. If it is not performing correctly, it's not a good situation. Minor engine damage can ultimately lead to major vehicle failures and expensive repairs if not dealt with as soon as possible. Sometimes a simple fix today can prevent thousands of dollars in damage tomorrow. As a driver, you can use your senses to feel when something is not right, whether it is an engine problem or something else wrong with your car. Here are 8 of the most common symptoms to look for: 1. Check Engine Light Obviously, if your check engine light or another dashboard/computer display warning comes on, it's usually for a good reason. Your vehicle has many sensors throughout it and if a problem ... read more
Posted on 6/20/2018
Alena is in her early 20s and admittedly doesn't know much about cars. It should come as no surprise that she was a little hesitant when she needed work done on her older van. She was afraid of being taken advantage of by a mechanic. So she called around to several auto repair shops in the Colorado Springs area, and decided to put her trust in the team at LightHouse Automotive. "It was difficult for me to locate a trustworthy mechanic who I could rely on without getting ripped off," Alena writes in her recent Google review. "After calling several places, I decided to call LightHouse Automotive back because the respect I received over the phone was the most welcoming compared to all the other places! Rylan [Blair], the shop owner, was ever so kind and treats his guests with such loyalty and as an individual rather than a customer. Such a nice and knowledgeable m ... read more
Posted on 6/13/2018
Summer is finally here! It's time for family road trips and other excuses to hop in the car and drive around without so much snow and rain on the roads. The big question: Is your car ready for summer? The more you drive your vehicle, the more you need it to be running well. After a long, cold winter, it's undoubtedly time for a tune-up. These simple maintenance steps from LightHouse Automotive can help you get more out of your car this summer: 1. Get the Oil Changed This is something you should be doing every 3,000-5,000 miles, no matter what the weather. However, even if you didn't drive that much mileage over the winter months, it's still probably a good idea to change the oil and filter. The more the car sits around in the cold, the quicker the oil will deteriorate. Now is a great time ... read more
Posted on 6/6/2018
Not everybody realizes this, but your exhaust system is one of your vehicle’s most important features. From the manifold to the catalytic converter and the muffler to the exhaust pipes themselves, all components need to be functioning properly for optimal performance. Effects of a Bad Exhaust System What happens if your exhaust system isn’t working correctly? Here are just a few things that should concern you: • Decreased Engine Performance • Possible Engine Damage • Decreased Fuel Economy • Failure to Meet State Emissions Requ ... read more