Colorado Springs Auto Repair

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

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

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

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

At LightHouse Automotive, brake inspections and repairs are among the most common services we perform for our customers. After all, everyone wants their brakes to be working properly! We often get questions about the differences between the primary brake components. This article will help explain the various parts and talk about the importance of brake maintenance for your vehicle's safety and performance.  Brake Components Most vehicles on the road have disc brake systems. We do work on a lot of classic cars with drum brakes here at LightHouse Automotive, but we're going to keep this topic focused on disc brakes. There are four primary components to disc brakes, including the caliper, caliper support, brake pad and brake rotor. Brake Pads vs. Brake Rotors Brake pads are attached to the calipers, which are essentially clamps that close when you press on the ... read more

Mathew was in a tough situation. He had tried to work on his own car, an older-model Lincoln, but ended up hitting a wall. By the time he had a lot of it taken apart, he realized he wasn't equipped to make all the necessary repairs himself. Mathew needed professional help and he also wanted the repairs done quickly, which is why he turned to LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs. "Rylan and his team were great," Mathew writes in his recent review on Google. "I dropped them off an older Lincoln that I had torn apart and just did not have the mechanical expertise to finish up. They were quick to get it into the shop as I told them I needed the car ASAP." Sometimes it can be tricky when someone tries to make their own repairs and then brings it into ... read more

If you own a car or truck, you can expect to need repairs at some point. Beyond just standard preventative maintenance, minor and major automotive repairs are just a regular part of life for most of us. It’s important to have an auto repair shop in town you can trust. That’s why people throughout Colorado Springs turn to the automotive repair experts at LightHouse Automotive. We often get asked what the most common automotive repair services are. We’ve compiled this list of the Top 10 so you know what to expect when it comes to caring for your vehicle. These are some of the repairs we perform most often at LightHouse Automotive: 1. Brake Pads and Rotors You want your brakes to be working correctly at all times ... read more

Most vehicles will rely upon a water pump system to keep the engine cool and maintain consistent running temperatures. It’s vital to prevent overheating. There are air cooling systems, as well, which require their own maintenance and care. In this article, however, we want to focus on water pumps. Modern vehicles that use water pumps have more sophisticated cooling systems that are designed to last longer. This is pretty true with all modern vehicle designs. However, no car is exempt from something going wrong and it always pays to know what to look for in case of a failing water pump. Obviously, the older your vehicle is, the more concern you should have for your water pump. When it fails, your engine will overheat and it could lead to more significant en ... read more

Alex recently took his car into a quick-lube oil change shop, and one of the technicians there noticed that some transmission fluid was leaking. A leaking transmission is never a good sign, but Alex wanted a second opinion before any work was done. He is a student on a limited budget, so he knew it was worth having the vehicle looked at by a local transmission repair expert. After doing his research on dependable Colorado Springs auto repair shops, Alex decided to call LightHouse Automotive. Alex shared his feedback about his LightHouse Automotive service experience on Google: "The oil change guy claimed my transmission was leaking and these guys [LightHouse Automotive] gave me an honest quote," Alex says. "They even brought me into the shop to give me an up close and per ... read more

Colorado winters can be tough on your vehicle's battery. The cold weather, wet road conditions and increased use of electrical components such as the heater, defroster, headlights or windshield wipers will put additional strain on your battery and entire electrical system. You want to make sure your battery is running at full strength. If it is dying or dead, you could be left stranded and that's not a good thing. Recharge vs. Replace In some cases, a battery can just be drained and will benefit from being recharged. In other cases (especially if it's a recurring failure), it needs to be replaced with a new battery. Trust an experienced auto repair technician to test your battery and provide an accurate recommendation on whether your battery should be recharged or replaced. Signs of a Bad Car Battery There are a few common symptoms that will ... read more