Colorado Springs Auto Repair

The muffler is just one part of a vehicle's exhaust system and it plays an important role as harmful gasses are expelled from the engine, burned off and then ultimately sent out through the muffler and tailpipe. The primary purpose of the muffler is to muffle the sounds being produced by the engine, just as the name would suggest. It's also kind of the final gatekeeper to keep the most harmful exhaust fumes from leaking out. If your muffler is going bad, you will want to get it repaired or replaced before it develops leaks that can cause health or safety risks. Any damage within the exhaust system can also affect the engine itself, so look out for any signs that there is an exhaust problem. When it comes to a failing muffler specifically, though, here are some of the warning signs you m ... read more

Many drivers don't realize the full importance of wheel alignment. They think it's just a minor inconvenience when the car pulls left or right on a straightaway or drifts some when making a corner. It's true that the wheels being slightly out of alignment is not a big deal at first, but the problems can compound and lead to other significant issues with your car.  LightHouse Automotive wants you to understand some of the things that can happen to your vehicle if you don't address the wheel alignment regularly. Tire Damage When the wheels are not aligned properly, it will really put extra stress on the tires and they will wear out very unevenly. Even if you get your tires rotated regularly, they simply won't last as long without the wheel alignment getting ... read more

You never want to see fluid leaking from your car. However, some leaks may be more concerning than others according to the Colorado Springs auto repair experts at LightHouse Automotive. Here are some helpful tips for identifying a fluid leak and how to deal with it. 1. Look at the Color Different automotive fluids have different colors. For example, transmission fluid is usually red while engine oil is typically gold/brown. Check out our past article on different types of vehicle fluids to help you identify where the leak might be coming from. 2. Look at Where the Leak is Coming from Another way to identify the source of a fluid leak is to see where the leak is coming out under the vehicle. The engine and cooling system are in the front while the ... read more

From a safety standpoint, few things in a vehicle are as important as the brake system. Whether you just need to slow down or come to a fast emergency stop, you need your brakes to work properly when you press on that brake pedal. The good news is that the brakes will usually let you know when there is a problem by making noise. However, there are different sounds that your brakes can make and some are more significant than others, which is why it helps to understand the differences. Here are the most common brake noises that lead people to bring their cars into LightHouse Automotive: Squeaking/Squealing The most common brake noise you will hear is a squeaking sound when you press the brake pedal, when you accelerate or sometimes when you turn a sharp corner. In some cases, it may be more of a prolonged sq ... read more

Gas is not getting any cheaper, so it helps to get the best possible fuel economy out of any vehicle you drive. Whether it’s a very fuel-efficient hybrid or big old gas-guzzler, the more you can save at the pump, the better. If you notice that your gas mileage seems to be less than normal or you just aren’t getting the fuel economy you are expecting, it may be the result of a mechanical problem or it could even be your own personal driving habits causing the lack of MPG. Here are 10 of the most common causes of poor fuel economy, according to the Colorado Springs auto repair professionals at LightHouse Automotive: 1. Dirty Air Filter If your engine isn’t getting the oxygen it needs to efficiently burn fuel, you will lose gas mileage. Replace your dirty engine air filter as needed and it will make a difference. 2. Failing Oxygen Sensors Most vehicles co ... read more

Whether you drive a manual or automatic transmission, there may be a time when you feel it start to "slip." This is especially true if you have an older vehicle or it's been awhile since your last transmission service. A slipping transmission means that it is struggling to shift between gears and/or stay in gear. It could be the sign of a major transmission problem or you may just need minor transmission maintenance. What Causes a Transmission to Slip? In many cases, a slipping transmission is a result of a transmission fluid (or transmission oil, if you prefer) issue. Too little or too much fluid may be running through the system and that can cause the transmission to have a hard time staying in a particular gear. You might notice the slips only happen in certain gears, as well. What causes a transmission fluid problem is that the filter or one of the lines could be clog ... read more

You need the battery to be able to start your car. That is it’s primary purpose along with providing power to the electronic components throughout the vehicle (stereo, lights, power windows/doors, electric power steering, etc.). If the battery dies or is growing weaker, you will likely notice some telltale signs. The average 12-volt car battery will last 5 to 7 years before it needs to be replaced. Depending on your automotive care and other factors, it may last longer or it may die sooner. If you leave the car sitting unused for long periods of time or drive a lot in cold weather, it will drain the battery. Sometimes, you may just need a jump start to get it going and then the alternator will keep it recharging as you drive. However, all batteries ultimately begin to start loosing their charging capacity and eventually it will need to be replaced. Here are a few signs of a dying car batt ... read more

Springtime is here and summer is just around the corner. It’s time to start the transition from a cold and icy winter to warmer weather, and that means making sure your car is taken care of with some spring maintenance. You may even want to consider spending at least part of your tax refund on some much-needed automotive repairs and preventative maintenance from LightHouse Automotive in Colorado Springs, CO. The cold weather and wet roads can really put a lot of extra strain on various vehicle components—especially the tires, brakes, wheels, suspension, battery, cooling system, transmission, engine and exhaust system. According to the automotive experts at LightHouse Automotive, here are a few of the common springtime auto maintenance tips you should consider: 1. Get an Oil Change ... read more

Sitting at an elevation of over 6,000 feet above sea level, Colorado Springs is a high-altitude town—just like most cities throughout our great state of Colorado. Being this high up offers a lot of natural beauty, but the altitude can also put a little more wear and tear on your car than an average low-altitude environment in other parts of the country. It’s important to understand the effects of high altitudes and mountain driving on different systems in your car. Colorado Springs’ own LightHouse Automotive takes a look at some of things you need to know. Fuel Efficiency Most vehicles these days are tested specifically to handle a wider variety of altitudes and geographic environments. Still, higher altitudes mean lower air density and less oxygen, argon and nitrogen being pulled into the ... read more

It never feels good when the check engine light comes on in your vehicle. If it's flashing or color-coded red, then that means it's an urgent problem. Pull off the road immediately and call for roadside assistance if this happens. Otherwise, the check engine light can illuminate for any number of reasons. It could be a big problem or a minor issue. Sometimes, it can even be tripped by mistake and just needs to be reset.  Let's look at some of the most common reasons why your check engine light might be on according to the Colorado Springs auto repair professionals at LightHouse Automotive. 1. Oxygen Sensor The oxygen (02) sensor is one of the most common culprits. The sensor could be tripped when the exhaust system isn't wo ... read more