Littleton Auto Repair

The winters in Littleton, CO can be quite harsh. With frozen rain, sleet, and of course snow, it makes our roads extra slick. Your tires may have a harder time gripping the road. Not to mention, the cold puts extra strain on our vehicle’s systems, including the engine, brakes, battery, suspension, steering, and more. Whether you’re an experienced driver or not, we thought these tips will come in handy for your driving this winter. Tip #1: Know How to Handle Your Vehicle on Ice People tend to be heavy-footed on their brake pedal when it is slick outside. However, it is precisely the opposite of what you should be doing. Hitting the brakes can actually cause your car to slide more. Instead, go easy on the brakes.  Tip #2: Pack Items For Emergencies The weather can be quite unexpected, so it is essential to stock up on items that can help you out of any sticky situation. Whether you get snowed in at work or welcomed with a dead battery at the store, make sure you have ... read more

Brake rotors, also referred to as brake discs, are vital for any vehicle's brake system. The rotors attach to and spin with the vehicle's wheel. When the brake pedals get pressed, the brake pads clamp down onto the rotors, thus creating friction and eventually stopping the vehicle. Brake rotors are made of solid and sturdy parts, making it difficult to understand how warping occurs. Though it may feel like it causes damage when braking, it doesn't cause permanent warping. What happens is brake rotors wear out irregularly because of the following reasons. 1. Excessive heat: This always happens if you put pressure on your car breaks. Excessive heat makes the rotor surface wear down, and metal areas raised higher. Heat causes metal to soften, causing wearing out in various parts and uneven surfaces. To identify the irregular wear, you have to measure your rotor to detect it. A professional auto car dealer can assist with that. High spots get hotter than other ... read more

Many drivers are in the dark when it comes to their engine’s air filters. Do they make a difference? Do you have to change them? And do they actually affect your car’s performance? You’ve come to the right place – South Park Tire & Auto Center can help you answer all these questions and help protect the health of your vehicle.   Truthfully, air filters play a major role to your vehicle’s performance and neglecting to replace your air filter can result in negative consequences. The purpose of the air filter is to keep debris, leaves, bugs, dust, and other contaminants out and away from the engine. They block out these particles so that they don’t damage or wear down your engine parts.     Just like the air filter in your homes, you should change an engine air filter over time. When the filter has collected a significant amount of debris, it won’t be as effective a job. More importantly, the clogged air filter can obst ... read more

Windshield wipers are the unsung heroes when it comes to helping you see when driving through the rain or snow in Littleton, CO. Sometimes, we may need to turn them on to clear off the dust, bugs, or other contaminants that cling onto your car’s windshield. The truth is changing your windshield wipers is just as important as changing your oil. Read on to learn more about how often you should be replacing your wipers.  How Often Should Wiper Blades Be Replaced? Wiper blades should be replaced every six months to one year. As soon as you notice that your visibility is compromised, please have them replaced. Wipers should operate in a smooth and simple fashion. When wiper blades no longer make proper contact with the windshield surface, they can begin to squeak, smear, or streak, reducing driving visibility.  What Are the Signs of Worn Wiper Blades? Squeaking, smearing, and streaking. Visible cracks, tears, and missing pieces on the rubber side. Wipers don’t fu ... read more

Individual belts were formerly installed for a range of engine-related parts. Most belt-driven components in modern cars are powered by a single drive belt called a serpentine belt. The auxiliary pulleys of the parts it powers are wrapped by the serpentine belt. The idler pulleys that retain the drive belt in its spiral structure and aid in the belt's movement may cause the serpentine belt to spin. A serpentine belt drives the following automotive extras: • Alternator • Pump for the steering • compressor for air conditioning • water meter • pumps air If your serpentine belt has an issue, here are some of the things to look out for; Dead battery sign on the dashboard Warning lights on your dashboard indicating a dead battery are the first thing you could see if your drive belt is damaged or entirely snapped off. The serpentine belt drives the alternator, and when it breaks, the check engine light will come on, so it's probable that you'll s ... read more

An alternator is an electrical component in your vehicle that is necessary for recharging your car battery and providing power to start the engine. There are many moving parts involved to allow the process of starting your car to be smooth. When your alternator fails, you can expect other components to fail too. Below are the common signs of a faulty alternator:   Electrical Failures - Since your alternator is needed to power your electronic accessories in your vehicle, they can stop working out of nowhere when the alternator is troubled. These can include your car radio, windshield wipers, lights, power seating, and more.   Dashboard Warning Light On - When the alternator is at a loss, the electrical warning light may be triggered by your On-Board Diagnostics (OBD). If you notice this light on your dashboard, please come by our auto repair shop to have these components tested.   Weak Battery - Batteries can last up to several years. Without your alternator, your b ... read more

With summer upon us, you probably have a road trip or two planned soon. At South Park Tire & Auto Center, we always want to be as prepared as possible. Being far away from home can be dangerous, especially when you’re not familiar with the roads. Before you hit the road for your next trip, it is important that you pack some road trip essentials. Having helpful items on hand during emergency situations, accidents, or breakdowns can make things more settled. Below are some of the items you should pack on your next trip. Jumper cables - To restore your battery charge when it gets drained A spare tire and tire changing tools - You never know when you might hit a nail or another sharp object that can pop your tire. This will come in handy if that happens. A first aid kit - If you get a cut or other injury on the road, this is a must! Lots of water and non-perishable food - These will keep you and your passengers hydrated and fed. A phone charger - You’re going to need ... read more

Have you ever gone into your car in the morning and felt a funky smell once you start it? It feels so awkward, and it leaves you wondering why a car you might have washed the evening before should have such an awful smell. You might drive away from the garage for just a few meters just in case the odor is coming from the outside, but if the condition persists and more vinegar smell emanates from your car A/C, there is a cause for alarm. Cause of Foul Odor From Your Car A/C   One of the leading causes of foul smell from your car's vent is mold building up in the ventilation system. Every other time you drive in the rain or have a car cleaner wash your vehicle, it is definite that water residue will remain in the system. Moisture is a prerequisite for bacteria to grow and thus form molds in your car's ventilation system, especially the evaporator. When you switch on your vehicle, the smell will travel through the ventilation system directly into your face causing discomfor ... read more

The condition of your tires is something that all drivers should stay on top of. Tire wear affects the handling, comfortability, and safety of your ride. Without proper tire maintenance, your tires may wear unevenly. When your tires wear in an unusual pattern, it can present multiple problems down the line. Below are some popular types of tire wear: Center Wear Center wear is precisely what it sounds like. It typically occurs when you over-inflate your tires. Since they protrude more than they're supposed to, the center will make full contact with the road. Please make sure you match your tire inflation to the psi recommended by your automaker. Side Wear Side wear is the opposite, and it occurs when the shoulders of tires have more wear than the center. It is a result of driving with under-inflated tires. To prevent wear and tear on your tires, please make sure you properly inflate your tires. Cupping Wear Cupping wear is caused by aging shocks and struts, and it is used to d ... read more

At South Park Tire & Auto Center, we are always looking out for your safety, which is why we advocate for defensive driving. By carrying out safe driving practices on the road, you can save yourself from car troubles and dangerous accidents. Here are five essential defensive driving tips for incorporating in your commute: Keep a safe distance between you and other cars. Way too many collisions happen this way. Keeping 3-seconds worth of space between you and the vehicle in front can increase your reaction time and mitigate your risk of hitting your back bumper. Put your cell phone away. There are strict cell phone traffic laws in the US for a reason: it is super distracting and dangerous. Calling and texting require taking at least one hand off the wheels and your attention off the road. You should put your phone on silent before driving to avoid the temptation. Don't drive when you're tired. Driving while asleep can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, s ... read more