Denver Auto Repair

Toyota vehicles have a strong reputation for reliability and longevity. Many drivers choose them for their dependability and lower maintenance costs compared to other brands. However, even the most reliable cars can develop problems if not properly maintained. Some hidden issues in Toyota models can lead to unexpected and expensive repairs if ignored. Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid big headaches and keep your Toyota running smoothly for years to come. 1. Oil Sludge Build-Up Oil sludge is a thick, sticky substance that forms when engine oil breaks down and becomes contaminated. Certain Toyota engines, especially those from the early 2000s, have been known to develop sludge if oil changes are skipped or delayed. Sludge restricts oil flow, leading to poor lubrication, overheating, and severe engine damage. Once sludge has formed, cleaning it can be difficult and costly ... read more

After reviewing results from over 9 million visits, Firestone discovered that 42% of vehicles in the US had underinflated tires, and that this needlessly increased fuel costs by over 18 billion dollars every year. It would seem that this number must be wrong, since most modern cars have TPMS sensors which warn drivers when tire pressure falls below a certain threshold – and here is the rub – your TPMS light only illuminates after the tire is already significantly underinflated (typically 25%). And considering how easy it is to ignore the TPMS light when tires visually look ok, this number may be correct. At South Denver Automotive we consider this problem to be important enough to offer tire inspections that include not only tire pressure checks and adjustments, but also tread depth evaluation, and a visual inspection for uneven tire wear. Underinflated tires can increase braking distance, increase probability of blowouts, increase fuel consumption, make handling more dif ... read more

It may seem like a misprint, but Chrysler Corporation is indeed 100 years old. Thus it joins an elite club of automotive marquees that lasted for over 100 years. And so Chrysler continues its saga – while the iconic PT Cruiser may no longer be in production, we are offered modern minivans: Chrysler Voyager and the award winning Chrysler Pacifica. At South Denver Automotive we offer comprehensive Chrysler repair and maintenance, and as long as parts continue to be available, we will support not just current models, but some of the past models, including the PT Cruiser and Chrysler 300 as well.  Our Denver auto care shop offers full range of services for your Chrysler vehicle (or any other vehicle you may own – we have the depth of experience to handle domestic, Asian and European cars). So whether your Chrysler is experiencing transmission issues, needs check engine light diagnostic, has suspension problems, is not blowing cold air, or there are electrical system prob ... read more

Volkswagen Jetta and Passat models have long been favorites among drivers for their refined interiors, responsive handling, and strong fuel economy. While these vehicles are built with German engineering precision, they still come with a set of common issues that owners should watch out for, especially as mileage increases. Staying on top of these problems will help avoid breakdowns and maintain that enjoyable VW driving experience. Let’s explore the most frequent trouble areas in these two popular models and why early detection matters. Transmission Hesitation and Failure One of the more well-known issues, especially in earlier model years of the Jetta and Passat, involves automatic transmission problems. Drivers may notice hesitation when shifting gears, jerking while accelerating, or long pauses before the gear engages. In some cases, this ... read more

Tire maintenance often gets boiled down to a single task: checking the pressure. And while keeping your tires properly inflated is a key part of vehicle safety, it’s just one piece of a much bigger picture. The condition of your tires affects how your vehicle handles, how long your suspension lasts, and even how much fuel you burn. Whether you’re commuting across the Denver metro area or heading out for a weekend up in the Rockies, here’s why tire maintenance should go beyond just topping off the air. Proper Inflation Is Just the Starting Point Yes, tire pressure is important. Driving with underinflated tires increases rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy and accelerates wear on the outer tread. On the other hand, overinflated tires wear more in the center and can make your ride feel stiff or unstable—especially on bumpy roads. But here’s the thing: Even ... read more

Modern vehicles are marvels of engineering, electronics and design, yet there are simple ways to extend vehicle life and improve your ownership experience – and none of them are complicated nor do they require sophisticated equipment. At South Denver Automotive we recommend: Regular Oil Changes:   Oil changes are vital for your vehicle – they not only extend engine life, but they also give us an opportunity to spot developing problems and to nip them in the bud. Tire Rotation:   It’s such a simple thing, yet rotating tires improves handling and ride comfort, and extends tire life as well. If you have bought tires recently, you know that savings can be significant. So if your vehicle has not had tire rotation within the last 6 months, mention this during your next service visit. Fluids Checks:  Regular fluid checks are vital to the well-being of your vehicle. At South Denver Automotive we can check a ... read more

If you've spent any time on Colorado roads, especially around Denver or the mountain towns, you've probably noticed a sea of Subarus. From Outbacks and Foresters to Crosstreks and WRXs, Subarus are everywhere in the Centennial State—and that’s no accident. Their strong presence isn’t just about style or brand loyalty; it comes down to practicality, capability, and trust. So, what makes Colorado such a Subaru stronghold? The answer lies in a combination of terrain, weather, and a culture that appreciates vehicles built for the outdoors. All-Wheel Drive Comes Standard One of the biggest draws of Subaru vehicles is that most models come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While other automakers reserve AWD for premium trims or only offer it as an add-on, Subaru includes it as a baseline feature in nearly all their vehicles. That matters in Colorado, where changing road conditions are part of daily life. Snow and ice are common in ... read more

  Welcome to South Denver Automotive, the premier auto repair shop in Denver. We offer complete car care – whether you drive a Toyota Corolla, Honda minivan, or a Ford F-250. Our Denver auto repair shop offers everything your vehicle may need, including brake service and repairs. Brake system reliability means safety for you and your passengers, so at South Denver Auto we take brake maintenance and repairs very seriously. Whether you vehicle is equipped with disk brakes or drum brakes, you can count on our nationally ASE certified technicians to perform through testing before and after repairs, to make sure that any brake work is done right – the first time. Our technicians are equally skilled at working on disk brakes as well as drum brakes, so whether your vehicle requires brake pads replacement, caliper replacement, whether it needs brake shoes or new brake rotors, we can get the issue diagnos ... read more

Denver’s roads can be unpredictable, with dry, sunbaked pavement one day and icy streets the next. Choosing the right tires for your car isn’t just about longevity—it’s about safety, performance, and adapting to the ever-changing weather. If you’re driving in and around the city or taking weekend trips to the mountains, having the right tires can make all the difference in handling and control. Here’s what you need to know when picking the best tires for Denver’s climate. Tire Selection is Important Denver’s climate doesn’t make things easy on your tires. From scorching summer heat that wears down rubber to icy winter conditions that demand extra grip, your tires have to handle a little bit of everything. Poor tire choice can lead to: Reduced traction on wet or icy roads – leading to longer stopping distances and an increased risk of skidding. Faster wear and tear – extreme temperature shifts cause t ... read more

Keeping up with oil changes is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your vehicle. Fresh oil keeps your engine lubricated, prevents overheating, and ensures all its moving parts work efficiently. But how often should you change your car's oil? You might have heard the classic rule of every 3,000 miles, but that’s not always the case anymore. Factors like your driving habits, the type of oil you use, and even the local climate play a role in determining the right oil change schedule. For drivers in Denver, CO, things like high-altitude driving, fluctuating temperatures, and stop-and-go traffic can all impact how frequently you should change your oil. Let’s go over what you need to know to keep your engine protected. What Determines How Often You Need an Oil Change While the old-school recommendation was every 3,000 miles, modern engines and synthetic oils have changed that rule. Many newer vehicles go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes ... read more