Denver Auto Repair

Honda cars are known for their reliability, but getting best service out of your Honda requires regular maintenance. One such maintenance item, fortunately an infrequent one, is spark plugs replacement. At South Denver Automotive many of our Honda drivers ask: “When do I need to change my spark plugs?” Here’s what you need to know. Most newer Honda vehicles recommend spark plug replacement around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the plug type (newer models often come with iridium spark plugs, which can last 3 times longer than the copper ones). You can check your Honda Owner’s Manual for the exact mileage interval, or have South Denver Automotive look up last time your vehicle had spark plugs changed. If you have cause for concern, we can examine the spark plugs and see if they need to be replaced. Symptoms that would indicate that spark plugs need to be physically inspected and (likely) replaced include: Hard starts or delayed ignition Decreased fuel e ... read more

Have you ever wondered why Nissan launched Infiniti as a separate brand? Many car owners are curious about the relationship between mainstream automakers and their luxury divisions. Infiniti, Nissan’s premium brand, was born out of a strategic push to capture a growing market in the United States and change how people viewed Japanese automobiles. But what exactly prompted its creation, and what makes Infiniti different from a standard Nissan? Let’s look into the history, purpose, and impact of Infiniti on the automotive world—and what it means for today’s drivers. The Birth of Infiniti in a Shifting Market In the 1980s, the U.S. auto market was experiencing a major shift. Japanese automakers had already proven they could deliver affordable, reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles. However, the perception was that these cars were practical but not particularly luxurious. At the same time, luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz were gaining tracti ... read more

Toyota Tacoma truck have built their reputation as some of the toughest and most reliable midsize trucks on the road. Whether you use your Tacoma for daily commute, weekend adventures, or heavy-duty hauling, your vehicle works hard for you. To keep it performing at its best, it deserves the right kind of care—and that’s where South Denver Automotive comes in. Our Denver auto repair shop provides regular maintenance, including manufacturer scheduled services, fluid replacements (engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid as well), brake service, tire rotation, shocks and struts repair and replacement, as well as a/c services, cooling system repair, and electrical system diagnostics. Whether your Tacoma needs minor service, or major engine repairs, our nationally ASE-certified technicians are ready to help. When we work on your Toyota, our mechanics use cutting-edge digital diagnostic tools, have access to databases with the latest information abou ... read more

When your Cadillac's onboard computer turns on the "check engine light" it usually is not a cause for celebration. In rare cases, it could be something as simple and inexpensive as the gas cap no longer sealing tight, and a simple gas cap replacement is all that's needed. Unfortunately, there are literally thousands of conditions that could cause the check engine light to be illuminated. At South Denver Automotive, our nationally ASE certified technicians will inspect your Cadillac, and will perform thorough testing to get to the root cause of the problem. From faulty spark plugs, ignition coils that need replacement, bad oxygen sensor, to emission issues and even catalytic converter problems, we will get your vehicle diagnosed and repaired right. In order to expedite the testing, we not only employ highly skilled technicians, but we also provide them with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and access to nationwide databases to allow them to rapidly test and diagnose ... read more

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