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Our cars must operate in a wide range of outside temperatures and our engine coolant must be able to perform no matter what. Think for a moment about the environment where the coolant works. Very hot, high pressure, corrosive...

And all the while, it must protect the components of the cooling system from corrosion. These components are made from steel and aluminum, plastics and rubber. The coolant has to be formulated to protect against corrosion for all of these different materials. That's why different manufacturers recommend different types of anti-freeze for their vehicles.

There are several different "families" of anti-freeze. It's important to stay on top of this because coolant system failure is the most common mechanical problem people have. Regular service needs to be done to avoid failures. Our technicians will know what to do and how to do it!

If your engine has overheated, you should also check your coolant system for leaks. Check the radiator for cracks and the radiator hoses for leaks. You should also check your water pump. They don't need to be replaced on a regular schedule, but they do need to be checked regularly. They can and do wear out.

The water pump is a critical component of your cooling system. It pumps the coolant to keep it circulating through the engine. The coolant is cooled in the radiator, then it travels through the engine, where it absorbs heat, then it returns to the radiator, where it releases the heat. And so on. When you turn your engine on, you also turn the cooling system on. Call or stop in today so one of our service professionals can help diagnose the problem.

Keeping your cooling system in good repair will help keep your engine running well and keep you out of the repair shop. This means that a regular inspection of your cooling system should be on your schedule for routine preventive maintenance of your vehicle. It varies depending on what kind of car you drive, what type of driving you do and where you live.

Modern vehicles have computers in the engine that monitor a variety of sensors throughout the vehicle. When one of those sensors has a reading that is higher or lower than the standard parameters, the computer turns on the check engine light. Technicians at a service center can scan the engine's computer for a trouble code. This code tells the technician which reading is too high or too low.

That's where some people get confused. They think that this reading concludes the diagnosis, and they don't understand why the diagnostic fee is as much as it is when all the technician did was to scan the computer. But the truth is the trouble code is only the beginning of the diagnostic procedure.

Remember, the trouble code only tells which reading is out of parameter. It doesn't say what is causing the reading to be too high or too low. The technician still must find the underlying problem. It's a lot like going to the doctor. He can take your temperature and discover that you have a fever, but that doesn't tell him what is causing your fever.

The best way to cut down on auto repairs is to keep your preventive maintenance up to date so you can catch problems before they become serious. But when you do need a diagnosis, it's helpful to understand what the technician will be up against.

Automotive diagnostic technology can cut down the time it takes to figure out what's wrong with a vehicle that isn't running right. But it doesn't do away with the need for a skilled technician to make a proper diagnosis. Car care, like medical care still requires the human touch

Preventive maintenance for diesel vehicles has also become similar to that of gas-fueled vehicles in recent years. The major difference is that diesels require cleaner fuel, air and oil, so their filters are more expensive than those for gasoline engines. The engine air filter must be changed more frequently as well.

The costs for car care and repairs are similar. Wait, you may be thinking, but you just told me that filters cost more and must be changed more regularly. True, but that is offset by the fact that diesel engines have a much longer lifetime than gasoline engines. So, if you are the type of owner who prefers to hang on to a vehicle for a long time, you will be more than rewarded with a diesel engine.

Differential? What's that? And what's it for? I've been told I need to get it serviced, but is that on the level? Or am I getting charged for something bogus?

Do these questions sound familiar? They're not uncommon. A lot of us don't know what a differential is or what it's for. Every vehicle has a differential, and, yes, it does need to be serviced. In fact, it's more critical to the operation of your car than the air conditioner or windshield wipers.

A differential allows your tires to move at different speeds. This happens more than you think. The best example is when a vehicle is turning. The inside wheel travels a much shorter distance than the outside wheel during a turn. This means the outside wheel must move faster than the inside wheel. Without a differential, your tires would hop and skip while turning. They would also lose traction in sand or snow

Properly servicing your differential will extend its life and keep you out of the repair shop. A smooth ride is the result of proper preparation and smart choices.

When a good technician changes your oil, they will also inspect your air filter. You shouldn't need a new filter at every oil change, but you will need to change it regularly. Heed your technician's auto advice if they tell you to change your filter. It's not expensive, and it makes a big difference to your vehicle.

An air filter does what its name implies: it filters stuff out of the air. Air is drawn into your engine through the filter because your engine needs air to burn fuel. If the filter weren't there, a lot of dust and debris would come into the engine compartment with the air. That dust and debris would get hot, burn, and produce all kinds of ash and gumminess that would eventually clog up your engine.

It's also one of the least expensive and simplest elements of routine preventive maintenance. No one should have an excuse to drive around with a dirty air filter.

Stop in today for a quick air filter change and keep your car breathing well

If you drive off-road, carry heavy loads, tow a trailer, or put in a lot of mileage on poor driving surfaces, your shocks or struts will wear out more quickly. You'll need to replace them more often or upgrade to better shocks.

Installing a lift kit on your vehicle can make room for bigger tires. A mild lift doesn't require extensive work. An extreme lift means a lot of new hardware under the vehicle. It also means a lot of stock electronic systems need to be recalibrated to the new tire size. For example, your speedometer and odometer will give false readings if they aren't recalibrated.

Oil lubricates your engine and keeps it running smoothly. If you're running low, there is increased friction in your engine. Friction creates drag, which means more fuel to keep the motor running. This all translates to lower gas mileage. Dirty oil grits up your engine, which also creates friction. So even if there's enough oil, you're still getting that drag that reduces your gas mileage. The types of surfaces you drive on, the climate where you live and the air quality in your area can all affect how often you should change your oil. That's why it's important to have regular oil changes!

Power steering is now standard on all vehicles, but there are several ways that power can be delivered. Most vehicles use a hydraulic power steering system. In this system, a serpentine belt from the engine powers a pump that pressurizes the power steering fluid. The pressure activates a hydraulic cylinder that provides steering power.

Other vehicles use an electric pump to pressurize the power steering fluid rather than the belt-driven pump. Some newer vehicles actually have electric motors that provide steering power and don't use steering fluid at all, especially the increasingly popular hybrid and electric vehicles.

If you own a vehicle that uses power steering fluid, then you need to have it changed regularly. Over time, moisture accumulates in the power steering fluid, which affects steering performance and can corrode steering components. Dirt and other contaminants can also accumulate in the power steering fluid, which will also negatively affect steering performance.

A good power steering service will flush out the old fluid and get rid of dirt and other deposits in the system. Clean fluid will then be added. Fresh fluid provides lubricants that help protect the steering system as well as prevent corrosion

A little routine maintenance can prevent a breakdown. The key to good vehicle maintenance starts with the oil change. When you come in for a full- service oil change, we will check all your fluids. If one of them is low, we can look for a reason why. If your serpentine belt is cracked or your battery cable is corroded, we'll see it and let you know. Corroded battery cable, they've got you covered. We will check to see if your manufacturer has recommended any services at your current mileage.

The fact is that vehicle inspection surveys consistently reveal that over 80% of vehicles have one or more unperformed repair or maintenance service. Vehicles are generally very reliable and can take a lot of abuse and neglect. But, it's to remember that cars are complicated machines. There are parts and fluids that are critical to their function. Without them, the car won't run at all.

We can help you work out a maintenance and repair plan, prioritizing and scheduling the work to make sure you and your family are safe, and avoid expensive breakdowns

The serpentine belt powers a lot of engine systems. It runs the alternator, which charges the battery; the water pump (on some vehicles), which cools the engine; the air conditioning, which cools the driver and passengers; and the power steering pump, which allows for easier steering. When the belt breaks, all these systems shut down.

Serpentine belts are inexpensive. And they look downright cheap when you compare them to the cost of an overheated engine, a tow truck, time lost on the road, inconvenience, and the potential safety consequences of being stranded.

Good car care means never putting off preventive maintenance. Do yourself a favor. Ask our service advisor to have a technician glance under your hood and give that serpentine belt a quick look-over. And never overlook it..

If your suspension is in trouble, you often feel it in how your vehicle drives. If the vehicle pulls to one side or wanders, if the steering is erratic, if your ride isn't as smooth as it should be, or if your vehicle handles poorly, you should get your suspension system checked. Uneven tire wear can also indicate worn parts in your suspension system. If your shocks are leaking oil, then they need to be replaced. All in all, if you don't feel in control when you're driving, go get your suspension inspected.

Shocks and struts wear out. Wheel bearings may need to be repacked every few years. Some parts of your suspension may need to be lubricated whenever you change your oil. Preventive maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle under control. Good car care can prevent accidents.

If you are in an accident, even a minor one, it can damage your suspension system or knock your wheels out of alignment. Even hitting a curb, pothole or large rock can damage your suspension. A wheel balancing or alignment won't correct a suspension problem, and after any suspension work, you'll may need to get an alignment.

Never procrastinate repairs to your suspension system. A damaged suspension system can lead to loss of control or a vehicle in an emergency and serious accidents.

Replacing a water pump is a car care issue that almost all of us face eventually. They don't last forever. On the other hand, we can extend the life of most of the components of our vehicle, including the water pump, through preventive maintenance. Just as exercise and diet keep our heart healthy, regular check-ups and fluid changes will keep our vehicles healthy.

If you're having trouble keeping the inside of your truck or car clean, try WeatherTech Auto Floor Mats. At HotShots Automotive auto repair in Centennial, CO, our auto mechanics are experts at custom fitting WeatherTech's durable rubber mats in any vehicle.

We stand behind WeatherTech's 10-year warranty for poor quality or manufacturer defects and one-year price guarantee. If you find a better price anywhere, WeatherTech will refund the difference.

WeatherTech Auto Floor Mats are great for everyone from contractors who are in and out of their trucks all day to soccer moms with muddy cleats. At Hotshots Automotive, we deliver the best auto repair and service, so it makes sense we would recommend only the best products for your vehicles. That's why we sell and install WeatherTech Auto Floor Mats. After all, we have a reputation to live up to. Take a look at this recent review from one of our many satisfied customers: 

"This is the best facility in the Metro area to get your auto fixed. I have known Steve P. Who is the owner for the past 25 years and I cannot praise him enough! The facility is spotless and the mechanics are the best. Five plus stars!" -- John B.

If you have questions regarding WeatherTech Auto Floor Mats, call Hotshots Automotive or stop by Hotshots Automotive at 15035 E Hinsdale Dr, Centennial, CO, United States. Our ASE-Certified Master auto mechanics/technicians look forward to taking care of you, your WeatherTech Auto Floor Mats, and all your auto repair needs.

One of the most important parts of preventive maintenance for your vehicle is keeping the wheels in alignment. Poor alignment causes your tires to wear unevenly, which can significantly reduce their lifespan. This means you will have to replace them more often, which is costly. It can even damage your suspension system, which is very costly to repair. But even more importantly, uneven tread wear can lead to blowouts on the road, a dangerous and potentially deadly safety risk.

It may not take an accident or bad driving habits to "knock" your tires out of alignment. Tires can go out of alignment with just everyday driving. Road hazards, potholes, uneven or gravel roads, even the bumps and bounces of normal roadways can gradually put your tires out of alignment.

So, it's good auto advice to have your alignment inspected periodically. Your vehicle's owner's manual will have recommendations on how often your alignment should be checked: usually every 2 years or so. But if you think your tires might be out of alignment, you should take your car in now.