Posts by Mountain View Automotive

Many Thornton drivers have probably noticed a bunch of warning lights on their dash when they start their engine. They flash on to test the circuits and then go off if everything’s OK. One of the warning lights looks like a car battery. Its job is to tell you if your vehicle battery’s not charging…

Let’s debunk some of the myths about diesel powered vehicles. Diesel Burns Dirty This was true years ago. Since 2006, however, U.S. diesel vehicles have been required by law to use ultra-low-sulfur diesel or USLD. Modern diesels are soot-free and have a smaller carbon footprint. Diesels Are Sluggish Not any more. They are as fast…

All new cars and light trucks in Thornton, Colorado, since 2008 have come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, or ‘TPMS’. The TPMS system detects when a tire becomes under-inflated and lights up a warning light on the dash. So, what’s the big deal for Thornton drivers? Well, under inflated tires can be a…

We’ve all been there.  You park somewhere only to return and find one of your tires is flat; you’ve picked up a nail on the road.  You’re hoping you can just have it patched and be on your way.  That beats the cost of replacing the tire, but will that patch hold up for the…

Question: What is power brake service and why do I need to have it done? Answer: Imagine: you pour a tablespoon of water in your hand and throw it as hard as you can.  Now, suppose you suck up a tablespoon of water into a syringe, push the plunger and squirt it out.  Which would…

“Emergency Shopping” is not to be confused with a “Shopping Emergency.”  This one is encouraging you to go shopping for a few items that could help you out if you ever have an emergency in your vehicle.  They’re all things carried in emergency vehicles. This goes beyond the old standards like a first aid kit,…

Here are 5 tips from MOUNTAIN VIEW AUTOMOTIVE for used car buyers: Ask for service records. Most owners who document regular maintenance service take care of their vehicle. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly. Check for uneven tire wear, alignment, suspension issues, strange sounds and funky odors. If everything checks out up to this point, take it…

Your suspension system keeps your car up off the road. From there, it’s responsible for a smooth and comfortable ride around Thornton, Colorado. It also keeps your wheels firmly planted over bumps and through curves. Your suspension system has many critical parts that do a big job. They should be inspected for damage and excessive…

Question: What’s the harm in putting off replacing my engine air filter a little longer? Answer: That’s a fair question because the harm takes a while to manifest.  Let’s take a small step back and talk about what an engine air filter does. The air all around us contains dust, dirt, pollen, spores, etc.  Some…

We’re often asked questions about the cooling system – the system that cools your engine and keeps it at the proper operating temperature.  Let’s examine the topic in two areas: first the coolant itself and, second, the parts that make up the cooling system. The coolant is the mix of water and antifreeze that circulates…