Don't Get Taken For A Ride…How to Buy A Good Used Car.

Buying a used car frequently makes perfect sense. Sure, new cars come with a warranty, but that warranty comes at a price, and the moment the car leaves the showroom, it's value depreciates rapidly.  Also, insurance on newer vehicles is quite a bit more expensive than on used vehicles, and that is one cost that few purchasers take into account.

Build Yourself A Roadside Emergency Kit

No matter how well you care for your car, eventually everyone ends up broken down on the side of the road. It could be an overheating problem, a flat tire due to roadside debris, or something impossible to predict. Whatever the cause, you need to be prepared to keep you and your family as safe as possible, especially in the cold winter months.

How To Survive Till Punxsutawney Phil Emerges from his Lair: Winter Driving Tips

Clear Off Your Vehicle and Warm up Your Car:
Clear ALL snow and ice from your vehicle before you leave. We have all seen someone peaking through a small cleared area in their windshield—don’t be one of those people, you know who you are!

The Best Car-Related Holiday Gifts

Do I Need New Shocks And Struts?

It is important to know the signs that indicate that your vehicle’s shocks and struts need to be replaced. If you don’t replace them when it is needed, it can lead to serious damage to your vehicle.

I Failed The Emissions Test… Now What?

Your vehicle may have failed because it exceeded one or more of the allowable emissions limits established by the state for that vehicle. Or, it may have failed for visible smoke or missing emissions control equipment such as the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, or gas cap.

Emissions Testing In Colorado

Controlling tailpipe emissions is considered important in the United States and growing around the world except for a few tough holdouts. If the U.S. is so serious about regulating automotive emission controls and controlling tailpipe emissions, why do many states require no testing at all?

How to Find a Trustworthy Mechanic and Get the Most for Your Money From Them

Finding a scrupulously honest, knowledgeable auto repair shop is sometimes harder than it should be. It takes some time and effort, but when you find such  a shop it is definitely worth the search. Whether it's something simple like oil and filter changes, or a more complicated problem such as diagnosing and troubleshooting serious mechanical or electrical issues, a good, honest mechanic can save you a lot of time, money and headaches over the years.

Just In Time for Winter: How a Car Heater Works….and Doesn't Work

My car's heater doesn't work…how much will it cost to repair? Before you make this call, you should understand how your car's heater system, and your engine cooling systems work.

Making it Last…. How Can I Make My Car Last Longer?

We get asked this question often, and the answer is to maintain your car religiously, be you a Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu or agnostic. Change the fluids regularly, repair the brakes and suspension as needed, and drive your ride gently. We aren't behavioral scientists, but there are several things you can do, driving behavior wise,  to avoid problems in the future with your vehicle. These are: 

Cool Cat Boogey… How Your Air Conditioning System Works

If you are old enough to remember long summer car trips without air conditioning..sweaty thighs on vinyl upholstery…siblings crawling all over you to get some relief from the heat…your dad, or mom threatening "to pull this car over if you don't stop arguing"…yuck!  you can truly appreciate today's auto air conditioning systems. 

Have you ever wondered how your air conditioning works? Why would you? Press a button and cool air rolls out of your vents. If you're like most people, you probably haven't wondered where that cool air comes from …until it's stopped working. This article explains the basics of how air conditioning works, what the components are called, and how to best maintain your system.  

Death, Taxes and Auto Repair Bills….Why is My Bill So High?

You bring your car into your favorite shop for a diagnosis, you are handed an estimate, and the air goes out of the room…How could a simple repair cost so much?  People ask all the time how the price of a particular is determined, usually phrased something like, "Holy cow! Why does it cost so darned much?" (usually using language quite a bit  more colorful). This question is a good one,  and is one that you should ask whenever it isn't clear to you.

There are two components to a repair bill:

·      The first is the labor rate, or what the shop charges for the time that goes into repairing your vehicle.

·      The second is for the parts themselves, and whatever other shop support materials are used in the process of the repair. 

Stop! In the Name of Love…Before You Break Your Brakes…How Your Disk Brakes Work

It's a little known fact that Diana Ross was very, very careful with her brakes…and she actually knew how they worked…Well, here is how they work…

There are two basic types of brakes: Drum and Disk. Most modern cars use disk brakes, but drum brakes are still in use on many models. Some cars have disks on the front, where most of the hard work is done,  and drums on the back. Here's the major parts of a disk brake system:

I've Got a Flat Tire. Now What?

It's summertime. You're heading down the highway…looking for the love getaway…heading for the love getaway… You see a faded sign by the side of the road that says 15 miles to the … Love Shack! You turn up the volume,  and sing along: "Bang, bang, bang on the door baby! Knock a little louder baby! Bang, bang, bang on the door baby!"

All is well in the world, and then you feel a vibration and hear a flopping noise. Agghh! Flat tire!

What to Bring on Your Road Trip

Having a few things in the trunk can make your road trip a lot less stressful and a whole lot more enjoyable. My recommendations are as follows:

1. GPS Device. There's nothing like being told when to turn right or left, it's almost like having your spouse onboard!

Three Easy Ways to Improve Your Gas Mileage

In today's economy, every penny counts. With gas prices in Colorado hovering around $3.70 a gallon for regular grade gas, it has become far too large a part of everyone's weekly/monthly budget.

Welcome to My Blog

My name is Dan Shannon. I own Gary's Auto Service, an auto repair shop that has served the Denver metro area for over 25 years. We are certainly not perfect, but we strive to provide honest, top quality service at a reasonable price and true value.  Most importantly,  our customers trust us to do the right thing. 

Welcome to my blog, which will focus on providing easy to understand, short explanations of common auto maintenance and repair issues.