10|09|2017

What can I learn from that stain on the garage floor?

Question: Is it possible to diagnose my car’s problem by checking the color of the liquid that it leaks? Answer: Technically, the answer is no; but it can point...

09|02|2017

What causes my car to make a pinging noise?

Question: Is there a way to eliminate the pinging that I hear in the engine when I accelerate? Answer: There are three likely causes of the kind of engine...

07|13|2017

Do I need to check my car’s oil level between changes?

Question: If my mechanic changes the oil every three months, can I assume that the fluid level is adequate? Answer: A quarterly (every three months) oil change is a...

06|13|2017

Is it safe to ignore my car battery in the summer?

Question: Do I need to be aware of possible harm to my vehicle’s battery resulting from summer heat? Answer: Car owners tend to worry most about their batteries in...

06|05|2017

My name is Dana TePoel

Lake Arbor Automotive & Truck Owner Dana TePoel talks to the Arvada Press about how he got started in the car maintenance and repair business, and why he finds...

05|15|2017

Is there an easy way to track my tires’ air pressure?

Question: How do I know when my tires are starting to go flat? Answer: In the “good old days,” you had to carry a tire pressure gauge in your...

04|25|2017

How do I distinguish between “severe” and “normal” driving?

Question: If my owner’s manual has two different maintenance schedules, how can I figure out where I fit? Answer: You’re right, most manufacturers these days recommend different maintenance schedules...

04|04|2017

How closely do I need to adhere to my car’s maintenance schedule?

Question: Do auto manufacturers suggest maintenance checks just so that their service departments can make money? Answer: Every auto and truck manufacturer recommends a maintenance schedule customized for its...

02|20|2017

If my ‘check engine’ light is on, do I have a serious problem?

Question: How immediately do I need to respond to the check engine light? Answer: That dreaded check engine light can cause a lot of stress for vehicle owners. They...

01|22|2017

How do I know whether my vehicle needs a wheel alignment?

Question: If I get a wheel alignment, does it accomplish the same thing as balancing my tires? Answer: Wheel alignments and tire-balancing are different procedures. We talked last month...