Ft. Collins Auto Repair

How Long Do Car Batteries Last and What Affects Their Lifespan Most car batteries last between three to five years, but not all of them make it that far. Driving habits, temperature swings, and even how often you start your car can all shorten a battery’s lifespan. In Fort Collins, where we can go from freezing mornings to sunny afternoons in one day, your battery has to work harder than usual. Signs Your Battery Might Be Failing If you’ve noticed any of these signs, your battery could be reaching the end of its life: Slow crank when you turn the key or press the start button Dimming headlights or interior lights Flickering displays or power windows acting up That clicking sound when you try to start the engine What Shortens Battery Life? Here are a few common culprits: Temperature extremes: Hot summers and cold winters speed up battery wear Short drives: Frequent short trips don’t give your battery enough time to fully recharge Corrosion or loose connectio ... read more

What It Means When Your Oil Light Comes On If your oil light suddenly comes on while you're driving, don’t ignore it. That little red oil can icon is your engine’s way of crying for help. Most of the time, this warning means one of two things: Your oil level is low Your oil pressure has dropped dangerously Both situations can lead to serious engine damage if left unchecked. What To Do Before Driving Further Here’s what we recommend: Pull over safely and shut off the engine. Don’t keep driving just to “make it home.” Check your oil level with the dipstick if you're parked on level ground and the engine’s had a minute to cool. If the oil is low and you have the right type of oil, top it off before restarting your car. If the light stays on or you're not sure what’s causing it, get your vehicle checked right away. Driving with low oil pressure can wreck your engine fast. It’s not something to wait on. What Causes ... read more