Denver Auto Repair

How to Make Your Tires Last Longer Let’s face it, no one wakes up excited to spend money on tires. They aren’t flashy like custom wheels, they don’t rumble like an upgraded exhaust, and they definitely don’t come cheap. But here’s the truth: your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touch the road (hopefully). So taking care of them is important! Good news: there are simple, effective ways to extend the life of your tires, keep your ride safe, and maybe even save you a few hundred bucks a year. So, buckle up, we’re about to get into some tire talk. A little nerdy? Absolutely! But worth it! 1. Check Your Tire Pressure (Monthly, Not Just When Your Light Comes On) You know that little orange horseshoe-shaped light on your dash that often pops on during cold mornings? That’s your TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light, and it's basically your tires waving a tiny flag saying, “Hey ... read more

  Colorado drivers are no strangers to epic cold weather. We plan for ice storms, snow blowing all directions, frozen windshields, and the occasional “Should we try to make it home” approach to driving. What many drivers are not prepared for, however, is how unforgiving modern vehicles have become when it comes to batteries. Voltage is not the same easy-monitor-fix as it used to be. There was a time when vehicle ownership came with a certain level of comfort. If your car started yesterday, well it would probably start today, tomorrow and next Thursday. But batteries have fail in dependability gradually. Warning signs are not always obvious. You don’t always have time to react. That comfort is gone. One thing does not change… the automotive industry is moving forward at unprecedented rates. Modern battery technology, modern charging systems, and modern driving habits have quietly removed the margin for error. Batteries are no longer a “Plug and Play ... read more

Toyo Tires: Built for Colorado Climate Being a Colorado driver means facing all kinds of weather; sunshine one minute, snow, hail or rain the next. In fact, if Colorado weather were a person, they’d be that unpredictable friend who shows up in flip-flops and shorts during a blizzard and somehow acts like that’s normal. Colorado loves to throw afternoon hailstorms in June to sunny, hot days in February, we’ve got it all! That’s why your tires better be ready for anything. When road conditions change rapidly, you need tires you can trust. That’s why Toyo Tires are a smart choice for Colorado drivers. Whether you’re hauling the family up a mountain pass or experiencing the joys of city traffic, Toyo has the answers. Toyo is the all-terrain, all-weather, no-nonsense solution for drivers who need performance and peace of mind, no matter what the skies decide to drop on us. Why Toyo Tires Stand Out in Colorado Toyo Tires are a favorite for drivers who d ... read more

Understanding Toyota’s TRD Line: Performance and Adventure When you hear “TRD” in the world of Toyota, you know you’re talking about something special. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, a division of Toyota that focuses on improving performance and creating vehicles built for adventure. But TRD is much more than just a logo on a car; it represents Toyota’s commitment to performance, durability, and innovation. Whether you’re looking for a rugged off-roader, a street performance vehicle, or a way to upgrade your Toyota, TRD has something to offer. Let’s dive into what makes the TRD line so unique. What is TRD? Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is Toyota’s in-house performance division. Founded in 1979, it originally focused on racing, but over the years, TRD has expanded its role to develop high-performance parts and accessories for Toyota’s consumer vehicles. From improving power and handling to enhancing vehi ... read more

Brake Repairs and Mountain Driving Driving through Colorado's diverse terrain demands more from your vehicle, especially when it comes to your brakes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the various brake services that all Colorado drivers need at one point or another. Our brake services, offered at Hotchkiss Auto Repair in Denver, address specific challenges like Colorado’s mountain driving and seasonal changes. Understanding Your Brake Needs 1. Rotor Replacement Colorado's mountainous roads put additional stress on your brake system, leading to wear and tear on essential components like rotors. Regular inspections and timely rotor replacements are crucial to ensure optimal braking performance, preventing pulsations and vibrations during mountain descents. We also recommend avoiding resurfacing old rotors given the unique driving and climate conditions in Colorado. Although this was a typical practice ... read more