Fort Collins Auto Repair

The Top 5 Car Issues We See in Larimer County Living in Larimer County means your car takes a beating from more than just the daily commute. Between mountain drives, gravel roads, and Colorado’s unpredictable weather, vehicles around here face challenges you won’t see everywhere else. At Ken’s Muffler & Automotive, we’ve been keeping local drivers on the road for over 50 years. And while every car has its quirks, these are the top five issues we see most often in our shop. 1. Brake Wear and Tear From stop-and-go city driving in Fort Collins to steep descents in the mountains, brakes work overtime around here. We see a lot of: Worn brake pads Grooved or warped rotors Low brake fluid 👉 Translation: if your brakes squeal, grind, or feel soft, it’s time to get them checked. 2. Suspension & Alignment Problems Colorado roads aren’t always kind—between potholes, construction zones, and w ... read more

Back-to-School: Why Your Teen’s Car Needs a Safety Check School’s starting back up, and while your teen might be thinking about new classes, friends, and late-night study sessions, you’re probably thinking about something far more practical—are they safe on the road? For many families, back-to-school season also means early morning commutes, after-school practices, and weekend jobs. That adds up to a lot of miles in your teen’s car. And when it comes to your child’s safety, “hoping the car holds up” isn’t good enough. Here’s why scheduling a back-to-school safety check at Ken’s Muffler & Automotive is one of the smartest moves you can make this fall. 1. Brakes: Stopping Power Can’t Wait Teens are still learning good driving habits—and sudden stops happen. Worn brake pads, low fluid, or uneven rotors can make all the difference between a safe stop and a ... read more

What Are the 100 Deadliest Days? Every year, a chilling trend reemerges on the roads: the 100 Deadliest Days. This period runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and it's named for a reason. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen crash rates spike dramatically during these summer months, making it the most dangerous time of year to be on the road—especially for young drivers. So why the surge in deadly accidents? Summer brings freedom, vacations, and a break from school—but it also means more inexperienced teen drivers on the road. Without the structure of school days, teens are driving more often, at different hours, and sometimes with multiple passengers—an incredibly risky combination. Distractions, speeding, nighttime driving, and lack of seatbelt use are leading contributors to these tragic crashes ... read more

Your car’s brakes are one of the most important safety features, and regular maintenance is crucial for your safety. Over time, brake pads wear out, and brake components can fail, leading to dangerous situations. Here are some common signs your brakes need replacing: 1. Squeaking or Squealing Noises One of the first signs that your brake pads are worn out is high-pitched squeaking or squealing when you apply the brakes. Most brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make this sound to warn you it’s time for a replacement. 2. Grinding Sounds If you hear a grinding noise when braking, it could mean that your brake pads are completely worn down, causing metal to rub against metal. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention as it can damage your brake rotors and lead to costly repairs ... read more

  Your car’s brakes are one of the most essential safety features. They allow you to stop your vehicle when necessary, whether it’s for a red light or to avoid a dangerous situation. Without properly maintained brakes, you could be putting yourself and others at risk. That’s why regular brake maintenance is so important. One of the main reasons to maintain your brakes is to avoid brake failure. If you ignore warning signs like squeaking, grinding, or a soft brake pedal, it could mean your brake pads are worn out. When brake pads wear down too much, they can damage the rotors, which are more expensive to repair. If your brakes stop working properly, you may not be able to stop your car in time, increasing the risk of an accident. Regular brake inspections also ensure your brakes are working efficiently. Over time, brake fluid can become dirty or low, causing your brakes to respond slowly or unevenly. This can make it harder to stop quickly, especially during an ... read more