Top 5 Common Car Repair Issues in Colorado's Front Range and How to Address Them
Living in Colorado's Front Range offers breathtaking views, outdoor adventures, and a unique climate that affects everything – including your vehicle. Whether you’re driving through Longmont, Boulder, Lafayette, Superior, or other parts of the Colorado region, local drivers face specific car repair issues due to weather conditions, road quality, and general wear and tear. Here are the top five common car repair issues faced by drivers in Colorado's Front Range and how to address them.
Hail Damage to Body and Glass
Colorado is notorious for its sudden hailstorms, particularly in cities like Boulder and Longmont. Hail can cause significant damage to your car’s bodywork and windows, leading to dents, scratches, and even broken glass. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a popular method to fix minor dents without affecting the vehicle's paint, while more severe damage may require panel replacements or traditional bodywork.
How to Address It:
Regularly check the weather forecast and use car covers or park in garages when hail is expected.
At Elevated Auto Body, we specialize in hail damage repair, including PDR and glass replacement, to restore your vehicle to its former self.
Road Salt and Corrosion Issues
The winter months in Colorado bring snow and ice, and with them, the heavy use of road salt. In areas like Superior and Lafayette, this road salt can cause corrosion to the undercarriage, exhaust system, and brake lines of your car. Rust can eat away at essential components, leading to expensive repairs if not addressed early.
How to Address It:
Regularly wash your car, especially the undercarriage, during the winter months to remove salt buildup.
Consider protective undercoating services that can help shield your vehicle from corrosion. We provide comprehensive rust prevention treatments at Elevated Auto Body to keep your car safe on the roads.
Pothole Damage to Tires and Suspension
From Longmont to Boulder, Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles lead to the formation of potholes, which can wreak havoc on your car’s tires, wheels, and suspension system. Driving over a pothole can cause misalignment, bent rims, or even a blown-out tire.
How to Address It:
Always be vigilant for potholes and avoid them when possible. If unavoidable, slow down to reduce the impact.
If you notice unusual vibrations, pulling to one side, or changes in tire pressure, visit your local mechanic for a full suspension check and wheel alignment service.
Brake Wear from Mountain Driving
The Front Range's varied terrain and frequent elevation changes mean that drivers often rely heavily on their brakes, especially when descending from places like the foothills around Boulder or the mountains near Superior. This frequent braking can cause brake pads and rotors to wear out faster than usual.
How to Address It:
Regular brake inspections are crucial, especially if you drive in hilly areas often. Replace brake pads and rotors as needed to maintain safe stopping distances.
Most mechanics offer full brake system inspections and replacements to keep you safe on Colorado’s roads.
Windshield Cracks from Road Debris
Driving on highways like U.S. 36 or local roads in and around Lafayette and Longmont can expose your car to loose gravel and road debris, leading to chips and cracks in your windshield. A small chip can quickly turn into a large crack, especially with Colorado’s fluctuating temperatures.
How to Address It:
Fix small chips as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading. Windshield repair kits can help, but professional repair is often more reliable.
At Elevated Auto Body, we provide quick and efficient windshield repair and replacement services to ensure a clear view and safe driving conditions.
Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape with Elevated Auto Body
Driving in the Front Range—from Boulder to Superior, Lafayette to Longmont—comes with its own set of challenges. At Elevated Auto Body, we’re committed to providing top-notch auto repair services to keep you safe on the road. Whether you're dealing with hail damage, an accident, or anything in between, our team of experts is here to help.
