AutoFordable Mobile Mechanics Blog

Does your car have any of these symptoms of alternator failure? Call our local mobile mechanic!

by AutoFordable • 24 September 2023

With a faulty alternator, your battery can become drained to the extent that the car won’t start and you find yourself stranded and needing help. At AutoFordable, our local mobile mechanics can come to you to replace your alternator and get you back on the road as soon as possible. If you notice any of the following symptoms of alternator trouble, it’ll be best to give us a call right away so that you don’t risk your alternator completely failing in a place that leaves you unsafe. Common Signs of an Alternator Problem An illuminated dashboard warning light could provide you with an early indication of alternator trouble. With an alternator problem, you may see a light come on that reads ALT or GEN or flashes on in the shape of a little battery icon. Warning lights should always be brought to the mechanic’s attention before the issue that triggers them becomes worse. While a dead battery is a potential sign that your alternator has failed, you don’t want to quickly assume that your dead battery was due to a bad alternator. That’s because there are a number of other issues that cause car batteries to die, such as parasitic draws, loose/corroded connections, old age, and leaving on your headlights. However, if you’re confident that none of these issues are present, then there’s more reasons to suspect a failing alternator. With a malfunctioning alternator, problems with electrical accessories may arise. Modern automobiles commonly have computers that can dictate which electrical accessories should have their power reduced when the alternator isn’t working correctly, which saves more power for the car’s most important electrical needs. But this can lead to operational problems with accessories such as power windows, power seats, and the radio. A bad alternator may also cause headlights to dim or flicker, which could create a safety hazard when trying to navigate nighttime roads. Mobile Alternator Replacement in Denver, CO When you need auto repair in Denver and the surrounding area, contact AutoFordable at 720-282-1872 . Our local mechanics are equipped to handle many types of mobile auto repair in greater Denver!

Does your car have any of these symptoms of suspension failure? Call our Denver mobile mechanics!

by AutoFordable • 17 August 2023

If your suspension is in poor condition, then your vehicle may handle unsafely, and you may be in for a rough commute. As soon as you suspect that suspension trouble is brewing, it’s best to have a mechanic take a look. This way, you can hopefully address the issue before it escalates and jeopardizes your safety. At AutoFordable, our local mobile mechanics provide expert suspension repair in the greater Denver area. Warning Signs of a Suspension Problem Signs of suspension trouble sometimes arise while braking. With a bad suspension, your vehicle could take longer to reach a complete stop after you first engage the brakes. Also a suspension problem could make it feel like your car is lunging forward at a downward angle when you hit the brake pedal. A faulty suspension can also cause your car to bounce/shake excessively when hitting little bumps in the road. If you have a bad spring, then clunking sounds may arise when going over rough stretches. Another sign of a failing spring is that your car sits lower in one corner. You can also conduct a quick test to get a better idea of your suspension’s health. First, make sure your car is securely parked on level ground. Then go to the front end, press down strongly on it, rock it two times, and then let go. Go to the back of the car and repeat this process on the rear end. Upon releasing, your vehicle should rock no more than three times on its own. However, if it rocks more than this, then you may have a suspension issue. You should watch out for a few other common symptoms of suspension trouble. One is that your car feels as if it’s drifting/swaying when going around corners. Also, if you see oil leaking out onto your shocks, then you’ll probably need replacement. And with a bad suspension, tire tread may wear down unevenly, causing bald spots to form on the tires. Mobile Suspension Repair in Denver, CO When you need auto repair in Denver and the surrounding area, contact AutoFordable at 720-722-6299 . Our local mechanics are equipped to handle many types of mobile auto repair in greater Denver!

Top 5 Signs of Brake Trouble

by Autofordable Mobile Mechanics • 21 July 2023

Your vehicle's brakes are arguably one of its most critical safety components. Whether you're navigating through heavy traffic or cruising along a scenic highway, the ability to stop your car quickly and safely is paramount. That’s why it is so important to pay close attention to brake performance. At AutoFordable, we hear many different chief complaints related to the brakes, the following five signs of brake trouble being among the most common. If you have any issues stopping your car, don’t hesitate to connect with a reputable mechanic to restore your car’s safety. Squealing or Grinding Noises One of the most obvious signs that your brakes need attention is if you hear unusual noises when applying them. A high-pitched squealing or a wretched grinding sound is a clear indicator that the brake pads have worn down. Most modern vehicles have a built-in wear indicator, a small metal tab that scrapes against the brake disc when the pads reach a certain thickness, causing the squealing noise. Any strange noises that occur when you hit the brakes warrant an appointment with a mechanic. Brake Pedal or Steering Wheel Vibrations When you press the brake pedal, do you feel vibrations or pulsations through the pedal or the steering wheel? If so, it's likely an indication of warped brake rotors. Warping occurs due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures from heavy braking, causing uneven surfaces on the rotors. As a result, you may experience a pulsating feeling when braking, reducing overall stopping power. Longer Braking Distances As brake components age and wear out, their efficiency declines, leading to longer braking distances. If you find yourself needing to press the brake pedal harder or earlier than usual to stop your vehicle, it's a definite sign that your brakes need attention. Leaking Brake Fluid Brake fluid is essential for transferring the force from the brake pedal to the brake components, enabling your vehicle to stop effectively. If you notice a puddle of fluid forming under your car, it could be a sign of a brake fluid leak. Brake fluid leaks can occur due to deteriorated brake lines, a faulty master cylinder, or other damaged brake parts. Low brake fluid levels can result in brake failure, making it dangerous to drive your vehicle. Dashboard Warning Lights Modern vehicles are equipped with onboard diagnostic systems that monitor various components, including the braking system. If there's an issue with your brakes, a dashboard warning light that reads ABS or shaped like a circle with an exclamation mark in it (!) will illuminate. Proper computer diagnostics will need to be completed to understand the issue and to fix brakes that have triggered the light. Never delay scheduling a brake job if you suspect any trouble. For expert mobile brake repair in Denver, call Autofordable Mobile Mechanics at 720-722-6299 . Our talented techs will come to you with the necessary parts and tools to perform brake repair at your location. Our goal is to provide convenient, fast and fair priced auto repair in Denver and the surrounding Colorado communities, and we always come to you! For any diagnostic, repair or car maintenance needs, we’re here to help.