alexanders-automotive

Failed Emissions Inspection - What should you do now?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:31:57 GMT

Failed Emissions Inspection – What should you do now?

Your vehicle just failed its emissions inspection. Don’t worry, this is not uncommon, and it doesn’t mean it is the end of the road for your vehicle. We will try to guide you through some of the reasons why it might have failed the emissions test and what solutions you can take.

Emissions Testing and Its Importance

Emissions testing measures the amount of pollution a vehicle emits through its exhaust system. The testing ensures that vehicles are in accordance with environmental standards for clean air and reduced harmful emissions

Common Causes of Emissions Test Failures and Some Solutions

• Faulty gas cap – Test to be sure this is the problem and replace the gas cap.
• Malfunctioning oxygen sensor – Replace oxygen sensors.
• Defective catalytic converter – Replace catalytic converter.
• Worn-out spark plugs – Replace spark plugs.
• Faulty evaporative emission control system – A thorough inspection of the evaporative emission control system and replacement of faulty components.

What to Do After a Failed Emissions Inspection

Understand the emissions test results; it is important to review the results provided by the testing facility. See what areas your vehicle failed to understand what needs to be done.
Consult with a qualified mechanic; after reviewing the areas your vehicle didn’t pass, consult a qualified mechanic. At Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland, we specialize in emissions failure repairs. We can diagnose the problem accurately and recommend appropriate repairs or replacements to make your vehicle emissions compliant.
Address problem areas; whether it is replacing a gas cap, oxygen sensor, installing a new catalytic converter, or fixing areas of the evaporative emission control system, Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland can help you with any and all repairs.
Retest your vehicle; once Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland has completed the appropriate replacements or repairs, we will check your vehicle and ensure it is compliant with emissions testing. Remember, in Colorado, you have up to ten (10) days to retest your vehicle at no additional charge.

Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland also specializes in emissions failure repairs.

Your Car’s Transmission Service: WHY?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:39:32 GMT

The second most expensive component in your vehicle is your transmission.

Most of us are religious about oil changes, but we do forget about servicing our transmission. Transmissions are the bridge that allows our cars to have fast acceleration and power to our wheels.

Transmission failures usually happen due to fluid degradation from heat, time, and contamination from metal shavings.

Don’t be fooled by the advertising of “Lifetime Fluids” or maintenance-free labels. Your transmission fluid really needs as much attention as your engine oil. Not as often, but like your engine oil, it is based on your driving needs, heavy-duty towing, hilly terrain, or heavy sit-and-go traffic. All of these contribute to the degradation of the fluid in your transmission.

Signs to look for that you might need service:

slipping gears
pause between gears
weird noises
burnt smell
fluid leaks

A recommended routine maintenance service is every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. A vehicle under severe conditions, more like 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

Transmission fluid serves three critical roles: lubricates moving parts, cools the system, and provides hydraulic pressure needed for shifting.

So, you can see the importance of servicing your transmission regularly. Maintenance can easily add 100,000 miles to your transmission and save you between $1,800 to $3,600 or more in the long run.

At Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland, we can help service your transmission in a professional way. Call us toda y to make an appointment and let us take care of your car’s transmission.

Thank You Loveland for Successful Car Show

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:30:52 GMT

Thank You Loveland for a Successful Car Show

Thank You Loveland for a successful Car Show at Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland. We had a great turnout for our First Car Show with the participation of classic and contemporary cars that peaked the interest of all who came to the car show. We want to thank Mug Life Java Food Truck for providing coffee, and beverages all morning. It was very encouraging to have visitors, current customers and prospective customers show their interest in our business and services.

We are already looking forward to scheduling our Second Car Show in the not to far future. Don’t wait for the second car show to stop by and visit us or to use our services to take care or to pamper your car. From wheel alignments, suspension, and shocks and struts to engine repair, tune-ups, and brake services we do it all. For all models, makes, and years of American, European and Asian vehicles. Our goal is to provide honest, high quality, friendly, and transparent service to all our customers. Please also visit us on line at our website (alexandersautomotive.co) Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Better Business Bureau sites.

Alexander's Automotive Car Show September 27th, 2025 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:15:18 GMT

Alexander's Automotive in Loveland Car Show

Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland, CO, is hosting a Car Show on September 27 ^th , 2025 at their local at 404 S. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Come see our work progress, show your passion for the automotive community and culture.

Free parking will be available at our surrounding business partners parking lots. You can park for free at Kaisen Autobody, Advanced Auto Parts, Alexander’s Automotive and Loveland Design Carpet One (south side of parking lot) parking lots.

We are excited to meet you all and to re-introduce ourselves to the Loveland and surrounding communities..

AC: Checked or Serviced?

Mon, 26 May 2025 13:00:08 GMT

Do I need to have my car’s A/C checked or serviced?

Summer is coming and with it the summer heat. We can be prepared by having our car’s air conditioning system checked and serviced before the summer months. Spending an hour to get your A/C system checked will be worth it in the long run. You can avoid major problems or major repairs by scheduling an hour of your time to care for your car. Your car will repay you for your time spent by providing cool comfort on those hot days coming up. Our ASE-Certified technicians can perform this service to determine if there are any problems before they get worse. A car's AC problems often get more costly if they're left untreated.

What do I look for?

A/C refrigerant leaking
Foul smell, could be your cabin air filter
Warm air out of vents
Electrical issues

How long does it take to get your car’s A/C test for service and estimate repair needs:

A:about 1 hour

How often does your A/C needs to be checked?

A: Once a year, before summer is the best time.

How much does it cost to have it tested for service & repair needs:

$ 181.69 at Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland.

Average cost to repair a car A/C

AC repair costs can vary widely, depending on the cause of the problem and the type of vehicle. On average, car AC repair costs run between about $430 and $520. However, if you need a new compressor, you can expect to spend $1,300 to $2,500 or more.Here's a breakdown of some of the most common car AC repairs and their average cost .

Memorial Day

Mon, 19 May 2025 13:01:32 GMT

Memorial Day Observance

Memorial Day is one of the federal holidays in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This occasion serves as a somber reminder of the cost of freedom, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation's values. It's a day to reflect on the millions of American men and women who have served, and the significant price paid by those who never returned home. This includes not only those who died in combat but also those who lost their lives due to service-related causes. The holiday acknowledges the significant human cost of military service, including the loss of life and the physical and psychological toll on those who serve. This remembering of the significant sacrifice of those who served is a reminder that our freedom is not free and that we owe a debt of gratitude to those who have given so much. On this day, we reflect and are motivated to continue upholding the values they fought and died for. Next time you see a member of the Armed Forces take a minute and “Thank Them for Their Service”.

Bring your own parts? Consider why NOT!

Wed, 14 May 2025 18:08:42 GMT

Suspension Repair!

Wed, 14 May 2025 18:02:40 GMT

Do Suspension Systems Wear Out?

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Yes, even the most careful drivers will see their vehicle’s suspension suffer the effects of time and normal wear and tear. Your vehicle’s suspension system plays a crucial role in driving comfort, control, and safety on the road. One of the most prevalent suspension issues is the wearing out or leaking of shock absorbers and struts. A complex system, your car’s suspension will probably not fail entirely. However, one by one, its components will eventually fail.

Each failure, if neglected, will reduce the suspension’s effectiveness. Under normal conditions, you can expect suspension system components to last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Indeed, that’s quite a spread; however, there are several factors that can impact a suspension’s lifespan:

Aggressive driving
Bad roads
Improper tire pressure
Extreme temperatures
Repeatedly exceeding a vehicle’s payload limit
Exceeding a vehicle’s maximum towing limit
Ignoring the warning signs of misaligned wheels

Signs Your Suspension Is Going Ba d

Leaking Around Shocks and Struts
Car Bounces After a Speed Bump
Vehicle Leaning to One Side
Diving or Squatting
Bottoming Out

Come visit Alexander's Automotive in Loveland or give us a call at (970) 663-7931 , we will be happy to help.

My Car's Wheel Alignment

Fri, 09 May 2025 20:33:35 GMT

A 4-wheel alignment ensures all four wheels on a vehicle are properly aligned, affecting handling, tire life, and fuel efficiency.

A four-wheel alignment is when a technician adjusts the front suspension, steering, and rear suspension to ensure that your car is in alignment. It involves adjusting the angles of the wheels (camber, caster, and toe) to factory specifications, both front and rear, to ensure optimal vehicle performance.

When do I need a wheel alignment?

You should get a car wheel alignment when you notice signs like your car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, a steering wheel that's off-center while driving straight, vibrations while driving, or if you've recently hit a curb or large pothole, or experienced a significant impact on your wheels. Generally, it's recommended to check alignment every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or after major suspension repairs - also depending on weather and road conditions, like potholes you may hit in between services too!

How do I know the shop actually did the alignment?

You should be provided a printout showing the before and after readings.

Come visit us at Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland for an alignment and peace of mind. 

Welcome To Alexander's Automotive Site!

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:44:53 GMT

Welcome! We appreciate you choosing Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland, Colorado

We are delighted to see you as a part of our family. We are here so together we can ensure the wellness of your car. Visit our blog page regularly for maintenance tips, car care information and seasonal readiness. Feel free to contact us with any automotive questions or concerns, we will be happy to help, Visit our contact page.

This Is Your Vehicle's First Wellness Checkup.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:39:04 GMT

This is your vehicle's first wellness checkup.

Car Maintenance 30,000 miles

Estimated Cost $400 - $600

What is it:

This service typically includes an oil change, air filter replacement, tire inspection and rotation, and a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle's fluids and other components.

Common 30,000-Mile Maintenance Items:

Oil and Oil Filter Change: Replacing the engine oil and filter is a standard part of the service.
Air Filter Replacement: Replacing both the engine air filter and cabin air filter is common.
Tire Inspection and Rotation: Checking tire wear and rotating them to promote even wear is a routine part of this service.
Fluid Checks and Top-Offs: Checking and topping off fluids like brake fluid, coolant, wiper, transmission, and power steering fluid is part of the inspection.

Comprehensive Inspection: A mechanic will inspect various components of the vehicle to check for potential problems. Including an OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics-II) vehicle health scan. Services might include a coolant flush (a coolant flush is generally recommended every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first), and inspection of various systems like steering, suspension, and exhaust. Along with checking brake pads, rotors, and calipers, and checking lights, windshield wipers, and battery.

Car wellness check visits are not mandatory but they are recommended by car manufacturers and ASE (American Service Excellence). The recommended schedule is 30-60-90 thousand miles. (Refer to your owners manual for your specific vehicle needs). 30,000 miles being your car’s first wellness checkup. Be it your new car or your faithful companion, annual wellness checkups are important and necessary for the ongoing good health of your car. Avoid costly visits to the repair shop by being proactive with the health of your car.

Call us or come see us at Alexander’s Automotive in Loveland. (970) 663-7931 , 404 S Lincoln Ave , Loveland, CO 80537

It's Tax Refund time, should I invest it in my car?

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 21:07:32 GMT

Should I invest it in my car?

This year, consider being practical and investing a portion of your tax refund on preventive vehicle maintenance is likely to pay long-term dividends.

Here are some reasons why investing your Tax Refund in your vehicle will reward you in the long run.

Car care will extend the life of your vehicle. With proper care your vehicle should give you around 200,000 miles of a safe and dependable ride.
Less likely to have an unexpected breakdown. Taking care of regular maintenance and not ignoring minor problems might reduce the possibility of a need for major repairs.
Increases fuel economy, saves money on gas.
Identify hidden issues. A good inspection might detect minor problems that otherwise might go unnoticed.
Keep it safe. A need for an alignment or ineffective brakes can put you and your loved ones at risk. An inspection or a routine maintenance might uncover hidden issues.
Increase resale value. Invest now on routine maintenance. It will give you a bigger return in the long run.
Pamper your car to a well deserved treat. Engine flush, transmission fluid change, fuel system cleaning, radiator flush or new all around filters. Any of these will make your car feel better.

Call us or come visit us at Alexander's Automotive in Loveland, we will help identify and reduce the likelihood of a major problem by providing good and honest car care and routine maintenance. Your safety and your car’s good health is a priority for us.

Check Engine Light On?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:21:06 GMT

If your check engine light comes on, you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to get it diagnosed.

If it is a steady light usually means needs to be addressed soon. But, if the light is flashing, pull over safely and get assistance immediately as it could indicate a serious issue requiring immediate attention.

Today’s vehicles are smart, and the computer can tell a technician exactly what the issue is—simplifying the repair process. A mechanic can use a special diagnostic tool to read the trouble code which will help pinpoint the source of the problem.

While both an auto parts store and a certified mechanic can read check engine light codes, a certified mechanic with expert knowledge offers a more comprehensive and accurate diagnosis, often with more specialized tools and experience. Whereas auto parts store service is limited to code reading and basic suggestions with limited expertise.

Visit us or schedule an appointment at Alexander's Automotive in Loveland.

"Don't Wait Until It's Too Late - Schedule Your Repair Today!"