Wheat Ridge Auto Repair

The short answer is no, it’s unsafe to drive with a cracked windshield. There are numerous reasons why, but some common issues that arise when driving with one include poor visibility, a weakened cabin structure, its tendency to spread, and lack of protection from the elements. But while it is generally unsafe to drive with a cracked windshield, whether you could still safely drive your car depends heavily on the size of the crack, where it happens to be, and whether it is spreading. A small star-shaped rock impact chip isn’t a problem unless it turns into a growing crack. The windshield, unlike the rest of the glass, is two layers of glass with a clear, sticky rubbery layer between them to prevent the windshield from filling the vehicle with shards if something hits it and breaks it. So if the crack is small and only on the outside layer of glass, it isn’t as serious as a crack that has breached both layers. As for the structur ... read more

HOW TO STAY COOL IN YOUR CAR IN THE SUMMER HEAT   Summer is upon us and it will soon be hotter. To help your AC system have the longest possible life, follow these maintenance tips.   1. Change the air filter. A clean air filter can improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and reduces the strain on your AC..   2. Park your car in the shade. Leaving your car in the heat of the sun makes your AC work harder and longer to bring your car down to a reasonable temperature.   3. Recirculate cabin air rather than cooling fresh air. Bringing in air from outside is the best option during the first few minutes but by circulating the cool cabin air, your AC won’t have to work as hard..   4. Check your refrigerant. If the fan is working but your car isn't getting cooler, your vehicle may be low on refrigerant which could mean there’s a leak in your system.   5. Listen for squealing or grinding when you turn your AC on. If the sound g ... read more