Ft. Collins Auto Repair

Steering a vehicle these days doesn't take much effort, but if you got behind the wheel back before power steering was invented, you'd need to practically have the strength of Hercules to turn the wheel.    The first power steering systems widely available changed everything.  Chrysler introduced its Hydraguide power system in 1951. The "hydra" was for a hydraulic pump. It pressurized fluid that multiplied the force applied to the steering wheel so it was easier to turn the wheels on the ground. That pump got power from a belt attached to the engine, but unfortunately it wasted a lot of energy in the process. Plus, the system of hoses and pumps required a fair amount of maintenance and repair. Some say this system provides the most "natural" steering experience of power systems. Recently, automakers have turned to electric power steering.  It gets its power from the car's electrical battery and charging system and uses an electric m ... read more

It's safe to say that most drivers take their brakes for granted.  You press on the brake pedal and the vehicle slows down or stops.  It's easy to see why it is so important for your vehicle's brakes to be working correctly.  Brakes are an important safety feature of any vehicle. When it comes to your brakes working correctly, maintaining them regularly will ensure that you will always be able to slow or stop your vehicle in any situation, whether on a sunny day on dry pavement or a bad weather day on slippery surfaces.  And that is why regular brake service is such a sound investment for all drivers. The combo of brakes" and "surprises" doesn't usually end well. You might already know about some of the parts of your braking system.  Terms familiar to you might be pads, rotors, and calipers. In short, the calipers press the pads, which in turn contact the rotors.  The resulting friction slows your vehicle.  Another typ ... read more

Performance Tune Auto Repair is changing it's name to All Tech Automotive West, effective immediately.  Our business is growing, and in March 2023 Pat and Kathy Schnaidt acquired MazTech All Tech Automotive when the owner, Chuck Jacquinot, retired.   With two automotive repair shops in Fort Collins, Pat and Kathy set out to create a consistent customer experience across both locations. An important part of that experience is the brand and everything that it represents.  So while the name change might surprise you at first, everything in the shop remains the same - management, employees, customer service.  You will notice the evolution in our branding as we improve our marketing - signage, website, social media presence. Please enjoy the changes as we continue to improve our business to better serve you! We're looking forward to seeing you in the shop,  Pat, Kathy and the All Tech Automotive Team    

A pre-purchase inspection can save miles of trouble and heartache.   In the automotive repair business we are frequently asked the question “From a repair perspective, what kind of car should I buy?” Many are initially drawn to the emotional side of things - performance, luxury, throaty exhaust. Others more strongly consider the practical side. Do you need all-wheel-drive, or better fuel economy?   Technology in today’s automobiles is advancing at an amazing rate, offering features from advanced driver assistance systems to Colorado-friendly all-wheel drive. This can bring cost and complexity in the automotive repair market.   To eliminate anxiety and help you get an accurate assessment of the vehicle you are about to purchase, consider a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). A pre-purchase inspection is a detailed assessment by a qualified technician to determine the cosmetic, mechanical, and safety condition of the vehicle before completing the purchas ... read more

We recently lost one of our favorite customers, Frank Johnson. Following are reflections from our years of doing business with a great man. Sending love, thoughts, and prayers from All Tech Automotive to Frank's family and those who knew and loved him! Frank was a long-time customer at our shop, and an outstanding example of a wonderful businessman and family man. Frank's 1999 Ford Expedition saw over 360,000 miles - not because it was that reliable of a vehicle, but because Frank cared for it that well. Oil and filter changes. Pre-trip inspections. Suspension repairs. Tune-ups. Transmission replacement. Engine replacement. Failed emissions diagnostics. A lot of work, over a lot of years. He loved that truck and was most excited about taking it back to the cabin in Montana, it seems. He took care of his family in the same manner. We practically watched his grandson Austin grow up at the school down the street and then into multiple jobs, and multiple cars along the way. We h ... read more