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

These days in the automotive industry there is a lot of private equity money. Groups of investors buying up independent shops. It's happening in the auto body and paint side, and it's happening in the mechanical repair side, too.  It is likely happening in other industries as well. A by-product, I suppose, of our country's demographics. The baby-boom generation is largely retired, many of them successfully and financially able to invest. And so, small independent shops of many types are becoming corporatized (new word, there).  Is this a good thing, or a bad thing? Maybe both? Maybe neither? What I feel is that when private equity happens and independent operators sell, local culture is at risk. The focus often shifts from community service and involvement, to making sure the numbers pencil out, every time. Does this make for bad business people? Not necessarily. But it might remove some of the warmth, compassion, and understanding that you used to have when doi ... 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    

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

Today we're channeling things we learned from our parents - From Dad: "Work hard, play hard." From Mom: "Work before play, and enjoy the weather - it's a beautiful day. (No matter the weather.)" So first the work hard... This recent winter weather we're experiencing is a great time to test out your Anti-lock Brakes (ABS). And while testing those brakes if you happen to tag a curb or pothole, perhaps it's time for an alignment? At Perforamnce Tune Auto Repair, we can help you with both of those services.  Now the play hard... When you find yourself in a big open parking lot in fresh snow, it's a good time to test your car's behavior in slippery conditions. And if you happen to see a car spinning circles in the snow in the parking lot next to our shop, don't worry - the driver probably works for us! We never do it with customer cars, we promise... and remember, driver pays all fines. Have fun, be safe, and ... read more