A vehicle’s engine is an intricate machine that is fundamental to getting you from one destination to another. Because of this, you should not ignore any issues with your engine. It is always a good idea to bring in your vehicle for smaller engine fixes rather than wait for a larger problem to occur that could cause severe damage to your car and cost you a lot more. If you are concerned about the health of your engine, you can bring your vehicle to Jay's Automotive in Eaton, CO. We specialize in brake repair, timing belt repair, as well as engine repair. We can determine if the problem lies in your engine head gasket, exhaust system, catalytic converter, or something else.

Here are some of our tips for preventative maintenance to keep your engine running smoothly and avoid major problems:

• Change your oil regularly and use the recommended weight of oil.

• Change your timing belt at your manufacturers’ recommended interval.

• Give your engine time to warm up before driving if possible, especially when the weather is cold. This will let the oil get into all parts of the engine before putting a large load on the engine.

Some warning signs of a faulty engine include:

• Your vehicle’s “Check Engine” light is on.

• This light turning on could mean the oxygen sensor needs replacing, the catalytic converter is damaged, the fuel cap is loose, or something else.

• Whatever the reason is, a “Check Engine” light should not be ignored.

• The engine does not start when you turn your key in the ignition.

• This usually indicates a problem with the way your engine processes fuel.

• Your vehicle is consuming more fuel than usual (you are getting less miles per gallon).

• You feel shaking and/or hear strange noises coming from underneath your vehicle’s hood.

Whether you would like to bring your vehicle in for preventative engine maintenance or a more extensive engine repair, Jay's Automotive in Eaton, CO can take care of all your auto repair needs.

Radiators are heat exchangers for cooling your car's internal combustion engine. A radiator cools the engine by circulating an engine coolant through the engine block - it then loses the heat to the atmosphere through radiation. A radiator has a set of tubes through which the engine coolant flows and fins surround these tubes. When the radiator fails, the excess heat produced by the engine could damage the engine components. To prevent this from happening, have your radiator serviced regularly. With time, sludge, rust and other solid deposits build up inside your car's radiator. These make the cooling system become clogged and less effective. This in effect hurts your vehicle's performance. A regular radiator flush is enough to keep the system in shape. For this reason, make radiator flushing a part of your routine car maintenance schedule. To have your radiator needs handled by experts, visit Jay's Automotive today.

Jay's Automotive provides a service to determine if there are issues with your car’s electrical system. It is common knowledge to know that your vehicle needs a battery to run, but your battery is just the beginning of your vehicle’s complex electrical system. Vehicle batteries should be checked at least every two years. Our trained technicians will check your battery for electrolyte level or indicator eye, terminal condition, cleanliness and hold down support. We’ll check your battery condition and charging system, and if needed, provide you with a new battery.

​

The alternator generates most of the electricity in your vehicle. The alternator transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. It sends power to essential parts of your vehicle like the headlights, the engine fan, ignition coils and various parts of the fuel injection system. It also powers non-essential, but still very important parts like the radio and air conditioning system. It’s recommended to have your alternator checked regularly because it’s not always readily apparent when it fails. It can fail in stages and even when it goes completely, your battery will take over for a short period of time.

Properly functioning brakes are paramount to keeping you, your family and other drivers safe. If you notice anything unusual with your brakes, bring your vehicle in and we will perform a full inspection. Taking care of your brakes is crucial to maintaining a safe driving experience for you and your passengers. It is a feature you use every day, and even a slight change can indicate something is wrong.

Some warning signs include:

• The brake light on your dashboard turns and stays on. If this happens, first make sure your handbrake is not engaged. If your brake light stays on, your vehicle is telling you it is time for an inspection and/or there is a problem with your brakes.

• Your car pulls to one side when braking. One brake system may be working more efficiently than the other, causing your vehicle to pull to one side when braking.

• Your brake pedal feels soft or spongy. If you notice a difference in the resistance in the brake pedal — it feels “softer,” or sinks all the way to the floor mat when you press on it — it’s a sign you need immediate service. There could be air or moisture in the braking system or a problem with the master cylinder.

• Your brakes are squeaking, grinding, or squealing. If you hear a high-pitched noise when applying your brakes, it likely means that your brake pad has worn out. This could also cause a grinding sound; a grinding sound could also indicate a lack of lubrication in vehicles with rear drum brakes.

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, do not hesitate to bring your vehicle to Jay's Automotive in Eaton for a free inspection!  We recommend that you get your car’s brakes inspected once a year.  More...

Different parts of the clutch will wear down or break over time, and will require repair or replacement depending on the level of use. If you notice your engine revving and the car not accelerating your clutch is likely slipping. If you experience any of these issues: Stop-and-go city driving with lots of shifting is obviously harder on the clutch than open highway driving. Pulling a trailer, off-roading and aggressive driving can also accelerate clutch wear. Trust Jay's Automotive with your Clutch Repair & Replacement Service.

​

Our team of ASE Certified mechanics know the importance that a quality clutch repair makes on longevity and durability. Our clutch repair includes: Replace pressure plate, replace clutch disk, replace release bearing, resurface or replace flywheel, replace pilot bearing. The new clutch and other components are then precisely installed and aligned. The result is a long-lasting and smooth shifting clutch.

As the shock absorbers, struts and springs wear over time, ride comfort will begin to diminish. Ignoring suspension repairs not only negatively affects ride comfort, but also results in excessive tire wear, decreased stability and handling.Whether you drive a compact car or a raised pickup truck, a thorough suspension inspection is performed on shock absorbers, struts, and springs, followed by an explanation of problems, and suspension repair recommendations. We carry a complete line of high quality suspension parts. Suspension repairs include: Replace damaged, missing, worn shocks, springs, struts, and other suspension parts.

​

If you’re experiencing a bouncy or harsh ride, it’s a good idea to have a suspension inspection performed at Jay's Automotive. By bringing your vehicle to Jay's Automotive, you will receive the best customer service and quality suspension repair within your budget, so your vehicle will last longer.

A properly functioning steering system allows you to smoothly turn your car in any direction. Under normal wear and tear, steering wheel components wear and break down and impact the responsiveness of your car. It’s a good idea to have an inspection performed at Jay's Automotive if you are experiencing loose steering or are having a hard time turning the steering wheel. Because the steering wheel is closely tied to the suspension and tires, our ASE certified mechanics perform a comprehensive inspection to ensure that all parts are checked for damage.
 

At Jay's Automotive, we repair all types of steering systems, including rack and pinion, four-wheel steering, and power steering. We also carry a full line of high quality steering parts for cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.  Steering repairs include: Replace all damaged or worn steering parts (steering column, tie rods, control arms, steering arms, etc.)

Your car’s transmission is perhaps the most complex and important component of the powertrain. It’s within the transmission where different gears are engaged to convert the power generated from the engine to the wheels. Manual transmission’s are a gear-to-gear design, while automatic transmissions have clutch packs, planetary gear sets and much more. High technical skill is required to work on a transmission of any type. We work with you to provide the best transmission repair option. We begin by performing a careful transmission inspection to pinpoint transmission issues. We then provide an explanation of the exact cause and answer any questions, so you are clear on the condition of your transmission. We walk you through the different repair options and help you find the most cost-effective solution that best fits your situation.

Re-manufactured Transmissions

There are times when rebuilding a transmission is not a good value and a remanufactured replacement is a better option.  At Jay's Automotive we prefer Jasper Engine & Transmissions.  They have been remanufacturing quality products since 1942, and is the nation’s largest re-manufacturer of gas and diesel engines, transmissions, differentials, rear axle assemblies, performance engines, and electric motors. Jasper Engines and Transmissions carry a 3-year/100,000 mile transferable warranty.

From automatic transmission flush service to fixing rough shifting problems, Jay's Automotive is the trusted transmission repair shop that provides reliable, affordable automatic and manual transmission service. Whether you need a transmission repair, rebuild, or replacement, we will work within your budget to help you find the best option. Give us a call or stop by!

If your vehicle's air conditioning or heating system is not keeping up with the weather, don't let the temperature in your vehicle make you miserable. Call Jay's Automotive in Eaton and we will fix the problem.

​

Even if your heat or A/C is working at reduced efficiency, it's still worth a visit to have Jay's Automotive check it out.  Your heating and A/C systems may break eventually with usage, and hose pipes may clog and drip if not serviced. Let us examine your vehicle and keep your systems working at top performance. Call us at 970-454-3602 to learn more about how we can get your air conditioning or heating up and running again!

​

Indications your A/C system may be having issues:

• If your air conditioning blows only slightly cooler air compared to the exterior air

• Air that blows in smells damp, musty, or like mildew and mold

• Your cabin does not warm up in cold weather, or is just a little warmer than outside

• The defroster takes longer than typical to operate, or does not operate

• Your heater or A/C only functions when driving, not when idling, or quits blowing when the car is stationary

• Your heating system blows cold air, or the air conditioning blows warm air

• Low airflow even at the highest fan setting

A comprehensive evaluation of heating and A/C system includes:

• Examining the internal controls and blower

• Checking radiator coolant operating temperature, hoses, pressure radiator cap and thermostat

• Inspecting the compressor belt

• Inspecting system and seals for leaks or various other damages

• A cooling system pressure test

• Verifying the A/C pressure meets manufacturer specifications

• Measuring the interior vent air temperature