Deadly 60k Porsche Maintenance

By: Cade Lee

This one can be a killer; my friend has a 2003 Boxter S that he had most recently purchased and had no idea that he was in for$1,295.00 60K maintenance. He called us to see who might be able to help him with his scheduled Porsche repair in Denver and so it started a whole research project for us. The 60,000 mile maintenance for Porsches is definitely one of the largest expenses as far as the maintenance is concerned.

In calling several of the local Porsche repair shops in Denver we learned that you do not need to go to a dealer for this maintenance and that it could be completed by any Porsche technician. The next question was "who was the most qualified and least expensive technician to go to". I started by calling Stevenson Porsche to find out the cost of this scheduled maintenance, and without any delay they were able to give me a price of $1,295.00 (just the cost of a small mortgage). I guess it is important to know that this is definitely the most in-depth service compared to the 15,000 or 30,000 mile maintenances. The 90,000 mile maintenance includes all of the following:

Major maintenance at every 60,000 miles/96,000 km

Diagnosis system: Read out fault memory

Underside of vehicle and engine compartment: Visual inspection for leaks (oils and fluids) and chafing (wires, lines, and hoses)

Coolant hoses: Check condition

Radiator: Visual inspection for external soiling

Coolant: Check level and antifreeze

Particle filter: Replace filter element

Fuel system: Visual inspection for damage, correct routing, and firm seating of the line connections

Power-assisted steering: Check fluid level

Parking brake: Check free play of the parking brake lever

Brake system: Visual inspection of the brake pads and brake discs for signs of wear

Brake hoses and lines: Visual inspection for damage, correct routing and corrosion

Brake fluid: Check level

Clutch: Check play or final position of pedal

Throttle actuation: Check smoothness of operation, full-throttle position with the tester

Steering gear: Visual inspection of the bellows for signs of damage

Tie rod ends: Check play and dust bellows

Axle joints: Check play, visual inspection of the dust bellows for signs of damage, check tightness of screw connections on the suspension adjustment at the front and rear

Drive shafts: Visual inspection of the boots for leaks and signs of damage

Exhaust system: Visual inspection for leaks and signs of damage, check mounts

Tires and spare wheel: Check condition and tire pressure

Door locks, lid locks and safety hook of the front lid: Check to ensure that they are seated firmly and function properly

Safety belts: Check operation and condition

Vehicle lights: Check operation

All headlights: Check setting

Horn: Check operation

Windshield washer, headlight washer: Check fluid level and nozzle settings, make sure to check the antifreeze during winter months

All other electrical equipment as well as indicator and warning lights: Check operation

During road or dynamometer test:Brake pedal and parking brake (also operating travel), engine, clutch, transmission, automatic speed control, steering system, heating, air-conditioning system, and instruments: Check operation

Oils, fluids: Visual inspection for leaks

Replace Polyrib belt

So it is quite intensive and definitely worth the investment as it is strongly recommended by Porsche.

In calling the independent Porsche repair shops we decided to go online and search for "Porsche Repair in Denver", after deciding that Stevenson might be a little on the "high" side.

DART auto Porsche VW Audi Service – www.dart auto.com : Was my first call, I talked with a receptionist who explained that the "Service Writer" was busy and would call me back. I still have not received a call back, when I do I will update this post to let you know the price of the maintenance. Ultimately I did not want to send my friend to a garage that wouldn't even return a call so I continued the search. If you wanted to call this shop you could contact them at (303) 296-1188, I could not locate any information through the Denver BBB for this company, according to the Colorado Secretary of State the company has been in business since 2001. Not much else I could tell you here.

Avalon Motorsports – Here I talked to a fantastic service writer, unfortunately they were not handling Porsche repairs at the time. In maintaining transparency with me, he told me that he simply did not have any technicians that specialized in Porsches there at the time. They are one of the first websites that pulled up on Google, and their website does claim that they handle Porsche Repairs in Denver it must have been a little out of date. Brian the Service Writer referred me to RS Motorsports. He explained to me that if anyone was qualified to handle this kind of service, it would be Brian of RS Motorsports. http://www.avalonmotorsports.com/ (303) 400-3001. Although they were not handling Porsche repairs at the time I would definitely want to go back, seemed like a solid group there.

RS Motorsports – I called Joel at RS Motorsports and was able to reach him right away. He of course knew Brian at Avalon Motorsports and told me that he would be happy to help. I asked him for a price on the 60,000 mile maintenance for my friends Boxter S and he explained that the full service would be $900.00 which was $395.00 less than the dealership. He was right on the money as my call to Stevenson earlier was exactly $1,295.00. According to the Better Business Bureau RS Motorsports, Inc has a BBB rating of A- and has been in business since July 2002. You can see their BBB report here. You can call Joel Stallbaumer at 303-432-8989 or visit their website at http://www.rsmotorsportsco.com/.

Autoworks Colorado – My last contact was Mark Zalmanek at Autoworks. Like the others he also shows up on the first page of Google for "Porsche Repair in Denver", ultimately he has several reviews which all seemed excellent. In talking with Mark I could hear the experience in his voice as he explained the service to me in detail and explained that the service would be $800.00. Out of all the shops, Autoworks has the highest BBB rating with an "A", you can see their BBB profile here. Also it seemed that he has been in business the longest, according the BBB report Autoworks has been in business since 1994. Reaching Mark was simple, and he was extremely cordial.

Overall it seems that Autoworks Colorado not only had the most competitive price, but the most experience in the business and longevity. Needless to say I recommended that my friend go to Mark Zalmanek at Autoworks Colorado. I will definitely post again and let you know about the experience!

Auto Repair for Beginners

(Source: Ken Marlborough)

I found this article by Ken Marlborough and found it to be quite useful!

As a new owner of a vehicle, you must know about auto repair. This way, when your car breaks down, you what you have to do. Many automobile manufacturers and auto parts dealers provide their customers with tips on how to do basic auto repairs.

It is important that you familiarize yourself first with the parts and systems that make up your automobile. Knowledge about how these parts and systems work, and what their optimal performance levels help you master simple auto repair techniques. If you are aware of how your car functions, you will not have a hard time identifying where a strange sound is coming from and what part of your vehicle is affected.

By knowing the basics, you can perform simple troubleshooting procedures when your car breaks down, instead of sending it to a mechanic right away. You will not have to spend massive amounts of money just to hire a professional for a simple job you can do yourself, such as adjusting a few loose screws or cooling an overheating radiator.

As a beginner in auto repair, you must realize the importance of owning a basic service tool kit. This usually contains wrenches, screws and a jack. If your car stalls on the road, you will most likely need such tools to start it up again. Tools make auto repairs easier because they allow you to troubleshoot hard-to-reach areas.

If you want to learn more about auto repairs for beginners, you can try asking your favorite mechanic for some pointers. You can also try searching the World Wide Web for tips on auto repair. Through a search engine, you can access a wealth of information. Aside from research, you also have the option of signing up for short courses on auto repair.

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Autoworks Colorado

Since Autoworks Colorado first opened its doors in 1995 , they have prided themselves in being one of the most highly rated and affordable Denver Auto Repair shops. Their company is owner operated so you are dealing with a local friendly auto repair mechanic station. You will always be able to speak with the mechanic who works on your vehicle or the owner if you have any questions or concerns. Customer Satisfaction and keeping your car running in top condition is the number one priority of Autoworks Colorado.

They service all German and import automobiles and use the latest in automotive technology to service and maintain your vehicle. All of their technicians are highly qualified and ASE certified . They also guarantee to utilize only quality automotive parts unlike other Denver auto repair shops.

Some of the services that Autoworks Colorado include, auto engine diagnostics, transmission , oil changes, tune ups, factory scheduled maintenance, auto engine repair, auto engine misfires, auto check engine light on , auto overheating problems, auto emissions failures, auto drivability issues, brakes, alignments, complete exhaust repairs, tire balancing & rotations, timing belts, waterpumps, auto electrical troubleshooting, doors & windows, ,shocks/struts, A/C work any many more .

They often run repair specials for parts and services. Check out their website to see monthly specials and get your import repair today! Autoworks Colorado

Brakes Sale in Littleton

Right now Autoworks Colorado is having a sale on their Brakes & Services. Right now on all import vehicles, take 10% OFF of brake parts and services and Autoworks throughout December.

Take advantage of this Littleton auto repair holiday sale at Autoworks Colorado. Autoworks Colorado is one of the Denvers best Import auto repair shops. They have been in business for over 20 years and only work on German imports.

For more information you can check out their website at www.autorepairindenver.com or give them a call (303) 932-9990.

Maintenance Tips for a Turbo Car

Everything Oil, healthy turbo engines should be well cooled and lubricated. Use synthetic oil only for your turbo engine because these oils can tackle extreme temperatures. Change oil every 2,500 to 3,000 miles because oil breaks down and gets dirty in time. Always check the oil level and remember to let the oil cool down first before you turn off the engine of your car. Just leave the car idle for a few minutes. It will help you prevent any damage on your engine bearings and oil lines. Check that all turbo bearings are well lubricated before using the car, especially after you have undergone oil change. Check for oil leaks. Contaminants in the engine oil like dirt or carbon, if not collected by the oil filter, can enter the turbo charger.

Supplementary tips for turbo maintenance. Check the wastegate signal hose for any cracks or signs of hardening. Make sure that the throttle position sensor or TPS is working well. Clean the throttle body every 30,000 miles. Do not allow your tires to go bald since it will affect suspension. In a fully powered turbo car, you wouldn’t want to fall onto potholes real hard. Air filter must be replaced every 10,000 miles. Replace the timing belt every 40,000 miles. During long drives and heavy traffic situations, it would be helpful if you have a switch in line with the air-conditioning fan for the turbo system to cool down. Foreign objects into the engine can damage the turbine. Frequent basic checkups of the turbo engine are important to prevent any possible damages. Immediately address any problems so they won’t get bigger and nastier. If the turbocharger needs to be replaced, replace it with a turbo of a different type. Make sure you that you are getting the correct type of turbocharger for your engine so avoid faulty turbo performance, high fuel and oil consumptions, and engine damage. When you have modified your engine, you need to modify your turbocharger as well. Plan your trips well and know when your next stop is to adjust your throttle. In the last few miles of driving, avoid using full throttle and let the engine start to relax to prevent excessive heat build-up in the turbo when you need to turn the engine off. Go to a professional who is an expert in turbochargers for any concerns on your turbo car.

Following the tips above for turbo maintenance can help you get the most out of your turbo petrol car and you can take advantage of:
- More horsepower which you require
- More torque
- Better throttle response
- Smoother operation
- Safer overtaking

The turbo kit you installed has already cost you some amount. If it breaks down on you due to factory defect, you can always claim for warranty immediately. If the turbo car breaks down to due to neglect on turbo maintenance then you will have more costly things to come your way.

Englewood Volkswagen Repair

If you have an Englewood Volkswagen and you need it serviced, there's only one place to go! No matter what the problem, big or small, Autoworks Colorado can fix any type of Volkswagen. They specialize in auto repair on German vehicles and give the best service in the entire Denver Metro.
Why would you waste your time going to Emich Volkswagen or Osborn Automotive? They charge way too much for a service you could get done for nearly half the cost! Not only will you be saving money going to Autoworks Colorado, you will get the best customer service in the automotive repair industry.
They are located off of E-470 and Ken Carl in Littleton, Colorado and have a very clean shop. They have been fixing Volkswagen's for over 20 years so if your looking for an Englewood vw mechanic with lots of experience you need to check out Autoworks Colorado.
I am so happy that I found this repair shop a few years back, totally changed my view of auto mechanics. I will NEVER go to a Dealership again to get my vw fixed.
If you live in Englewood and drive a volkswagen, it is seriously worth checking them out. Trust me it is worth the short drive from Englewood to Littleton to get your car worked on by these guys.
They got a new website: www.autorepairindenver.com I believe and their number is (303) 932-9990

Englewood Auto Repair

Englewood auto repair has many shops trying to compete for your business. Not many can provide the service the Autoworks Colorado can. They have the cleanest shop of all the Denver auto repair shops and have very experienced mechanics. They service all Littleton bmw service needs, all Littleton mercedes services, all Littleton Audi services, all Littleton Porsche services as well as Littleton volkswagens.

Autoworks Colorado specializes in all German auto repairs in Denver. They have been fixing German imports in Denver for over 25 years. They are located in Littleton just south of Englewood. I was very happy with the services Autoworks Colorado provided me and I would recommend them for any Englewood auto repair needs or Denver auto repair needs for any german import vehicle.

Check out there website at: www.autorepairindenver.com

Denver BMW auto repair

There are many Denver auto repair shops looking to get your business but there are only a select few that you want to trust your BMW with. Denver auto repair shops vary in size, experience, and reliablity so you want to make sure that you take your BMW to an auto repair shop that excells at all three categories.

Autoworks Colorado does just that! They have been working on BMW's for 30 years and specialize in German auto repair in Denver. They have a great shop in Littleton and are looking to expand soon.

Here is a picture of their shop, as you can see it is one of the cleanest auto repair shops in Denver!

Autoworks Colorado has 8 bays for any BMW makes and model. One thing I was impressed with was Mark the owner, personally called me and told me he recomended we should replace a water pump at the same time as they were servicing another part on my car. He told me that since everything was out it would be much cheaper to do it now than in 6 months. He also said it didn't have to be done at the time and it was up to me. It would need to be replaced in 6 months so we decided to just do it then. I couldn't believe I got a phone call instead of showing up with a much larger bill without having any knowledge of it. Autoworks Colorado is one of the most reliable denver auto repair shops in the area and I would strongly recommend them to anyone with a german import or BMW.

Auto Repair Denver

Often times when you take your Mercedes Benz to a Denver auto repair shop you are skeptical about what is really being done behind the scene...if anything is being done right? Well remember you are not an expert and you have spent a lot of money on your Denver Mercedes.

Of all the Denver auto repair shops out there, ask around for others experience with mercedes auto repair. Online there are a ton of reviews of Denver auto repair shops that can be a good source of where to take your car.

Murphy's Laws: (By: Matthew Wright)

• 
  Nothing is as easy as it looks.
• 
  Everything takes longer than you think.
• 
  Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
• 
  If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most
• damage will be the one to go wrong. Corollary: If there is a worse time for something to go wrong, it will happen then.
• 
  You never run out of things that can go wrong.
• 
  If anything simply cannot go wrong, it will anyway.
• 
  If you perceive that there are four possible ways in which a procedure can go wrong, and circumvent these, then a fifth way, unprepared for, will promptly develop.
• 
  If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.
• 
  It is impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are so ingenious.
• 
  Whenever you set out to do something, something else must be done first.
  Every solution breeds new problems.

How to Avoid Denver Repair Rip-offs

Let's face it, not everyone is as honest as we would like. What's more, those individuals who are in a position to have trust them blindly are often the ones to lie to us so boldly. Now, this isn't to say that everyone is a liar and a thief, but it pays to be cautious.

When it comes to Denver auto repairs, many new drivers or those inexperienced in dealing with garages will find the entire process frustrating and even confusing. Mechanics will often assume that drivers will know the components of their cars and how it all goes together. Doctors are often guilty of this as well. In most cases, the mechanic is not attempting to rip the vehicle owner off, to them it is common knowledge and sometimes they do forget that not everyone is as well versed as they are.

However, there are a hand full of unscrupulous Denver auto repair shops that uses such talk to their advantage. When you place your car in the care of a Denver repair shop you have no choice but to take their word as gospel concerning your car. After all, they are in a position of authority and are trained in car repair. Knowing this shady mechanics will use fast talk and technical terms to their advantage to charge you for items that you either did not need or that simply do not exist.

That is why having even a rudimentary knowledge about your car is so important. Many automobile types will have common ailments which you can easily search for online. Other car repairs are common for all types and are usually the result of the same problem. This way you can, hopefully, spot when an unscrupulous mechanic is trying to take you for a ride.
Being aware of you car's needs goes a step further when you enter that Denver repair shop. You must be precise when dealing with a mechanic in order to avoid any miscommunication.

Miscommunications do not point to rip offs but it should be avoided anyways. Many advise that you make out a detailed list of what you want repaired. This way the mechanic will fully understand what you want. In order to make sure that this list reaches the mechanics that will be working on your vehicle; you may want to tape the list on the steering wheel or the dashboard so that it is clearly visible. If you find a trusted Denver auto repair shop, this isn't always necessary. The idea is to find that auto repair shop where the communication is always there and they will give you a call to go over what they are about to repair on your car.

Before you authorize any work, at all, you should make certain that the mechanic is certified. The mechanic can be certified through either the dealer or through a special regulatory body which can vary state to state. Find out who this regulatory body is and what they require of their mechanics before you settle on a shop.

Afterwards, check out the Denver auto shop through organizations like the Better Business Bureau or some type of consumer affairs organization. If there were any complaints filed against the shop that may not necessarily mean that the shop is scamming its customers. However, if there are more then a couple and if these reports are of a severe quality then it would be wise to find another shop.

The important thing to remember as you search for a Denver auto repair shop is that not everyone is a crook. In such an industry as auto repair and car service a few bad apples really does spoil the bunch. Use caution and your gut to avoid rip offs and scams.

Denver Auto Repair

There are many Denver car dealerships out there that claim to have a great service departement but the problem is they charge so much more for labor than most smaller Denver car shops. I have had the best luck finding the smaller locally owned Denver auto repair shops where you and your car are important to the shop and they typically charge less than the dealerships and you get a better service.

If you have a German Car I would suggest going to Autoworks Colorado in Littleton. I service my BMW there and they are fantastic! They have the best Denver auto repair of imports in the whole metro area. They also have the cleanest shop I have seen and mechanics are great. The owner is there at all times and they won't work on your car without updating you the status of your car. Check them out at www.autorepairindenver.com

Auto Repair Denver

If you live in the Denver Metro Area and you own a German car, you should get it serviced at Autoworks Colorado. They have the cleanest Denver auto shop in the whole metro area. If you want someone who has years of experience, Autoworks Colorado has mechanics who have been working for over 20 years specializing in import auto repair. The owner Mark Zalmanek, wants to provide a Denver auto repair that is effortless for the car owners. His main goal is to provide quality service at an affordable price. Of all the Denver auto repair shops out there, Autoworks Colorado is honest to their customers.

"We won't fix anything on your import that does not need to be fixed, and we certainly won't work on your car without calling you to update you on your vehicles situation."
- Mark Zalmanek (owner)

Autoworks Colorado is the best Denver auto repair shop in the metro and provides quality service at an affordable price. If you have a porsche, mercedes, bmw, audi or volkswagen you should get it serviced at Autoworks Colorado.

Porsche Covers

By Matthew Keegan

In owning a high quality roadster such as a Porsche Boxster you are making a statement that you value quality, engineering, speed, luxury, and reliability. Few cars can match all that a Boxster does in effectively combining an exhilarating sports car ride with a sensible price. Still, owning any Porsche is an investment and you must take care to protect that investment. A custom fitted car cover is something to consider to properly shield your Porsche.

After spending over sixty thousand dollars for your new Porsche, why is it that the one investment that can save you thousands of dollars is often overlooked? What I am talking about is a Porsche car cover. A car cover is a reasonably priced accessory that should be standard equipment for any vehicle. For only a few hundred dollars a custom fitted car cover will protect your car from:
Damaging rays of the sun. If you leave your car outside for any length of time, the sun’s rays will damage your car’s finish.

Harmful moisture. A high quality car cover will protect your car’s finish from moisture. Acid rain, sleet, snow, and hail can permanently damage your car.

Bird poop. You may not park your car under a tree, but the birds sure are attracted to its shine. Not getting to the poop soon enough can be costly to your paint.

Minor impacts. No, a car cover won’t protect your car in all circumstances, but a high quality cover is designed to absorb small impacts.

Nosey neighbors. You own a Boxster and everyone want to peer in and look at it…rubbing up against your car, scratching the finish, damaging the paint!

Insects. Who wants to see their car become home to every insect imaginable? With a custom fitted cover on your Porsche, bugs won’t zone in on something that isn’t hospitable to them.

Dust, dirt, air pollution. Even garaged cars can be damaged by dust.

You can talk to your local Porsche Auto Repair shop to help you find a good cover. You are going to want one that has a guarantee and some kind of warantee.

7 Tips when Purchasing a New Car

While we all like to think we won’t be conned when buying a used car, thousands of people are every single year. The majority of these people have bought their used car from one of the popular free ads papers and have known very little - if anything - about what to look for in a quality car. If you fall into this category, then simply follow the top seven car buying tips outlined below.

First of all, look out for signs that the car may have been involved in a serious accident. Points to watch out for include slight gaps between the body panels and car doors that drop or that fit badly on their hinges.

Always give the gearbox and clutch a thorough test. When doing this, make sure that you have the engine running then press down on the clutch. If there is any change in the sound of the engine then this could indicate the bearings are worn.

The gearstick should move smoothly without any “crunching” sound.

Make sure the brakes are in top order by breaking as firmly as you can without the car skidding. When you start up the car make sure the exhaust fumes are white - any other colour could indicate problems.

Check the panels to make sure there are no lose screws. If there are this could indicate that the odometer has been tampered with and the car has done more mileage than it states.

Finally, always go over the car’s paperwork thoroughly to make sure the history is correct. Generally the more history a car has the better off you are. You also may invest in a vehicle data check, a service which can instantly check your proposed new car’s history, including whether it has ever been stolen or involved in an accident or whether it has any outstanding finance on it etc. This may cost a little money at first but in the long run, it could save you time and future headaches.

Denver Auto Repair

Sweet Auto Repair Website!

Autoworks Colorado just got a new website at www.autorepairindenver.com and recently opened at a new location. Check out there website and tell us what you think!

VW Englewood Auto Repair

I have been servicing my Volkswagen with Autoworks Colorado for the past 4 years and absolutley love the service they provide. You know you can trust them when you bring in your car. There are never any surprises! They have such a nice shop at their new location on 8110 Shaffer PKWY. They also got a new website at www.autorepairindenver.com

Littleton Auto Repair

If anyone has an import or 'german car' and you need to have it serviced I would strongly recommend going to Autoworks Colorado. They have a great shop and it is very clean. These guys know their german cars, they have been in the business for 20+ years!

They are very professional and great mechanics. They service all Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen models. Check ou Denver's best auto repair shop: Autoworks Colorado

Audi A4

The new Audi A4 is an impressive performance vehicle, particularly when equipped with the available quattro all-wheel-drive system, and it offers a luxurious interior with superior build quality and materials. Some auto reviews say that the new 08' Audi A4's solid performance and classy exterior design makes it a solid consideration amond upscale midsize sedans.

The A4's major competitor is BMW's 3 series which ranks amongst the highest in this class. Many people can't afford the 3 series and turn to audi's A4 as a substitute. For more on the Audi A4 review visit the full review.

Auto Parts for Imports

If you want to save a great deal of money you should check out the Auto Parts Place online. I bought parts for my Audi A6 and had them put in with some help from my friends at Autoworks Colorado. I saved on parts by 50% and found a good price on labor. I was surprised that the man working on my car didn't care that I got the parts myself but I guess it just saved him another job. My car was done the next day and I was on the road for half the cost.

Check them out!