ABOUT  US

  Nick’s Auto Repair was not always the way it is today. As a matter of fact, it started as a Mobile Gas Station. The founder of that gas station was Elden “Nick” Nickerson. There were three gas pumps and three bays to work in. Later it was turned into a Sinclair Gasoline Station. From 1977 to 1988 the station did a multitude of work. Then in 1988 Nick went into partnership with his son Dennis. At that point in time Nickerson Sinlcair became Nick’s Auto Repair, the facility it is today.

Dennis started at the ground level many years before. He has a vast knowledge of auto repair and has turned quite a few wrenches in his day. Over the past 11 years the “shop” as it is referred to has undergone many changes. Yet, one thing still stays the same. The service you get today is the same as it was over twenty years ago. In May of 1999 Nick retired from the auto repair industry and is now enjoying a long deserved retirement. Dennis now owns the business and strives to keep the standards the same as when Nick opened the doors. Some things have changed, technicians have come, some have gone, but the work load still gets completed.

We search for the best technicians in the area, and have a widespread reputation as one of the top auto repair shops in Boulder and in the state. Our techs are top notch and we rely on them to keep the business going. Without technicians, auto repair facilities wouldn’t be able to survive. Lastly, Dennis brought on his daughter Jennifer Ward, formerly Jennifer Nickerson, in September of 2000 to ” learn the ropes.” You guessed it, another member of the family is here to stay. Jennifer is Dennis’ eldest child. Before coming here, Jennifer worked for Mesa Airlines. She brings with her a lot of knowledge about customer service. As you can tell Nick’s is truly a family owned and operated establishment.

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Welcome to Nick’s Auto Repair

Nick’s Auto Repair has been providing quality car care in Boulder, CO since 1977. We are a family owned business delivering honest and professional automotive repair and auto maintenance services to the people of Boulder and surrounding areas. The quality ASE (automotive service excellence) certified technicians at Nick’s Auto Repairemploy today’s latest automotive technology and are equipped to handle all major and minor repairs on foreign and domestic vehicles.

Nick’s Auto Repair is a family owned business. We understand that your vehicle is a major investment, and that is why we care for each customer’s vehicle as if it were our own.

Come by and visit our clean and professional shop in Boulder, Colorado.

OUR SERVICES

Our auto repair shop is conveniently located in Boulder, CO. Our quality ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified mechanics at Nick’s Auto Repair employ today’s latest automotive technology and are equipped to handle all major and minor auto repair services on foreign and domestic vehicles. Below are some of the many auto repair services that we offer:

    

Tune ups Engine Repair Exhaust System Electrical CV Axles Full Brake Service Oil Change and Lube Auto Repair Clutch Repairs Replace Lights Coolant Service Air Filter Replacement Computer Diagnostics Vehicle Fluids

Chassis Lube Power Steering Cooling System Flush Car Battery Replacement Suspension and Shock Repair Belt and Hose Replacement Fuel Injection Service Transmission Service Vehicle Preventative Maintenance Air Conditioning Service Complete Diagnostic Services Computer Diagnostic Testing

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Oil and Oil Filter Service
Experts recommend changing the oil and oil filter in your vehicle every 3 months or 3,000 miles, which ever is first. It’s an essential way to maximize engine protection. Oil changes at 7,500 miles are usually too long an interval for most common driving conditions.

Cooling System Service
Flush cooling system, pressure test, check hoses, cap and check connection.

Air Conditioning Service
One of our trained Air Conditioning specialists will inspect your car’s air conditioner, all NC lines, evaporator and compressor for leaks and wear.

Driveline Service
Remove old worn out gear oil from the front and rear differential and transfer case.

Fuel/Air Induction Cleanup
Using specialized equipment our technicians will quickly and effectively clean intake manifold, ports, intake valves, and combustion chamber. Install injector cleaning additive in tank. This service will restore lost power and performance and will reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

Power Steering Flush
Our technicians use a powerful cleaner to dissolve gum and varnish in your car’s power steering unit. Next, we will flush old, worn-out contaminated fluid and install fresh new fluid fortified with a special antioxidant and anti-wear ingredients to prevent expensive mechanical failure.

Transmission Service
Using the latest in state-of-the-art technology, we will install a safe and effective cleaner to suspend harmful varnish and sludge from the transmission valve body, torque converter and lines. Install new high-tech fluid with conditioners.

Brakes

Brakes are pretty much the most important safety device on your car. If you’ve ever partially lost your brakes in the past, you’ll agree that it’s not something you want to experience again. Inspecting your brakes twice a year for wear and damage can protect you and your passengers. Additionally, it will also help save you money by catching any damage before it becomes too costly.

Brake System Components That Can Fail

The master cylinder, the heart of the vehicles braking system, holds the brake fluid when it is not being delivered to the brakes through the brake lines. If brake fluid leaks because the master cylinder is worn or brake lines are plugged or broken, the fluid cannot be delivered and the brake pads will become ruined.

The brake fluid itself can become dirty or contaminated as it draws rust-causing moisture and picks up other debris, or it can break down from excess heat. Clean brake fluid is either clear or slightly yellow, while dirty brake fluid may be brown or even black. Old and dirty brake fluid can damage ABS brake systems internally.

The brake lines connect to the master cylinder through a combination valve, which combines a metering and proportioning valve. It regulates the pressure on the front and rear wheels to make sure both sets of brakes are applied simultaneously. A malfunctioning combination valve may cause the wheels to lock up.

Brake pads and shoes can be made of ceramic, metal or organic materials, while the disc rotors and drums they press against are made of metal. Because the pads and shoes create friction to stop the car, they gradually wear down over time and may wear away completely, letting the metal of the calipers and cylinders they are attached to grind against the rotors and drums and damage them. (Some pads have a metal strip attached that sounds a warning whistle when the pad becomes too worn, but this strip sounds only when the car is in motion and the brakes are not applied.

Oil Change

Engine Oil

Engine oil is what lubricates a car’s engine, allowing it to run smoothly and last longer.Car owners must maintain a car’s engine by changing the oil and using the oil appropriate for their cars make and model. Every car comes with a “check oil” light and an oil filler under the hood. These components allow car owners to monitor their oil levels and add oil as needed, without having to hire a mechanic.

Changing the Oil

An important part of routine car maintenance is changing the oil regularly. The necessary frequency of oil changes has become a point of contention among experts. The Engine Oil Bible maintains that engine oil can’t be changed often enough, but Nordic group insists that, with the advent of detergent oils and multi-weight oils, some vehicles can go as far as 6,000 miles before needing an oil change. The best course of action is to check the owner’s manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.

An obvious benefit of changing one’s own oil is saving money, but oil change services frequently advertize bargains. If the “check engine oil” light comes on while driving, this is a strong indication that the car is running low on oil. A driver does not need a mechanic to add oil. However, if the oil light stays on or lights up shortly after adding oil, there may be a leak and a mechanic should look at the car.

Tire Pressure

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Can Saves Lives

Most people ignore their tires, yet tires are undoubtedly a critical safety component on a vehicle. Where the rubber meets the road affects traction, handling, steering, stability and braking. Because of this, a sudden tire failure can have serious consequences, especially if it occurs when operating at high speeds.

• Nearly 250,000 accidents occur in the United States per year due to low tire pressure.
• About 75 % of roadside flats are preceded by a slow leak or under inflation.
• According to a recent survey, America could reduce its fuel consumption by 10 % and save a collective $2 billion a year by keeping tires properly inflated.
• NHTSA estimates that tire pressure monitoring systems could prevent as many as 79 deaths and 10,365 injuries each year in the United States.

What is the Effect of Under Inflation?

An estimated 23,000 accidents and 535 fatal accidents annually involve blowouts or flat tires. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is not only a major safety concern, but can also affect the handling and performance of your vehicle.

Why Is It More Expensive and Time Consuming to Have Tires Serviced Rather Than Rotated?

Technicians use special diagnostic tools to test and recalibrate sensors any time a tire is moved from one location on the vehicle to another. A sensor must be tested to make sure it is functioning correctly and also must be reprogrammed whenever tires are moved from one position to another during rotation. OEMs recommend a sensor service kit be installed every time a tire is serviced. These kits include replacement parts to properly service the sensor. Sensors are powered by a battery that usually has a life of 6 to 8 years. The sensor has to be replaced when the battery fails because the batteries are not replaceable.

Wheel Alignment

How important is wheel alignment?

Think of it this way: Research indicates that the average vehicle is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with a toe angle misadjustment of 0.34 degrees (only 0.17 inches) out of specification will drag the tires sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year!

What are the “symptoms” of a vehicle with incorrect alignment?

Have your vehicle checked if you notice:

• Excessive or uneven tire wear.
• The vehicle pulls to the left or right.
• Feeling of looseness or wandering.
• Steering wheel vibration or shimmy.
• Steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead.

How often should I have my vehicle aligned?

Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation noted in your owner’s manual. As a general rule, have your wheel alignment checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.

The Importance of Total Alignment:

• Reduced Tire Wear: Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear. Over the years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to tire life. Most tires are replaced prematurely due to adverse wear.
• Better Gas Mileage: Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total Alignment sets all four wheels parallel, which along with proper inflation, minimizes rolling resistance.
• Improved Handling: Does your car pull to one side? Do you constantly have to move the steering wheel to keep your car traveling straight ahead? Many handling problems can be corrected by Total Alignment service. With all the vehicle components aligned properly, road shock is more efficiently absorbed for a smoother ride.
• Safer Driving: A suspension system inspection is part of the alignment procedure. This allows worn parts to be detected before they cause costly problems.

I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?


Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear