InC Auto Repair Center

7 Tips to Keep Your New Car Running – Even If It’s Used! - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:25:03 GMT

If you’re like many people, 2020 has driven you to shift gears in many of your everyday practices – including how you motor around town. Did part of your daily routine include dropping your car at one of many Park-n-Ride lots around Parker and Denver, scanning your RTD MyRide Pass and hopping on your favorite RTD train or bus? Yep, us too. Here’s the thing: if you’re not going into the office, but instead working from home, how are you getting around town? You may now have a need for a reliable vehicle that allows you to hit the grocery store, get the kids to school or daycare, or make a needed trip to the doctor or dentist.

This shift is common and has created a strong market in buying and selling used cars and trucks. If you’re a buyer, the best advice we can give you is consider working with a reputable auto broker who deals in used vehicles – such as H.M. Brown or AAA. If you end up buying directly from a private party, make sure to schedule a professional inspection with an independent mechanic , like I N C Auto Repair Center in Parker, Colorado.

So … now that you’ve got that new used car or truck in your garage, what’s next? Here are our top tips and suggestions for properly maintaining your “new” vehicle!

Do Your Homework

Read your owner’s manual – cover to cover – on Day 1. You should find it in the glove box, or very likely online depending on the age of the vehicle. It will tell you everything you need to know about your new vehicle including recommended service cycles. It will illustrate where to find the basics like reservoirs for refilling everything from windshield fluid to oil.

Best Maintenance: Oil Changes

Level up on what type of oil is recommended for your vehicle, and how often it should be changed. Best practices: have a qualified mechanic look at your vehicle every 3-4,000 miles or every 3-months – whichever comes first. At I N C Auto Repair Center, we include a complimentary 30-point Vehicle Health Evaluation and Tire Rotation with every oil change. Even with driving less in 2020, you need to have your tires rotated, belts inspected, cabin filters changed, and fresh oil running through your engine. It’s the best maintenance you can hope to deliver to the car or truck you and your family rely on!

Tires Carry the Load

How much air pressure is recommended for your tires? Check the owner’s manual, the tire manufacturer’s website, or look inside the driver’s side door panel. Once you know how much pressure the tires require, grab your reliable tire gauge and check your pressure. By the way, it’s best to check your tire pressure while the tires are cold. Once they warm up through driving, the pressure can increase. Tire pressure is known to decrease during cold outside temps, so don’t be alarmed. Just give them a breath of fresh air! If your tire gauge or internal warning lights continue to report low pressure after you’ve add air and have driven the vehicle at least 25 mph for 5-10 miles, ask your mechanic to take a look. You may have a puncture or slow leak that they can fix for you!

Can You See Clearly?

The absolute worst is getting caught on a dark, rainy night or moist freeway kicking up damp road grit and mag-chloride with windshield wipers that don’t pull their weight. At the first sign of streaks, invest in a fresh set of windshield wipers – you will thank yourself!

Let There Be Light

When your checking over that new car or truck before the purchase, don’t forget to check ALL the lights:

Low & High-beam headlights

Tail & Brake lights

Fog & Turn Signal lights

Keep a Positive Charge.

Again, with fewer or shorter trips in your car, it’s easy to have your battery lose charge over time. Make sure you have a set of jumper cables in your car and KNOW how to use them! A few basic tips in this order:

#1 Find a friend or neighbor willing to help you, and put both vehicles in PARK.

#2 Turn off the engine on the donor vehicle; your vehicle is already off (due to the dead battery).

#3 Attach one RED clip to the POSITIVE terminal on the dead battery (presumably yours).

#4 Attach one RED clip to the POSITIVE terminal on the donor car battery.

#5 Attach one BLACK clip to the negative terminal on the donor car battery.

#6 Only then should you attach the remaining BLACK clip to an unpainted steel part of your vehicle.

#7 Start the donor vehicle and let it run for 5+ minutes to send a charge to your dead battery.

#8 Then try and start your vehicle – it should start up pretty quickly.

#9 Give your car a good run at higher speeds to give the battery a good charge.

#10 If your battery fails to hold a charge, it may be time for a new one. We can help with that, give us a call.

Tidy is as Tidy Does

At our house we laugh that the car always runs better when it’s clean! While that may just be in our heads, the fact is you are protecting your car when you keep it washed. We mentioned mag-chloride that is used on roads to inhibit ice buildup. It can also corrode not only your paint but the vehicle body. The same with tree sap, bugs on the windshield and grill, and more. And did you know: it’s more environmentally friendly if you go to your neighborhood car wash than washing it yourself in your driveway? You end up using less water and send less soap and detergent into your lawn and city sewer systems.

Have questions? We are always here to help. Give us a call at I N C Auto Repair Center in Parker Colorado. We’ll put that car or truck you have your eye on through its paces with a professional inspection and once purchased, help you build a solid vehicle maintenance plan !

Be Road Ready For Winter Holiday Travel - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:25:02 GMT

Ah, the joyous winter travel months are finally here, November and December. A time for sumptuous turkey dinners and gathering around the tree with friends and family. It’s also a time for slippery, icy roads and shoulder to shoulder highway traffic. To get through the season, you’re going to need a can do attitude, some patience – and also a tip top shape vehicle!

Here are some tips from I N C Auto Repair Center in Parker, Colorado on getting your car ready for those sometimes grueling but ultimately joyful Holiday road trips.

Oil Changes:

Let’s start with the basics. Sure, we all tend to fudge a little now and then on the timing between oil change intervals by 500 (or 1,000!) miles, but Holiday time is when you really, really don’t want to risk mechanical trouble. So take a peek at your odometer, or the handy reminder sticker on the upper corner of your windshield. Follow that sticker or odometer reading to a T! The recommended intervals vary between every 3,000 miles if you use conventional oil; and every 5,000 to 6,000 miles for synthetic oil. Be sure to check with your mechanic or the oil manufacturer for your particular oil needs. Regardless, don’t push the mileage too far beyond the recommendations. Just bring ‘er in and get ‘er done.

Minor and Major Service:

Here’s a simple rule: Typically starting at 15,000 and then in intervals of every 15,000, your car needs minor or major service, in addition to or along with your oil changes. Just think Odd and Even . At odd intervals (15K, 45K, 75K, etc.), you’re probably looking at minor service. For even mileage (30K, 60K, 90K, etc.), it’s likely time for regular major service. Consult your Owner’s Manual, or check with us here at I N C Auto Repair Center, for the exact recommended time/mileage of your next scheduled service. We can run a quick diagnostic to be sure nothing is missed.

Tires, Tires, Tires:

You may have perused one of our previous blogs devoted specifically to tires, and we won’t repeat too much of that same information. But let’s face it, Holiday Time is crunch time! You want those tires in tip top shape before hitting the road to Grandma’s.

Some questions you can ask yourself:

How does the tread look? You don’t need to be an expert to have a hunch on your tire’s safety.
Are you up to date on the CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) rules on tire tread?
How many miles do you have on the tires?
Is your spare tire ready to come in and pinch hit in the event of a flat?
Are your tires giving you the best possible gas mileage? Underinflated or misaligned tires/wheels can eat into your mileage over the long term.

If, after running through the above checklist, you’re not sure about your wheels, zip over to I N C Auto Repair Center and we can confirm or reassure you on your hunch, and give the best recommendation for your tires.

Auto Body Issues Large and Small:

You know you don’t want to be driving through a snowstorm with a severely cracked windshield or significantly dented passenger door; but what about the smaller things, like a cracked headlight or burned out head lights or brake lights?

While the temptation is there to tough it out on that Christmas Eve drive, why take a chance? Everyone’s safety is at issue when you get behind the wheel, and many such small body issues can be taken care of in no time at all. We know time is even more of the essence during the Holidays, and the staff here at Golden Triangle Auto Care is prepared to take care of those last minute small issues that will put your mind at ease once they’re taken care of.

Detailing:

There’s no need to go overboard and detail your car back to how it looked when you first drove it off the lot. But a quick cleaning inside and out prior that Holiday journey can lift everyone’s mood just a little bit and get your Thanksgiving or Christmas drive off on the right foot.

If you have any regular maintenance that’s due or any questions – none too small – about the overall maintenance of your vehicle, give us a call at I N C Auto Repair Center, your Parker CO car care experts today!

Colorado Traction Laws: What you need to know! - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:25:00 GMT

How important are your tires? Very. Without reliable tires (and gas), your car, truck or 4×4 isn’t going anywhere. Here’s what you need to know.

Inflation

A tire that has too much or too little air is a problem. An improperly inflated tire could cause poor gas mileage, loss of traction, tire wear, or could even damage the tire leading to failure. You don’t want that when you’re driving! Make sure you know the recommended inflation level for your vehicle’s tires. How do you know? Check your owner’s manual or look for a sticker in the door frame on the driver’s side of your car or truck. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Pressure gauges are inexpensive and easy to use. Don’t have a pressure gauge? Ask our front desk Service Manager for one! Remember to always check your tire pressure when the tires are “cold” and haven’t been driven for about 30 minutes.

Colorado Department of Transportation Traction Laws

Driving on I-70 through Colorado’s high country can be both beautiful and treacherous. Especially between September and May. Within a matter of hours, climate and road conditions can swing from sunny and dry to wet, slushy, snowy, and icy. Are you up to date on the most recent rule changes regarding traction laws in Colorado? Here’s the official word from CDOT (make sure to check for any recent updates).

Most Colorado drivers are pretty good when it comes to their vehicle’s winter-worthy capabilities, swapping out summer tires for winter tires and packing a set of chains in their trunk or tool kit. Between September and May, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) expects two things:

1) either snow tires, tires with the mud/snow (M+S) designation, or a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle; and

2) all winter-worthy tires to have a tread depth of not less than 3/16 of an inch . Who’s checking the tread depth on those tires you might ask? Your trusted Parker auto mechanic should be doing that for you when they swap out your seasonal tires or doing the recommended 30-point vehicle health evaluation each time your oil is changed.

Tread Wear

What’s up with tire tread patterns? Tread patterns are designed to move moisture out of the way so the rubber can make contact with the road. Otherwise, the tire would drive on top of the moisture, which leads to hydroplaning. Definitely not as fun as it sounds.

Being able to maintain control of your vehicle when there’s moisture on the road isn’t the only concern regarding your tire tread. If you go too long without replacing your tires, you risk having them fail while you’re driving. Wear bars will be visible when only 1/16 of your tire tread remains, which is an indicator that you need tires sooner rather than later.

Tire Code

Ever wonder what all the numbers and letters on the side of your tire mean? Each one is there for a specific reason. Your tire might have something that looks like this:

P215/65R15

The “ P ” is for “passenger car.” You might also see “ST” (special trailer), “LT” (light truck), or “T” (temporary).

“ 215 ” is the width of the tire in millimeters. Wider tires mean more traction.

“ 65 ” is the aspect ratio, which is the height to width ratio as a percentage. Low aspect ratio (“low profile”) tires generally handle well at high speeds, but the trade-off is a bumpier ride. Want a smooth ride and good traction in slick conditions? Stick with a taller tire.

“ R ” is for “radial,” versus “ B ” for “bias belt” or “ D ” for “diagonal.” This refers to how the tire is constructed. Radials allow the tread and sidewall to function independently, which equates to flexibility, better handling, and better capability to withstand heat.

“ 15 ” is the diameter of wheel rim that the tire was designed to fit (in inches).

This concludes your Tires 101 class! Knowledge is your best tool as a consumer, so use your new power wisely. Remember, our mechanics are here to help expand both your knowledge and your vehicle’s performance. Schedule an appointment for a basic oil change; while your vehicle is up on the lift, we’ll give it our 30-point vehicle health evaluation which includes checking your tires!

Sources:

Traction Law Code 15

Passenger Vehicle Chain Law Code 16

House Bill19-1207

Motor Vehicles & Traffic Regulations

Colorado Summer Road Trip Tips - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:59 GMT

Summer is finally here, and if you’re like most Coloradans, you have mountain adventures on your mind. We thought: hey, why not share a few Colorado Mountain car care & driving tips as you prepare for your Summer vacation! The last thing anyone wants to deal with is car problems when you’re away from home. There’s lots of things you can do to avoid those costly repairs and headaches while you are on your summer road trip and a long way from your favorite auto mechanic.

First: Makes sure your vehicle is up to date on all its maintenance.

Make sure you are following the right guide in your owner’s manual. Travel in and around Colorado is considered extreme driving due to our crazy climate changes, high elevation roads, and wide open spaces. If you keep the maintainable parts of your vehicle up to date, then all you have to worry about are the parts that are meant to wear out such as brakes, steering, suspension, and hoses to name a few. Every time you bring your car or truck in for an oil change, we perform a 30-point health & safety evaluation on your vehicle – so we’ll identify items that are wearing down and close to failing.

Next: Stay Cool.

What we mean by that is avoid overheating your vehicle – its about the last thing you want to do to your engine. On your drive up into the mountains, you always want to maintain speed and not push your engine too hard. If you ever notice the temperature rising on the dashboard display, here’s a quick tip : turn off the A/C (if it’s on) and turn the heater to defrost and full power. This will allow the engine to cool down. If need be, pull over and allow the vehicle to idle and cool down. Remember, the uphill incline will not last forever – before you know it, you’ll enjoy a nice downhill slope – racing uphill is never good for your vehicle.

Last: Avoid over heating your brakes.

Have you ever noticed a funny smell on the big downhill portions on I-70 or Hwy 285? Or maybe as you are driving down the mountain and you press your brake, your whole vehicle shakes? Both of these symptoms are a direct result of your brakes overheating. The goal when driving down the mountain is to stay in lower gears so your engine does the slowing down and not your brakes. Or tap your brakes briefly to slow down and coast in between. Braking causes friction and friction creates heat. Hot brakes become less and less effective and you could quickly find yourself in trouble if you don’t lay off them on the downhill run. It only takes a couple hard stops coming down to warp rotors and cause costly repairs.

Ready to get out there and See America?

We all are. Here are a few fun tips to keep everyone happy and safe along the way:

watch your speed
take a scenic byway – every time
stop at that historic marker
keep your eyes the road (not your phone)
keep your National Parks Passport book handy in your glove box
pack a snack box with dried fruit, nuts, red/black licorice, peanut butter & crackers
dust off your dad’s “road trip games” and take them for a fresh spin
load your favorite road trip play list on your phone
select an audio book that tells a story based on where you’re headed

Not sure if your car is ready for your next road trip? Schedule an appointment at I N C Auto Repair Center in Parker, Colorado. Our expert techs will make sure your car is road-trip-ready! Give us a call at (303) 400-4062 today!

Check Engine Light: Good News & Bad News - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:58 GMT

You’re driving down the road and all of a sudden: your check engine light comes on. It’s like receiving a secret code but you can’t translate it. Your car has just sent you an important message and you have no idea what it means! What should you do?

We all know computers have evolved in the last century. They’ve gone from giant calculating machines that filled entire rooms, to having more computing power in your phone than on the first lunar lander. Your car has evolved too and is now benefiting from newer, smaller sized technology. Most cars prior to the 1980’s were simple mechanical machines. Computer technology barely existed at that time and where it did, the benefits were minimal. Over time, finding a physical place in the engine compartment to accommodate that new technology threw a monkey wrench into the mix.

Enter the microprocessor, which changed everything. In the 80’s car manufacturers worked together in implementing standards in microprocessors beginning with a changeover to computer managed fuel injection. As computers shrank in size and found new levels of power, our cars were the recipients of brains to manage every function.

Now that we are well into the 21st century, our cars are loaded with computers that work in conjunction with each other and some independently. From keeping you in your lane to greater fuel, computers control it all. While back in the day the home mechanic could do a lot of work and maintenance on a car, today the vehicle is so loaded with technology it takes special classes and equipment to address many of today’s car systems.

Which brings us back to the check engine light.

Your car, now a computer on four wheels, has sent you a message. In Morse code. A single light that sits perpetually illuminated on your dashboard – telling you absolutely nothing that can be translated by a human! Helpful? Not so much as you’re driving down the road wondering if you should keep going or stop at the next exit. But wait! Your mechanic can save the day. Through a diagnostic check – a detailed code delivered to your mechanic will point them to the car’s issue.

The good news is you can set the panic aside. Unless the light is flashing, which means you should pull over right away, the problem is probably not critical. You don’t need to go straight to the mechanic to get the issue diagnosed, but you also shouldn’t drive around indefinitely (as we all so often do) without addressing the potential problem.

Some of the most common check engine light issues are not necessarily ones that lead to high cost repairs. Here are a few possible reasons that light is displaying on your dashboard:

Gas Cap is Loose

Did you replace your gas cap after the last trip to the gas station? The modern fuel system is pressurized, and the car knows if the gas cap is loose, not sealing or just plain missing.

Emissions System Alert

Your car will monitor the emissions system and throw the light on if it detects trouble, say with your Evaporative Emissions System (EVAP). EVAP is a closed system that captures fuel tank vapors and prevents them from escaping into the atmosphere. The problem could relate to a purge valve or a vent valve. This is a problem that could affect gas mileage or cause you to fail an emissions test, but not likely to strand you at the side of the road.

Vacuum / Pressure Issue

It could also be a vacuum issue – maybe a loose or bad hose, or an issue with the spark plugs and ignition system.

Danger Zone?

In general, if the light comes on and your car is not jerking, sputtering or having trouble running, call your Parker expert car mechanics at I N CAuto Repair and make an appointment relatively soon to get it checked out.

Diagnostic Inspection is Required

Computer technology continues to become more powerful every year and we see our cars getting smarter as well. Even though your car still won’t tell you what the problem is in plain English, you can feel more assured that you have a reasonable window of time to make it to your team at I N C Auto Repair without an issue. They’ll plug your vehicle into their state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and sort out the code and corresponding problem. As always, they will first discuss what’s required with you before making the repairs and getting you and your vehicle safely on your way.

Colorado Winter Driving Emergency Kit Tips - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:10 GMT

Winter weather conditions can show up any time – particularly after Labor Day – here in Denver, Colorado. Regardless of what the calendar says, you need to plan ahead and be ready once the hard-core winter months of November through April arrive. Snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures are always looming here in Colorado, so now is a good time to assure you have checked and re-stocked your winter emergency kit in your vehicle.

What should you include in your Colorado winter road emergency kit?

A strong flashlight with brand new batteries
A replacement set of batteries
Road flares
A heavy blanket or sleeping bag
An extra set of gloves and warm hat
Bottled water and nutrition bars
Jumper cables
Tire Chains – yes, even if you have an AWD or 4WD vehicle
A basic tool set (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench)
Multi-Tool (Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife)
A spare cell phone charger
Ice Scraper & Snow Brush
Small metal fold-up snow shovel
First Aid Kit (aspirin, band aids, roll of adhesive tape, 4”x4” cause pads, roll of 4” gauze, blunt-end scissors)
A strong flashlight with brand new batteries

Other tips:

Make sure you have a good spare tire and a jack. If you have run-flat tires, make sure you have information on what to do if you get a low-tire warning light. Hit the road with a fully charged cell phone and have it on you at all times. Be sure to check weather conditions before traveling extended distances or into rural or mountain areas. Always start your trip with a full tank of gas.

Remember: wind changes everything. Conditions can change in mere minutes – especially if the wind kicks up on the high mountain passes or in the expansive parks such as South Park and North Park in Colorado.

Visit our web site to check out our monthly car care coupons . Our job is to help take care of your car, and at the same time reduce some of your car care and maintenance expenses when we can!

For more helpful car care advice for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, call Golden Triangle Auto Care at (303) 400-4062 .

What’s In Your Emergency Road Kit? - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:09 GMT

Winter can sneak up on us any time here in Parker and throughout Colorado. For sure it’s essential you plan ahead of the hard core winter months of November through April. As snow storms and sub-zero temperatures continue into the early spring months of March and April, it’s always a good time to assure you have checked and re-stocked your winter emergency kit in your vehicle.

What should you include in your Colorado winter road emergency kit?

A strong flashlight with brand new batteries
Road flares
A heavy blanket or sleeping bag
An extra set of gloves and warm hat – and always your warmest coat!
Bottled water, nutrition bars, dried nuts & fruit
Jumper cables
A basic tool set (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench)
A spare cell phone charger or external battery
Shovel
Bag of Sand or Kitty Litter (for traction!)
Basic First Aid Kit (aspirin, bandages, alcohol wipes, anti-bacterial cream, scissors, tweezers, compression wrap, gauze)

You should also make sure you have a good spare tire and a jack – and know how to use it. We recommend practicing changing your tire in summer or fall. It will definitely relieve the stress of trying to figure it all out on the side of a wet and sloppy road. Make sure too that you have information on how to handle your run-flat tires if you get a low-tire warning light.

We suggest you hit the road with a fully-charged cell phone and have it on you at all times. Be sure to check weather conditions before traveling extended distances or into rural or mountain areas. Remember, conditions can change in mere minutes, especially if the wind kicks up on the high mountain passes or in the expansive parks such as South Park and North Park in Colorado.

Visit our web site to check out our seasonal car care deals to help take the load off some of your car care and maintenance expenses throughout the year.

For more helpful car care advice for cars, 4×4’s, light trucks, SUVs and more, call I N C Auto Repair Center at (303) 400-4062 .

Student Commute: DIY Vehicle Safety Tips - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:08 GMT

Security is Next …

Good work: you’ve had your student’s vehicle inspected , and you’ve handled all of the items needing attention. Your student’s car should be good for the commute for the immediate future. The best advice we can give to keep all cars in your garage in good running order is regular maintenance. We all know it takes more than a regular visit to the gas station to maintain your car or truck.

What else can you (or your young driver) do on your own between now and your next service visit?

Check your oil level and replenish as needed between oil changes.
Check your brake fluids as well, but remember: do not top off low brake fluids. Instead bring your car in so we can see what else might be happening to cause those fluid levels to drop.
Transmission fluids can be checked as well (newer cars no longer offer transmission dip-sticks for a quick check); we recommend professional replacement of these important fluids.
Top off your windshield washer fluid for both your front and back windshields; there are few things worse than a smeared windshield when driving at night.
Check air pressure in your tires (not all cars have tire sensors) – get a free tire gauge from us when you’re in the shop for service!
Check your headlights when pulling into your parking space – including your turn signals & brake lights to insure all are illuminated & working.
Do you carry a spare tire or have run-flat tires? Make sure you know what to do when you get a flat.
AAA membership can be a life saver – for a small annual fee, the road service they can provide is priceless on a dark and stormy night.
Blanket or Sleeping Bag is a great idea too. Colorado weather can catch us by surprise, so be prepared.
Umbrella or rain jacket … same thing here, you’ve got room in the car so toss one in so you always have it at the ready!
First Aid Kit. Can’t hurt, might help. Go ahead and stash it in the back along with the sleeping bag & umbrella.
Flashlights. Today’s LED-powered flashlights pack a lot of light in a small casing, so make sure you have a couple in your console or glove box!

Get your young driver involved in scheduling these tasks and equipping the car with these helpful supplies. By the way, not sure how to check your vehicle fluids? Ask our one of our expert Parker service techs when you pick up your car after your inspection and we’ll show you what to look for – it will take just a minute of everyone’s time and be worth it in the long run! Don’t miss our final blog in this series with tips on maintaining your sanity as a student commuter !

School Commute Vehicle Safety tips - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:07 GMT

Whether you are a parent getting your teen set up with their first car for high school or college, a student wondering how to make your new life as a college commuter easier, or a teacher juggling all the details … we thought we’d offer a few tips to help you rock the commute!

Safety First …

Making sure your car is road-ready is the first step towards a hassle-free commute. Nothing will ruin your day like a breakdown on the road: teachers & professors are not forgiving when you are late for class, or worse yet … miss your exams. Don’t be that student. What can you do to avoid car trouble?

Inspection

Bring your vehicle in for a full health and safety evaluation … think of it as a pop-quiz! Here’s a list of just some of the systems and components we check:

Tire Inflation
Tire Tread Wear
Tire Pressure
Brakes
Oil
Fluids
Filters
Belts
Transmission
Exhaust System
Shocks & Struts
Suspension
Steering
Axel Shaft, Boots & U-Joints
Engine & Transmission Leaks
Lights
Wiper Blades
Factory Scheduled Maintenance Items
Cooling/Heating System
and many other items!

Diagnostics

We’ve got diagnostic equipment in our shop for many makes & models of cars and trucks. Our expert Parker Colorado auto mechanics will simply plug your car in and the system will generate a full report of recommended mechanical and systems items needing attention. We always capture your email at the time of service check in, so you’ll get a copy of this report too for your records. Give us a call and we’ll get you on the schedule !

Look for more student safety & commuting tips from I N C Auto Repair Center: Student Driver Security Tips and Commuter Sanity Tips … which in truth are smart check lists that all drivers in your family will benefit from!

Why is My Car Making That Noise? - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:07 GMT

Often a funny noise is the first indication that your car or truck is having a problem. Ever listen to the Car Guys, Click & Clack the Tappit Brothers on NPR? Some of their funniest shows featured callers imitating the noise their vehicles were making! In all seriousness, these sounds can indicate something is simply annoying, or it could be something that needs urgent attention. Let’s review some of the most common car sounds and what they might mean for your vehicle.

Squealing from the Wheels

This is likely the sound people are most familiar with from 1970’s cop shows: the squealing brakes. Unlike in the chase scenes from CHiPs, a squealing brake sound doesn’t just happen from time to time. More often than not if it happens in real life it is due to worn out brake pads. This will cause your rotors and calipers to grind metal on metal as opposed to metal against the brake pads. Get this fixed immediately before you destroy your brakes.

Squealing from Under the Hood

If you’re hearing a strange squeal from under the hood when you start up your engine, it’s time to get your belts checked. This sound can come from any belt system that you have in your car and only stops when the belt has warmed up. Just because the sound stops shortly after starting up doesn’t mean the problem is gone. It just means that you can’t hear the problem anymore. Get this fixed immediately or your car might abruptly stop dead.

Thunking from the Front End

As you’re turning a corner and you hear a pounding coming from under your car it’s likely that your CV joint is failing. The CV joint is what allows power to still go to your wheels when you are turning the vehicle (pretty important). There are a several reasons why your CV joint might be failing. For now, we suggest you focus on getting it fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, your car might simply stop moving in the middle of a turn. Eeek!

Rattling from Under the Vehicle

Most commonly, rattling under your car will mean one of two things:
Your exhaust pipe is damaged in some way

Regardless of the reason, you’ll hear it rattle while you’re driving and even more when you’re going over bumps of any kind. Generally, we can’t determine the cause by the sound alone. In the end, the rattling needs to be taken care of before your suspension gives out completely or your exhaust pipe simply falls down mid-drive. The latter sounds ridiculous but trust us: we’ve seen it happen!

There are dozens of other sounds that your car may be making for any number of reasons. If the sound is one of the above and is worrying to you … don’t ignore it. Give us a call at (303) 400-4062 . We’ll check it out and make a plan with you to resolve that noise!

Student Commute: Maintain Your Sanity - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:06 GMT

Sanity Third …

All of your car’s mechanical systems are checked and ready for your commute. How else can you maintain your sanity and take the stress out of your school commute?

Here are 6 easy tips from your Parker car care experts :

Carry water & extra snacks. Yep, you never know when you may get caught in a traffic jam, stuck in the snow, or have a breakdown on the side of the road in spite of your best preventative maintenance efforts. Nuts, snack bars, dried fruit, or Red Vines can be a life saver!
Pack a lunch or breakfast to-go so you aren’t tempted by fast food or sugary foods during the peak of your day.
Allow for extra time in your commute: your car or truck may be in perfect running order, but there can be other unforeseen events on the road that could delay you by 15-30 minutes and wreck your entire day’s schedule.
Sunglasses dedicated to your car console … 300+ days a year we have sunshine sometime during the day here in Colorado!
Phone charger devoted for use in your car – absolutely. Don’t be caught with a quickly draining phone battery and no way to charge it. Toss a portable external battery in your backpack too!
Make your car do the heavy lifting, bring:

all your text books for the day and repack your backpack as needed from the trunk of your car
include any project materials that you might unexpectedly have time to work on during the day
extra clothes (you never know when that coffee cup or sandwich might explode on you!)
how about a little kit with a toothbrush, hair brush, and whatever else would help you freshen up before the end of the day?

We hope these tips on having your student car or truck inspected , ways to maintain security on the road , and this final bit of advice on maintaining your sanity as a new or seasoned school commuters will help you be a little more prepared to deal with surprises along the road! Remember, there are no dumb questions in school or when talking to your professional auto mechanic. All of us at I N C Auto Repair Center are committed to helping you stay safe and keeping your vehicle commute-ready!

How Brakes Work: A Little History Too! - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:05 GMT

Slow Down for a Little Brake History

Back when horse drawn wagons were the primary source of transportation, the mechanics were simple. Four wheels to move forward and backward, the ability to steer and a way to stop were the basic needs. The braking system typically involved some form of wooden block that pressed against the wheels when the driver pulled a lever. For the speeds and needs of the wagon, the simple brakes did their job.

As the automobile came on the scene, braking systems were borrowed from the horse and wagon. While the new cars were slow, with speeds of 10 and 20 miles per hour, and traffic was sparse, the wooden blocks against the wood wheels were adequate. Still applied by a lever, the brakes were basic, but functional.

But with the introduction of rubber tires, the wood block system suddenly didn’t work. The wooden brakes ground the rubber down quickly and simply destroyed the tires. In 1902 English engineer Frederick William Lanchester patented the disc brake. A caliper pressed brake pads against a steel disc, creating the friction to stop the vehicle. The biggest problem with his brakes were the copper brake pad linings. The copper wore down more quickly than the steel disc, and metal against metal caused a horrible screeching noise.

Five years later, Herbert Frood, a fellow Englishman lined the pads with long-lasting and heat resistant asbestos. The combination worked so well, that disc brakes with asbestos pads were used on cars into the 1980s. The health risks discovered with the use of asbestos forced car manufacturers to turn to Kelvar, ceramics and other forms of plastic.

Although the disc brake worked well, car manufacturers applied other types of braking systems in their vehicles. The drum braking system, which applied a brake pad to the inside of a drum, was a standard in the automobile industry and used for many years. The drums, however, were prone to getting hot and overheating. Plus, dust and water would get into the drums, reducing the lifespan of the components.

Ultimately, disc brakes would be adopted by car manufacturers as their primary solution to increasingly advanced automobiles. As a more reliable, cooler and cost effective system, disc brakes continue to become better with advancing technology. As cars become more complex, filled with computers and chips to operate every function, so it goes with brakes as well.

Today’s high-tech cars need a higher level of service. I N C Auto Repair Center is dedicated to keeping up with the fast-paced technology and is able to provide the services needed with new brake technology. Have a question or concern about how your brakes are performing? Give us a call and we’ll get your vehicle up on the lift and take a look.

Fun Car Facts: Who Made Denver’s First Electric Car? - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:04 GMT

Fritchle Electric: Denver’s 100-Mile Electric Car

The electric automobile has slowly gained popularity over the last decade. Advancements in battery technology has made the electric car more practical and reliable. While Colorado isn’t known for automobile manufacturing, it wouldn’t be surprising that an electric car manufacturer would set up shop in Denver. How long ago do you think that was?

Oliver Parker Fritchle, a chemist and electrical engineer developed a battery that allowed the electric car to compete with the gas engine. Opening his manufacturing plant on Colfax Avenue, he started producing the Fritchle Electric, selling cars to Denver’s elite. His big competitor was Ford, but not today’s manufacturing giant Ford Motor Company as we now know it. No, in fact Oliver Fritchle competed directly with the founder of the company, Henry Ford, 115 years ago !

At the turn of the century there were about 1,800 car manufacturers in the country. At that time there was no clear winner between gas and electric cars. Electric cars were already in use in some areas, with up to a third of all cars on the road being electric. Many thought the gas-powered vehicles were noisy, smelled bad, and uncomfortable: the engine often rattled the entire car.

Fritchle believed he could build a better electric car than what was currently being produced and sold his first electric car in 1906. His new battery design was far superior than the competitors and he quickly began manufacturing and selling the “100 Mile Fritchle” to Denver’s social elite.

One major drawback to the 100 Mile Fritchle: the price tag was three times the cost of a gas-powered vehicle , so only the wealthy Denverites could afford them. One of Molly Brown’s favorite cars was a Fritchle; she was often seen driving hers around Denver.

So confident in his batteries, Fritchle claimed the car could go 100 miles on a single overnight charge and challenged other manufacturers to match his distance. With that, he staged a promotional trip, taking a $2,000 base model Fritchle Victoria from Lincoln, Nebraska to New York City. The 1,800 mile trip, over dirt roads, terrible roads, and non-existent roads was completed in 20 days. He never broke down and only had one flat tire.

The car was a success, but the price tag was the downfall. Fritchle sold about 500 cars before shutting down around 1917. Henry Ford’s new Model T, built on an assembly line, had significantly reduced the cost of an internal combustion engine-powered automobile, putting the entire electric car industry out of business .

One of the only known Fritchle Electric cars in existence today is on display at History Colorado in Denver, Colorado. Fritchle’s manufacturing facility still stands today at Colfax and Clarkson. Over the years it has been a roller-skating rink, warehouse, market, night club, and event center. Today it serves as a popular live music venue, the Fillmore Auditorium.

While electric vehicles are gaining traction slowly, we are here to service your internal combustion engine-driven vehicle. I N C Auto Repair Center in Parker, Colorado is here to serve your automotive maintenance and repair needs, so give us a call today at (303) 400-4062 .

Moving Forward: A Quick Lesson in Automobile Transmissions - InC Auto Repair Center

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:03 GMT

The early automobile was a simple machine.

Beginning as a wagon with an engine to propel it forward, the mechanics of the time were basic. As technology moved forward, the automobile became more complex.In 1929 a major innovation was developed by Cadillac with their synchronized transmission. The synchronization greatly reduced gear grinding and made shifting smoother and easier. This would become a standard for half of the 20th century.

As cars became larger and ever-increasing traffic in larger cities made for more starting and stopping, the next step in the evolution of the car was an automatic transmission. Alleviating the need for the driver to manually shift gears, the hope was to produce a transmission that would do all of the work.

The development of the automatic transmission started in the early 1900’s. The first working automatic transmission was invented by Alfred Horner Munro, a Canadian engineer. While Munro’s transmission was operational, it used compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid. Because this air-powered version lacked power, it would never become commercially viable.

In 1940 General Motors engineer, Earl Thompson developed and introduced the “Hydra-Matic” automatic transmission. A “clutch-less” transmission, it was the first to use hydraulic fluid and would be the basis of development we see in modern cars. It was in 1948 that the world saw the first true, fully automatic system, the Buick Dynaflow transmission.

From the older automobiles, technological advances have made the automatic transmission faster, smoother and more reliable. Like most aspects of the modern-day automobile, the new technology has also created the need for the servicing industry to keep up with mechanical advancements. Today’s automatic transmissions include computer aided shift management, requiring more than just mechanical knowledge for servicing and repairs.

As you would expect from a top-quality auto repair shop, I N C Auto Repair Center in Parker, Colorado has kept up with the demands of new car technology. The lead mechanic in our sister shop, Golden Triangle Auto Care is ASE certified and supports training our shop technicians. By maintaining the newest tools and systems needed to work on the latest technology, Marc Zandell’s crew at I N C Auto Repair is well equipped to service today’s automatic transmissions that roll through the shop doors. Give us a call today if your vehicle is not performing to your standards: (303) 400-4062 .

Mechanic’s Memoir: First Car & Favorite Tools

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Do you remember your first car? Have a favorite tool that you reach for when doing your job? We can tell you that Michael Reed, our auto shop mechanic and technician sure does. We wrap up our conversation with him and learn more about his passion for cars and tools. Let’s dive in.

Michael Reed, Technician

Q: What was your first car, how old were you when you got it, how did you pay for it? What did you love about it and do you wish you still had it?
Mike: My first car was a Pontiac Sunfire. I got it when I was 16 years old, one of the best hand-me-downs I ever got from my brother. First, it’s hard not to just flat out love your first car, but this one had tinted windows – really blacked out windows. So cool. It would be fun to take it for another spin.

Q: Most people don’t know that each mechanic in an auto shop is responsible to bring their own tools to the job site. Tell us how you built your toolbox: did you buy and build it from scratch, did you buy it from someone who was retiring or changing careers?
Mike: Buying tools is a long and never-ending process. I started with a small pushcart. Then I picked up a wall box, and every week I bought more tools. It’s an investment, but well worth it.

Q: If you had to choose your 5 most important tools in your tool box, what would they be?
Mike: Air Hammer, Air Impact Wrench, Stubby Air Ratchet, Air Grinder, Dial Indicator

Q: How has today’s technology played into your job as a mechanic? How do you keep up with the ever-evolving technology (classes, workshops, reading manuals, etc)?
Mike: Every year, the cars change and things are added to the maintenance manuals. We keep up with it by researching everything we can and getting our hands dirty.

Q: What brings you the most satisfaction at the end of a typical work day?
Mike: Seeing the smile on a customer’s face when their car is fixed or customized. It makes all the pain and stress worth it!

With that, we wrap up our conversation with our I N C Auto Repair Center crew of owners, service advisors, technicians, and ASE Lead Tech. Check out all our interviews here . We hope this inspires you more ways than one to give our Parker auto shop a chance to do business with you in the coming weeks. If it’s got four wheels, give us a call and let’s talk!

Conversations with shop Co-Owner Sheryl Brown and the rest of the I n C Auto Repair Center Crew

Sheryl Brown: Keeping Pace with Automotive Technology – Convo #3
Sheryl Brown: Women in the Auto Repair Industry – Convo #2
Sheryl Brown: Conversation with Sheryl Brown – Convo #1

Ron Thrall, Service Advisor: Life as an Automotive Service Advisor
John Baranski, ASE Technician: How to Become an ASE Mechanic Convo #1
John Baranski, ASE Technician: Life as an ASE Lead Tech Mechanic Convo #2
Michael Reed, Technician: Inspiration: Driveway Tinkering Births Mechanic Convo #1
Michael Reed, Technician: Mechanic’s Memoir: First Car & Favorite Toosl (coming soon) Convo #2

Life as an ASE Lead Tech Mechanic in Parker

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:09:00 GMT

In Part Two of our conversation with John Baranski, ASE Lead Tech at our Parker auto shop, he shares stories about his first car, his favorite tools, and what inspires him in his job each day here at I N C Auto Repair Center.

John Baranski, ASE Lead Tech

Q: We’re curious to know: what was your first car? how old were you when you got it?
how did it come to you?

John: It was a 2004 Chevy Cavalier. I was 16 when I got it and just loved that little car!

Q: Most people don’t know that each mechanic in an auto shop is responsible to bring their own tools to the job site. Tell us how you built your toolbox: did you buy and build it from scratch, did you buy it from someone who was retiring or changing careers?

John: I’ve owned my own toolboxes for a long time. Currently I have two plus a service cart that our Service Advisor, Ron Thrall calls the dental cart. One box I bought new, the other is used.

Q: If you had to choose your 5 most important tools in your toolbox, what would they be?

John: Multimeter, Oscilloscope, Scan Tool, Pocket Screwdriver, and a good set of Wrenches.

Q: How has today’s technology played into your job as a mechanic? How do you keep up with the ever-evolving technology (classes, workshops, reading manuals, etc)?

John: Absolutely, cars are ever-changing. The parts distributors we buy from offer great training courses, and the rest of my expanding knowledge comes from daily learning & experience.

Q: What brings you the most satisfaction at the end of a typical workday?

John: Knowing that I did my best every day and applied the knowledge that I have to get a car or truck back up and running safely for our customers.

Make sure you check out our earlier conversation with John about how he became an ASE certified mechanic. If you have a burning question about what drives John or other members of the I N C Auto Repair Center car care team toward service excellence, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. Mostly, we look forward to servicing your car, truck or favorite toy on 4-wheels .

Conversations with the rest of the I n C Auto Repair Center Co-Owner and Crew members:

Sheryl Brown: Keeping Pace with Automotive Technology – Convo #3
Sheryl Brown: Women in the Auto Repair Industry – Convo #2
Sheryl Brown: Conversation with Sheryl Brown – Convo #1

Inspiration: Driveway Tinkering Births Mechanic

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 16:35:00 GMT

Michael Reed comes by his auto mechanic instincts thanks to time spent with his stepdad working on cars in the family home driveway. We’re sure happy he did. Let’s learn more about his upbringing and passion for working on cars and trucks here at our family run auto repair shop in Parker.

Michael Reed, Technician

Q: Did you grow up around family or friends who worked on cars/trucks/jeeps, or did this interest develop through other life experiences? In short: what inspired you to become an automotive technician/mechanic?

Mike: My stepdad always worked on our family cars. When I was really young, I began to help him when the toolbox rolled out. Once I was old enough, I went to a vocational tech school . It really locked in my knowledge and skills around diagnosing and repairing cars and trucks.

Q: How old were you when you started on your training path?

Mike: I guess I was about 14 years old working with my stepdad out in the driveway. I was 22 when I officially enrolled in tech training.

Q: Who taught you to be the mechanic you are today?

Mike: As I said, my stepdad was a big part of influencing me, and building my love for cars today. Once I got bitten by the car bug, it was a mixture of being self-taught and schooling.

Q: Did you apprentice under another mechanic you admired?

Mike: I was never a full apprentice. Luckily I was taken under someone’s wing when I started working in a shop. Both Rob Bear and Ron Thrall were my biggest mentors. I’m grateful for that experience.

Q: What would you say to young boys or girls in middle and high school who are considering taking an auto shop class at their school or follow-up at a vocational technology school?

Mike: If you love cars and making them run optimally, stick with it … your passion will lead the way.

… and that’s part one of our conversation with our dedicated auto mechanic and I N C Auto Repair Center team member , Michael Reed. We’ll publish the second part of this exploration of his passion for working on cars and trucks soon. Watch for it.

Have you caught up on all our other crew interviews?

Here’s a link to these and other automotive news stories you might be interested in.

Shop Co-Owner:
Sheryl Brown: Keeping Pace with Automotive Technology – Convo #3
Sheryl Brown: Women in the Auto Repair Industry – Convo #2
Sheryl Brown: Conversation with Sheryl Brown – Convo #1

Make sure you catch up on the other conversations we had with key members of the I N C Auto Repair Team:

How to Become an ASE Technician & Mechanic

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 19:28:00 GMT

John Baranski has steadily expanded his mechanic’s responsibilities here at at I N C Auto Repair Center in Parker Colorado. He started as a technician when we first opened, then became our Lead Tech. Now, John proudly wears his ASE badge every day in the shop. We sat down for a chat to see just how his path evolved in gaining that coveted National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence designation.

John Baranski

Q: Did you grow up around family or friends who worked on cars/trucks/jeeps, or did this interest develop through other life experiences? In short: what inspired you to become a mechanic?

John: My father liked to work on cars, but I didn’t have much interest when I was younger. I would say, however, that I’ve always been mechanically inclined. Once I realized that, my interest grew.

Q: How old were you when you started on your training path?

John: I was around 18 years old when I entered the automotive industry.

Q: Who taught you to be the mechanic you are today? (this might be a layered experience of school, other people, etc. – tell us your story)

John: I have no formal training as a mechanic, aside from six months spent attending a community college. My mechanical ability comes from people I’ve worked under and next to, and experience.

Q: Did you apprentice under another mechanic you admired?

John: I’ve worked alongside many great mechanics and technicians at places such as Goodyear and RTD. And by the way: it’s not so much where you work, but the skilled mechanics you get to work with.

Q: Did you go to a vocational training school? If yes, which one? How long was the program?

John: No, but I was fully enrolled in watching others at the school of hard knocks, I guess. In the end, I did test and pass the ASE certification program offered by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. I’m proud of that achievement.

Q: What would you say to young boys or girls in middle and high school who are considering taking an auto shop class at their school or follow-up at a vocational technology school?

John: If your high school offers an automotive program, go for it. I would shy away from formal education entering college. Enter the work force first … starting as a lube tech for example … to see if it piques your interest.

Well, John certainly piqued our interest when we first met him. He inspired us to invite him to join the I N C Auto Repair Center team here in Parker. Stay tuned for Part Two of our conversation with John Baranski.

Don’t miss our past conversations with I N C Auto Repair Center co-owner Sheryl Brown:

Sheryl Brown: Keeping Pace with Automotive Technology – Convo #3
Sheryl Brown: Women in the Auto Repair Industry – Convo #2
Sheryl Brown: Conversation with Sheryl Brown – Convo #1

Make sure you catch up on the other conversations we had with key members of the I N C Auto Repair Team:

Ron Thrall: Life as an Automotive Service Advisor

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:34:00 GMT

We’ve been talking with Sheryl Brown, co-owner of I N C Auto Repair Center in Parker, Colorado about what it takes to run an auto repair shop in our recent articles. Today we hear from her Service Advisor, Ron Thrall about how he got hooked on cars & trucks. Also, what it takes to be a top notch automotive Service Advisor.

Ron Thrall:

Q: Did you grow up around family or friends who worked on cars/trucks/jeeps? Or did this interest develop through other life experiences? In short: what inspired you to become a service advisor?

Ron: My whole family has always been interested in cars. My mom owned and restored several Corvettes. In fact, she raced them at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado.

Q: Did you ever consider becoming a mechanic? If not, why? Would you ever consider going in that direction now?

Ron: I was actually a Technician for 33 years before I made the transition to Service Advisor.

Q: Tell us what a Service Advisor is and what your job entails at the shop.

Ron: The Service Advisor (sometimes also referred to as a Service Technician or Writer) interfaces with the customers. We work to assess what’s going on with their car or truck. I set the appointments and bring the cars and trucks into the shop. Generally I’m responsible for keeping the shop running smoothly. Once the Technicians determine what repairs are needed on a vehicle, I order the necessary parts.

Q: How has today’s technology played into your role as a Service Advisor? How do you keep up with the ever-evolving technology (classes, workshops, reading manuals, etc)?

Ron: I am pretty up-to-date on technology due to my experience as a Technician. Yes, technology is constantly changing and we use several outlets to keep up.

Q: What brings you the most satisfaction at the end of a typical work day?

Ron: Knowing we have happy customers due to the honest, transparent, accurate, and quality work we deliver here at I N C Auto Repair Center.

We’re proud to have Ron Thrall taking charge of the front desk at I N C Auto Repair Center here in Parker, Colorado. When your car or truck needs maintenance or service, give Ron a call at the shop or stop by and we’ll get you on the work schedule.

If you missed our previous conversations with co-owner Sheryl Brown, these links will lead you to her story.

Sheryl Brown: Keeping Pace with Automotive Technology – Convo #3
Sheryl Brown: Women in the Auto Repair Industry – Convo #2
Sheryl Brown: Conversation with Sheryl Brown – Convo #1

Make sure you catch up on the other conversations we had with key members of the I N C Auto Repair Team:

How to Keep Pace with Automotive Technology

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:25:00 GMT

We continue our chat with Sheryl Brown, co-owner of I N C Auto Repair Center. Her shop is in the Cottonwood Plaza shopping center, north of historic downtown Parker, Colorado. Being on the edge of car, truck, jeep maintenance most of her life … she turned that curiosity and passion into a career. Today we learn more about how she manages the day-to-day demands of being a woman boss in a family owned auto shop. And, how she and her crew stay on top of automotive technology.

Sheryl Brown, Co-Owner

Q: How do you help your crew stay on top of rapidly changing technology you are seeing with today’s cars and trucks?

Sheryl: Many of our vendors offer classes on old and new products and technology. Technology is constantly changing technology in the automotive industry. Our vendors help our crew by keeping us on top of new technology and brushing up on standards. This is particularly helpful as new products are introduced to help service and maintain cars, trucks and jeeps. This could anything from hoses, clamps, valves, and connections to fluids, lubricants, and engine additives.

Q: Who covers the expense to you and your crew of attending these and other classes?

Sheryl: Our vendors offer these classes complimentary to auto shops who purchase their products wholesale. As an auto shop, we also invest in our crew. We offer testing reimbursement to our technicians if they elect to study for the and pass the ASE certification.

For those not familiar with what ASE stands for …

ASE stands for “ Automotive Service Excellence .” The certification is issued and regulated by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. To complete their certification, mechanics must learn and display a mastery of automotive repair. In order to do this, they must follow a long and rigorous process.

We are very proud that we have an ASE certified mechanic in our Parker auto shop. John Baranski completed the testing and certification to earn his ASE badge in 2023!

In case you missed them, here are the 2 previous conversations we had with Sheryl Brown about her boss roll at I N C Auto Repair Center in Parker, Colorado. And we’ve published our conversations with her auto shop crew too!

Sheryl Brown: Keeping Pace with Automotive Technology – Convo #3
Sheryl Brown: Women in the Auto Repair Industry – Convo #2
Sheryl Brown: Conversation with Sheryl Brown – Convo #1

Inspiring Women to Join the Auto Repair Industry

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:11:00 GMT

We continue our visit with I N C Auto Repair Center shop co-owner Sheryl Brown to learn more about how she got into the business of automotive and truck repairs. Did she ever worked on cars herself? Or did she just love what was happening in the Denver shop? What she would say to young women thinking about a career as an auto mechanic? All this and more, here’s Part 2.

Sheryl Brown

Q: Did you ever consider becoming a mechanic? If not, why? Would you ever consider going in that direction now?

Sheryl: Quick answer: no I never wanted to be a mechanic. What I really like about cars is understanding how they work and being able to explain it to our customers. That’s my goal: help customers understand what’s happening with their car or truck. I want them to feel comfortable with the repairs that our expert crew are recommending.

Being an independent woman though, I have learned how to do some very basic items like an oil change and how to change a tire but never had the desire to actually work on cars.

Q: What would you say to young girls in middle and high school who are considering taking an auto shop class at their school or follow-up at a vocational technology school?

Sheryl: I would definitely encourage young girls or women to for it. We are living in an ever-evolving automotive repair industry and the possibilities are endless. I love the idea of more women getting into this industry. Women have the ability look at vehicles in a very new and different way … everything from designing vehicles to repairing them. We have the opportunity to change the face of the industry .

We’ll be back again soon with more of this series of conversations with Sheryl Brown, of I N C Auto Repair Center located in the Cottonwood Shopping Center, Parker, Colorado.

Here’s a link to all three of our conversations with Sheryl Brown:

Sheryl Brown: Keeping Pace with Automotive Technology – Convo #3
Sheryl Brown: Women in the Auto Repair Industry – Convo #2
Sheryl Brown: Conversation with Sheryl Brown – Convo #1

Make sure you catch up on the other conversations we had with key members of the I N C Auto Repair Team:

Auto Shop Owner Sheryl Brown Shares her Story

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:35:00 GMT

We sat down with I N C Auto Repair Center shop co-owner Sheryl Brown to learn more about how she got into the business of automotive and truck repairs. We were curious about what inspired her to get into this industry and what she loves about it. Here’s Part 1.

Q: It’s a bit unusual to have a woman in the lead at an auto repair shop. Did you grow up around family or friends who worked on cars/trucks/jeeps? Or did this interest develop through other life experiences? In short: what inspired you to work in this industry?

Sheryl Brown

After 25 years in the advertising and marketing industry I needed a change. My brother, Marc Zandell, has a shop on the edge of downtown Denver ( Golden Triangle Auto Care ). Marc brought me into his Denver shop to do some part time work. I fell in love with the process and the atmosphere. After leaving that shop, I became partners in a shop closer to home. As I worked to grow that business , my love for the industry solidified. Especially helping customers in keeping their family vehicles safe on the road.

During that time I met the most amazing group of people in the off-road world. That has become a passion for me both in business and personally. I love 4 wheeling and became enthralled with suspension, tires and upgrades that you can do to jeeps to climb rocks and still be stable. I absolutely love my yellow Tinkerbell. Be sure and check it out on your next visit, it’s usually in the I N C Auto Repair Center parking lot. Whenever a customer comes into our shop with an idea for how to trick out their 4-wheel toys , we are all in and love helping them bring their vision to a reality.

We hope you enjoy our series of conversations with Sheryl Brown, of I N C Auto Repair Center located in the Cottonwood Shopping Center, Parker, Colorado, along with her crew members Ron Thrall, John Baranski, and Michael Reed.

Sheryl Brown: Keeping Pace with Automotive Technology – Convo #3
Sheryl Brown: Women in the Auto Repair Industry – Convo #2
Sheryl Brown: Conversation with Sheryl Brown – Convo #1

Make sure you catch up on the other conversations we had with key members of the I N C Auto Repair Team:

Ron Thrall, Service Advisor: Life as an Automotive Service Advisor
John Baranski, ASE Technician: How to Become an ASE Mechanic Convo #1
John Baranski, ASE Technician: Life as an ASE Lead Tech Mechanic Convo #2
Michael Reed, Technician: Inspiration: Driveway Tinkering Births Mechanic Convo #1
Michael Reed, Technician: Mechanic’s Memoir: First Car & Favorite Toosl (coming soon) Convo #2

Air Filters & Induction Systems

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:07:00 GMT

At I N C Auto Repair Center, we believe knowledge is power. That’s why we take the time to share details about not only the “what” but the “why of the operation of your car or truck. If something isn’t working right, Sam or Sheryl will tell you what failed and why something needs repair or replacment.

This month, we are going to share details around the main filters in your vehicle. All the filters: air filters, cabin filters, as well as your fuel induction systems. Time to get nerdy about filters friends!

Air Filters – Part 1

What exactly is the purpose of an air filter in your engine? It’s pretty important. Air filters prevent small particles from entering the engine and causing potentially expensive damage. Replacing a clogged or dirty air filter can increase fuel efficiency. With gas prices rising we want to get the most mileage we can out of every tank of gas.

Don’t worry, we check those air filters as part of our 32-point vehicle health & safety evaluation. We perform that inspection every time you bring your car or truck in for an oil change. If you can’t remember when you had your last oil change, give us a call. We’ll get you on the schedule soon!

Air Filters – Part 2

What problems can a dirty air filter cause? For starters, a clogged air filter can decrease the amount of oxygen in your engine. Yes, your enginge needs oxygen. Why? It needs it to burn fuel efficiently. What happens if it doesn’t have enough? It will cause the engine to miss or rough idle, eventually leading to more costly repairs.

We are strong advocates for regular oil changes. It isn’t just a quick oil change process here at I N C Auto Repair. It’s a chance for our crew to take a good look under the hood of your car. Especially as we conduct our 32-point vehicle health & safety evaluation. That’s where we dig into the nooks and crannies to catch things early and resolve them before trouble hits your engine, and wallet.

Air Filters – Part 3

Replacing an air filter is easy, quick, and inexpensive. At I N C Auto Repair in Parker CO , we check all your filters at the time of every oil change as part of our 32-point vehicle health & safety evaluation.

If you aren’t sure whether you need any of your filters replaced, shoot us an email , give us a call or stop on by and we will get you fixed up.