Denver Auto Repair

Understanding Toyota’s TRD Line: Performance and Adventure When you hear “TRD” in the world of Toyota, you know you’re talking about something special. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, a division of Toyota that focuses on improving performance and creating vehicles built for adventure. But TRD is much more than just a logo on a car; it represents Toyota’s commitment to performance, durability, and innovation. Whether you’re looking for a rugged off-roader, a street performance vehicle, or a way to upgrade your Toyota, TRD has something to offer. Let’s dive into what makes the TRD line so unique. What is TRD? Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is Toyota’s in-house performance division. Founded in 1979, it originally focused on racing, but over the years, TRD has expanded its role to develop high-performance parts and accessories for Toyota’s consumer vehicles. From improving power and handling to enhancing vehi ... read more

Brake Repairs and Mountain Driving Driving through Colorado's diverse terrain demands more from your vehicle, especially when it comes to your brakes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the various brake services that all Colorado drivers need at one point or another. Our brake services, offered at Hotchkiss Auto Repair in Denver, address specific challenges like Colorado’s mountain driving and seasonal changes. Understanding Your Brake Needs 1. Rotor Replacement Colorado's mountainous roads put additional stress on your brake system, leading to wear and tear on essential components like rotors. Regular inspections and timely rotor replacements are crucial to ensure optimal braking performance, preventing pulsations and vibrations during mountain descents. We also recommend avoiding resurfacing old rotors given the unique driving and climate conditions in Colorado. Although this was a typical practice ... read more

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the seemingly mundane aspects of car maintenance. One such routine task that often gets pushed to the back burner is the regular oil change. However, delaying this seemingly minor upkeep can have significant repercussions for your vehicle's overall health. It should be considered the most affordable way to increase the life of your vehicle. Read on to learn of the critical reasons why neglecting this routine maintenance can pose risks to your vehicle and why opting for quick lube centers might not be the wisest choice. The Risks of Delaying Oil Changes Your engine, the heart of your vehicle, relies on a consistent flow of clean oil to function optimally. Over time, however, oil breaks down, losing its effectiveness as a lubricant. Procrastinating on oil changes can lead to a cascade of issues, including: Engine Wear and Tear – Your engine operates under extreme conditions, generati ... read more

We were notified of a post on NextDoor by a loyal customer.  Our initial instinct was to continue focusing on serving customers and repairing vehicles while letting the internet take care of itself.  However, it has become a lively discussion and we cannot sit back and let our name be dragged through the mud due to false information.  We will not go into a point-by-point debate but do want to address a few of the major points. To start, this entire conversation started with a post from “Amy H.” and although we welcome criticism, we do not appreciate defamation.  Her accusations have numerous falsities.  It would take pages to identify each of those in her narrative, but we will point out just a few.  First, let’s recap what occurred and why.  We did recommend replacing inner tie rod ends that were severely damaged because we experienced a wobble/shake during our test drive, and it was visually in poor condition.  We were concer ... read more

There are two types of hydraulic brakes that your vehicle can have, and in some cases, you may have both options at work in your car. The most common style of brakes is the disc brake that works off the brake pads pressing in towards the rotor and the friction will cause the car to slow and stop. The second option you can have is drum brakes, where the brake shoes are inside of the brake drum and will press out to cause friction against the brake drum resulting in slowing and stopping of your vehicle. Unlike disc brakes that can be found on all 4 corners of a vehicle, you will only find drum brakes on the rear axle of some vehicles.  Brief History Drum brakes were the first brake design invented in 1899 by Wilhelm Maybach and utilized by Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler. The names “Maybach” and “Daimler” are recognizable today and emblematic of two pioneers of the automotive industry. Although disc brakes were similarly around for decades, it was ... read more