Littleton, Colorado · Auto Repair & Diagnostics
Honest auto repair in Littleton — we explain before we fix.
From check-engine lights to brakes and full diagnostics, we tell you what is actually wrong — and what it will cost — before we touch a wrench. Call for a free estimate and get back on the road with confidence.
4.8 · 90+ Google reviews- Free estimates
- Classics & newer vehicles
- No invented problems
01 — What we do
Full-service repair, on newer cars
and the classics others turn away.
Every job starts the same way: we find the real cause, explain it in plain English, and hand you an estimate before any work begins.
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01 Check-Engine & Computer Diagnostics
We plug in, read the codes, and tell you what's really going on — before any repair.
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02 Brake Repair & Service
Pads, rotors, lines, and full brake inspections so you can stop with confidence.
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03 Engine Repair & Maintenance
From odd noises and rough idles to major engine work, diagnosed and repaired right.
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04 Transmission Service & Repair
Fluid service, leak diagnosis, and transmission repair to keep your shifts smooth.
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05 Oil Changes & Routine Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, and factory-schedule upkeep to keep small problems small.
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06 Heating, A/C & Electrical
Blowing warm when it should be cold, or a battery and wiring gremlin — we track it down.
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07 Classic & Older Vehicle Repair
The older cars a lot of shops turn away — we're happy to take a look.
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The Dettmer way
You will see the problem before you pay for the fix. We show you the wear, walk you through the codes, and only do the work you approve.
02 — Not sure if it is serious?
Here is what your car is
usually trying to tell you.
A quick read on the six things drivers ask us about most. None of it means panic — it means bring it in before it gets expensive.
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Grinding or squealing brakes
Usually worn pads. Cheap to catch now — expensive once it reaches the rotors.
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Check-engine light is on
Could be a loose gas cap or something real. A scan tells us which in minutes.
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Temperature gauge creeping up
Points to coolant, a thermostat, or the water pump. Best not to drive far on it.
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A shimmy or a pull in the wheel
Often alignment, tires, or a suspension part starting to wear out.
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A new noise — clunk, whine, tick
A new sound is your car telling on itself early. Easiest to fix when it is caught.
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Overdue for an oil change
Old oil and skipped intervals are how a small bill quietly becomes a big one.
Not sure which one you are hearing? A two-minute call usually tells us.
Call (303) 781-2881
03 — The shop
Treated like a neighbor, not a ticket number.
Cars have turned into computers on wheels, and finding a shop you can hand your keys to without second-guessing the bill is harder than ever. That's the problem Dettmer Automotive exists to solve: do the work right, explain it in plain English, and treat every customer like a neighbor. Our reputation in Littleton is built one honest repair at a time — on newer vehicles and the older classics a lot of shops won't take on. When we say it's fixed, it's fixed, and we stand behind the work we do.
- When we say it is fixed, it is fixed — we stand behind the work.
- Newer computers-on-wheels and older classics, both at home here.
- Fair, upfront pricing. No hard sell, no invented problems.
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I mostly own classic cars because vehicles nowadays are just computers on wheels, so it's hard to find mechanics who work on cars older than the 1990's. I sent my '64 GMC pickup to Dettmer to figure out the problem, and within 2 weeks it was fixed and running perfect. Since then I've sent all of my classic cars to Dettmer with perfect results. It's hard to find a trustworthy shop nowadays that you don't have to worry about — they take pride in the work they do.
Vince LucianoLittleton, CO · Google -
I have trusted Dettmer Auto with my vehicles since 1994, and they have consistently earned my respect. As I prepared for a 1,100-mile trip, I discovered a small leak in a transmission-cooling line. Knowing I was leaving early the next morning, Josh stayed late to diagnose and repair the issue before I hit the road. Thank you, Josh, and the whole Dettmer Auto team!
M BossLittleton, CO · Google -
Really great first experience with Dettmer this week. They were able to fix my Jeep for a fair price and were very easy to work with. I unfortunately don't trust most automotive places due to past experiences, but I will say that I trust Dettmer and will definitely work with them again if the need arises.
MichaelLittleton, CO · Google -
Friendly, fast, and honest about the car process. Never fail to check out this auto shop. Worth the time, effort, and most importantly vehicle longevity! A must for anyone wanting proper work.
Larry LawleyLittleton, CO · Google
05 — Straight answers
Questions, before
you hand over the keys.
The things drivers ask us most. Anything else, just call — we would rather talk it through than have you guess.
(303) 781-2881Do you give estimates before starting work?
Yes. We diagnose the problem, explain what's actually going on in plain English, and give you an estimate before we do any repair. You'll know what to expect before you approve the work — no surprises when you pick up your vehicle.
What are your hours?
We're open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We're closed Saturday and Sunday. Give us a call at (303) 781-2881 to schedule service or ask a question.
Do you work on older or classic cars?
We do — and it's work we genuinely enjoy. A lot of shops won't touch pre-1990s vehicles, but classic-car owners around Littleton have trusted us to diagnose and fix problems others couldn't. If you've got an older car that needs attention, bring it in.
What kind of repairs do you handle?
We're a full-service auto repair shop: check-engine diagnostics, brakes, engine and transmission work, oil changes and routine maintenance, heating and A/C, and electrical issues — on both newer vehicles and older classics.
How do I schedule service?
The fastest way is to call us at (303) 781-2881. Tell us what your vehicle is doing and we'll get you set up and let you know what to expect.
Where are you located?
We're at 5021 S Rio Grande St # B in Littleton, CO 80120, serving Littleton and the surrounding Front Range.
Car acting up? Let us take a look — and tell you straight.
Free estimate, plain-English answers, and honest work from a shop Littleton has trusted for years.
06 — Get an estimate
Tell us what it is doing.
A few details is all we need to get you a straight answer. Prefer to talk? The shop line is the fastest way.