Engine Performance Check in Rocky Ford, CO
Rough idle? Loss of power? Poor fuel economy? We’ll find out why.
When Your Engine Isn’t Running Right — Every Mile Costs You More.
An engine that is not performing at its best does not just feel sluggish — it burns more fuel, produces more emissions, and puts extra stress on components that eventually lead to bigger repairs. Whether your check engine light is on, your fuel economy has dropped noticeably, or your engine just does not feel like it used to — a complete engine performance check at Rocky Ford Discount Tires pinpoints exactly what is wrong before it gets worse. We service all makes and models and have been keeping Arkansas Valley drivers on the road since 1972.
Signs Your Engine Is Not Performing at Its Best
Engines rarely fail all at once. They give you warning signs first. Here is what to watch and listen for:
Noticeable drop in fuel economy
If you are filling up more often without changing your driving habits, your engine is working harder than it should. Common causes include worn spark plugs, a dirty air filter, a failing oxygen sensor, or a fuel system issue.
Hesitation or stumbling on acceleration
If your vehicle hesitates, bogs, or stutters when you press the accelerator, it points to fuel delivery problems, ignition issues, or sensor faults that need diagnosis.
Check engine light on
A burning plastic or rubber smell — especially one that comes and goes — can indicate an overloaded circuit or wiring issue. This should be inspected immediately as electrical fires are a serious risk
Rough or unstable idle
An engine that shakes, stumbles, or runs unevenly at a stoplight is misfiring or experiencing fuel delivery issues. Left unaddressed, misfires can damage your catalytic converter — an expensive repair.
Loss of power going uphill or under load
A noticeable loss of power when climbing grades or towing — especially in a vehicle that used to handle it easily — is a sign of reduced engine efficiency that a performance check will identify.
Black smoke from the exhaust
Black exhaust smoke typically means the engine is running rich — burning too much fuel. This wastes gas, increases emissions, and indicates a fuel system or sensor problem that needs attention.
Mechanic’s Tip
Many engine performance problems develop gradually — so gradually that drivers adapt without realizing their vehicle has changed. A performance check catches these issues early when they are much cheaper to fix.
ASE Certified Master Automobile Technicians
Engine performance diagnosis requires a technician certified in both engine performance and advanced diagnostics — not just someone who can read a code. Dennis Dunford holds ASE Master Automobile Technician certification across all eight areas of automotive service, including Engine Performance — the most comprehensive ASE certification available. With over 30 years of hands-on experience at Rocky Ford Discount Tires, he has seen and solved every type of engine performance issue that Colorado drivers encounter.
What Our Engine Performance Check Includes
Comprehensive Diagnostic Scan: We pull all stored and pending fault codes from your vehicle’s engine control module and review live sensor data to see exactly how your engine is performing in real time — not just what it logged in the past.
Spark Plug Inspection & Replacement: Worn or fouled spark plugs are one of the most common causes of rough idle, hesitation, and poor fuel economy. We inspect plugs and replace them with the correct specification for your engine.
Fuel System Check: We test fuel pressure, inspect fuel injectors, and evaluate the fuel delivery system for problems that cause poor performance, rough idle, or excessive fuel consumption.
Air Intake & Filter Inspection: A clogged air filter or dirty mass airflow sensor restricts the air your engine needs to run efficiently. We inspect and service the entire air intake system as part of every performance check.
Ignition System Inspection: Beyond spark plugs, we inspect ignition coils, wires, and timing to ensure your engine is firing correctly on every cylinder at the right moment.
Oxygen Sensor & Emissions System Check: Failing oxygen sensors cause your engine to run rich or lean, hurting both fuel economy and emissions. We test sensors and inspect the emissions system for faults that affect performance.
Frequently asked questions about engine performance checks
Engine Performance Service Serving Rocky Ford, La Junta, and the Arkansas Valley
Rocky Ford Discount Tires has been the trusted auto repair shop for drivers across Otero County and the Arkansas Valley since 1972. Whether your check engine light is on, your fuel economy has dropped, or your engine just does not feel right — our ASE certified technicians will perform a complete engine performance check, explain exactly what they find, and give you a written estimate before any work begins. We are a NAPA AutoCare Center and stand behind our repairs with the NAPA Peace of Mind warranty covering parts and labor nationwide.
