GarageWorks News and Blog

The GarageWorks Difference

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:31:36 GMT

What you'll find at GarageWorks

Denver has no shortage of shops that can install parts, lift a Jeep, or perform general repairs. But GarageWorks was built to be something different — a place where craftsmanship, transparency, and long-term vehicle care come before speed or sales. Our team lives by a simple vision:

We’re passionate about making your off-road adventures safe, fun, and reliable.

That passion shapes every inspection, every conversation, and every repair we perform. And it’s a big part of what sets GarageWorks apart.

1. A Philosophy of Care Over Volume

Most shops focus on how many vehicles they can push through the day. At GarageWorks, our priority is making sure every vehicle leaves safer and better than it arrived — whether it’s a daily commuter or a dedicated trail rig.

Because when your mission is to make off-road adventures safe, fun, and reliable, you don’t cut corners. You slow down, inspect carefully, and build trust through consistent, quality work.

2. Communication That Makes Complex Work Easy to Understand

Off-road and automotive repair can get technical, fast. GarageWorks advisors make it simple.

We translate issues into clear, approachable language so customers understand:

What we found
Why it matters
How it affects their safety or off-road capability
What their options are

Our communication style reflects our goal: helping people feel confident in their vehicles, confident on the trail, and confident in us.

3. A True Diagnostic Process — Not Guesswork

A lot of shops jump straight to replacing parts. GarageWorks technicians follow a consistent evaluation process:

Visual inspection first
Testing before replacing
Documenting what’s actually observed
Confirming causes instead of guessing

This disciplined workflow keeps repairs accurate and protects customers from unnecessary spending — a key part of building long-term reliability.

4. Off-Road Expertise Built on Safety, Function, and Longevity

Many off-road shops focus on bolt-on build culture. GarageWorks focuses on purpose-built upgrades that keep vehicles capable and dependable.

We help customers make smart choices based on their actual use:

Daily-driven rigs
Weekend trail trucks
Overlanding builds
Towing or camping setups

Our approach is simple:

If a modification doesn’t make your adventures safer, more reliable, or more enjoyable, we won’t recommend it.

5. Integrity as a Daily Practice, Not a Marketing Word

Integrity drives everything we do:

Technicians document issues honestly
Mistakes are owned, not hidden
Advisors give clear, pressure-free guidance
Repairs follow tested procedures, not shortcuts

Because off-road adventures demand trust. And trust starts with honesty in the shop.

6. A Team Culture Built on Professionalism and Collaboration

GarageWorks prides itself on having a calm, clean, organized shop where the focus is:

Teamwork over ego
Consistency over improvisation
Training and coaching over “figure it out” culture
Customer experience over speed

This environment ensures customers receive the same thoughtful care no matter which technician or advisor they work with.

7. A Better Approach to Fluid Services and Maintenance

We follow OE-aligned, long-term maintenance practices. For example, GarageWorks does not perform transmission flushes — they’re a byproduct of the quick lube industry, and don’t match our integrity-based approach.

Instead, we perform transmission services , allowing us to inspect internal components and monitor the vehicle’s long-term health. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to safe and reliable off-road performance.

8. Long-Term Relationships, Not One-Time Jobs

GarageWorks exists to build trust over years of ownership, not quick transactions. Every recommendation supports the customer’s:

Safety
Off-road goals
Long-term reliability

When someone is passionate about exploring Colorado’s backcountry — we’re passionate about making sure their vehicle is ready for the journey.

The Importance of Self-Inspections for Your Off-Road Vehicle

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:55:44 GMT

Self Inspections can prevent breakdowns!

Off-roading puts your vehicle through conditions far more demanding than normal daily driving. Steep climbs, uneven terrain, water crossings, dust, mud, and constant vibration all place extra stress on suspension components, steering, driveline parts, fluids, and hardware. Even when a trip goes smoothly, your vehicle may have taken on wear or damage that isn’t immediately noticeable. That’s why performing routine self-inspections after every off-road outing—and again at the end of the season—is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your vehicle.

Self-inspections don’t replace the need for a professional inspection, but they do help you spot small problems before they turn into a breakdown on the trail or an expensive repair later.

Why Self-Inspections Matter

1. Catch problems early.

Off-road trips can loosen hardware, stress suspension joints, create fluid leaks, or introduce debris into sensitive areas. A careful walk-around and a visual under-vehicle check can reveal issues before they escalate.

2. Improve safety.

A vehicle failure on the trail can quickly become a safety concern, especially in remote locations. Noticing a torn CV boot, a leaking shock, or uneven tire wear early helps prevent unexpected failures.

3. Protect long-term reliability.

Off-road wear often starts small. Spotting early signs—such as abnormal tire cupping, play in steering components, or fluid discoloration—can help keep your vehicle reliable for years.

4. Build a better understanding of your vehicle.

Self-inspections help owners develop familiarity with what “normal” looks like. When something changes, it stands out. That awareness is valuable anytime you’re diagnosing noises, evaluating new symptoms, or communicating with a professional shop.

Self-Inspections Are a First Step, Not a Substitute

A self-inspection is meant to help you stay ahead of developing issues. It does not replace a trained technician looking over the vehicle. Professional inspections include:

More precise measurements
Lift-based inspection of suspension, drivetrain, and undercarriage
Testing procedures for leaks, steering play, and wheel bearings
Tools for checking components that aren’t visible during a basic check

Think of self-inspections as your early warning system and professional inspections as your confirmation and safety net.

We’ll Provide a Sample Self-Inspection Checklist

To make this process easier, CLICK HERE for a simple, user-friendly inspection guide you can follow after every off-road trip or at the end of the season. It will walk you through key areas such as tires, fluids, steering, suspension, underbody components, and recovery gear.

Following this checklist consistently will help you understand your vehicle better, recognize changes sooner, and stay prepared for any future off-road adventures .

All-4-Fun

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:19:12 GMT

An Unforgettable Adventure: Our Experience ay Mile High Jeeps Club's All-4-Fun Event

As a proud sponsor, our team had the privilege of attending Mile High Jeep Club's highly anticipated All-4-Fun event in 2024. This action-packed gathering brought together off-road enthusiasts from far and wide for an unforgettable weekend of camping, trail runs, and camaraderie. In this blog post, we'll share our exciting experience and express our gratitude to the Mile High Jeep Club for allowing us to be a part of this incredible event.

A Spectacular Showing:

The All-4-Fun event saw an impressive turnout of participants, all united by their passion for 4x4 adventures. The enthusiasm was palpable as attendees arrived, eager to tackle the challenging trails and connect with like-minded individuals. We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces and hear the roar of engines as the event got underway.

Camping and Trail Runs:

The scenic camping grounds provided the perfect setting for attendees to relax and recharge between trail runs. And what trail runs they were! The expertly designed routes catered to a range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced, ensuring that everyone had an exhilarating experience. Our team was impressed by the organization and attention to detail that went into creating such an enjoyable and safe experience for all participants.

Sponsors and Evening Activities:

The event wouldn't have been possible without the support of generous sponsors, and we're honored to have been among them. The evening activities, including live music and delicious food, provided a wonderful opportunity for attendees to unwind and socialize. We enjoyed meeting many great folks and sharing stories of our off-road adventures.

Keeping the Fun Going:

As a sponsor, our team was happy to help keep the attendees' Power Tanks full of CO2 throughout the event. It was rewarding to see how our support contributed to the overall enjoyment of the participants. We're grateful for the chance to have played a small part in making the All-4-Fun event such a resounding success.

A Heartfelt Thank You:

We'd like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Mile High Jeep Club for inviting us to participate in this incredible event. The club's dedication to creating an inclusive and exciting experience for all attendees is truly commendable. We're already looking forward to next year's event and are proud to announce that we'll be returning as sponsors.

The All-4-Fun event was an unforgettable adventure that left us with lifelong memories and a deeper appreciation for the local off-road community. We're thrilled to have been a part of it and can't wait to do it all again next year. If you're an off-road enthusiast, be sure to mark your calendars for the next All-4-Fun event – you won't want to miss it!

Ditch the silicone!

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:00:11 GMT

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Dear Jeep owners, it’s OK to ditch the silicone! Lube Locker gaskets are a GREAT way to reseal a differential allowing for a better, more resilient seal and easier service in the future! We include a Lube Locker with all of our differential services, and NEVER just drain and fill a differential that has a cover. We treat differential services as a perfect opportunity to clean and inspect your diff carrier, limited slip clutches, spider gears or locker and gear set.

"I just came in for an oil change!"

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:00:05 GMT

If you are a current client of ours, you know how we treat inspections...

We thought this meme was comical. If you are a current client of ours, you know how we treat our inspections.

No matter why your vehicle is in for service, we pride ourselves on giving you an accurate, genuine evaluation of the current condition of your vehicle.

Sometimes, these findings can feel a bit overwhelming but fear not, our staff is here to help you prioritize and leverage your ability to invest into your vehicle in the best way possible.

We will never pressure you into performing a service which will not benefit you and your vehicle and we often explain to clients that certain things can and should wait. It’s all about you, taking care of people is our goal.

As other professionals in this industry have said, fixing vehicles comes secondary and naturally if you focus on the people first.

Settling In!

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:24:14 GMT

It is far from perfect, but its far more perfect than our last space!

We are almost done setting up our new facility, and WOW what fun that was! We still have lots of organization and such ahead, but we are happy to say we are almost back to 100% operational! One more lift will be stood in the far bay once concrete cures, parking lot/alley needs some repair and a few other odds and ends. Huge thanks to all the customers that are continuing to schedule and support us through this time, we cannot wait to celebrate with everyone next month at our Open House! (April 15th, 1pm!)

Let's talk about rigging soft shackles!

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:00:05 GMT

By Mike Burnett

Just watched a video from a popular YouTube channel where a soft shackle pulled apart during a 3:1 winch pull. He blamed it on it being a "cheap" shackle... when in reality it was simply rigged incorrectly.

The proper way to rig soft shackles (and the method taught to Colorado 4x4 Rescue and Recovery volunteers by On Trail Training , as well as other I4WDTA - The International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association LLC certified instructors) is by rigging your loads as shown in photo's 1 and 5. The second photo is of a Safe-Xtract soft shackle showing green marks where the loads should be situated. We affectionately refer to this as, "Knot/noose/load."

When you rig as shown in photos 3 and 4, you run the risk of the load causing the noose to slip over the knot, ESPECIALLY if you rig like photo 4. Please DONT EVER rig a soft shackle like photo 4.

If a load point is positioned on the pass through at the noose (as in pic 4) it can prevent constriction, which is the opposite of what you want. Also if knots are not properly tightened and the soft shackle is connected incorrectly (as in pics 3 and 4), the noose can squash the knot and allow it to get pulled through. Lastly when properly connected, the load will cause the noose to tighten down on the neck, which is exactly what you do want.

* There are captions on each photo *

**Edit again... I'm shocked at how much traction this post has gotten. Huge thanks to everyone who is sharing! If anyone is interested in receiving top notch recovery training from certified trainers, check out the I 4WDTA - The International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association LLC webpage. There is a list of all of the instructors -- you can probably find one offering classes in your area.

What to look for on a pre trip inspection

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 14:30:00 GMT

Bolts/nuts with powdery rust behind/around them and shiny “witness marks” are a sure sign of loose fasteners.

PSA!

When inspecting your off-road vehicle prior to a trip, what are you looking for?

Bolts/nuts with powdery rust behind/around them and shiny “witness marks” are a sure sign of loose fasteners. Sometimes, even when shaking these components they will feel normal but this is the text book tell-tale of a loose fastener!

Grab a torque wrench and double check, you never know when it will be the difference between a successful and disappointing outing!

Looking to have our experts perform your pre-trip or preseason inspection? Call us today!

Do diagnostic charges make you nervous?

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:30:00 GMT

The value of properly performed diagnostics and testing is sadly being lost in the automotive industry. With retail parts stores misleading customers by scanning codes and selling “probable cause” replacement parts, consumers are taught there is no need for diag.

Do shop diagnostic charges have you feeling uneasy?

Do you feel out of control or that you are spending money just for the tech to plug in their computer?

Read on!

We spend a great deal of time discussing diagnostics and testing and the associated charges with our clients.

Diag and Testing (we do ours in three levels) is a methodical series of computerized, electrical and mechanical tests to determine the root cause of a particular customer complaint.

This testing not only requires years of experience to become efficient at but often many expensive testing devices.

The value of properly performed diagnostics and testing is sadly being lost in the automotive industry. With retail parts stores misleading customers by scanning codes and selling “probable cause” replacement parts, consumers are taught there is no need for diag.

Until there is.

One misdiagnosed (or lack there of) component could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and still require a trip to a reputable repair facility to determine the root cause!

Take this wiring damage for example. If our client had gone with the run of the mill “scan and sell” method, the new fuel pump would not have resolved his issue!

Instead, methodical testing led us to this damage and a less expensive wiring repair.

Gear as tough as you are?

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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While building our Outer Limit Supply display we asked Travis if he had any damaged cases which we could use to showcase their quick release mount. He dug up a kit which had lived outside a rig for quite some time until the vehicle rolled over. Occupants were unhurt, but the case and quick release suffered some minor damage. He sent this to us to mount and we think it is a great testament to the quality of cases OLS uses! Looking for a backcountry first aid kit that’s as tough as you are? Look no further!

This stuff saw more use and heavier pulls in just three days...

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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Okay, I know I’ve put up a lot of recovery gear posts lately, but the topic deserves one more!

Over three days of serious snow bashing, me and several friends had the opportunity to literally punish pretty much all of the new Safe-Xtract recovery gear I got last week. My gear got used for nearly all of well over 50 recoveries of eight different Power Wagons and a Jeep. When I say ‘punished’, I mean it. Just look at the first two photos of the 1/2” soft shackles. Pic [above] was taken today and pic [title photo] was taken while everything was brand new and unused last Friday.

This stuff saw more use and heavier pulls in just three days than most recovery gear will see in a lifetime for the average off roader. And it all came through with flying colors (no pun intended for the orange and green!).

It is difficult to know what sort of quality you’re looking at when you buy recovery gear, but I’m here to tell you as someone who has used and seen a lot of different stuff over the last 5 years as a volunteer with Colorado 4x4 Rescue and Recovery , you don’t have to wonder what you are getting with Safe-Xtract! This stuff is legit!!!

Buying recovery gear can be 'very' confusing...

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:33:13 GMT

By Mike Burnett

Buying recovery gear can be ‘very’ confusing. There are so many companies and products to choose from… and there is no industry standard that all recovery gear companies have all universally adopted for how their gear is rated, tested, certified or labeled the way Safe-Xtract has.

There is a LOT of really sketchy untested gear that is potentially dangerous — some of that is even being sold by companies that you might think were otherwise reputable.

You don’t have to worry about any of that mess or ask any questions if you choose to buy gear from Safe-Xtract . It’s a fact.

You can order direct, or if you're local in Colorado you can grab Safe-Xtract stuff and other quality recovery gear in stock from Matt at the only brick and mortar dealer in the state... GarageWorks in Englewood.

Open House Scheduled!

matt@garageworksauto.com — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 18:00:11 GMT

Join us April 15th from 1-4pm!

Moose (who might be a touch bigger than the image suggests) respectfully requests your presence at our new facility Grand Opening and Open House, April 15th at 1pm! Come enjoy beverages with our team, other customers and local vendors. With a number of awesome vehicle exhibits, this is sure to be one you don't want to miss! Follow this link to RSVP and watch for additional news as it is released!

I betcha my tree straps are beefier than your tree straps! 😜

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 17:36:08 GMT

By Mike Burnett

If there is one thing I’ve learned over the past couple weeks doing some serious snow wheeling with a bunch of Power Wagons, is that you need serious recovery equipment. We even broke a 7/16” winch extension this past weekend doing a recovery. First time I’ve seen that happen during an actual recovery. It was violent - and as you’ve seen recently, I’ve been upgrading a lot of my gear to help ensure that I never have to see another failure during a recovery. Had circumstances been just a little different, SA might not look the same today. As it was, it was only his really expensive Expedition One bumper that took the damage.

You have to get one of these S afe-Xtract tree straps in your hands to appreciate the heft! Triple layered for the whole length, plus a full length scuff guard. Very impressive pieces of gear, just like all of their other stuff!

The Great Recovery Board Revitalization Project of 2022

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 17:27:35 GMT

We call it, “Operation Ten for Ten.” - By Mike Burnett

Sold my three sets of MaxTrax, and am retiring my two cracked and broken cheapo sets of X-Bull boards (that I got 5 years of good use out of) — and reclaiming the stainless hardware I added to them, to be repurposed onto my replacements.

The MaxTrax are being replaced by three sets of ActionTrax that I just bought from Matt over at GarageWorks . And the X-Bull boards are being replaced by one set of Gen 7 and one set of Gen 10 boards from Bunker Industries (Amazon cheapos).

Why ActionTrax over MaxTrax? Several reasons. The three most important to me are that ActionTrax are made from a higher quality more crack/break resistant material than the nylon MaxTrax, they can be drilled for metal hardware (drilling MaxTrax voids the warranty), and they have no weight, terrain or temperature restrictions (MaxTrax has warranty restrictions for all three). ActionTrax also have some design enhancements that aren’t just gimmicks… larger handle holes to accommodate gloves, slots on each end to allow them to be linked together, and a sawtooth edge which helps with digging and helps prevent the board from slipping as easily.

Why Bunker cheapos from Amazon? If I have to use boards to help a stranger get unstuck, it’s far less painful to have them damage them with wheel spin on a $70 pair than it is on a $300 pair. Last winter I bought two sets of Bunker Gen 8 boards and had the opportunity to test them quite thoroughly. I was impressed. They are significantly better quality than the X-Bull boards they are replacing.

All of the new boards will be drilled and fitted with metal hardware on one end.

Check this link to an older write up I did with a bunch of tips for more effective use of traction boards...

New Shop Progress!

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 17:17:43 GMT

Front showroom and recption area is nearing completion!

We couldn't be happier with the progress on our new showroom and reception area at the new shop. With a little over a week before we are operational from this location, we couldn't be happier with how the front space has turned out. We will have hot coffee, a cozy seating area and our favorite off-road accessories to check out and purchase. Can't wait to see it? Call us and get on the schedule for opening week!

Off-Roading with the Power Wagons of Colorado!

matt@garageworksauto.com — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 17:10:29 GMT

Full Size Winter Wheeling!

We took a day in December to explore a bit with the Power Wagons of Colorado! Snow conditions were quite light but there was just enough fun to be had... Mike managed to get his rig high centered in the quarry area. We attempted traction boards as our first recovery option however the skids and diff were just too hung up. Next up was the classic Hi Lift and traction board stack to gain some much needed clearance. This worked great! We dropped into a lesser driven trail on the way out and found some incredible ice sections as well as deeper snow. One thing is for sure, its always an adventure when wheeling a fullsize and getting half a dozen trucks off-road together is about as fun as it gets!