Driver Safety The roads belong to all of us but just because you obey the rules doesn’t mean the next driver will. And even if everyone does obey the rules, sometimes unforeseen circumstances contribute to the factors that make roads unsafe. Hence, as a driver, the need to ensure your safety and that of your passengers cannot be overemphasized. In the past, a lot of things were not as efficient as they are now and the difference is all in one word – technology. Technology has made driver safety much easier with things like blind spot monitoring, rearview mirror cameras, GPS tracking, Bluetooth connections, and much more. Keep reading these lines to know just how backup cameras and blind spot monitoring systems ensure your safety. Backup Cameras If you have been keeping up on automobile news, you would know that as of May 2018, federal law required all vehicles to be equipped with rearview monitoring technology. This means that if your car was purchased before 2018, backup camera installation may be in order. And it also explains why a vehicle purchased after the stated date would come with backup cameras. Now, you might be wondering what happened to good old-fashioned rearview mirrors? The short answer is, they were not enough. Rearview mirrors are just mirrors at the end of the day and they have setbacks. This includes not being able to cover a wide angle and the statistics of death and accidents related to this drawback has been alarming. Backup cameras expand your field of vision thus preventing accidents and injury. They help you park better, driver safer, and so on. Blind spot monitoring systems A blind spot monitoring systems is just what it sounds like. It is a system that allows you to see things that were otherwise in your blind spot. The monitoring system makes use of sensors to detect vehicles by your side and rear. Some of these systems work on lane departure by keeping you from changing lanes in a dangerous situation. The monitoring system alerts the driver with lights or alarms. Some advanced systems also alert you by subtly taking over and preventing a dangerous turn, swerve, and so on. You can override this by driving more forcefully. The top benefit of this system is overall increased safety and quick responses that may be the difference between life and death. Other safety technology Bluetooth Hands-free Using or talking on a wireless phone while driving is against the law in 15 states with 38 states having restrictions for phone use by drivers. Bluetooth hands-free kits are either universal or vehicle-specific. They help you avoid the danger of using wireless phones while driving. Depending on what you have or purchase you can enjoy a wide range of use that is indeed hands-free. Some new cars come with various driver safety tech. However, you can always upgrade your vehicle with aftermarket systems which work just as well. After purchasing, you will need a professional for Backup Camera Installation and/or Blind Spot Monitoring Installation in Montrose, CO and the entire Colorado area.

Car Audio Installation There are several reasons why you would want a car audio installation. For starters, your old car stereo might just not cut it for you anymore or you want that new car stereo look and sound. Whatever the reason, it’s good to know you can perform a car audio installation yourself. There are a few long steps but with this practical guide and tips, you can get it done. Tips to begin. When changing any part of a car, it’s necessary to remember that all cars are different and new parts are too. Hence before installing a new car stereo, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Next, set the parking brake and remove the negative cable from the car battery. This is a vital precaution to prevent short-circuiting the car’s electrical system which could harm you and start a fire. Tools you need There is nothing complicated about the set of tools you need for this car stereo installation. You would need some screwdrivers, wrench or socket set, wire strippers, electrical tape, and a panel remover tool. The steps Remove the old stereo Unscrew any screws or bolts holding the old car stereo in. Do this carefully. Then, pry the plastic trim off gently. If the trim of your car stereo is in bits and pieces work patiently and remove them. The factory car stereo will be mounted in one of the following ways, bolted to the dash with brackets, secured by spring clips, or mounted to a rail system within the dash. If yours is mounted with spring clips, use DIN tools to remove the spring clips. For the stereo bolted in place, removing the trim would make the screws that bolt the stereo in place visible. If your stereo is attached to a rail system, you can slide it off the rail after removing bolts or spring clips. Unplug the factory car stereo Gently pull out the radio and you will find a bunch of wiring behind. Take a picture of this with your phone for reference purposes. Disconnect the wires by first unplugging the antenna wire, and then the wire harness connectors. With this done, it’s time for your new car audio installation. Car audio installation This is where that picture comes in handy. Match the wires of the new car stereo’s harnesses to those of the car harnesses. If your car doesn’t use wire harnesses, then you will need to connect manually. To do this, use the wiring diagram that came with the new stereo. After connecting the wires, you can either crimp or solder. Crimping wires is faster, and it uses a crimp connector. Soldering is more durable, professional, and provides an efficient connection. When the harnesses or manual connections are done, connect every last single wire. Test and finish Turn on the power to test your installing and ensure everything is working properly. After confirming turn off the power and slide the stereo in until you hear a click. Put all the screws back and restore the plastic trim. Try the stereo again. When your car is more complex. Vehicles change every day and recent models tend to be more complex than others. If your car falls into this more complex category, there might be other steps to note. We have explained this below: If your car stereo is hooked into the vehicle’s ODB data bus, an aftermarket module will be required and it also needs to be programmed to that specific vehicle. If there is a factory backup camera, it needs to be hooked up and this usually requires a schematic diagram to wire into the correct factory wiring. Factory USB and Aux ports can be spliced and wired into your new car audio installation. GPS and Satellite antenna may need to be mounted on the roof and the wiring ran and concealed back to the new car stereo. Parking brake, speed sense and reverse wires might be spliced in too for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or a navigation unit to function properly. A vehicle specific dash kit is usually required to adapt the new stereo to the factory dash. This will provide a factory style look with the new stereo and provide the proper mounting brackets needed for the new stereo. Of course, if you can’t do this yourself you can reach out to our experienced and expert technicians here at Top Edge.

Car Audio - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto In-dash Touchscreen Receivers In your car audio game following recent technological developments, you can have one of these three options; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and whatever default setting your infotainment system came with. Of these three, only the first two are your real options except of course you hope to have the most boring and inefficient experience driving and using your phone. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirror similar features from mobile devices to a compatible in-dash infotainment system. They are touchscreen receivers and also use voice control. Check out more information below on these car audio apps. Apple CarPlay Apple CarPlay was launched in 2014 and has been a top player in the automotive industry ever since. In a nutshell, CarPlay is the perfect solution for drivers who own iPhones. It is a convenient way to use the most important parts of your phone such as music, messages, GPS, and more. With this innovation, motorists can make calls, listen to music, read and send messages, get accurate directions, and more. The features are super easy to use and the icons are large to be easily recognizable. You can access these awesome features on CarPlay with Siri. The aim of an app like the Apple CarPlay is to reduce distractions and increase safe driving. Third-party apps that are compatible with CarPlay include Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, WhatsApp, Tidal, Amazon Music, Waze, and CBS Radio. Cars that are compatible with Apple CarPlay are some basic cars and supercars. These include models like the Chevrolet Spark, Volvo, Chevrolet, Honda, BMW, Porsche, and Ford. Some cars support wireless Apple CarPlay and others require a physical connection. Android Auto Android Auto is a mobile app created by Google. Unlike Apple CarPlay which is centered on iPhones, Android Auto is based on mirroring Android devices. It functions in the same way as the Apple CarPlay giving access to features like music, SMS, GPS navigation, calls, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger, and web search. It supports touchscreens, button-controlled units, and voice commands which is really the most important feature for a true hands-free and distraction-free experience. Android Auto is available in 36 countries. Wireless Android Auto is also available to save you the hassle of plugging your phone as the app launches in the car stereo as soon as you step into the vehicle. On a car stereo, both apps provide intuitive layouts, handy information like weather updates, and even organize the tabs based on relevance. With voice commands, you can truly go hands-free and tell the app what you need like sending a message, the direction to a certain place, the music to play, and more. If you are missing out on these, there’s no time like now to join the bandwagon and enjoy rides more.

Auto Repair - Brakes & Brake Repair When something goes wrong with your vehicle, nothing hurts more than choosing a mechanic that takes you for a ride. This is why Top Edge guarantees you the best and a complete auto repair service. One of those services includes brake repair. What is so important about brakes and what do you need to know about brake repair? Read on to discover. A car’s brake system. Your car’s brake system is a group of parts that play the most critical role of keeping you safe. You can only drive safely when your car can equally stop safely. Hence, when the brakes need repair or maintenance, it is important to do this ASAP. Signs that you need a mechanic in Denver for brake repair or inspection. When the pedal of your car has to drop down to the floor before the car can slow. You hear squealing, grinding or screeching noises when using the brake pad. The brakes have a soft or spongy feel when you press the pedal. You have to hold the wheel tighter when you use the brakes because the car pulls. You need extra room to be able to bring your vehicle to a full stop. The car vibrates when you use the brakes. The car pulls to the left or the right when you use the brakes. The steering wheel shakes when you use the brake pad. Your car wobbles or pulses when you are driving at a highway speed. Your brakes haven’t been inspected in over a year or you have driven up to 12,000 miles since the last inspection. The brake warning light located on your car’s dashboard comes on and also stays on. Your brake pedal responds slowly, not at all, or requires excess pressure. You are near or past the recommended number of miles between brake fluid exchanges. Brake Repair Services A brake service can include a lot of things especially as your car’s brake system is quite complex. The truth is, brakes can wear out. They were never designed to last forever. Brakes work by rubbing the brake pads on the brake disk to bring the car to a stop. Hence most brake problems are related to a worn out brake pad. Brake inspections always help to identify exactly what is wrong and determine if a repair or replacement is needed. Yearly inspections are ideal to keep your brakes working smoothly. You can depend on the best mechanic in Denver to provide brake inspection and repair services. How to prevent frequent braking problems. Don’t ride your brakes. Always slow down with moderate pressure. Keep your braking system and wheels clean. Don’t let dirt or dust build up on them. When driving on steep grades, you can downshift to save your car brakes. Be sure to do this under the right traction conditions. There are several mechanics to choose from, but choosing one with a guarantee of clean and honest auto repair service is important for your safety and pocket health.

Diesel Truck Repair Diesel engines have existed for the longest time. They have only gotten better and probably more complicated since their invention decades ago. If you own a diesel engine or are considering getting one, there are many things you must know. The first is that a diesel engine is powerful. It is one of the beautiful things owners like about them. You also have a variety of options to choose from such as a Chevy Duramax, Dodge Ram Cummins, or Ford Powerstroke. If you own a diesel truck, you can also expect it to be durable, reliable, and expensive to purchase. A diesel engine also needs superior maintenance and sometimes diesel repair. The words diesel repair can have most owners with a sour look and thoughts of worry. The good news is, here is all you need to know about diesel repair. And even better news is, when you need diesel repair near you, Top Edge is more than happy to help you out. About Diesel Repair Diesel repair involves inspection, actual repairs, and maintenance of any vehicle that runs on a diesel engine. While diesel engines last much longer than regular gasoline engines, they also need more time, effort, and expertise for repairs. Using a professional diesel mechanic for repairs and inspection helps your engine serve you better and last much longer. Here are some maintenance tips for a diesel truck. Change the oil regularly to prevent the engine from shutting down. Ideally, the oil you choose will determine how often you need to change it. If you live in a harsh climate where the temperature is extreme, you can shorten the interval between changes. On the other hand, if your diesel engine is mostly used for towing and hard-driving, you should change frequently. An oil change can cost anywhere between $70 and $200. This maintenance routine is cheaper than a diesel truck repair that might come up from defaulting with an oil change in the long run. Clean the fuel filter regularly. When a replacement is needed, don’t hesitate to find a diesel repair shop near you. Change the fuel and the air filter when needed. The frequency of air filter replacement also depends on your climate. But, regardless of these conditions you should check often and change when needed as the air filter can get clogged quickly. You should take regular maintenance seriously to protect the lifespan of your diesel engine or truck. Diesel repair costs Of course, the major reason you have that sour look and worry line is the possibility of costs piling up because of the repairs. Well, yes diesel repair in Montrose and other Colorado areas with a professional diesel mechanic will cost a significant amount. But some of these costs are comparable to that of gasoline engines. The comparable costs include; Belt and hose replacements. Gasket replacements Cooling system leaks Diesel repair can also be generally affordable because you would encounter fewer issues to attend to in comparison with a gasoline engine.

Top 10 Aftermarket Jeep Accessories It’s true, no other brand stands tall, proud, and bold like a jeep. When you have finally gotten around to parking that beau in your driveway, you know there’s just some little things left to make it all perfect. We are talking about some aftermarket jeep accessories, perfectly suited for your wrangler. Since there’s a myriad of these accessories to choose from, you can get confused but thankfully, you have your top informers on everything automobile. Here are 10 aftermarket jeep accessories that you definitely want to get. Wheels Sure this is a top accessory. Jeep wranglers can hardly do without a prominent set of jeep wheels. Invest in quality wheels that offer both durability and style to your Jeep. Ditch steel wheels for high-grade aluminum or alloy wheels which both perform much better. You can also look to high-load wheels which are just perfect for that severe terrain. Tires Using tires that fit your driving condition helps to get the most out of your Jeep. Look towards tires with a deep tread block for loose driving conditions like mud and sand. Also, smooth and slick tires help to improve traction and tire efficiency of smooth roads. You can purchase all-season tires, winter tires, and more. Lift kits It’s hard to decide which Jeep owners invest more in – wheels and tires or lift kits? Its possible lift kits will take the prize because everyone would love to see that increased efficiency of their jeep. With lift kits come increased clearance, departure angle, approach angle and more. Severe terrain is no match. Bumpers Aftermarket jeep bumpers come in different styles without taking too much from your pockets. Yes, your factory bumpers work, but for protection each day you need something more. Winches A winch helps you pull yourself or a friend out of a tough spot. It’s a pretty handy and necessary aftermarket jeep accessory. Popular jeep winches brands are Smittybilt, X-Bull, and WARN. Fender flares Fender flares prevent your sweet ride from throwing mud, sand, and messy particles in the air. In addition to this primary function, fender flares enhance the rugged look of your jeep. Led light bars Have you ever compared factory LEDs to their aftermarket counterparts? Yes, then you know factory LEDs are underpowered and an upgrade to aftermarket LEDs gives double the power for an affordable amount. Rock sliders If you engage in a lot of off-road driving, rock sliders are a top aftermarket jeep accessory you need. They protect your door sills and bottoms from damage when crossing obstacles such as rocks! Lockers A jeep wrangler locker is a component that locks two wheels of the same axle together to ensure they move at the same speed with the same force. It is a must-have for rock crawling and off-road driving. Aftermarket soft tops Installing a jeep wrangler soft top is quite easy and the aftermarket soft tops come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. You can’t miss them if you want to enjoy the summer with soft tops installed in your car. Shopping for your aftermarket jeep accessories is easy with a click to the store. Be sure to reach out for installations or questions.

Wheel and Tire Fitment, Sizes and Offsets Wheel fitment does not come easily to everyone. We have all been in that position where the components involved with wheel fitment just seems confusing. But it doesn’t have to be when you know the basics. Wheel and tire fitment involve terms like the hub, covers, diameter, width of the wheel, wheels, rims, tires, and much more. Read on to learn how it all comes together. Your car’s setup Learning about wheel and tire fitment begins with knowing the setup of your car. The bolt pattern is an important part of this setup which you should get familiar with right off the bat. Bolt patterns can be 4 lug, 5 lug, 6 lug, and 8 lugs. To measure the bolt pattern you must determine which you have first mostly by counting the holes. 4 Lug – Using a ruler or tape measure a 4 lug bolt pattern from the middle of one hole across to the middle of the other hole. 5 Lug – Here measure from the back of one hole to the center of the second hole. 6 Lug and 8 Lug– Measure from the center of one hole to the center of another hole right opposite the first. Next, is determining the size of your hub. The hub is the centerpiece of your wheel or tire. You can identify the size by measuring the hub inside and excluding the plastic cap. You can use any tool around to do this. The measurement is taken in millimeters. When shopping for wheels, you may notice they have larger hubs than the wheels from the factory vehicles. The reason for this is to ensure these replacement wheels fit your car. If you go for a replacement wheel with a smaller hub, some things won’t fit. To ensure wheels with a larger hub fit tightly you can get adapters. Diameter When it comes to changing wheels or just upgrading what you have on your factory vehicle, some drivers want to go for big wheels because they think that’s what diameter is about. Big wheels with extravagant rims and everything else are not a bad thing, but how would they look and function on your car? The ideal thing to do is upsize. If your factory vehicle wheels are a 17-inch, you can go up by one size to an 18-inch when replacing. You can downsize while keeping the same diameter as well. Wheel offset A wheel offset makes all the difference between the look of a wheel and its performance. A wheel offset has categories which are positive, negative, and zero offset. The positive offset is on the face of the wheel extending to the outward side of the rim. Negative offset is when the centerpiece of the wheel sits farther back in the wheel and protrudes out towards the fender. Zero offset will sit directly with your centerline and is mostly a perfect way to go. Together wheels, rims, hubs, diameter, and much more make up fitment for your car. You want to consider everything to ensure the best overall look and maximum performance from your tires all season.

Jeep & Truck Lift Kits When you finally get that Ford, GMC, or Chevy in the driveway, it seems like all your dreams have come true. But then you see a truck or jeep just like yours cruising smoothly down the road, much higher, more intimidating, and definitely more suited to take on any rough terrain. Now, you want that for your truck or jeep too. What you actually need are suspension lift kits or a body lift. Read on for all you need to know about truck and jeep lift kits. What is a lift kit? A lift kit is replacement for your truck's original springs and shocks. These replacements literally lift your ride and give it more power. A jeep or truck with a lift kit can transverse rough terrain and tackle more on the road. Why should you lift your jeep? This question becomes necessary when considering a lift kit installation. Make no mistake, it’s not mandatory to lift your sweet Ford, Chevy, or whichever jeep/truck you have got. A lift kit installation is hard work and does require professional attention to both carry it out and maintain the installation. However, here are the reasons why you might lift your jeep. Style It really is a solid reason considering how stylish, intimidating, attractive, and bold your jeep becomes after the transformation. People can’t help but stare at a lifted rig. If you can only picture this and the joy you will feel right after, then you know you need no other reason to add suspension lift kits to your rig. Performance Off-roading is a sure reason to lift your jeep. The terrain is particularly rough and you don’t know what you must encounter. Adding a suspension lift kit makes it easier to drive through that rocky path and enjoy your off-roading trip, camping, or even regular drive around the city. Leveling Kits While we are talking about suspension lift kits and body lifts, there are leveling kits. A leveling kit is just that, it ensures everything sits at a level. Leveling kits are usually never more than an inch or two in lift height. Body lifts provide similar lift and suspension lifts kits can go higher. What to look out for when choosing jeep lift kits. The additional modifications that may occur – When upgrading your vehicle with jeep lift kits, some components of the vehicle may require replacement or modifications. Experienced technicians like those at Top Edge can provide insight on this. Weight – Weight becomes a factor because larger tires are much heavier. This new weight puts an additional strain on your suspension. The new way of handling – Suspension lifts kits always raise the center of gravity of the jeep or truck. This makes turning less stable. It is mostly unavoidable but still nothing too serious as you will get familiar with it. At Top Edge, we bring over 18 years of being in business to the table. Our experts and technicians are always ready to provide the help you need. Reach out for insights and your lift kit installation.

Well, here it is. Our new website. This has been a long time in the making and we are proud to finally step up to the big leagues and have a solid eCommerce platform to sell our top-notch products to the motor enthusiasts of the world. Feel free to look around and see how we can help you further your hobbies and business endeavors in the motoring world. Our News section will be a great source of trending topics in our industry and a great place to learn of the events/expos we will attend so keep checking in for updates! Be sure to check out our gallery section for customer features. If you have a truck, car, SUV, motorcycle... anything with a few wheels and a seat, and we helped you out with some service or part, send us a picture and a brief story for a shot to get featured on our site! We always love hearing from our customers and treat them like family. Just think of putting your picture on our gallery like mom putting her kid's drawing on the fridge because you're our family too.