Big Thompson Diesel And Automotive

10/20/2026

We are looking for someone to join our expanding team.
Automotive / Diesel Technician (Diagnostics & Repair) – 4-Day Work Week
Big Thompson Diesel And Automotive
We are looking for an honest, dependable, and motivated technician to join our crew. Whether you already have strong troubleshooting skills or you're a sharp, driven mechanic ready to master high-level diagnostics, we are looking for someone with the right mindset—not a parts changer who just pulls a code and guesses.

We provide the tools, support, and ongoing training to help the right person hone their diagnostic and mechanical craft.
What We Offer
4-Day Work Week: Enjoy a consistent schedule with 3-day weekends every week.
Stable Compensation: Competitive hourly wage (no flat-rate stress) plus quarterly bonuses tied directly to overall shop profit.
Hands-On Training: We actively invest in our team and are willing to train the right candidate in advanced electrical, drivability, and diesel diagnostics.
Modern Shop Equipment: Up-to-date scan tools, software, alignment equipment, and dedicated lifts.
No-BS Culture: A straightforward, clean, and organized shop environment that values craftsmanship and integrity over cutting corners.
Pay varies based on experience. Top pay for top candidates. Base pay can expect $25-$50/hr.

What You’ll Do
Handle the full spectrum of vehicle service—from routine maintenance, fluid services, and alignments to heavy line work.
Perform major and minor repairs, including engine overhauls, transmission swaps/repairs, differential builds, steering, and suspension.
Troubleshoot complex drivability, electrical, and powertrain issues using scan data, wiring schematics, and component testing.
Clearly document vehicle inspections, diagnostic steps, and repair recommendations.
Maintain a clean, organized bay and take pride in quality workmanship.

What We’re Looking For
Work Ethic & Integrity: Honest, self-motivated, and committed to doing the job right the first time.
Mechanical Capability: Solid mechanical foundation with the ability and willingness to tackle everything from oil changes to major powertrain teardowns.
Diagnostic Aptitude: Either existing diagnostic ability or a sharp, analytical mindset with a strong desire to learn advanced troubleshooting.
Tools: Complete set of professional hand, air, and power tools appropriate for general repair work.
Driver’s License: Valid, current driver’s license with a clean, insurable driving record (required).
Certifications: ASE certifications are a plus, but verified hands-on experience and a great attitude carry serious weight.
How to Apply
Stop by the shop, call us, or email your resume and a brief rundown of your experience to [email protected] / 970-541-0629/ 604 8th St SE unit A. Loveland Colorado 80537

10/10/2026

So we have been true believers of Amsoil products since the beginning. Even before I opened Big Thompson Diesel And Automotive. It was the only oil that ever actually worked better then any other oil I used. Most people and mechanics think oil is just oil so the cheaper the better since you are saving money on something that works the same as the expensive ones do. The other train of thought is buy the most expensive as it must be better. Well Amsoil truly stands above the rest and sits right in the middle of the price range. It allows us to give you far superior oil changes and vehicle protection for a more economical price then any other oil that even comes close. So check out this video. It is a bit lengthy but it really breaks down a lot of mis conceptions in the oil world. And may make you think twice about what oil you put in your vehicle. Especially if it is a diesel that is working hard. Any gas or diesel engine with a turbo. Or any application that you are using your vehicle to make money and are working it hard. Amsoil will truly save you money in the long run on maintenance costs due to its abilities for extended drain intervals that no other oil can even come close to. But also in the fact it will not be killing your expensive components when you are pushing a vehicle to its limits. So enjoy this video and come see us for all of your. Vehicles maintenance needs. And if you are a mechanic or shop interested in installing Amsoil products please feel free to give us a call .we can get you set up to buy directly and start saving your customers money on maintenance as well. Or follow this link and get yourself set up. www.amsoil.com/?zo=1714853

https://youtu.be/GuDgPZ0Tk28?is=iG6NbRd4CfWMSKh4

100% Synthetic Oil: SCAM or SCIENCE? The Truth the Industry Spent 2...

10/03/2026

Here is a topic we haven’t had to worry about for a while: fuel prices.

​They are climbing again, and everyone is feeling the pinch at the pump. So here are four straightforward tips from the shop to help you squeeze the most out of every gallon. Some of these have multiple benefits, and a couple might step on some toes—but the goal is to keep hard-earned money in your pocket.

​1. Check your tire pressure.

I sound like a broken record here, but way too many drivers cruise around with a TPMS light on because they "like how the truck rides" with softer tires. Low pressure drastically increases rolling resistance, eats your fuel economy, and wears out your tires prematurely.

​Don't just fill your tires to the bare minimum threshold to turn the dash light off—that number is the absolute safety floor. Follow the vehicle door sticker for daily driving, and if you’re loading down the bed or hooking up a heavy trailer, inflate up toward the tire’s load rating to match the weight. Under-inflated tires under a heavy load generate extreme heat, which breaks down the tire internally and sets you up for a high-speed blowout.

​2. Quit the needless idling.

When you're parked and idling, your vehicle gets exactly zero MPG. Not 5, not 2—a big fat zero.

​Beyond burning fuel for nothing, excessive idling—especially on modern diesels—creates heavy carbon buildup and wrecks performance over time. A choked engine has to work harder and burn more fuel just to do the same amount of work.

​We see this constantly as temperatures drop:

​"Why did my mileage suddenly tank? It’s 5° out, but my driving habits haven't changed!"

"Did you just jump in and go?"

"No, I let it idle in the driveway for 25 minutes first!"

​Take it easy for the first few miles to bring things up to operating temp, and cut out the 20-minute driveway idle.

​3. Run a quality fuel treatment.

This one hit home on a road trip last week pulling my 5th wheel. I’m always big on fuel additives—especially for modern common-rail diesels—to lubricate and protect high-pressure fuel pumps and injectors.

​On daily shop commutes, it’s tough to accurately measure small MPG changes. But on a long haul under steady load, the numbers don't lie. I ran out of my trusted AMSOIL diesel treatment mid-trip. The first several tanks with additive were predictable and consistent. The tank without it? Down nearly 2 MPG.

​I thought it might be wind or grade, but even running downhill with a tailwind, mileage suffered. I put my last bottle in: mileage snapped right back up. When I ran out again, I grabbed a generic off-the-shelf additive at a parts store just to get home. It helped slightly, but it still didn't match the numbers I get on AMSOIL.

​Whether you haul daily or commute, an extra 1 to 2 MPG pays for the additive quickly—while protecting thousands of dollars in fuel system components.

​4. Don't cheap out on basic fluid maintenance.

Hitting a quick-lube drive-thru for bargain-bin bulk oil might give you fresh fluid, but it doesn't give you superior protection or efficiency.

​High-quality synthetic fluids directly reduce parasitic drag. Differential gear oils and transmission fluids that resist shearing and flow cleanly take less horsepower to turn, meaning less fuel burned just turning the drivetrain down the highway.

​Pairing that with high-tier synthetic engine oils gives you superior film strength and extended drain intervals—easily doubling or tripling standard mileage intervals between changes safely, which offsets the upfront cost many times over throughout the year.

​Stop by Big Thompson Diesel & Automotive:

Pull up to the shop anytime. We’ll get your tire pressures set right, As well as get you on the books to get your driveline fluids and oil dialed in, or set you up with the right fuel treatment for your rig. And remember: if you’re parked for more than a couple of minutes, shut the key off!

09/08/2026

We are looking for someone to join our expanding team.
Automotive / Diesel Technician (Diagnostics & Repair) – 4-Day Work Week
Big Thompson Diesel And Automotive
We are looking for an honest, dependable, and motivated technician to join our crew. Whether you already have strong troubleshooting skills or you're a sharp, driven mechanic ready to master high-level diagnostics, we are looking for someone with the right mindset—not a parts changer who just pulls a code and guesses.

We provide the tools, support, and ongoing training to help the right person hone their diagnostic and mechanical craft.
What We Offer
4-Day Work Week: Enjoy a consistent schedule with 3-day weekends every week.
Stable Compensation: Competitive hourly wage (no flat-rate stress) plus quarterly bonuses tied directly to overall shop profit.
Hands-On Training: We actively invest in our team and are willing to train the right candidate in advanced electrical, drivability, and diesel diagnostics.
Modern Shop Equipment: Up-to-date scan tools, software, alignment equipment, and dedicated lifts.
No-BS Culture: A straightforward, clean, and organized shop environment that values craftsmanship and integrity over cutting corners.

What You’ll Do
Handle the full spectrum of vehicle service—from routine maintenance, fluid services, and alignments to heavy line work.
Perform major and minor repairs, including engine overhauls, transmission swaps/repairs, differential builds, steering, and suspension.
Troubleshoot complex drivability, electrical, and powertrain issues using scan data, wiring schematics, and component testing.
Clearly document vehicle inspections, diagnostic steps, and repair recommendations.
Maintain a clean, organized bay and take pride in quality workmanship.

What We’re Looking For
Work Ethic & Integrity: Honest, self-motivated, and committed to doing the job right the first time.
Mechanical Capability: Solid mechanical foundation with the ability and willingness to tackle everything from oil changes to major powertrain teardowns.
Diagnostic Aptitude: Either existing diagnostic ability or a sharp, analytical mindset with a strong desire to learn advanced troubleshooting.
Tools: Complete set of professional hand, air, and power tools appropriate for general repair work.
Driver’s License: Valid, current driver’s license with a clean, insurable driving record (required).
Certifications: ASE certifications are a plus, but verified hands-on experience and a great attitude carry serious weight.
How to Apply
Stop by the shop, call us, or email your resume and a brief rundown of your experience to [email protected] / 970-541-0629/ 604 8th St SE unit A. Loveland Colorado 80537

09/05/2026

Happy Labor Day from all of us at Big Thompson Diesel & Automotive! 🛠️🇺🇸
To all of our hardworking customers, friends, and neighbors: thank you for grinding hard all summer long. Your effort powers our community.
Now it’s time to kick back, fire up the grill, and enjoy a well-deserved, safe, long holiday weekend with family and friends!
Friendly reminder: Our shop will be closed on Monday so our crew can get some rest and recharge with their families. We’ll be back turning wrenches and ready to serve you bright and early Tuesday morning!
Have a great weekend, stay safe on the roads, and Happy Labor Day!

08/28/2026

Random photo dump and late summer update. Sorry it has been a while since I have posted. it has been an absolutely busy summer. I assure you even though I have not had frequent posts it doesn't mean I have forgotten about you all. It just means we have been so busy at the shop and away from the shop that I have not taken much time for any social media presence. So at the shop we have been extremely busy with some really big jobs. Seems like even some of the newer vehicles we work on are almost turning into restoration projects instead of normal repairs. Some of that is because people are holding onto these vehicles longer then ever. I would have never imagined in the early 2000's that I would be still working on 5.9 cummins, 7.3 powerstrokes, and the earliest Duramax engines 26 years later. Not to mention random 6.5 engines, idi Ford engines and mid 90's gas powered vehicles on a weekly basis. On top of that we have been staying in the forefront of technology and diagnostic ability with the new vehicles. We get at least 5 calls a day saying how disappointed someone is with the repairs that have been done in their vehicles elsewhere. Most have been to 2 , 3 , or even 5 different shops before they find us. We wish everyone could see the benefit of just waiting a little bit and come see us the first time. Sometimes it is actually harder to diagnose a vehicle after countless monkeys have thrown countless thousands of dollars worth of wrong parts at a vehicle. It is much easier if we are able to see the problem when it first starts and get it fixed right on the first go at the problem. So for anyone new reading this or hearing about us for the first time. I assure you your time and money are better spent if you can just wait a couple weeks for us to get your vehicle in as compared to getting it into the quickest shop today. You will spend a small fortune and it will not be fixed right and your vehicle will likely end up at Thompson Diesel And Automotive anyway
So what have we been up to this summer? Well my nephew and I are still continuing to work on his 69 mustang project. I've gotten in way over my head in body type repairs. Lol. Actually couldn't find a body shop that wanted to tackle this project in the first place so me and him got out the sawzall, chopped the 69 mustang in half, and have been learning how to put all the pieces back together ourselves. It is been an amazingly fun project. So no. Big Thompson diesel is not looking at getting into body work anytime soon. But it is a fun project with my 13 year old nephew and I have learned a ton about welding, I'm lining body panels, old metal versus new metal, and this car is going to be pretty amazing by the time we get done with it. As for the old guys in the shop Kevin and jim. They just keep killing it every day. For a couple older guys they work harder than anybody around. Some of the jobs like I mentioned earlier have almost become more like restoration projects within the general repairs. So it's been very nice to have couple older guys in the shop that are completely capable of working on every single thing of vehicle has to offer from bumper to bumper. Whether it's overhauling differentials, overhauling engines, overhauling transmissions, but in components, you name it. These two are way more than capable. Julie and Ethan are still doing an amazing job up front. There has been a few technology changes with our software which have been a few little hurdles to overcome but they have taken those hurdles with grace. I feel they have taken some of the technology given to us and ran with it. With our new digital inspection system that has been a great tool between what we're telling the customer and what the customer can actually see. We were able to bring full color digital timestamped pictures, videos, and notations directly to the customer. Customer gets to see exactly what we see, gets to understand why we're telling them what we are telling them. I believe overall just brings an extra layer of confidence in what we are telling them is wrong with their vehicle. As for the two younger mechanics in the shop Katie and ryan. They still continue to amaze me everyday. They are young and energetic. But their mentality is I don't want to say old but it's definitely experienced. They know when to stop, no one to keep going, no one to ask questions, Katie like she has for the last several years can perform alignments at a higher level than most of the guys in any shop within many miles of us. We get vehicles all the time that have been aligned at multiple other locations. Katie is able to figure out what's wrong, calculate correctly and get the vehicle going straight down the road. Ryan has been amazing since he's got back from the military. Learning everyday. As well we're starting to be able to toss him into some of the really big jobs that we've been getting. Both Katie and Ryan have passed multiple ASE tests earlier this summer. So that puts them both in the realm of being ASE certified mechanics. I've got them both working on learning enough to become ASE certified Master mechanics here within the next year or so. And as far as ASE certifications have gone I've kept this one kind of quiet. I've been waiting for the official piece of paper in the mail. But trying to push Katie and Ryan into their ASE tests I discovered there was an ASE certification that I thought was pretty cool. Oddly enough I already had more ASE certifications than it took to achieve this goal but I didn't have some of the right ASE certifications. So you've all probably heard of ASE certified it is a technician's way or I would say the industry's way of trying to give us some sort of certification. Most other industries you have to be certified through a national board. Like HVAC technicians have to be certified before they can become an apprentice before they can technically work on HVAC systems by themselves. Electricians are the same way, plumbers are the same way. In the automotive world we kind of self-regulate ourselves and unfortunately a lot of that regulation goes out the window. I feel that is why there is a lot of shops out there that are simply doing a bad job. The shop owners don't care about ASE certifications, the mechanics don't care about becoming ASE certified. Everybody looks at it as kind of a joke. Unfortunately ASC is trying to change that and make it to where the top tier and top level mechanics are able to become ASE certified. Some of these ASE certification tests are amazing and truly separate them in from the boys when it comes down to understanding vehicle technology and how to properly repair and diagnose them. So I already had my ASE certification Master mechanic meaning I've passed A1 through A8 tests for automobile technology. I also had the a9 test which is automotive diesel technology. On top of that having been a heavy truck technician for many years I also had all of my truck master certifications. Meaning I passed t1 through t8 tests. Becoming a truck master technician. We've had many advanced level ASE certifications. So I didn't have all of them I did not have my hybrid ASE certification advance level test or my adas advanced level certification tests. Truly those aren't areas of the vehicle we normally deal with being a diesel shop we don't deal with a lot of hybrid vehicles so I never really thought of it. The other ones I hadn't thought of were mechanical and structural tests. But I found out about this cool ASE certification that the more research I did the more I found out it's very rare territory. It's ASE certified world class technician certification. That means the technician is an ASE certified Master Automotive technician, ASE certified master truck technician, ASE certified Master body technician and an ASC certified advanced level technician meaning all four categories they have passed all of the tests and become Master certified in all areas. I thought had quite a cool challenge that sounds like. I'm only really four to five tests away and I've never even heard of that certification. So I was able to go in pretty much not studying too much and pass all of the required tests that I need. ASE has sent me a letter of completion basically stating that they're congratulating me for becoming an ASE world class technician. The next step of the process is they're going to once a year and announce the ASE world class technicians. When they do this week get some very cool swag, obviously some of the awesome ASE hardware that they're always handing out like plaques, and several other things to announce the world class technician status. But another cool thing I found out is that we get our names put in the history books at the Automotive History museum. Basically this is been going on since ASE came out with this certification back in the '90s. Up to this point since the early 90s there are only a thousand names in that book. Looking into it a little deeper there's only four ASE certified world class technicians in colorado. Two of which retired last year. That's kind of very rare category to be in and it's kind of a neat experience. So I will send pictures when I get some of the hardware.
So where's Big Thompson diesel heading in the future. Well looking forward to this fall and winter. I expect since it has been such a hot summer. That first cold snap is going to be very busy. See cold weather typically does not ruin vehicles. Hot weather ruins vehicles. Things break in the heat but they don't necessarily show up until it gets really cold outside. This summer has been one of the hottest Summers on records. We have seen some crazy failures that we normally don't see even in the hottest summer days. And I got a feeling once that first cold snap habits a lot of these things that are broken are going to show up like you would not believe. So I'm looking forward to a very busy fall and winter season for us. That said I also know many of you are coming up on your fall hunting and camping trips. I advise to get your truck checked out before it's an emergency. Knowing that we've been busy but keeping up all summer. But knowing that seems like closer and closer we get to The Fall season the further behind we're getting. So get on the schedule now, get your trucks cars, whatever else you got going looked into before it's an emergency. Before you have to rely on it on those cold winter months. Before you go to haul a trailer up the mountain and realize your check engine light's been on for the last several months. Give us a call and get it in early. On top of that we have been maintaining all of our current technologies. Keeping up with scan tools has been an ongoing fun challenge. These Automotive manufacturers are changing technology on a daily basis. Having pretty much most of the OEM scan tools in our building. We have the most up-to-date diagnostic tools available to anybody in Northern Colorado right in our building. We do not mess around with aftermarket scan tools like most places do. I have found over the years that most aftermarket scandals are simply lying to you. Most of these people are pulling a code and throwing apart at vehicles. Half the time the codes are lying to you. The codes are only meant to give you a direction. If they do pull up any scandal to look at it it is likely that the aftermarket scan tool is giving false data which might make it seem like there's a different part that needs to be replaced and what actually needs to be replaced. So we believe in having all of the right information and diagnosing your vehicle correctly the first time. So we will continue to maintain our fleet of OEM factory level scan tools. We obviously have a few aftermarket scan tools just for a quick scan that we may need to do here and there. But that is not our bread and butter.
So for now at Big Thompson Diesel and Automotive it is business as usual. Not a lot has changed this year. At the same time it has been a long, busy, challenging, and funnier. We hope you've all had a great summer. We appreciate all of you loyal customers that have stuck with us in and out throughout the years. Oh yeah and by the way come November 1st. We are coming up on our 15th year anniversary. Holy crap did I start this business 15 years ago?

07/02/2026

We will be closed today to. Give our hard working employees an extra day off to celebrate the 4th of July. We hoe you all have a great holiday weekend and enjoy celebrating America's birthday. Please be safe. We will see you all next week!

07/02/2026

07/02/2026

We are going to close an extra day this week so our hard working employees can spend an extra day with their friends and families. We will see you all next week. We wish you all a happy 4th of July and hope everyone is able to celebrate safely.