Driving around Golden
I-70, US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon, CO 93 north to Boulder, CO 58, and Lookout Mountain Road up to Buffalo Bill's grave.
The climb from Golden up I-70 to the tunnel is one of the best tests of a cooling system in the state. If your temp gauge creeps up on that climb, read our overheating guide and get it checked before your next ski weekend.
Front Range driving, in general
- Altitude. At a mile up, non-turbo engines make noticeably less power and turbos work harder. Coolant boils at a lower temperature too, so a weak radiator cap or a small leak shows up sooner here.
- Hail. Spring and summer storms can total a car in ten minutes. Comprehensive coverage and a garage are the real fix.
- Winter. Magnesium chloride on the roads is hard on brake lines, exhaust parts and undercarriages. Rinse the underside in spring.
- Mountain grades. I-70 and US 285 are hard on brakes and cooling systems. Fresh brake fluid and a healthy water pump matter more here than at sea level.