Teller County/Ute Pass
New Comers Information & Relocation Guide
Contents:
Moving In Guide
If you're moving to Ute Pass or Teller County, welcome home!
Hauling and unpacking of belongings is just the beginning of making a new home in a new place. There is also an assortment of tasks that need to be carried out, and living here at elevations of 8,000 to 10,000 feet, some of those tasks are unique.
Basic duties include hooking up utilities, getting the kids registered in school and learning the new neighborhood.
Some may notice that the car is using more gas and running sluggishly. Skin will be dry, and people will find themselves short of breath while doing normal activities.
Adjustments to recipes must be adhered to and gardening or landscaping needs special consideration because of the mountain climate.
To help with the duties that a new home requires, the following is a list of information to help newcomers become adjusted to life in the Ute Pass and Teller County region.
High Altitude Adjustments
Automobiles: Due to the thin air, cars not adjusted to the altitude may seem sluggish and use more gas. A high altitude adjustment is recommended for older cars. This entails advancing the timing on the car and adjusting the fuel mixture to the proper setting. This will improve gas mileage and power. Prices vary for this service but a simple high altitude adjustment should not be much over $35.
Newer cars don't usually need high altitude adjustments due to advanced technology.
Other suggestions include using a stronger antifreeze mixture due to cold weather.
Some mechanics believe that using gasoline with ethanol makes a car vapor lock easier at high altitudes, because the ethanol vaporizes more quickly than regular fuel. Ask a local mechanic for advice on specific car problems. Check the phone book for mechanics in the area.
Vehicle emission tests: Vehicle emission standards must be met by all motorists in El Paso County and those in Teller County who commute to El Paso County for more than 90 days a year. Emission stickers are acquired when getting new plates in El Paso County; Teller residents are given dated stickers and must also qualify annually. An emission test usually costs about $15. Violation will
