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Suspension Failure

March 30, 2020 by admin

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving down the road and suddenly, the back end of your vehicle collapses. A possible cause is that something in your suspension failed. Suspension components gradually wear out – you may not even notice the ride and handling slowly getting worse. But a sudden suspension failure is unnerving and will often leave you unable to drive your vehicle.

A broken spring can cause your suspension to drop suddenly. There are different types of springs, including coil springs, leaf springs, and air springs. Most vehicles these days use coil springs, and they look just like you think they’d look: a coiled-up metal spring like what you’d find if you took apart a ball point pen. Coil springs fail from rust (thanks to brine and road salt), trauma (think potholes, speed bumps, curbs) and just plain metal fatigue.

Leaf springs are often used in larger vehicles such as trucks and large SUVs. The design has been around since the early days of carriages, and they are designed to handle heavier loads. Since leaf springs are made up of metal plates stacked together, rust and fatigue are common causes of failure.

Another type of spring that can suddenly fail is an air spring. Air springs are rubber bags that hold pressurized air. They have an air compressor, and air reservoir, and height sensors. The advantage of an air suspension is that you can adjust the ride height, level loads, adjust handling characteristics, and lower the vehicle to make it easier to get in and out.

Eventually, the rubber in an air spring can rot out, or the airbag can be punctured causing the air to leak out all at once. Not only can the corner of the vehicle with the failed air spring drop suddenly, but it’s also possible for the entire air system to lose air, allowing the vehicle to drop. Plus, compressors, solenoids, air lines, and sensors can also fail.

Your Express Car Care technician can check your suspension components for rust, metal fatigue, cracks, or other worn or failing components. If you notice that your ride quality and handling is deteriorating, have us check your suspension.

What If Your Car Isn’t Shifting Right?

March 22, 2020 by admin

There are a few problematic issues with your car that are easy to diagnose. If you forget to put gas in the tank, you’ll recognize the familiar sputter as your car chugs to a stop on the last fumes. You’ll also see the warning sign blinking at you on your dashboard.

Other systems can be more difficult to diagnose. When your car isn’t shifting right, for example, it could be a number of problems. Most likely it’s a sign of a problem with your transmission system.

What happens when your transmission starts to fail

Wouldn’t it be nice if your car sent out warning signs as each piece began to fail? It does.

Let’s say you take your car out for a drive on the weekend. Maybe you head into the hills for a day of skiing, or just a short drive to the park to play a game of softball with a few friends.

Halfway there, your car starts making a whining noise, so you slow down. Or maybe you pick up speed to head up a hill and your car suddenly revs up and bucks.

Then you notice your car doesn’t shift quite right. Maybe it’s more difficult for you to put it into gear. Or maybe you hear a clunk or even a whir as the gears attempt to move as you drive.

What could it be?

If you’re like most drivers today, you head online and do a little research. That’s probably how you got here.

Very quickly, you start to build a picture of what could be wrong. Gears. Transmission. Very expensive … And your mind shifts to a variety of different questions.

Could it be that my car has a blown transmission?
How did it happen?
Was there a way I could have prevented it?
How much will it cost to repair my transmission?
Is it worth it? Or is it time to look for another car?
What are my options?

We’re here to point you in the right direction.

When an automatic transmission is working correctly

Before we get into the warning signs of why your car isn’t shifting right, let’s talk about how the transmission is designed for your vehicle.

Like other systems in your car, the automatic transmission uses a combination of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulics to make the system work.

The mechanical system is designed for functionality. It helps the high engine speed and the slower gear speed synchronize to give you a smooth drive. The electrical system provides sensors to ensure proper gear selection and position. The hydraulic system uses fluid to ensure proper gear positioning. They work together to ensure the automatic transmission flows efficiency every time you get behind the wheel.

What are the signs of transmission failure?

At the first sign of failure, you’ll find your car tries to warn you something is wrong. If you ignore it and the situation worsens, your repair bills rise, until finally, you might have to replace the transmission altogether. You should watch for:

The transmission warning light – luckily, today’s cars have dashboard lights for everything. Don’t ignore them when the little lights pop on. They give you ample time to make your way to a service station.

The car isn’t shifting right – when an automatic transmission transitions smoothly, you don’t pay any attention to how it operates as you speed up and slow down. That changes when it starts to have problems. You’ll notice the movement. You’ll hear it, feel it, sense it.

The gears change position for no reason – when you’re driving at a stable speed, you’ll notice the gear moves for no reason, causing a jolt in your driving patterns. It may slip from a gear to neutral, creating an unusual sound from your engine.

A fluid leak – the hydraulics in your transmission system need hydraulic fluid to operate correctly. This shouldn’t leak. If you notice a puddle of fluid underneath your vehicle, it can be a sign something is wrong with the transmission system. To distinguish it from other fluids your car uses, the transmission fluid is a clear red, sweet smelling liquid, though it may darken if it’s bad.

Delayed gear engagement – you press down on the accelerator and expect to go. Only it doesn’t, not right away. There’s a delay as the gears take extra time to move and connect. There’s a pause, your car lurches forward, bucks as it tries to respond.

What is the cost of fixing a transmission problem?

To fix your transmission, it boils down to parts and labor. That’s difficult to estimate without bringing your car in and having it evaluated.

Yet it’s important to note that for every day you continue to drive your car, ignoring the problem, the damage continues to worsen. What once was a simple fix may now be difficult – and expensive.

It may be as simple as replacing the fluid. Of course, if you wait until eventually, you’re stuck with a blown transmission, the repair bill can quickly add up.

Any indication that your vehicle isn’t shifting correctly should be dealt with quickly to avoid bigger problems.

While simple repairs like changing out the transmission fluid may only need a day in the shop, the act of replacing a transmission will take longer, allowing two full days or more.

Of course, the easiest way to budget your time and your costs for the project is to bring it in for an estimate. Only then can we provide you with all of your options.

Do you think your vehicle might have a problem with its transmission? Have you noticed your car doesn’t shift right, yet you aren’t quite sure what’s wrong?

Trust us to help diagnose the problem, and provide you with the best way to move forward with your car. We look forward to serving you with all of your car needs.

Do I Have a Blown Transmission?

March 18, 2020 by admin

What does the transmission do on your car?

The transmission has a very important job – it ensures there is enough power moving to the wheels to drive at the speeds you desire. The transmission is your car’s gear shifter, moving energy as you navigate your daily drive.

The best way to understand it is to think about your ten-speed bicycle. When you power up, add speed, or start climbing a hill, you shift to different gears. The chain moves from gear to gear, giving you the power to accomplish every need and desire.

The same applies to your vehicle. Different gear ratios allow you to do different things while driving your car. Want to go faster? Want to climb into the Rocky Mountains? Want to slow down for the changing stoplight? The gear ratios help control speed and RPMs for a smoother ride.

A manual transmission

There are two kinds of transmission systems: manual and automatic. With a manual transmission, you take charge of the gear changing process. Using a third foot pedal, the clutch pedal, you manually disengage the transmission from the flywheel and change gears. It works similarly to the bicycle chain process, without the chain. It temporarily disconnects the engine and the transmission, adjusts by moving the gear shift, and reengaging into the new gear you desire. Release the clutch pedal and drive.

An automatic transmission

An automatic transmission automates the gear shifting process. Instead of having to push in a clutch pedal and manually moving the gear shift to the appropriate gear, the automatic transmission does everything for you through a combination of fluid pressure and electronics. You put the car in drive and go; the automatic transmission ensures you are in the right gear.

Next to the engine, your transmission is one of the most complicated systems within your vehicle. Keeping it in good working condition is a must. Even one small problem can wreak havoc on your vehicle and turn into a very expensive repair.

How do you know if you blow a transmission?

Like all the major systems used to create your vehicle, your transmission will give you clues it’s not operating the way it should. The sooner you act, the greater the chance of lower repair bills.

Are there ways you can tell if you have a blown transmission?

The dashboard lights up with a transmission error – today’s vehicles are sensitive enough to notice basic problems. Don’t ignore warning lights as they may cost you a lot more when you finally drive it into the shop.

Your car won’t move in drive or reverse – you might have trouble moving the gear shift at all, it simply won’t move into drive or reverse. In some cases, you have the ability to move the gear shift, but your car won’t operate. No matter what you do, it just sits there.

You’ll notice vibrations or sounds as you’re driving – pay attention to what you feel and hear. You might notice strange vibrations while you drive, or hear a grinding or whining noise especially while your car is attempting to change gears.

The gears can slip – it creates a definite clunking noise. When you try and speed up, your car won’t accelerate because it can’t shift into the right gear. There might be a hesitation as it tries to react. You might even notice a sudden surge as it clicks and connects with the new gear. As you can imagine, both of these are of concern for safe driving; you should bring your car in for an inspection as quickly as you can.

Extreme heat – if you drive a rear wheel drive car, the transmission transfers energy from front to back to give the rear wheels their necessary power. If the transmission starts to overheat, you’ll feel it in the passenger compartment. It might impact the temperature gauge on your dashboard as well. Because the transmission fluid continues to heat up, you might notice a burning odor, some say it resembles burnt toast. If your transmission is overheating, it still might be a simple repair. The key is getting it into a mechanic to be checked immediately.

Some cars have poor design – not every make or model is built the same. If you do a search on Google, you’ll often find one make or model that stands out from the rest. Maybe they decided to use cheaper parts, or they simply didn’t pay attention to quality assurance during a certain production cycle. Whatever the case, if you chose to buy during that year, you’ll pay the price by having to repair or replace more frequently.

Poor maintenance – it doesn’t matter how poorly or how well a make or model is built if you don’t take care of it from the moment you drive it home. Your car needs regular maintenance to ensure it stays in good working condition. That means adding fluids when it’s necessary. It means having a mechanic check out how well your car is operating and making the necessary changes as needed. It means upgrading parts for normal wear and tear – from oil changes to adding new belts.

What about transmission fluid?

While your transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed out regularly like motor oil, it is important to pay attention to it. Start by checking your owner’s manual; how often does it say it should be changed? Some manufacturers may suggest every 30,000 miles or so while others push it back to 100,000 miles or more. In most cases, you’ll need to follow guidelines to ensure your warranty remains valid.

You can check to ensure you have enough transmission fluid and that it’s still in good condition. It’s similar to checking your motor oil, but each vehicle has its own recommendations for how to check it. How you drive determines frequency too. Someone who drives up and down the mountain each day will have different needs than someone who drives urban conditions just a few miles.

Are there different kinds of transmission fluid?

Each make and model has its own requirements; it’s important to check your owner’s manual for guidance and to ensure best performance. Don’t forget that the wrong fluid can void your warranty.

If you have any questions about how your vehicle operates, or if you think you might have a blown transmission, give us a call today.

Driving With ABS Brakes

March 16, 2020 by admin

Do you know what kind of braking system you have on your vehicle? It matters. Do you think you should pump your brakes to get them to stop better on a slippery surface? Or are they computerized and they pump the brakes for you?

The most common brakes on today’s vehicles are anti-lock braking systems, or ABS for short. They employ a computer and sensors in the wheels to give you a big edge over the older systems. ABS began to be regularly installed on vehicles in the 1970’s but weren’t mandated until 2004 in the European Union and 2013 in the United States.

Let’s go back to the “old” days when there were no computerized brakes. The driver pushed down the pedal that then sent pressure to all four wheels at the same time. Unfortunately, all four tires aren’t gripping the road the same way; some have more traction than others because of the varying road surface, so stopping and steering can be compromised. In older systems, pumping the pedal made sense because a driver was letting off the brakes when the tires were skidding in an attempt to regain traction.

ABS changed all that. Sensors in each wheel now can determine which ones are turning faster than others and then adjust brake pressure accordingly, maintaining maximum grip. They automatically “pump the brakes” up to 20 times a second. That helps a driver’s stopping distance and steering control, both important in avoiding obstacles.

ABS is designed for the driver to apply steady pressure on the pedal since the computer can do things that are not humanly possible. If you have ABS, pumping the brakes can defeat the technology that’s trying to help you maintain control. Remember the three S’s: Stomp-Stay-Steer. Stomp your brakes, stay on the brakes, and steer as needed.

Now you can see how important it is to know which system is in your vehicle. If you’re not sure, consult your service adviser. That’s also a good time to go over your vehicle’s brake system and maintenance schedule. ABS is sophisticated technology and needs to be maintained so it will work the way it is designed. Remember stopping and going are both important when it comes to vehicle safety.

Your Rough Idling Car Is Trying To Tell You Something

March 14, 2020 by admin

For most of us, we jump in our cars and think very little about how they work or operate. They start up when we turn the key. They go when we push on the accelerator. They stop when we hit the brake. What else is there to know?

But where you start to notice your car is when things don’t work the way they should.

If you turn the key and it doesn’t start, you know you have a problem.

What is idling?

The definition of idling refers to the process of a vehicle’s engine running when it isn’t in motion. If you leave it in park after you turn it on and listen to the engine, that is idling. When you sit at a stoplight waiting for the signal to tell you it’s safe to turn, that is idling.

Idling allows a car’s engine to run without the stress or load of any of the other engine accessories running. It keeps the car ready and waiting for when you demand more.

When it idles normally, you probably don’t notice it. You don’t focus on it.

But occasionally, you’ll notice a change. It seems a little rougher than normal. You might even have trouble keeping your vehicle running.

What does a rough idle mean?

A rough idle means different things to different people. Some will come in and report their car shakes; the car feels like it’s moving even when sitting still. Others will say it sounds awful, almost quakes and moves. And in other cases, no matter what the owner tries to do, the car just won’t stay running. It turns over, it idles rough, and then stalls altogether, no matter what they do.

Of course, how bad it idles often determines how quickly an owner takes action. A few jitters often fall into the “wait and see” category. There’s not much you can do if your car won’t stay running.

When you start to notice your car isn’t running as it should, pay attention to all the details. Not just what you can feel. Yes, your car might shake and jump. But look around. What else is happening?

How much fluctuation is there in the RPMs?
How consistent is the problem?
Does it only happen when you first start the car on a cold morning?
Are there other strange noises?
Do you notice smoke?

Report anything else you notice to help your mechanic make a correct diagnosis.

What causes rough idle and loss of power?

If you have a problem with rough idling, it can range from simple to severe. Fixing the problem right away can ensure no further damage is done to your car. Any of these causes could be at play.

Bad Spark Plugs

A rough idling car can be the result of bad spark plugs or a problem with the spark plug wires.

The spark plug has two primary functions. The first is to ignite the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. The second is to remove the heat from the combustion chamber.

The spark plug must be kept at a low enough temperature to prevent pre-ignition, and high enough to ensure ignition. The spark plug is technically a heat exchanger to transfer energy within the car’s ignition system.

If anything goes wrong with either of those processes, you may notice a rough idle or loss of power.

Leaks

If you’ve ever looked under the hood of your vehicle, you know it’s a myriad of hoses linking all of the different systems together. Over time, hoses wear and may eventually leak. This can limit both air and fuel to flow properly throughout the fuel system, which may cause your engine to idle rough, trying to compensate for the lack of air or fuel.

Dirty Fuel Injector

Think about all your vehicle goes through throughout the year. From hot weather in the summer, to below temperatures in the winter. It deals with ice, salt, and mag chloride spraying up and covering various parts of the undercarriage. And no matter how well you care for your car, things can get dirty pretty quickly.

A car’s fuel injectors control how often and how much fuel is released into each cylinder. They provide the engine with the amount of fuel it needs to run at optimal performance. If the fuel injectors are dirty, they can stunt that process. They can cause a rough idling engine, or stop the operation altogether.

Clogged Air Filter

Over time, the air filter can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris. Once clogged, those particles can migrate into other areas of the engine compartment and impact the way your car starts and runs. That’s why car manufacturers recommend you get your air filter checked and replaced routinely along with a motor oil change. It’s a simple, cost-effective process that can give your vehicle a longer life.

Worn Oxygen Sensor

It might also be something as simple as your oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is a part of the emissions system, designed to ensure the oxygen to fuel ratio is correct. As this sensor begins to wear out, the ratio can be thrown off, leading to too much air or fuel being supplied to the system. Not only will this cause a rough idle, but it can also impact your fuel economy. If you notice both at the same time, it’s a clear indicator something is wrong with the oxygen sensor.

How do you fix a rough idle?

While there is a long list of potential problems that could be causing your car to have a rough idle, pinpointing the reason can be difficult at best.

One of the best ways to prevent rough idle is by being conscious about your scheduled maintenance.

Stick with a schedule for regular oil changes. Replace all filters regularly, or as a technician tells you it’s time.

You should also take your vehicle in annually for an inspection to ensure all systems are operating as they should. With a simple process, we can diagnose your car for issues with each of the systems: engine, emissions, transmission, braking, and more. Plugging your car into a diagnostic tool will provide error codes, and give the mechanic a better understanding of any issues your vehicle may face.

If you do this early enough, you’ll have more options for how to fix it. And your car won’t leave you stranded at the most inopportune time.

When was the last time you scheduled a service visit? Do it today.

Do You Know The Signs of a Broken Water Pump?

March 10, 2020 by admin

When you slide into your vehicle, it’s easy to think of it as one complex machine that gets you to where you want to go. In reality, a car is made up of thousands of different pieces, all working together in complex motion to be one of the most essential devices in your life.

But when one part goes bad, you’ll learn very quickly just how important even one piece can be. It can be the difference between a car running … or not.

What is a water pump?

If you’ve ever experienced a broken water pump, you know the damage it can cause.

A water pump is vital to the operation of a car’s engine. A water pump’s job is to push coolant throughout the engine block, hoses, and radiator to ensure an optimal temperature. The water pump uses impeller blades and centrifugal force to move the coolant around the engine cylinders to ensure it doesn’t overheat during the combustion process. The water pump is part of a loop system, moving water around the engine, through hoses, and into the radiator, then out through another series of hoses and back into the water pump.

A broken water pump can cause catastrophic engine failure

A water pump is designed to help keep the engine at the optimal temperature. That should be your first sign of how important the water pump’s job is.

As temperatures rise here in Colorado, especially in the summer months where it can climb to 3-digits, your car’s engine needs to have a consistent flow of coolant to ensure it works correctly. If it’s in good working condition, the water pump ensures coolant flows through the system as necessary, keeping a consistent operating temperature, and giving you the capability to drive wherever you choose without problems. However, if the water pump starts to fail, the system responds in various ways. If you don’t pay attention to it, it can result in total engine failure.

And that can be an expensive repair bill.

Most people understand how vital motor oil is to the operation of a vehicle. They know it’s necessary to change out the oil on a regular basis.

Your water pump is equally as critical to the operation of a car’s engine.

How often does a water pump need replacing?

There is no set rule on when you should think about replacing your vehicle’s water pump. Check with your car’s manufacturers guidelines, or read your owner’s manual for more information. In general, many mechanics recommend replacing a water pump every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, depending on how your car is put together. Mechanics will often make suggestions based on repairing or replacing other parts. If they have certain parts out, it’s easier to replace and costs you less overall in labor costs.

Still, there isn’t a definite rule on when you should replace it. But you can watch for certain signs that will nudge you in the right direction.

Leaks

Like other parts on your vehicle, as a water pump ages and begins to wear, it will start to leak fluid near the front of the vehicle. Check under your vehicle when your car sits for a few hours – do you notice an orange or green puddle on the ground? The color is dependent on the coolant your car uses, but it is distinct enough you’ll notice it if it’s puddling on the ground.

It’s also a good idea to pop the hood and take a look at the parts from time to time. A slow leak can form residue around the pump, and leading away from it. You’ll find a gelled substance that sticks to the parts around the water pump. Depending on how long this has occurred, you might even find rust buildup on the water pump, eating through the metal pump or the mounting surfaces. No matter how much of a leakage you find, this is an indication of a problem. The quicker you act, the better the outcome.

Noise

The water pump is driven by a serpentine belt. If it loosens or breaks, you will hear a whining noise that increases as you speed up. If you catch the problem at an early stage, it could be as simple as tightening up the belt. As the noise turns to a grinding noise, it’s an indication of a bad bearing. Bearings are used in other ways on your car’s engine, but in any case, if you hear this noise, it’s best to make an appointment right away to repair the problem.

Steam

When a pot on the stove starts to boil, steam rises into the air. It works similarly underneath the hood of your car. If the water pump fails, your engine will overheat. Heat builds up underneath the hood, and smoke or steam will move from the radiator and out from under the hood. If it reaches this point, your engine has already sustained a lot of damage. Stop the car as soon as you can and call for help. Don’t pop the hood immediately as the steam can scald you. Wait for it to cool down before opening up the hood and checking underneath.

Dashboard Light

This is another reason to pay attention to your car’s dashboard. Lights turn on for a variety of reasons. While some you can ignore indefinitely, many of the lights mean multiple things. The only way to know for sure what’s happening with your vehicle is to bring it in and have one of our mechanics diagnose the problem. We can help you make the right decision for repairing parts on your car.

Is it time to replace your water pump?

Your water pump isn’t a part you’ll have to replace frequently on your vehicle. Unless there’s a sign you have a problem, you don’t have to replace it just for good measure. However, mechanics often recommend replacing the water pump at the same time as replacing the belt. If labor is being used to take this part off and replace it, it often makes sense to change out the water pump at the same time.

No matter what questions you have about your vehicle, we’re here to help.

When Repairing Your Car Is Better Than Buying New

March 7, 2020 by admin

Though our world is changing with the advances in public transit and autonomous vehicles, it’s still difficult to survive in a place like Colorado without owning a car.

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has been in business since 1969, and benefits more than 3 million people throughout the Denver metro area. People use RTD for many reasons, from daily rides to work to using BroncosRide and BuffRide for weekend games.

But even if you take the bus or light rail regularly, chances are you still have a car to get around. You might even use your car to drive from home to a light rail station, saving you from having to find a parking spot in the increasingly difficult and expensive downtown area.

Still, the more you use other forms of transportation, the more you consider the future of today’s automobile. What will driving look like five years from now? Ten years?

Does it make sense to hold on to your old vehicle, repairing your car as problems surface, and wait for the industry to completely change? Or do you buy a new vehicle?

When your car alerts you something is wrong

Depending on how long you’ve owned your vehicle, you probably drive it every day, not really paying much attention to how well it drives. It’s there. It’s reliable. It gets the job done.

And you have a lot of other things on your mind. Like work. And the kids. And school. And this year’s vacation. And … You get the picture.

But suddenly, you start to notice a change. It might appear slowly over time. Something feels different. You start to hear a rattle or a squeal. Or your car pulls to the right or left.

Sometimes the alert is more “in your face.” If you’ve ever had a dashboard light turn on and stay on, you know what I’m talking about.

According to CarMD, in 2018, the check engine light came on most commonly for:

Ignition coils and spark plugs
Oxygen sensor
Catalytic converter
Gas cap
Replace ignition coil

Repairing your car when any of these problems surface may not break the bank, but they can take a healthy bite out of your monthly budget. The average cost across the country for any check engine light-related repair cost sits right at $381.

Still, you don’t know until you bring it in to a mechanic and have them assess your vehicle where the problem lies or how much it will be. And there can be stress involved in that decision. CarMD also states that the most expensive car repair associated with the check engine light in 2018 cost as much as $7,150. That’s not only a budget breaker, in many cases, it’s also a deal breaker.

Can you really afford that level of car repair?

And more importantly, does it make sense?

When is repairing your car no longer a valid option? When should you consider buying something new instead?

When repairing your car is the right choice

Repairing your car and keeping it for a few more years is a personal choice. It’s one you should weigh based on how you use your vehicle, how well you like it, and where you want your money to go over the next few years.

Today’s modern vehicles are built to last much longer than vehicles from several decades ago. It’s not unheard of for any make or model to go 200,000 miles or more with very few problems.

While it is true a major repair can set you back several thousand dollars, if it gives you another 100,000 miles, and years worth of service at a relatively low cost per mile, would that be worth it to you?

If your car has always been reliable and you still enjoy driving it, the answer might be: yes.

While you might be facing a fairly significant repair right now, how are other systems on your vehicle operating? Now may be the perfect time for an overall inspection as well. Mechanics are there to help you make the best decision based on your needs and interests. But they can’t do that if you don’t ask. “What would you do” is a great way to start the conversation, and receive insight from someone who works on cars every day.

Steps to take if you’re planning on keeping your car

Your first step in the process is to find a reputable mechanic you can trust. Luckily, we can help you with that one. We’re a family owned operation who has been here for years. You’ll always see the same friendly faces when you visit our shop.

Then get a repair estimate. We work hard to keep our costs low. Rest assured when you receive our estimate for parts and labor, we’ve put a lot of time into it, ensuring it’s a reasonable offer. Parts are expensive. You have the potential of spending thousands of dollars when repairing the major systems of your vehicle.

Next, run the numbers. Kelley Blue Book is a great way to research and find exactly how much your vehicle is worth on the open market. Use that as your guideline to determine if the repair is worth it. If the repair is more than your car is worth, it might be wise to explore other options.

According to Edmunds, it may be time to buy a new car if:

The repairs are growing in frequency and cost
Your car is leaving you stranded more frequently
The repair in question will cost more than half the value of the car
You’ve been eyeing new cars anyway

Whatever your decision, be nice to your car

Whether you make the decision to invest in a new vehicle, or decide repairing your car is the way to go, remember a good mechanic is your key to a long life.

Don’t skip on regular maintenance, or push the envelope of when you come in for tune ups and minor upgrades. This one thing can help you care for your car throughout its life in the best possible way, ensuring the lowest repair bills possible while increasing the chances for reliable transportation.

Your Shocks and Struts Might Be Wearing Out

March 3, 2020 by admin

Have you started noticing a change in the way your car drives?

Maybe it’s taking longer to come to a complete stop. Maybe your car seems to sway more, side to side, even when it’s a still day. Maybe your car seems to bounce more, bottoming out occasionally when you head through a dip in the road.

What’s wrong with your car?

What are shocks and struts?

Depending on what vehicle you drive, you’ll find it uses shocks, struts, or a combination of the two. The purpose of shocks and struts is to stabilize your car. Every time you push down on the pedal to accelerate, hit the brake pedal to slow and stop, or turn the steering wheel to control your movements, it’s the shocks and struts that ensure your movement is stable, and doesn’t spin or roll your car. If the shocks and struts are working properly, you won’t feel the bumps in the road. Instead, it will be a smooth ride.

Your shocks and struts are designed to last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, those are general guidelines based on all the cars on the road today. The vehicle you drive comes with its own set of guidelines; consult your owner’s manual for more specific ranges. It also depends on your driving patterns. Someone who drives in city traffic every day, just a few miles of stop and go driving, will have different results than a performance vehicle that drives up and down the mountain all the time.

And while you might not pay much attention to them when your vehicle is operating correctly, you’ll definitely notice when the shocks and struts are starting to fail. They:

Provide you with a comfortable ride
Controls the body movement your vehicle makes
Provides your vehicle with stability throughout acceleration, turns, and stops
Keeps your tires well grounded to the road
Prevents uneven tread wear on your tires

Keep in mind that today’s vehicles are technology driven units where all parts work together. That’s to technology, a lot of the parts work together through automation, with each piece relying on the other to provide a smooth ride. When one part weakens or fails, it impacts every other part in the system.

What’s the difference between shocks and struts?

If you look in your owner’s manual, you’ll discover your vehicle has either shocks, struts, or both. What’s the difference?

A shock and a strut do essentially the same thing. They control movement of the spring, and stop the bouncing of your car. Yet even though they perform the same task, they aren’t the same part. You could never replace a shock with a strut or vice versa. Your car will be built either with a shock or a strut at each wheel, never both. This is how the suspension system is controlled, and it must remain intact for proper function.

The main difference is in function. A strut is built into the structure of the suspension system. A shock isn’t.

A strut is a pivotal point of the steering system, greatly impacting the alignment of the vehicle. Because of this, if your car uses struts, you’ll always need an alignment when replacing struts. This is also why struts are usually more expensive than shocks, because they are an integral part of your vehicle.

While people will often say “shocks and struts” as if they are interchangeable, clearly they aren’t. But to add to the confusion, some vehicles use both – struts in the front and shocks on the rear.

How do you know if your shocks are bad on your car?

Like every part of your vehicle, your shocks and struts won’t go bad without warning signs. Here are three of the biggest things you’ll notice if your vehicle is in need of new shocks or struts.

A bouncy ride. If your car uses shocks, the shock absorbers and the coil spring are mounted separately to your vehicle. If your car uses struts, the coil spring and shock absorber are combined.

In either case, it’s the shock absorbers that take the abuse from the road, and provide you with a smooth ride. As these wear out, they will be looser, not able to absorb as much of the road as you drive it, giving you a more noticeable ride. That bounce isn’t your imagination; it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you something is wrong.

Leaking fluid. Inside your shocks or struts is a piston and hydraulic fluid. When everything is working as it should, this is a self-contained unit. The piston pushes against the hydraulic fluid, which absorbs the force. Over time, parts wear down, and small leaks can occur. While small amounts aren’t necessarily a problem, if you notice the hydraulic fluid either on the shock or strut itself, or on the road, it’s time to have one of our mechanics check out the system. It could be a sign your car isn’t working the way it should.

Tire tread. When was the last time you paid attention to the tread on your tires? As shocks and struts go bad, they can cause uneven tire wear. Every time you hit something in the road, it impacts the rubber of the tire. And if one portion is hitting the ground more than others, you’ll start to see it in the wear.

This is sometimes referred to as scalloping or cupping. Look for smooth spots in uneven placement. These parts have been scraped off as it connects more with the road.

I think it’s my shocks and struts, now what?

After reading this article, are you convinced it’s your shocks and struts? What’s next?

Your best course of action is to schedule a maintenance visit with one of our mechanics right away.

Our best advice is to select a high quality, brand name product. And ask questions about your final selection. This isn’t one size fits all. Some shocks are built a little stiffer for performance, while others are designed to give you a more comfortable ride. The only way a mechanic can make the best recommendation is if they understand how you drive.

It’s important to replace all parts as they wear. You can’t put off a repair, hoping it won’t change. Every mile you put on a worn out part only increases its chance of failure.

Are you in the market for new shocks and struts?

Axles

March 2, 2020 by admin

Your axles are the last link in transferring power from the engine to your wheels. They’re strong parts that last a long time – but they can run into trouble.

Axles just wear out over time and need to be replaced. And sometimes axle seals leak, causing the axle to wear out prematurely. Lubricant leaks out, and water and dirt can get in and contaminate the gears. When this happens you might hear strange noises coming from your axle.

If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the sound would be up front. Of course, with an all-wheel drive, the sound could come from either front or back. It might be a groaning sound or clunking when you’re turning.

There are different kinds of axles, each with their own potential problems. Your service technician knows this and checks for things like leaking seals, torn CV boots, and worn axle joints. An inspection will reveal if there are any problems or if a part is nearing failure.

When there is a concern with the axle shaft, it will be removed and inspected. If it’s damaged, the shaft will have to be replaced. If the shaft is in good shape, it’ll be cleaned, lubed and reinstalled. Damaged CV boots are replaced as well.

It’s important to take care of this work as soon as you become aware of a problem. Waiting only makes the damage worse and more expensive to repair later. If the axle fails completely, it could lock up. This could severely damage other things like your transmission – which is very expensive. It could also contribute to an accident, which nobody wants.

Taking care of your axles when they need it saves money in the long run, and helps keep you safely on the road.

Do I Really Need New Brakes?

February 28, 2020 by admin

When you buy a new car, it’s only a matter of time before you start replacing and repairing. The average car has around 30,000 parts. While some wear down quicker than others, every day your car works hard providing you with reliable service. It faces all kinds of weather elements, many different types of driving conditions.

Your car’s brake system contains dozens of those parts. A brake system is designed to transfer force from your foot, through the brake pedal, and ultimately to the wheels, tires, and the road. If every part does its job effectively, you’ll stop without issue. But over time, each of those parts can start to wear and fail. If enough of them have problems without being corrected, that force might not be there for you when you tap down on the brake pedal. If this happens, you need new brakes. Without them, you’re putting you and others around you at risk.

The parts of a brake system

Before we get into the determinants of why you may need new brakes, let’s talk about how the brake system works.

For you, the driver, the braking system begins with the brake pedal. Located inside your vehicle, the more pressure you apply to it, the greater the force within the braking system. Push down hard on the brake pedal and you’ll eventually come to a stop.

As you press down on the pedal, it’s connected to a piston located in the master cylinder. The master cylinder controls wheel movement and hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid. As you push the pedal, pistons move, and valves open up in the master cylinder. Brake fluid passes through a series of tubes and hoses, moving into the brake cylinders.

Depending on your vehicle, you may have either drum brakes, disc brakes, or a combination of both. Drum brakes may be located on the rear wheels. As you apply the brakes, brake fluid moves to the wheel cylinder, pushing the brake shoe into the brake drum, slowing the car down. Disc brakes work when brake fluid moves from the master cylinder, giving force to a caliper which presses against a piston. This piston squeezes two separate brake pads onto a disc rotor located on each wheel. The friction of this action is what slows the vehicle.

Anti-lock brakes provide greater safety. If the anti-lock system detects your wheels locking up, it takes over and rapidly pumps the brakes, giving you more traction against the road.

Each piece of this braking system has dozens of tinier parts, all with the potential to loosen, wear, fall off, or eventually fail. Of course, you might not notice if one bolt or screw is missing. That takes time as more parts continue to wear down. But eventually, your car starts telling you something is wrong, You need new brakes, and if you don’t replace them soon, you will have problems.

How can you tell when you need new brakes?

Because cars are made by humans, we’ve built in a variety of warning signs to alert a driver to potential problems. Rarely will the brake system fail without giving you advanced notice something is wrong.

From the moment you start driving your car, notice the details. How it feels to push down on the brake pedal. The noises your car makes. The way it performs.

Then, when the warning signs occur, you’ll be more aware and notice them as they happen.

If you push down on the brake pedal and you hear a squeaking or squealing noise, you might need new brakes. If you push down on the accelerator and it feels like it’s going all the way to the floor, it’s another sign something is wrong within the braking system.

If you notice a problem once, it’s a sign you should start paying attention. If you hear a squeal, for example, it might be dirt or grime that has settled in on the surface. As you tap the brakes a few times, the sound goes away, and you don’t hear it again.

Your eyes and ears are one of the most critical parts of your vehicle’s systems. They can tell you something is changing, something is wrong. Rather than wait for more damage to occur, that’s when it’s time to bring your car in for a checkup. Replacing small, inexpensive parts is much easier timewise and on your wallet.

How often do you need to replace brakes?

Luckily, your braking system isn’t like gasoline or motor oil. You don’t have to replace parts on a regular basis. In general, car manufacturers suggest brake pads be replaced after about 50,000 miles. Of course, that changes depending on the make and model of your car. It also depends on the way you drive.

Your driving habits – if you’re an aggressive driver, tapping the brake pedal all the time, your brake pads are going to wear out quicker than a more passive driver. Smooth braking is always easier on the braking system than having to stomp on the brakes.

Your location – we live in a state with all kinds of driving conditions. You might sit in rush hour traffic daily. You might perform the stop-and-go dance several hours each day. You might live in the foothills, controlling your speed by tapping on the brake pedal again and again.

Your brake pads – brake pads come in several types, several different materials. They are installed based on your make and model, as well as for the way you drive. Some perform better in an urban setting, while others are made for higher performance. They wear at different rates.

Is a brake service necessary?

Think about all your vehicle goes through each year. Here in Denver, it can operate as temperatures drop below 0 degrees, or climb over 100. Your car provides safety and security as you make your way through city and highway driving. Road conditions change – slush and snow can deposit minerals and grime throughout your braking system.

While you might not need new brakes, it’s still a good idea to let a mechanic inspect your brakes periodically to ensure they are in top shape, working the way they should.