Denver Express Car Care

Is Your Transmission Failing?

July 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

If you’ve ever driven a vehicle with a manual transmission, you became more aware of how much it shifts as you drive around. You shift into reverse to move out of garages and parking spaces. You move from first to second, to third and fourth gears as you speed up and slow down from stop signs and traffic lights.

When you move to an automatic transmission, it works in much the same way. The difference being that the internal workings of the car do the job for you. No pushing in the clutch and moving the gears into position.

The transmission system transfers power from the car engine to the wheels. It’s what gives your vehicle mobility. It’s what allows your car to move backward and forward.

As you can imagine, a lot of stress is put onto each of the components within the transmission system over the years. That’s why transmission failure is common; it’s not a matter of if, but when. The transmission will require repair work the older it gets.

The good news is there are warning signs.

If you pay attention to the signals, you can catch problems early. That can save you from being stranded, and prevent expensive repairs in the long run.

How do you know if your transmission is failing?

Dashboard light

Your vehicle was designed to warn you well in advance of serious threats to your car’s systems. Pay attention to lights on your dashboard. A lit up check engine light can mean a variety of things. It can be a simple repair, or a sign of a bigger problem. Don’t ignore it. Instead, schedule an appointment with one of our technicians as soon as possible so we can diagnose the problem and get you back on the road without issue.

Struggles to switch gears

Sometimes, with an automatic transmission, you start to hear it struggle to find the right gear. If you have a manual transmission, shifting becomes more difficult, often feeling like you have to add force to move it between the various gears. This could be a signal your transmission fluid is low, or the mechanic you trusted your car with put in the wrong kind of fluid.

Slipping gears

Another thing you might notice is that your vehicle’s transmission tends to impulsively slip in and out of place. This can be highly dangerous if you’re on a busy road and your gears slip. Imagine flying down the highway from a day up skiing, and your gears slip to neutral. If you feel this at any point, bring it in to have it evaluated as soon as possible.

Grinding

This is more common in an automatic transmission, where a grinding or shaking occurs as you move between gears. This is one of the clearest indicators that your transmission is failing.

Dragging clutch

With a manual car, if the clutch fails to disengage the clutch disk from the flywheel as you press down on the clutch pedal, it’s a sign your transmission is having problems.

Leaking fluid

Always be conscious as you approach your car for visible signs of a problem. Transmission fluid is dyed red in color to help distinguish it from other fluids. It also has a sweet smell.

Burning smell

While your engine is running, if you ever smell a burning smell, it’s time to bring it in to be serviced immediately. It’s often an indicator that your transmission is overheating, which could be from something as simple as low transmission fluid. The faster you repair it, the less risk you have of causing further damage to the system.

Unresponsive

In some cases, your car will refuse to respond to any attempt to change gears. If you can’t move from park to drive, it’s a problem with your transmission. Your only course of action may be to have it towed in for service.

How to properly maintain a transmission

Now that you’ve determined you may be experiencing problems with your transmission, how do you maintain it? How do you ensure you won’t run into trouble at the most inconvenient time?

First of all, remember regular maintenance is the key to your vehicle’s success. You should also pay attention to your car, and be alerted to any changes that may present a problem.

Check the level of your transmission fluid regularly, depending on your make and model. Some vehicles have a dipstick similar to your motor oil for easy access. Still others are closed systems, and require knowledge and a few tools, or bring it in and one of our mechanics can check the levels for you.

You should also schedule an automatic transmission fluid service change every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s requirements. The old transmission fluid will be flushed from the system, the fluid pan removed and cleaned, and a new filter will be installed to the correct amount.

Be aware of the way you drive. Slow down. You should never make quick switches from drive to reverse, or reverse to drive, especially if the car is still moving. In most cases, this will stall the engine, and possibly do a lot of damage to your transmission.

Be conscious of how you drive. Smooth acceleration helps to allow gears to change at the correct times, and provide you with the most fuel efficient behavior.

Take care of your transmission

You may have heard the horror stories of drivers facing expensive repair bills installing a new transmission. And we’re not going to lie, a replacement can be one of the most expensive auto repair bills you’ll ever receive.

Instead of waiting for that repair bill to come, commit to regular maintenance instead. By watching your vehicle and getting to know how it acts, you’re more likely to recognize when something goes amiss. That means you can drive it into our service station long before you have a seized transmission.

We’re here to help you keep your car running, no matter how old it is or how many miles you’ve put on. Let us give you a quote today.

Why It May Be Time For Wheel Alignment

July 11, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When you drive your car off the showroom floor, everything about it is in perfect condition.

From the moment it hits the open road, your car is at risk. Slam on the brake pedal and it impacts your braking system. Hit a pothole, and it can knock your wheels out of alignment.

The trouble is, most of the damage done to your car isn’t something that impacts it right away. Instead, it accumulates over time.

That pothole in the middle of the lane you always drive in to work? Yep, every time you hit it, it continues to impact your car. Bolts can loosen. Joints can come apart. And wheel alignment? Yep, that happens gradually too. Every bump you hit, every pothole you hit a little too hard, every curb you scrape and bump, it all adds up over time.

Why is wheel alignment important to my vehicle?

Wheel alignment is important for one very obvious reason: driveability. If you want a smooth ride as you drive to work, drop the kids off at school, or take your family out on the open road, a periodic wheel alignment is mandatory to keep your car working properly. Of course, there are other reasons too.

If your wheels aren’t connecting with the road properly, it also means your tires are being impacted every mile you travel. If a wheel is bent, it pulls the tires away from the road in certain spots. That means uneven wear. It also means the lifespan of your tires will be shortened.

When your wheels are in proper alignment, the entire suspension system is working together, keeping you pointed in the right direction. Without movement, you move in a straight line. But when wheels are out of alignment, that balance can shift and turn. Have you ever felt a pull to the right or left when you’re moving down an open stretch of highway? That’s a problem with your wheel alignment. It can cause other systems more wear as you overcompensate for the problem.

All of these extra problems can cause one more failure – gas mileage. It takes more energy to overcompensate for problems throughout your vehicle. If you start to see a slip in mileage each time you fill up your tank, it might be a wheel alignment issue.

How will I know if I have a wheel alignment problem?

Wheel alignment isn’t something you’ll find a dashboard warning light for. Instead, you’ll only discover you have a problem in one of two ways.

1. Regular checkups. If you let one of our mechanics check out your car periodically, we can find and correct issues before they become bigger problems.

2. Watch your tires. The easiest way to tell if you have a wheel alignment problem is to watch your tires for uneven wear. The tires should wear evenly across the tread. If you notice excessive wear on the inside of the rear tires, for example, it’s an indicator you may need an alignment. It also could be a sign of too much weight in the trunk.

How will my driving be impacted if the alignment is off?

Watching for uneven wear on your tires isn’t the only sign of an alignment problem. There are other noticeable signs you can watch for as you drive.

When your vehicle pulls to the right or left as you drive. You’ll tighten your grip on the wheel as you feel your car slowly moving one way or the other.
A steering wheel that looks crooked instead of straight. As you drive, your steering wheel should return to its original position. If you have to turn it slightly to keep it in the lane, it may be a sign.
Your tires may squeal and make noises. That high pitch squeal is because the wheels aren’t connecting the way they should.

Now what?

What it takes to calibrate a vehicle’s wheel alignment

You can’t look at your wheels and know you have a problem. It requires precision to ensure your wheels are calibrated perfectly, giving you the smoothest ride possible.

When you bring your vehicle in, alignment is performed using advanced computerized alignment equipment. Weights can be mere fractions, bringing all four wheels into alignment.

Our technology:

Measures all four tires and sets the alignment according to manufacturer’s guidelines. The more accurate this process is, the smoother your ride. It’ll also improve your gas mileage.
Provides an accurate reading. You can’t eyeball this, which is how it was performed years ago. Today’s technology is better than ever, meaning we can get accurate readings to ensure you’re driving out of our garage with the best alignment possible for your vehicle.
Understands the guidelines for your vehicle. A Prius will have different requirements than a large SUV.

How long does it take for a wheel alignment?

Like every service we perform, it depends.

If everything goes smoothly, you can be back out on the road shortly. But as we dive in and discover problems, it may lead to other issues.

Each wheel may have up to three alignment angles that need adjusting. They’re called caster, camber, and toe. Three alignment angles – four wheels – that means up to 12 adjustments needed for servicing. You can’t drive in, plug it in, and go. It may take a little time.

Because you have four wheels, all four must be adjusted at the same time. Performing one wouldn’t give you the right calibration to ensure your entire vehicle is driving the way it should. Instead, it’s essential to adjust the front wheels to be at a proper angle to ensure the back wheels operate correctly too.

An alignment check inspects both the steering and suspension systems. It will ensure your tires are pressurized correctly, and are still in good operating condition. It will adjust camber, caster, and toe angles, as needed. That may mean new parts and labor charges, depending on the issue. And finally, a road test. We want to drive it, to ensure it feels good when connecting with the road.

Sometimes your warranty requires occasional wheel alignments to ensure it’s in proper working condition. Check with your manufacturer, to ensure you stay within compliance.

Car Maintenance Items Before Your Road Trip

July 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What will the summer of 2020 be remembered for? Recovering from a pandemic will be high on the list. Roadtripping is also going to be one of the most popular activities for families.

Forty-six million Americans say they will jump in the car and visit someplace on their bucket lists during the summer. If the coronavirus has canceled your big traveling plans, and you’re looking to stay a little closer to home, roadtripping just makes sense.

Right now, a lot of us are looking for a little escape. After being locked up at home with no place to go, even if you love your home, it’s looking a little closed-in right about now. The open road, the wide open skies, and new-to-you territory sound good right now.

But in order to make it there safely, it’s important to ensure what you’re driving gets you there without trouble.

Has your car been sitting in the garage, with only trips to the grocery store keeping it running?

Has your pickup been parked, with no place to go?

Are you sure they’ll get you where you’re going, especially if you’ll be driving into the middle of nowhere, without a service station in sight?

Car trouble is bad anytime it happens. But when your car doesn’t start in the office parking lot, it’s a minor inconvenience. If your car dies on the open road, it can be downright dangerous.

Before you leave home, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your car is the last thing you’ll have to think about as you’re having fun with the family.

How do I know if my car will make a long trip?

If you have a brand new car, you might not think twice before hitting the open road. But what if your car is three years old? Or five?

In most cases, if your car has been operating well, you’ve provided it with routine maintenance, you attend to issues as they occur, and it runs well for you as you carry out your daily tasks, it should run for you on a road trip as well. If it hasn’t given you trouble as you drive around your neighborhood, there’s no reason to think it will act up on your trip.

Being aware is the most important part of car maintenance. Watch for anything new that arises with your vehicle.

Are there any fluid leaks?
Do you hear any new noises?
Does a light shine on your dashboard readings?
Does your car act similarly to how it always has?

If you haven’t noticed anything new, chances are it’s in good shape to make your road trip.

How do I prepare my car for a long trip?

Are you wondering if your car is in good enough shape to go on a road trip? Whether your trip is a few hundred miles, or you’ll be adding several thousand as you venture far from home, being stuck without a car isn’t a part of your plans.

Even if you take care of your vehicle regularly, if you haven’t had it checked in a few months, doing so right before your trip can give you added peace of mind. Scheduling a car maintenance appointment will allow one of our mechanics to check the important things, ensure everything is in good working condition, and enable you to head out without having to worry about your car.

Here’s what we’ll do.

Check fluids

Fluids are the lifeblood of any vehicle. It’s not just an occasional oil change that keeps your car running well. But regular oil changes are an integral part of keeping your car moving. Oil changes are usually done based on mileage. Will you hit that point during your trip? Then it’s a good idea to have your car serviced before you leave, to ensure it operates well throughout your trip.

Oil keeps many components operating well, such as the pistons, crankshaft, and camshaft. Mechanics will tell you to change your oil somewhere around every 5,000 miles. Manufacturers may go as high as 10,000 miles, depending on your make and model. Check with your owner’s manual, and talk with one of our mechanics to get on a schedule that works best for your needs.

Other fluids you should check include:

Radiator fluid – this is also known as coolant or antifreeze. This helps pull heat from the engine and dissipate it through the radiator. A mechanic can ensure a proper amount of fluid is in the system, and flushing it every 40,000 to 50,000 miles will keep it working its best.

Brake fluid – brake fluid keeps the brake lines working well. When you push on the brake pedal, brake fluid flows through the brake lines, enabling the brake pads to clamp on the rotors, and slow and stop your car. Flushing the system every 25,000 miles or so will ensure your brakes work as designed.

Power steering fluid – this fluid ensures your steering is responsive to your movements at any speed. If you notice a change in the way your car steers, and it takes more movement to go the direction you choose, it’s time to change out the power steering fluid. Many manufacturers recommend every 50,000 miles or so regardless.

Windshield washer fluid – long trips in the summer mean plenty of bugs and dust accumulating on the exterior of your car. Topping off the windshield washer fluid will allow you to keep your windshield clean no matter how many miles you drive.

Tires

As you would expect, your tires are essential for safety. Know how many miles of wear they have, bring your car in for inspection to ensure you’ll stay safe throughout your journey. This can alert you to potential problems, such as uneven wear marks, or faulty tread.

If you don’t have a sensor to alert you with pressure problems, be sure to check tire pressure every 1,000 miles or so. Even if your tire pressure is correct, it’s a good idea to rotate your tires every 8,000 to 10,000 miles or so to help them wear better and last longer. Tires should also be replaced every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. Not sure how much tread you have left? Do the quarter test. Insert a quarter into the tread. If it doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it’s time to think about replacing your tires.

What other car maintenance items do you need before a road trip?

Cars have numerous components that need to be checked and observed over the years. The better you know your car, the more you’ll be aware when it’s time for replacement.

Other components that may need servicing or replacement include:

Brake pads – they provide friction needed to slow and stop your vehicle. Depending on the brake pad, you can expect anywhere from 25,000 to 70,000 miles before replacement. Keep in mind that brake pads may not always wear evenly from side to side. Be sure to have all brakes looked at and tested before heading out on the open road.

Air filters – especially in summer, you’ll be subjected to dust, dirt, and bug entering the engine and interior, clogging the filters. This can impact your drive as well as affect engine performance. New air filters for both your engine and interior cabin every 10,000 to 15,000 miles will give you a better ride.

Bulbs – when was the last time you checked your headlights? How about your brake lights? Make sure all of your lights are working properly to help keep you safe on the open road.

Belts and hoses – over time, belts and hoses can wear down, leak and crack. That can allow fluid to leak, and increase the potential of being stranded. Just a quick check can ensure your car is in its best condition for a safe trip, no matter where the road takes you.

Trust the Service Center

July 6, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

It’s comforting for drivers to know that they can trust the service center they frequent. Most service centers like Express Car Care have exacting standards and procedures for taking care of your vehicle. There are inspection procedures and auto service procedures.

When drivers come in for a routine service like an oil change, our technicians will give their vehicle the once over. They look to see if parts need to be replaced, such as your windshield wipers or air filter. They’ll check what your owner’s manual recommends be done at the current mileage of your vehicle.

They’ll come to you with suggestions for things that need attention, along with a prioritization, so you’ll know if there is anything urgent. They will also let you know of anything that will need attention in the coming months.

We compare it to going to the dentist for regular check-ups. No one wants to hear that they need dental work done- it’s unpleasant and costs money. It’s the same thing with your car or truck.

But think about those times when you put off going to the dentist for an extended length of time and end up going in with a severe problem. The little cavity that could’ve been fixed easily early on, has turned into a painful root canal.

There are so many things on your vehicle that are fairly simple and inexpensive to take care of when they’re scheduled but can lead to very costly and inconvenient repairs if ignored. It’s important to trust the service center when they give you recommendations.

Think of the car maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual like the checklist your dentist goes through when you get your semi-annual check up. The checklist makes sure nothing is overlooked. Add in a trained and trusted eye and you’ll catch most problems before they leave you out of service.

Drivers know their vehicles need to be serviced and when you’re working with a trusted service center , like Express Car Care in Denver, you can know that their recommendations are in your best interest.

Now, open wide….

Is Your Car Low On Coolant?

July 3, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Every time you start your car, several different systems kick into gear. First, the starter motor comes to life. Then the engine turns, and the spark plugs fire. As the engine turns over, the crankshaft moves, and the pistons push the cylinders to life. A combination of air and fuel is drawn into the cylinders, compressing it and using it to fire the spark plugs. This begins the combustion process.

Very quickly, you’ll start to feel heat. It doesn’t matter if you use a gasoline, diesel, or even a hybrid vehicle, they all naturally create heat.

Your car is designed to handle all of this heat. In the winter, if you turn on your heater, it can funnel some of this heat into the interior cabin to help keep you warm. The rest of the heat is handled in a different way.

It’s important to keep all internal parts at the proper temperature to ensure they work. That means keeping them cool enough to operate. To do this, your car relies on an engine coolant, also known as antifreeze. If your car starts to run low on coolant, it can allow your engine to overheat, which can severely damage your engine.

The cooling system includes the radiator, thermostat, coolant, and a variety of hoses that circulate the antifreeze where it’s supposed to go. It absorbs the heat as it operates, carrying heat away from the engine and into the radiator where a fan works to cool it down. The thermostat regulates this process, controlling just how much coolant is needed to flow through the system and keep it working.

What if your car is low on coolant?

One of the reasons regular maintenance is important is to ensure you never drive without major fluids circulating throughout your vehicle. If you’re low on coolant, it can create bubbles in the system. These bubbles can harm various parts, eventually seizing your engine altogether. Let’s start at the beginning.

Engine overheating

If your vehicle runs low on coolant, the longer you drive, the greater chance of your engine overheating. There will be a spike on temperature levels throughout the coolant system, creating hot spots that start to damage the system. As these hot spots erupt, they cause damage including leaking. This allows coolant to flow erratically, allowing more coolant then needed into the engine. This builds in the combustion chamber, which in turn reduces the car’s power supply. At best, your car won’t run the way it should, and at worst, it will come to a complete standstill.

There’s a misnomer that engine overheating only occurs in the summertime. That’s not the case. Being lown on coolant in the winter can lead to severe problems with the engine block. Without a proper level of coolant, it can allow water in the system to solidify and become ice. You’ll notice this if you turn on the heating system and all it blows is cool air.

Corrosion

Most of the parts in the engine are made from metal. If the proper levels of coolant aren’t in the system, if the parts aren’t working as they should, it can allow rust to begin to form on various components. Antifreeze often has different additives that help prevent rust from forming. If you haven’t replaced the coolant in a while, or it runs low, the engine compartment isn’t receiving the proper protection against rusting.

Blown head gasket

The head gasket sits between the engine block and the cylinder head. The head gasket keeps the coolant and the motor oil separate as the two fluids travel between the engine block and the cylinder head. Over time, the head gasket can wear down and start to leak. As this happens, coolant levels can start to drop without and visible signs of coolant leakage.

This is why regular maintenance is so important. You can identify a blown head gasket by checking the oil dipstick. If you notice a milky liquid or bubbles sitting on the end of the dipstick, it may be a sign of a problem with the head gasket. And the sooner you fix the problem, the smaller the repair bill.

How do you know if you’re low on coolant?

This is where it benefits you to pay attention to how your car operates on a day to day basis.

Check the coolant reservoir

The easiest way to check your coolant levels is to pop the hood and check the reservoir. You can do this, or pull in to our service station regularly and have us perform a thorough inspection. This is especially important if you’ll be heading out on a road trip in the coming weeks.

Watch the temperature gauge

If your systems are operating correctly, the temperature gauge on your dashboard should sit below the half-way mark. If it begins to rise, it’s signaling you have a problem.

Check for leaks

If you suspect you might have a coolant leak, turn your vehicle off and check underneath the hood. Coolant leaks show up as either green or orange water droplets on the various hoses connecting your cooling system to your engine.

No heat

If coolant isn’t flowing properly, it won’t provide heat through your conditioning system inside the interior cabin. If you have the heat on high and it never gets warm, it’s a sign you have a problem with your coolant levels.

https://denverexpresscare.com/is-your-cars-air-conditioner-not-working

Smell

Like other fluids in your vehicle, manufacturers give coolant a distinct color and odor to make it easy to detect. Antifreeze has a sweet smell. If you notice that smell at any time you’re around your vehicle, it’s a sign of leaking coolant.

Fuel inefficiencies

It’s also a good idea to watch your gas mileage as you drive. The cooling system allows your engine to operate properly. But if the proper levels of coolant aren’t supplied, fuel will start to burn faster, reducing the efficiency of your vehicle. You might also have trouble accelerating as the fuel doesn’t vaporize correctly as you drive.

If you suspect your car is low on coolant, a visit with one of our mechanics will help diagnose the problem and provide a comprehensive inspection to ensure all systems are operating efficiently.

Why Are My Brake Pads Wearing Differently On Each Side

June 29, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Let’s talk brake pads for a moment.

Your brake pads are a part of your vehicle’s braking system. Brake pads are not the same thing as brakes. Instead, they are just one piece of the entire system. However, they are one of the key components because the contact and create friction as they connect with a vehicle’s brake rotors. These are the flat, shiny disks that are often visible through your wheels.

This friction is what gives your car the ability to stop. Pressure from the brake pads on the rotors slows your car down until it eventually stops moving.

Simple, right?

The process may sound easy enough. But the concept that allows a simple piece of equipment – the brake pad – to undergo extreme conditions on a daily basis, and still carry you safely from place to place without problems is a little more complicated.

Brake pads

In the past, brake pads were often made of asbestos. The friction created between the brake pad and the rotor creates an intense amount of heat. Asbestos is a great product for absorbing that heat. The problem is, asbestos is also hazardous to your health. As brake pads wear down, brake dust begins to dissipate, with the chance of it floating through the air. That’s a dangerous thing to breathe.

Today, brake pads are created from more natural materials such as metal, rubber, glass, ceramic, Kevlar, and resin that can withstand the heat. They are sometimes referred to as organic brake pads because they are made from materials that won’t pollute as they wear down over time.

There isn’t a “one brake pad fits all.” Some are made to be softer, to help create a quieter ride. Others are made for performance, perfect for cars built for hugging the road. Knowing what type of car you drive, and the way you drive your vehicle will help determine the best brake pad for you.

Brake pads wearing differently

Over time, your brake pads will begin to wear down. As they are pressed against the rotors, they heat up. Doing this over and over again causes enough friction to remove bits and pieces from the brake pads – brake dust may often appear in your wheel wells. Eventually, it will be time to replace your brake pads.

Brake pads are the most common replacement part of your braking system. And in most cases, the brake pads will wear on each of your wheels at approximately the same pace. But what about if one of the sets of pads wears down faster than the other? What is that doing to your vehicle?

On every vehicle, you have four brake pads – a set on the front wheels, and a set on the back. Front and rear brake pads will naturally wear differently because they are designed to perform in separate ways. The forward movement of your vehicle puts more pressure on your front brakes. That means they often wear faster than the rear brakes.

However, you might occasionally notice one side wearing faster than the other. What if the driver’s side brakes are more worn down? What causes that?

It might be a problem with the brake caliper. The brake caliper is designed to push the brake pad into the rotor. Without the caliper, you wouldn’t have proper pressure between the two to slow down your vehicle. Sometimes these calipers can stick, which can push the brake pad into the rotor ever so slightly even as you drive. That means the brake pad is continuing to wear every time you go for a drive, and will wear faster than the brake pad on the other side.

It might be a problem with the rotor. Rotors are known to sometimes wear unevenly, causing a Disc Thickness Variation – DTV. This variation can be caused by a variety of things, such as the caliper sticking, dirt sticking to the pad, or even consistent slamming on the brakes.

It might be a problem with misalignment. For a brake pad to work correctly, it must be aligned in such a way so that the entire brake pad connects with the rotor when you press down on the brake pedal. If that alignment is thrown off a little, it can cause a portion of the brake pad to wear faster than the rest. Not only can brake pads wear differently on each side of the vehicle, but the brake pad itself can show different signs of wear on different portions of the pad.

You have a brake pad problem

Because brake pads are one of the most important systems on your vehicle, as brake pads wear down, they give you a variety of different warning signals.

Squeaking, squealing, grinding noises – you can’t ignore the noise of a brake pad that is reaching end of life. They are designed in such a way so that they purposely produce this noise, and will keep creating it every time you step on the brake pedal.

Slow response – have you noticed you have to press down on the brake pedal more to bring your vehicle to a stop? That’s a sign your brake pads are wearing down. It takes more force to create the same action.

Pedal feels squishy – by the same token, when you press on the brake pedal, it may have a spongy feel to it. That’s an indicator your brake pads are worn out.

Burning smell – if your brakes receive too much heat, they can take on a burning smell. That chemical odor is a sign of overheated brakes, and could be a sign they need to be replaced.

Vibrations – as you press down on the brake pedal, you might feel vibrations pulsing through your foot. It may be a sign of bad brake pads or rotors, caused by the two not connecting as they should.

You can’t change brake pads on one side

We get this question a lot. You can’t just replace one brake pad on one side of your vehicle. While it may be tempting to try and save money, keep in mind that this can be dangerous to do.

Brake pads are designed to wear evenly on both sides of your car. That means replacing both front, or both rear, at the same time.

Do you suspect uneven wear? Have you noticed your brake pads are wearing differently? Schedule a brake service check today, and we’ll ensure you’re back on the road, ready to drive safely again in no time.

Help! My Car Shifter Is Stuck In Park

June 25, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

I was driving my car the other day, and pulled into a parking spot, expecting to run an errand and be on the road again in minutes. Three hours and one tow truck later, my best laid plans for a productive afternoon ground to a halt.

For most of us, driving is an automatic process. Unlock the doors. Start the engine. Put the shifter in reverse. Back out of the parking spot. Drive away. We repeat those actions again and again until we pull into the garage for the evening.

But what I experienced isn’t all that uncommon. Sometimes you’ll find the car shifter stuck in park, and no matter how much you turn your wheel or play with the shifter, it simply won’t budge.

What do you do if the car shifter is stuck in park?

Don’t force the shifter into action

When your gear shifter is stuck, the first rule of thumb is not to force it into action. To do so may cause further damage to your transmission.

There are a few different factors that could be in play. Some are more serious than others, so it’s important to evaluate the potential problems carefully. Start by asking yourself a couple of questions.

Is my car parked on an incline?

When you park on an incline, your car shifts as you put it into park and walk away. Sometimes, this causes excessive pressure on the parking pawl – a device that fits the automatic transmission in order for it to lock up the transmission. If this gets stuck, it may prevent the piece from retracting, sticking into gear. Pushing the car just a bit can sometimes relieve this action and allow you to continue to move on with your day. You can avoid this problem by applying the parking brake before letting your foot off the brake whenever you’re parked on an incline.

Do my brake lights work?

The brake switch and the shift interlock mechanism are interconnected. If you are stuck in park, have someone stand behind your vehicle and check your brake lights. Do they light up? If not, your brake switch may have come unplugged, disconnecting the sensor and making your parking connections inoperable.

Does your car have a manual shift interlock release?

Depending on the car you drive, some have what is known as a manual shift interlock release. Check around your automatic shifter for a plug, a button, or a small key slot. You can usually remove the cover by inserting a key or other small object into the slot. Pushing the button should allow you to shift out of park – just make sure you apply the brakes first as you might start rolling away. Just be aware that this might be a temporary fix. It’s still a good idea to get your car thoroughly checked to ensure it’s in good working condition.

Car still won’t shift? Now what?

If you’ve checked the above and still have a car that won’t shift, it might be time to call in a tow truck and bring it into our shop.

There are several other issues that may be at play, that may be preventing your car shifter from moving out of park.

Damaged safety mechanism

Every vehicle has a variety of safety mechanisms to keep you safe while around your car. When you start up your car, a safety feature prevents you from taking your car out of park until you press down on the brake pedal. This is called a shift interlock solenoid. Solenoids are metal cylinders that allow you to move the gearshift with ease. Every action on your vehicle triggers the next action. When you press down on the brake pedal, it signals the solenoid it’s okay to release the gearshift and allow you to move to your desired action. If this is damaged, you’ll be unable to get out of park. Replacing it is necessary to get on the road again.

Brake light switch failure

This is different from your brake light burning out. If the switch connecting your brake lights to the braking action fails, your gear shift will stick. The culprit is nothing more than a faulty switch. Replacing it will get you on the road once again.

Faulty shifter cable

If you’re driving an automatic, the transmission is fitted with a cable that links to the shifter. A manual transmission is equipped with two cables instead of one. These cables are at risk of breaking or being damaged, depending on how you drive. Slamming into gear, or frequent speed shifting can all cause wear and tear. A stretched cable won’t do the job effectively, and will eventually get stuck.

Limp mode

Sometimes your vehicle is unable to read the signals coming from the sensors. These sensors are what helps your vehicle determine when to switch gears. If one goes out, it triggers what is known as limp mode. This feature is designed to protect the transmission, giving a driver a chance to bring the car in for repair before damaging the transmission further. You won’t be able to pick up speed, so highway driving is out. You should only try this without getting a tow truck if you are close to the repair shop.

It might also be caused by weather

Let’s face it, Colorado can have extreme weather conditions in days, or even hours. If the weather drops below freezing, below zero, it can play havoc with your transmission. A frozen shift lock solenoid might be the cause of a car shifter stuck in park. Warming your car up may be an easy fix.

It’s time to let a mechanic get you back on the road

It’s easy to get upset, even angry when your car doesn’t work as designed. But in most cases, attempting to jam your car back into working condition may only cause more damage.

Carefully try out some of the mentioned techniques from above. If you can’t immediately put your finger on what the cause is, call in a tow truck and have one of our mechanics look for the cause.

You’ll save money in the long run by fixing the problem the right way without doing further damage to your car.

Is your car shifter stuck in park? What can we do to help you get on the road once again?

Serpentine Belt

June 22, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Your serpentine belt is powered by the engine as it turns. Your alternator, air conditioning compressor and power steering pump depend on your serpentine belt in order to run. On some vehicles it also runs the water pump, radiator fan and power brakes.

If your serpentine belt breaks, your battery won’t last long. If it runs your fan or water pump, your engine could overheat before your battery dies. Steering and braking would also be affected. To put it mildly, you could be up a creek without a paddle if your serpentine belt breaks. Hopefully, we’ve made an impression about how important it is to replace your serpentine belt before it’s worn out.

Your owner’s manual will advise you when they recommend it’s best to replace your serpentine belt. Your friendly and knowledgeable service adviser at Express Car Care can inspect the belt as well to determine if it’s close to failure.

You may have heard that it’s a good idea to check for cracks in your belt to see if it’s time for a new one. However, with the newer belts, belt thickness is a more reliable indicator of the status. At Express Car Care, we use a special tool to measure the depth of the grooves to see if a replacement is in order.

A worn belt can also cause problems even before it breaks. It can slip out of place and put undue stress on the accessories it runs.

There’s a tensioner pulley on your engine that puts pressure on the belt to keep it at the right tension. Since the spring on the tensioner wears out like any other part, we recommend replacing the tensioner pulley at the same time you switch out the serpentine belt.

Replacing your serpentine belt on schedule will save you from a dangerous breakdown.

Come in and let us help you keep your vehicle on the road.

Brakes 101: Does Slamming On The Brakes Hurt Your Car?

June 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Slamming on the brakes is something we all experience from time to time.

You’re driving along, thinking about work. Or school, or the kids, or what you’re doing this weekend, or what to pick up at the store …

At any given moment, there may be a dozen things running through your brain. But all of a sudden, you look up and see the car in front of you stop. Your only option is to slam on the brakes and hold on.

Then afterward, you take a deep breath and continue on your journey. You’re okay. But is your car?

What slamming on the brakes can do

Cause an accident – the most damaging thing that can happen is you’re involved in an accident. Depending on how severe it is determines if you’ll drive away.

But even if you don’t connect with another car, you can still cause damage inside and out. If you lose control, you might swerve into a curb, damaging your wheel. The sudden forward motion can also throw your passengers around in the car. They can jerk their heads, bump windows and doors, even experience whiplash depending on the speed.

Reduce your gas mileage – when you’ve experienced a heart-pounding experience, the last thing you might think about is your gas mileage. But if you find yourself slamming on the brakes frequently, it could be a sign you’re an aggressive driver.

Following too close and tailing people means you move into reactive driving. Your decisions are always about reacting in quick bursts, depending on what the person in front of you is doing. There is no margin of error; you have to react quickly to keep your car under control.

According to the Department of Energy, aggressive driving will lower your gas mileage by as much as 15 percent in the city, and up to 40 percent on the highway. Just think how much you’ll save if you back off and take a few extra minutes to get where you’re going.

Damage your tires – when you slam on the brakes, the most obvious part on your vehicle to sustain damage is your tires. You may hear the screech as they connect with the pavement. You may see smoke pouring up from under your car. You may smell a smell of burning rubber. That can’t be good for your tires.

And it isn’t. Sudden braking can cause flat spotting.

Flat spotting occurs when your wheels lock-up and your car skids. Because one small portion of your tires stay connected with the pavement while your car skids, it can wear that section as it remains on the pavement. That uneven wear causes a flat spot on the tread. While this might not damage your tires enough for replacement, it can shorten the lifespan of your tires.

Brake pad deterioration – brake pads are designed to connect with the rotors and create friction, which brings your vehicle to a stop. While they are designed to provide this action no matter what speed you’re going, slamming on the brakes places extra pressure on the connection. And that connection can cause your braking system to overheat.

As the braking system overheats, it can cause the brake pads to wear down faster, and allow stress to be placed on the rotors that may compromise the entire system. Even one incident of slamming on the brakes can put your entire braking system at risk, especially if your brake pads or rotors were already compromised.

How do you know if sudden stopping caused problems within your braking system? Pay attention to how your car drives. Do you have a shaky steering wheel, hear a squeaky sound as you apply the brakes again, or notice a brake light on your dashboard? All can be a sign that your braking system received more damage than you thought.

Damage to brake hoses – it’s not just the brake pads that can be impacted by a quick stop. As you push the brake pedal to the floor, brake fluid moves through the system, providing the pressure needed to bring the car to a stop.

The quick-action creates heat and pressure to move through the entire brake system, which can begin to cause damage to every part within the system. Small cracks and leaks can begin, especially if the hoses are old and were already internally weak.

Immediately following a quick stop, watch your vehicle carefully for a few days. Check under the car as you drive away – are there signs of brake fluid? Does your brake light flicker or turn on your dashboard? Watch for signs and contact one of our mechanics immediately to reduce the chances of further damage to your car.

Damage to the driveshaft – the drive shaft is what connects the engine to the wheels. This is what gives your vehicle the power to move and turn.

Think of the drive shaft as a “ball and socket” structure that allows movement and rotation. When you stop quickly, it can dislocate this structure, causing the joint to be slightly off askew.

Will your vehicle continue to drive? Possibly. Your car might not show any external damage. But over time, if this joint doesn’t perfectly mesh, it can begin to wear down and cause damage elsewhere in your car.

What you can do to prevent brake damage

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that even small amounts of damage can cause your car to wear faster, and possibly be not as safe as it was when you drove off the lot.

Keeping your vehicle in good condition means you’ll get a longer life from it, as well as keep the occupants safer everywhere you drive.

Slamming on your brakes is an easy problem to solve. Yes, we all might have to do it from time to time. But if you find it’s a normal part of your commute, it’s telling you to tone down the aggressive driving behavior.

Be more aware of how you drive. Notice hazards that you meet regularly and do what you can to avoid being placed in those situations. Leave a few minutes earlier, no matter where you’re off to, and give yourself more time to get where you’re going.

You’ll enjoy the ride more. And your car will love you for it too.

Trouble Driving? It Might Be Your Steering System

June 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Ever since we’ve used vehicles for getting around, we’ve had some form of steering system.

Sitting on top of a horse, you take in the reins, gently pulling one side or the other to go in that general direction.

If you’ve hopped on a sled and sailed down a hill, you’ve used your weight to control what direction you move.

Taking a slight turn off the path takes gentle movements. For more profound directional changes, you’ll need to put more force into your actions.

Your vehicle works in a similar manner.

Your car works using four different wheels for control. If you make a right-hand turn, both front wheels angle and lead into the turn.

That’s where the complexity of the steering system lies. Your car’s front wheels are interconnected to position correctly and turn at the appropriate angles to get you where you want to go.

Rack and pinion steering

The rack and pinion steering system is the most common type of steering on today’s vehicles.

It starts with a shaft extended down from the steering wheel. This shaft is connected to a round gear called a pinion.

The pinion sits in a metal rod, also known as the rack. It extends the full width of your car, connecting to both your right and left wheel.

As you move your steering wheel left and right, the pinion moves through the different notches on the rack. As this rod moves, it controls the movement of your wheels.

Not all rack and pinion steering systems are the same. If you’ve ever been in a vehicle that doesn’t handle as well as another, or noticed the turning radius of one car doesn’t match another, it’s because different vehicles have different steering ratios.

Why your steering system might be giving you trouble

If you’ve ever driven your car and tried to turn, only to have your steering wheel be almost impossible to turn, you might have been frustrated with the inaction. Steering wheel issues can be caused by one of several things.

A power steering pump failure

In order for your steering wheel to turn easily as you drive, a power steering pump ensures the proper amount of pressure is applied to complete the turn. If this mechanism stops working, your steering wheel becomes that much more difficult to turn. It might be a simple repair – a piece has broken loose. Or it could be the entire power steering pump needs to be replaced.

Power steering fluid issues

Like other parts of your car, the steering system uses fluid to create hydraulic pressure within the system. Over time, this fluid can dissipate, creating issues with your ability to turn. As a part of your regular maintenance plan, have your power steering fluid checked according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A problem with the steering rack

The rack isn’t one solid piece, but instead is a series of different shafts and joints that connect the steering system together. As these parts wear down through use, the stress can cause additional problems with the steering rack. When this happens, you might notice the steering capabilities shifting and stiffening up. It might not be an immediate problem with safety, but it is an indicator that a mechanic should check out as soon as possible.

Improper tire pressure

Your tires are the baseline for every system in your vehicle. If they aren’t filled to the proper levels, it can be difficult turning the steering wheel, especially if the tire pressure is low. Make checking your tire pressure a routine maintenance item, checking it once a month as you pull into the filling station.

Damage to the serpentine belt

The serpentine belt is one long, continuous belt used to control multiple devices within the engine compartment, including the power steering pump. Because this belt is used so often and in so many ways, it’s easy for it to wear down or become damaged. Depending on what damage occurs determines how it impacts the steering wheel. This is another reason why you should schedule regular maintenance visits with a mechanic to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly.

How steering and alignment meet

Your vehicle is a complex set of components, all working together to get you where you want to go. Sometimes it’s a little more difficult finding out where the true problem lies.

If you’ve checked out the different parts of your steering system, checked the pressure on your tires, and still notice a problem with the way your vehicle steers, it might be an alignment problem.

Proper steering and wheel alignment go hand in hand.

When your vehicle was initially manufactured, every part fit perfectly together. The wheels were in perfect alignment. All parts fit tightly and securely together. When you turned on your vehicle and started driving, the wheels were set to move straight and drive smoothly. That’s due to having a proper alignment designed to work in conjunction with the rest of your vehicle.

Unfortunately, as you drive, a variety of things can go wrong with your car. When you hit a pothole, the alignment begins to erode. Normal driving begins to wear down parts. Until eventually, your car no longer moves the way it used to.

Pay attention to how your car drives on a straight road. Does it veer to one side without adjusting the steering wheel? Have you noticed your steering wheel is crooked when you’re driving straight ahead? Do you notice your tires squealing without any other reason? Your car may be in need of an alignment.

Proper alignment means your car will move in the direction you steer it. It also means you’ll have more control as you run across daily driving situations, and keep you and your vehicle’s occupants safer as you navigate driving situations.

Are you having trouble driving?

If you’ve noticed a change in the way your car drives, and it’s impacting the way your car steers into curves and corners, it might be time to check your steering system. Our technicians will inspect your car’s steering and suspension system to ensure everything is running its best. Schedule your maintenance visit with us today.