Denver Express Car Care

Axles

March 2, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

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 Denver Express Car Care

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.

Are Car Batteries The Same? Choosing The Right One For Your Vehicle

February 25, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

We use batteries for things all over our homes. If you have a watch on, you’ve probably added a small round battery inside from time to time. Those smoke detectors outside of your bedrooms have 9-volts that should be replaced regularly to help keep you safe. And all of those remote controls you have near your entertainment center – you might invest in batteries by the truckload to keep them all fresh and operating day after day.

The cars sitting out in your garage or driveway work in a similar fashion. If you pop the hood, you’ll find a car battery tucked neatly inside. And while they might look the same from one vehicle to the next, they aren’t.

Do all cars use the same battery?

In the most practical sense, it stands to reason that a battery for a small sports car would be different than one for a large pickup truck with a V8 engine. One car is used for performance while the other is a workhorse – of course, they have different needs.

That alone would be reason enough to have a different battery in different makes and models, but there’s more. Batteries are designed to work differently depending on needs.

In most cases, a car battery is installed for starting, lighting, and ignition needs. That’s why you’ll often find car batteries called SLI batteries. These batteries are used mainly for these three functions. They provide energy for starting your car when you turn the key, as well as the energy necessary for the accessories you use to make your ride safer and more enjoyable. Things like the radio, lights, and other electrical components are all charged by your car’s battery.

The standard car battery offers a standard 12v voltage. They provide power in short bursts, with only a shallow cycle coverage.

Maybe you’ve invested in newer technology. If you have a hybrid or electric car, you may have a lithium-ion battery. Because these do more to power a vehicle, they offer more energy than a standard SLI battery. They are also much lighter. But because they offer more energy to a vehicle’s operation, they also won’t last as long as an SLI battery. Most SLI batteries will give you three to five years of life, whereas a lithium-ion battery is estimated closer to three.

No matter what battery your vehicle needs, it’s not as easy as driving down to your local big box store and picking up a pack of batteries. Even though you’ll often find them sitting on the shelves, it’s still important to understand what your car truly needs before buying and installing a battery.

What happens if you put the wrong size battery in your car?

While a lot of car batteries may look the same sitting on the shelf – all SLI batteries are 12v voltage after all – they are unique to your vehicle’s design. If you buy the wrong one, it won’t fit into the designated spot, the battery tray. And if it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t do your car much good.

Today’s modern vehicles are filled with all sorts of electronic gadgets and devices. That’s why even your mechanic relies on a computer to analyze the mechanics of your vehicle to determine where a problem really lies. All of those electronic parts take power. They depend on your battery to provide them with the right amount of power to work properly, to provide you with an enjoyable experience, and to keep you safe while driving.

Have you ever had a power surge in your home? Those sudden blasts of energy can wreak havoc on sensitive electronic devices like your television or game systems. It works the same inside your car. If you use a battery that wasn’t designed for your specific vehicle, you risk creating power surges underneath the hood. And that can do more damage than good.

How do you know what battery to buy for your car?

While you have to know what type of battery goes into your car, you also need to know the right size. You’ll find all car batteries are classified by battery group size. This is an industry standard that defines all batteries in terms of height, width, and length. It also defines where the positive and negative battery posts are, also known as polarity. Because there are only a certain amount of battery group sizes, it’s easier for manufacturers to design engine compartments within certain specifications.

Instead of having to climb underneath the hood to look for the battery and measure the size, all you have to do is determine what battery group size your vehicle uses. It will be printed on the label of the battery, or you can find it in your owner’s manual. You can also find a battery group size chart in many different locations, including online.

You’ll also find manufacturers tend to favor specific battery sizes for ease. That way all of their designs can be similar, they can purchase larger allotments of parts, and repair is easier because it’s similar depending on model and year. General Motors, for example, tends to install size 75 in its vehicles.

Brand and warranty can matter too

Like every part on your vehicle, there’s always the good/better/best way of buying replacement parts. Can you find someone willing to give you an incredible deal on a battery for your car? Of course. But you’ll pay for it in the end. It might not work well with your vehicle’s requirements, giving a much shorter lifespan than if you’d upgraded.

Going with a recognized brand name will give you better customer service if you have trouble down the road.

You can also select different grades. If you’re planning on keeping your car for a while, it might be wiser to invest in a higher grade battery. This is designed to provide you with a longer life. They will also come with different warranties. In case something goes wrong, it’s always nice to know you’re covered.

If you aren’t comfortable selecting the right battery for your vehicle, or changing it out and disposing of the old one, one of our mechanics would be happy to do it for you. That way you’ll ensure you have a high quality replacement car battery, one that will have you back on the road in no time.

How Do You Know If Your Car Battery Is Dead?

February 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s never a good time for a problem with your car, is there? Yet it always seems to happen at the worst time. Maybe you’re running late for a meeting, or picking up the kids. Or perhaps it happens on the coldest day of the year.

Then you’re left stranded, wondering what to do. And trying to think if there was a clue somewhere, telling you something is wrong.

That can happen easily if something is wrong with your vehicle’s battery. How do you know if your car battery is dead?

The car battery

Like tires, car batteries are one of the most recognizable parts on your vehicle. That’s because you can find them almost anywhere, even on the shelves of your favorite membership stores.

A car’s battery is designed to provide electrical current to the motor. It feeds the starter, which in turn starts the engine. Once the car is running, power is continuously recharged through the alternator.

Today’s car batteries haven’t changed all that much since they were first introduced decades ago. Unless you have an electric car, hybrid, or another special performance vehicle, you have a “wet cell” battery installed underneath the hood. This is a plastic cube filled with sulfuric acid and lead. It has two terminals on the top or side, depending on the way it was installed.

Most car batteries on the market today are designed to last about five years. Of course, that number is entirely dependent on the way you drive. A driver that spends a lot of time driving in cold arctic air is going to have different results than someone who spends most of their time driving in the desert. It also depends on use. A city driver who turns their cars on and off all day long will have different results than someone who rarely takes their car out of the garage.

In your car, the battery ranks up there with one of the most common parts that fail. Luckily, it’s also one of the least expensive parts you have to replace.

Signs your car battery is dying

Think of your battery as the heart of the car. If you want to have a reliable car, there for you when you need it, the battery has to be working well.

And like other parts on your vehicle, the battery rarely dies without a few warning signs. Paying attention can help you avoid being stranded with a dead battery. Here’s what to look for.

The car battery signal on your dashboard

This is the easiest, and most apparent. When lights come on your dashboard, pay attention to them. They are designed to give you ample time to bring your car in for service.

The engine cranks, but won’t start

Have you ever turned the key, you can hear your car engine trying to start, but as it turns over, it just won’t catch? That’s a sign your battery is dying. Occasionally, it can be one of several other problems with the starting system, such as your starter. But in almost all cases, it’s about the quality of your battery.

Because your car still has power, it’s just not catching, this is a time you can use jumper cables to start your engine. Once your car is running, let it operate for at least 30 minutes to allow your alternator to charge the battery fully again. Then turn off your vehicle and let it sit for a few minutes. Start it. Start it again. If it turns over, you’re okay to continue driving it.

In a lot of cases, this charge is enough to keep your battery running for a while. But don’t be fooled into thinking your battery is back to normal. Instead, consider this to be time for getting into the service station and replacing your battery.

Your car battery works one day, not the next

If your battery isn’t that old, and your car seems fine one day, won’t work the next, it might be the connections. If the car battery terminals are loose, broken, or corroded, it can cause a problem with the power being supplied to the rest of your vehicle.

Check the battery cables first. This is usually the cause of the problem. Check to ensure they are connected and haven’t wiggled loose. You can also look at the cables and ensure they are in good condition, aren’t frayed, or show evidence of leaks. If you see any problems, it’s time to bring your car in and let one of our mechanics take a look at it.

The car won’t start, no crank, no lights

If your car is completely dead, it’s easy to diagnose: your car battery is at fault. Your battery’s job is to power all of the accessories in your vehicle. If your car won’t turn over, and lights won’t illuminate, it’s a sign your battery is no longer supplying power.

Be aware that if your battery doesn’t even have the power to supply energy to the lights, you might have a bigger problem than just your batter. It might also be a problem with the alternator. The best way to tell what’s wrong is to bring your vehicle into our service station and let us diagnose what’s wrong.

The size of the battery is wrong

Because car batteries are available just about everywhere, they are an easy DIY project, especially for people attempting to save a little money. Do you have a new-to-you car you’ve recently purchased, and are starting to have problems with the car starting? It could be the wrong battery was installed.

You’ve jumped your battery more than once

If your battery dies and you jump it to bring it back to life, it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you a problem might exist. Of course, you might have a lot of life left. But it would help if you watched closely for other symptoms.

If you have to jump your car more than once, and the episodes get closer together, you can no longer ignore the warning signs. Your battery is failing, and if you keep ignoring it, it could fail at an inopportune time. Like on a cold, dark night, when nobody is around.

Is it time to replace your battery?

Manufacturers will tell you a car battery has an expected life of five years. Depending on your driving conditions, two to three years may be the maximum life.

As you near the end of life, watch for little signs that tell you your battery is failing. Bring it in and let us inspect it. We can help ensure your car is working correctly, keeping you safe and on the road without a problem.

Have One of These Common Power Steering Problems Happened To You?

February 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Think back for a moment about the cars from the early 1900s. Although you may have never climbed into one, just watching them in the movies, you can tell it was an entirely different experience than what we have today.

The wheels were a lot taller and narrower. Almost like the idea moved from a bicycle over to the automobile.

Cars didn’t have much structure to them. They were often open frames, not a lot of comfort on the inside, dangerous if the driver happened to bump into something.

And if you grabbed hold of the steering wheel, you would have been amazed at the size. They were much larger than we had today, taking up a lot of space in front of the driver.

There was a reason for that. It took a lot of effort to control a car into corners and turns. The large steering wheel gave the driver the ability to put effort into the turn. It gave them the ability to crank the wheel while keeping it under control.

But all of that changed in the early 1950s as power steering was introduced to the marketplace. Power steering added control to vehicles. It also made the steering wheel smaller, which meant more comfort for the driver inside.

Think about your actions today. With one finger on the wheel, you can adjust it and make minor corrections in how you drive. Nudge it just a bit and you can change lanes. With one hand, you can corner, even park your car without exerting any pressure. That gives you the ability to think about other things – like what’s for dinner as you stop by the grocery store.

Understanding the power steering system

Today’s modern power steering is a hydraulic-controlled system that makes driving a breeze. A dedicated pump moves power steering fluid from a reservoir into the power steering column.

Have you heard the term “rack and pinion?” Rack and pinion is the most common steering gear system used in cars and trucks today. A rack is a long, flat gear with prongs located on one side of it. The pinion is a round gear connected to the steering shaft attached to the steering wheel. As you turn the wheel, the pinion gear rotates, connecting with the rack as it moves back and forth, giving you your turning radius and moving the car from right to left.

To make the steering process easier, hydraulic or high pressure steering was introduced. Think of this as a steering assist program designed to make the process easy for you to do. With a hydraulic system, fluid moves throughout the system, giving the power steering system the pressure it needs to move the steering wheel.

What problems can occur with the power steering system?

If your car is in perfect condition, driving is effortless. But the more you drive, the more opportunity for parts to wear down. Like every part of your car, power steering will eventually have problems. If you recognize the telltale behaviors early enough, you can avoid emergency repairs.

Your power steering system will alert you to potential problems with these behaviors.

Screeching as you start your car. Have you ever started a car and heard a high pitched screeching noise? It may be a problem with a belt. As belts age, they harden and start to decay. As they move, especially when cold and sitting for a while, they can screech or chirp as they move into action. You might also hear a similar sound as you move through hard turns. While it’s often a belt, it could also be a sign your power steering pump is wearing down.

Hard steering. The longer you drive a car, the more familiar you are with how it performs. It any part of the steering system starts wearing down, you can start to detect stiffness in movement, where the wheel feels like it’s more difficult to turn. If you start having to put more power into the way you move the steering wheel, it’s a sign you have problems with your power steering system.

Less responsiveness to your movements. When your car is new, barely touching the steering wheel can have your car moving quickly from one side to another. Over time, you might have to turn the wheel more for those same movements. As you start feeling even a bit of hesitation, be aware that the power steering pump may be failing.

A rumbling noise while moving into turns. If you hear a rumble or moan when moving into turns, it’s an indicator something is wrong with the power steering system. While it may only be a leak, it could also be the power steering pump is failing.

Fluid leak. To work effortlessly, the power steering system used power steering fluid. If the levels decrease over time, you’ll have power steering problems. A leak in power steering fluid levels can allow air, dirt, or grime into the system, putting stress on the mechanics of the power steering system. This can enable any of the above symptoms to occur. Keep watch underneath where you park your car on a regular basis. If at any time you see liquid, bring it in and let one of our mechanics take a look.

Finding a leak can be difficult. It can leak out of the steering pump. It can be from a hose that is failing. It could be somewhere in the rack and pinion system. If you have an indicator light come on your dashboard, the power steering fluid has dropped below acceptable levels. But if it’s just beginning, it may be a little more challenging to find. That’s where our expertise comes into play.

Make sure your power steering system is working

Power steering fluid is usually a reddish or light brown color. If it begins to leak, and you find it pooling underneath your vehicle, keep in mind that it’s similar in color to your transmission fluid. Power steering fluid usually leaks by the front of the vehicle, whereas transmission fluid will be more centralized, towards the middle of the car.

Whatever problem you’re currently having with your power steering, the important part is to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Repairing early means you’ll be back on the road safely in no time, and do so for less cost.

How can we help you with your power steering problems?

Answers About Transmission Service

February 17, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Question: My friend just had a very expensive transmission repair, how can drivers like myself avoid transmission trouble?

Express Car Care Answer: Next to your engine, your transmission is the most important component in your vehicle – so you and your fellow drivers want to do all you can to avoid transmission repairs.

Drivers may have noticed a recent trend of engines becoming more and more powerful. At the same time, fuel economy has been improving in nearly every motor vehicle. More power and better economy have always been a high priority. Some of the improvement in fuel economy has been due to engine design, but more of the increases can be credited to advances in transmission technology.

Every engine has a sweet spot in which it most efficiently makes power. This is often referred to by technicians as the power band – the optimal engine speed ( measured in revolutions per minute, or RPM). The computers that control what gear your automatic transmission is in also try to keep it in the right gear in order to maintain optimal engine speed – whatever your driving conditions. Modern automatic transmissions have anywhere between four and ten speeds. The more “speeds” your transmission has, the more time your engine can operate at peak efficiency. Needless to say, transmissions have become more sophisticated.

Transmissions are cooled and lubricated by transmission fluid. This pressurized fluid is directed through small passages to effect gear changes. When transmission fluid gets old and contaminated, the small passages can become plugged, which adversely affects shifting. The dirty fluid circulating in the transmission can eat away at gaskets and seals, causing internal leaks that also hurt shifting. This is why it is recommended that transmissions be serviced from time to time. The interval varies by vehicle, so check your owner’s manual or speak with your friendly and knowledgeable Express Car Care service adviser about your transmission service recommendations.

Old, contaminated fluid is removed and new fluid is installed. Keeping up with the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule helps prevent internal damage that may result in a transmission rebuild. Let us help you extend the life of your vehicle and prevent repairs with recommended preventative maintenance service.

Blowing a Head Gasket – What Does It Mean?

February 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

You’re driving along, and suddenly, your check engine light comes on. The power may decrease. You may lose power altogether. You might see smoke. Or none of the above. Still, the engine light is worrisome. What could it be?

While blowing a head gasket isn’t a common, everyday occurrence, for some makes and models, it’s more commonplace than others.

What is a head gasket?

First of all, let’s talk about what a head gasket is. It’s a simple mechanical seal that separates your engine block and your cylinder head. Every car has one, but they do change shape and size based on manufacturers’ design.

The head gasket has two primary purposes:

1. It seals the combustion chamber, ensuring you have a properly functioning engine

2. It also separates the different liquids flowing into the engine block. Fuel, oil, and coolant all serve a purpose, but it’s important to keep them separate to function properly.

Sounds like a tough job, right? It is. That’s why you could argue that the head gasket is one of the most important parts of your engine block.

Because a head gasket is part of the combustion process, it must be tough. A lot of pressure occurs as your car burns fuel and releases energy. It can’t melt, change, or weaken under pressure. That’s why most head gaskets today are made from a variety of composite materials, steel, or even copper with high-performance vehicles.

Why head gaskets blow

A head gasket’s job is to create a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. Because it comes in contact with extremely hot, high pressure combustion, as well as varying temperatures from the coolant, it has to perform well under extremes. This can create a lot of tension over time. Eventually, the head gasket can develop a leak. It doesn’t matter the make or model of your car, or how well you care for it. The pressure can eventually build.

What’s more, it’s not a part you can easily see, which means it could very well have a problem and continue operating that way for a long time. Until it eventually blows.

Since you can’t readily see it, it’s important to understand the warning signals so you can accurately diagnose the problem before it turns into something significant.

Things to watch for that signal a blown head gasket

Because a head gasket’s job is critical, it’s crucial to replace it at the first sign something is wrong. Watch for these signs, and see your mechanic right away.

An overheating engine – If you watch the temperature gauge on your vehicle, you might start to see temperatures moving up. That’s because the coolant is no longer doing its job. If the coolant leaks or burns away, there isn’t enough left in the engine to cool it properly. Eventually, the engine overheats. Hopefully, the warning light on the dashboard lights and gives you enough time to turn off your vehicle and fix your car before further damage can occur.

A poorly operating engine – Because head gaskets don’t always go from working to broken overnight, you’ll often see engine performance declining first. Watch for things like decreased power or a rough idle. This can signal fuel is reaching the combustion chamber and isn’t firing correctly.

Low coolant – A part of your maintenance routine should be to check your fluid levels. If your coolant starts to lower without any visible signs of a leak, it could be a problem with your head gasket.

White, milky oil – Remember, your head gasket separates the different fluids as they enter the engine block. Even a small leak can allow these fluids to intermix. If your oil starts to look white or milky, it’s been compromised. Coolant is leaking in and making the lubricating process less effective.

White smoke – As the vehicle runs, you might start to notice white smoke flowing from the tailpipe. Leaking coolant produces steam. It’s water and burned glycol flowing from the combustion chamber. Keep in mind that other than seeing the white smoke, your car may appear to operate normally until the coolant is all gone.

Leaking coolant – If the coolant begins leaking below the exhaust manifold, you’ll see a small puddle forming on the ground. This is the easiest way to diagnose a problem with your head gasket. Always look at the ground of your regular parking spaces to keep an eye out for potential problems.

Bubbles in the radiator or overflow tank – If the head gasket between the coolant line and the combustion chamber is compromised, it can allow air to push into the system. While bubbles might not seem like a bad thing, if allowed to continue, they eventually can form a large pocket of air and stop the coolant from flowing. This can stop your car in its tracks.

Spark plug problems – If coolant flows into the combustion chamber, it can cause problems with the spark plugs. If you notice your car misfiring, this could be one of the reasons.

Is it okay to drive with a blown head gasket?

As you can tell from the above symptoms, it can be quite tricky at times to determine if you do have a blown head gasket. Therefore, you might drive with it for quite a while.

The key is in watching for the symptoms and fix problems before they are allowed to fester and grow. It’s easier and cheaper to fix minor issues than it is to do a complete system overhaul.

Pay attention to how your car operates. You can even keep a log as your car ages.

If there are problems with the head gasket, hot gases and liquids, and cold coolant are moving through the mechanics and can quickly erode or warp the metal of the engine block. The longer it goes unnoticed, the more damage can occur. That leaves you with costly repair bills when you do finally bring your car in for servicing.

Are there ways to prevent a head gasket from blowing?

One of the simplest ways to prevent the head gasket from blowing is to ensure your engine doesn’t overheat. Frequent maintenance can help with that. Regular oil changes will ensure your system always has fresh oil and is properly topped off. Checking your coolant levels will ensure it’s properly filled as well. Watch for evidence of leaks as well.

Try to keep from pushing your car on a regular basis. Avoid aggressive driving. This increases RPMs and increases stress on your engine. Likewise, if your car has a turbocharger or supercharger, keep the combustion pressures as low as possible. More stress means more heat, which can push the deterioration process of different parts.

Have you ever experienced a blown head gasket?

A Guide To Anti-Lock Brakes

February 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

If you’ve ever driven an older car, stomped on the brake pedal, trying to get the car to stop quickly, only to feel the cart slide and swerve, you know how scary it can be not to have full control over your vehicle. ABS – anti-lock braking system – is designed to give you more control in more situations.

The concept of anti-lock brakes actually started almost 100 years ago. Engineers were looking for an override system for aircraft, and ABS technology became the standard to prevent the wheels from sticking as the plane rapidly decelerated.

In the 1950s, ABS technology moved to motorcycles to improve safety and handling. And slowly, it was introduced into vehicles over the course of the next few decades. By the 1990s, anti-lock brakes were standard issue on most production line vehicles.

How do anti-lock brakes work?

Let’s talk a bit about how anti-lock brakes work. If you think back to your lessons in drivers ed, you might remember how they taught you to take control over your car if you hit a patch of ice. If the brakes won’t work and you slide, pump the brakes instead by pressing down on the brake pedal and letting go, over and over again. This helps your tires look for traction instead of continuing to slide.

That same concept explains how ABS is designed to work. If you suddenly want to come to a stop and apply a lot of pressure to fast-moving wheels, that intense pressure can cause your wheels to lockup. This will typically cause them to lose traction, and you’ll slide and skid uncontrollably.

ABS is designed to prevent this. Anti-lock brakes use sensors to determine the motion of your wheels. When you press down on the brake pedal, these sensors activate and monitor the wheel movement to determine the action. If it senses lockup, it turns on the ABS, which pumps your brakes instead of locking them up. The timing of it occurs with precision, thanks to technology, a vast improvement over what you could do simply by tapping your brake pedal over and over again.

Why are my anti-lock brakes coming on?

Your vehicle is technology-driven, with every part working together to keep you safe. Every new year brings new technology to light, meaning if you have the latest production car, technically, it will have the safest features on the market.

If you’ve ever stepped on your brake pedal and had the ABS turn on, you might have felt a vibration. Depending on your car, you may have a small dashboard light turn on as well, telling you your anti-lock brake system has been activated.

Based on road conditions, the vehicle’s technology has determined it needs ABS to keep the car safe. In some cases, the pulsing of the brake system may not stop the car as quickly as it normally does. But it has determined that this action is better to bring your car to a stop, and risk sliding or skidding out of control.

Where is the anti-lock brake?

The good news is most new cars on the road today have anti-lock brakes. If you’re driving an older car or truck and wish to determine if you have ABS, there are several ways you can go about it.

The easiest is to check your owner’s manual.

If you don’t have access to your owner’s manual, you can check your dashboard instrument panel. As you turn your car on, yet before you turn it to start, all lights will flash on. Think of this as “test” mode. If your car has ABS, it will be illuminated at this time. Look for a light that either says “anti-lock” or “ABS.”

If you have a basic understanding of the parts of the car, you can also pop the hood and take a look inside. The anti-lock brake pump will sit near the brake master cylinder, and be connected to several different lines.

The final way is to physically look at the setup of the wheel. You’ll have to get into position to be able to see the brakes on the front wheels. If your car has anti-lock brakes, you’ll see a flexible hose attached to the brake caliper, with a wire attached to a speed sensor in the hub of the wheel. This sensor will be missing if your car doesn’t have ABS.

How do you test anti-lock brakes?

The best way to ensure your anti-lock brakes are working is to check that the warning light illuminates on your dashboard during test mode every time you turn your vehicle on. If you don’t see the icon light up, it’s best to let your mechanic check it out and ensure everything is working correctly.

Likewise, if your ABS light turns on at any point while you’re driving your vehicle, schedule a maintenance visit as soon as possible to ensure your braking system is working the way it should.

How long do ABS controls last?

ABS is designed to work in all kinds of conditions, and be there for you no matter when you need it. It’s not something you turn on, or that you have to change out the fluid for on a regular basis. But like any other part, it can wear out over time.

As anti-lock brakes initiate, you’ll feel a slight pulsating mechanism underneath your foot. It clicks, and then it creates rise and fall in the system, which you can feel by having your foot on the brake pedal. This is known as the ABS control module.

The brakes are one of the essential systems in your vehicle. You use them every day, dozens of times, as you move in and out of traffic to accomplish all you do on your drive. The anti-lock brake system is separate from your brakes. That means even if the ABS fails, you’ll still have your braking system to rely on.

Under most conditions, ABS will last the life of your car. But because it is electronic, it can suffer from several things, including an electrical overload, or overheating due to high temperatures. If the ABS light comes on, one of our professional mechanics will replace the control panel.

Is your ABS working correctly? Is your braking system keeping you safe? We can ensure everything on your vehicle is working correctly, to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Brake Fluid Low? This Is How You Know

February 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What happens when you push down on the brake pedal?

Your car slows and eventually comes to a stop.

Touch it lightly, and it slows just a bit. Stomp on it, and you can stop in mere seconds. According to the National Association Of City Transportation Officials, the average vehicle going 60 mph will come to a resting point in 4.4 seconds. You’ll feel that motion if you stop at that rate, but it can be done.

However, the only way that can happen is if your braking system is working the way it should.

How the brake system works

Brakes are actually pretty straightforward in the way they operate. We’ve written about it here and here. But for the sake of this article, we’ll condense it into one paragraph format.

When you press down on the brake pedal, it pushes an internal lever that increases the pushing force. This lever pushes a piston into a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid, also known as brake fluid. The fluid condenses and squeezes out through the end, down a pipe until it reaches another cylinder located at the wheel. Here, it pushes another piston with increased force. It connects with the brake pad and pushes it towards the brake disc. As the brake pad touches the brake disc, friction between the two heats, causing the outer wheel and tire to slow and eventually stop.

This basic principle happens four times over, for every line to every wheel on your car.

What makes it all possible is the brake fluid. It’s what increases the pressure to the point of making the mechanics of the braking system work.

It’s time to check your brake fluid levels

You’re already in the habit of checking your motor oil on a regular basis. Low brake fluid is equally important. Yet keep in mind that brake fluid doesn’t need to be changed out as frequently as motor oil, nor is it as vulnerable as the oil used to keep your engine running clean.

However, brake fluid is a vital fluid needed to keep your car running smoothly. It can be the difference of being able to stop your car whenever you desire, or not.

Like your motor oil, checking your brake fluid should be a part of your regular maintenance plan. Especially if you notice your brakes not behaving as they should. Do your brakes feel spongy when you press down on the brake pedal? It’s time to check your brakes. Do you hear a squeal as you tap on the brakes? It’s definitely time for a check up.

Like motor oil, brake fluid can have a variety of things wrong with it. If it’s low, there might be a leak somewhere in the system. If it’s contaminated, it means dirt and grime has found a way inside.

Brake fluid impacts every part of the braking system, the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines. And if the brake fluid doesn’t have the proper makeup, chances are it’s impacting any or all of these parts in various ways. A thorough inspection is needed to ensure your brakes are working the way they should.

Finding the brake fluid reservoir

Keep in mind that filling your brake fluid reservoir isn’t like topping up your motor oil. You can’t run to your local auto parts store and buy just any brake fluid sitting on the shelf. It takes knowledge to ensure you’re purchasing the right product, and skill to fully clean the system as you change it out. Still, having a general understanding can make you a more well informed driver and car owner.

The brake fluid reservoir is typically a plastic canister that is mounted near the rear of the engine compartment. It’s usually near the driver’s side brake booster. If you can’t find it, consult your owner’s manual or do a search online for your make and model. It will point you in the right direction.

Most newer vehicles use a translucent plastic with a fill line, so you can immediately tell if the brake fluid is low. Older vehicles might have a metal reservoir, with a clamp securing the top into place. Different vehicles have different rules about opening up the lid. Follow guidelines exactly or risk contaminating the brake fluid. Exposure to moist air can contaminate the fluid in just a few minutes, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before you open it up.

Brake fluid looks okay if …

The first check is to ensure you have enough brake fluid in the system. Does the brake fluid levels reach the fill line?

If it doesn’t, that can be a warning sign your brake pads are wearing thin. This is because as brake pads wear down, they take more action to work. The piston will need to move farther into the system, requiring more fluid to complete the process.

If the fluid level looks okay, the second step is to inspect the fluid itself. Brake fluid is normally a clear or light gold color. If it turns brown or black, the brake fluid is contaminated and it needs to be replaced. As dirt enters the system, it slowly changes the coloring, giving the fluid its darker appearance. It allows dirt and other contaminants into the braking system, which in turn can damage other parts.

Adding brake fluid

As a general rule, you should have your brake fluid replaced about every two years. Of course, this depends on a variety of things, including your drive style, the make and model of your car. Check your owner’s manual for recommended guidelines. One of our experienced mechanics can also provide you with more information.

Different vehicles require different brake fluid. You can’t mix and match. If you use an incorrect formula, or overfill your brake fluid reservoir, you risk having your brakes working incorrectly. Most systems use either DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid. Consult your owner’s manual, or find the information located on the brake fluid reservoir cap.

Brake fluid is toxic and highly corrosive, so proper protection is needed anytime you deal with brake fluid.

Once brake fluid is changed, it also requires testing and bleeding the brakes.

Don’t have the tools or the knowledge to test your brakes yourself? Let one of our mechanics help. We’ll ensure your brakes are safe and well cared for, and have you back on the road in no time.

Schedule your maintenance visit today.

Dashboard Lights and What They Mean

February 4, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Driving and maintaining your car is more complicated than ever before.

Your vehicle isn’t just a bunch of mechanical parts all working together. Over the past twenty-five years, cars have become more technologically advanced, with the parts integrating and working together.

Where mechanics used to use a wrench and a little elbow grease to figure out what was wrong, today they use highly sophisticated computers to plug into your car and determine where the problem lies. A recent Popular Mechanics article shows the most important milestones that have brought us to where we are today; they include the electronically controlled torque vectoring differential, the dual clutch transmission, and the on-board diagnostics system, among other things.

Drive a new vehicle today, and you’ll no longer have to guess when a part of the system is wearing out or in need of repair. Instead, Dashboard lights will provide vehicle warning indicators telling you when there is a weakness in the system.

Dashboard lights are nothing new. But with the advancement of technology, we have more indicator lights than ever before. What does that tiny little icon flashing on your dashboard mean? Is it something that needs immediate action, or can you put it off for your earliest convenience?

It is important to note that most dashboard icons will flash on as you start up the engine, then turn back off. Think of this as a test mode to ensure everything is working the way it should. Be concerned if the fault lights don’t turn off after a few seconds of turning on your vehicle.

Here’s a list of dashboard lights and their meanings.

Airbag Fault Light – The Airbag Fault Light will illuminate if it detects a problem within the airbag system. You can continue to drive the car with this dashboard light on, however, keep in mind that the airbags may not deploy if you get in an accident. The only way to be sure what the problem is will be to schedule a maintenance visit, fix defective parts, and reset the light.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Light – This indicates there is a defect somewhere within your braking system. It could be a problem with a wheel speed sensor, or an indicator that you have a low fuel level in one of the reservoirs. The only way to properly determine where the problem lies is with professional diagnosis.

Battery Alert – This light warns you when your battery is charging below normal levels. The charging function of your vehicle isn’t working properly; check the battery terminals, the alternator belt, or change out the battery altogether.

Brake Pad Warning Light – Not all vehicles have this dashboard warning light, but if yours does, it can alert you to failing brake pads and give you a chance to make an appointment with your local mechanic before they grind down further.

Brake Fluid Warning Light – If the brake system dashboard light is flashing, it’s an indicator that your brake fluid levels are low. Brake fluid isn’t something you should try and replace yourself. Instead, make an appointment to top off brake fluid, and give your entire brake system a check to ensure it’s running correctly.

Check Engine Light – The check engine light is one of the most common dashboard lights on a car’s diagnostic system. This light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, and stay lit to remind you of simple maintenance issues, or alert you to potential danger. Your mechanic can use a diagnostic tool to determine why it’s lit. A check engine light is usually lit for one of these reasons:

The oxygen sensor needs to be replaced
The gas cap is loose, damaged, or missing
Spark plugs or plug wires need to be replaced
You have a bad catalytic converter
The Mass Airflow Sensor (MAS) needs to be replaced

Coolant Temperature Warning – This indicator warns when temperatures exceed normal limits. When this appears, check coolant levels, ensure coolant isn’t leaking, make sure the radiator cap is tightly sealed, and that your fan is operating as it should.

Cruise Control – A steady cruise control light indicates you have activated the cruise control. If, however, this light flashes without using the system, it might be an indicator that something is wrong with the cruise control features of your car.

Door Ajar – This indicates either a door or your trunk lid is ajar. If left this way overnight, it has the possibility of draining your battery. Check for safety and to ensure you conserve power while you’re away.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning Light – If the ESP lights up, it indicates there is a problem with the chassis system. It could be an issue with your car’s traction control, anti-skid, or electronic stability program. It might be something as simple as a wiring issue, or more serious and an indicator you could face problems on the road.

Exterior Lamp Out – When this symbol illuminates, it’s warning you that one of your exterior lights has burnt out. Replacing a bulb should take care of this problem. Your owner’s manual will provide you with the right size of bulb to buy, and how to access the exterior lights.

Fog Lamp – When lit, it merely reminds you your fog lamps are on.

Oil Pressure – This is an indicator your vehicle has a sudden loss in oil pressure. Check oil levels and pressure immediately.

Overdrive Light – This dashboard indicator warns you that the overdrive system has been manually turned off. For most vehicles, the overdrive system has an on/off switch. If it’s bumped, a steady warning light alerts you to the problem. If the overdrive blinks while you’re driving, it could be a sign of a more serious problem with your transmission; check in with a mechanic as soon as possible.

Service Vehicle Soon – This indicator light warns you to schedule an appointment soon to check out the inner workings of your vehicle. Pay particular attention if it illuminates with another light, such as the ABS light. It’s a diagnostic tool that warns you of a particular problem with your car.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – If you see this dashboard light, it’s warning you that one or more of your tires has low tire pressure. Pull in to a fueling station and check each tire and fill it to its manufacturers’ guideline levels. You can find this in your owner’s manual, or search out your car online for the proper levels. Low tire pressure can cause dangerous driving conditions, so it’s important to fill your tires appropriately as soon as possible. If the light doesn’t turn off after you have each tire adequately filled, it may be a sensor malfunction.

Washer Fluid Level – Here in Colorado, this might be the dashboard light you are most familiar with. With dirt and grime from winter driving, it might feel like you fill up your washer fluid regularly. This little indicator light will warn you when levels are getting too low.