Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Is It Cheaper To Rebuild or Replace a Transmission?

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You don’t have to be a mechanic to know that rebuilding or replacing a transmission sounds expensive. Any time someone weighs the difference between installing something new or fixing something already in place, you have an inkling the cost is quickly going to move upward.

And we aren’t going to lie – it is expensive. That’s because your transmission is a major part of your car.

A car’s transmission ensures the proper amount of power is spread to each wheel at whatever speed you decide to go. It converts force from your engine into a controlled power source.

Engines operate at a high speed, while your wheels rotate at a slower rate. It’s the transmission’s job to meet in the middle, marry the two together so that your car operates correctly. It does this all through gear ratios, using toothed gears to interact and control the power between the two mechanics.

Automatic or manual – what’s the difference?

In most cases, we tend to think a car has either a manual or automatic transmission. There are varying levels of automatic transmission, but for this article, we’ll assume only the two.

Manual transmissions use a stick shift to change gear ratios manually. If you’ve ever driven a manual, you know how to “feel” the process. As the engine revs, you push the clutch in to separate the gears. You use the shift to move between several different positions, then engage by pulling back on the clutch. You can hear the engine power reach capacity before engaging the process all over again.

Automatic transmissions do the same thing through the use of fluid pressure. An automatic transmission uses transmission fluid to provide the necessary pressure to activate the clutch and determine which gear the car should be in. It finds the right gear ratio and places the gear in motion.

Transmission fluid

Every vehicle uses transmission fluid to keep the transmission in good operating condition. And like other fluids your car uses for operation, you should ensure your car has the proper amount at all times.

Before you check your transmission fluid levels, read your car’s operating manual. Some cars test transmission fluid levels while the vehicle is running, while others state it should be turned off. This varies by make and model, so ensure you’re checking your levels in the right manner.

Open your hood and find the dipstick for the transmission fluid – don’t confuse it with the oil dipstick. When you find the right location, you test it in much the same way as your oil. Remove it and verify what level the fluid is at. Wipe it off with a rag, re-engage it, and perform the test again. If everything is okay, you can replace the dipstick and continue driving as usual.

Keep in mind that transmission fluid doesn’t run out the same way as motor oil does. While every manufacturer makes different recommendations based on make and model, you can go thousands of miles before transmission fluid needs to be changed.

This isn’t something you should do “just because.” You can null and void your warranty if you change it out at the wrong time. If your transmission fluid isn’t in good condition, topping it off can be just as bad as being low. Sometimes the right thing to do is flush and refill. But again, it depends on your make and model. Every car is different, so it’s important to understand what’s best for your vehicle.

Transmission fluid can be differentiated from motor oil by its distinct color. Transmission fluid is dyed pink or red, so it’s easily recognized. It should be translucent and see-through if it’s still in good quality. Never rely solely on color as it will darken over time. Yet that does make it easy to determine if you have a problem if you find a puddle underneath your car. The distinctive color can be the first clue you have a leak.

This isn’t something you should run down to your auto parts store and buy a can for refilling. If you need more transmission fluid, there’s a good chance there’s a bigger problem. We can carefully diagnose the problem and make sure your vehicle is in great shape before you return to the open road.

Rebuild or replace a transmission

At what point should you consider rebuilding or replacing your transmission? There comes a point when the problems add up and become too great to fix without sinking a lot of money into it. At that point, it’s better to replace.

Have you ever had a water heater or furnace go out? Your mechanic will make recommendations to repair or replace based on a variety of factors – age, cost of new parts, and how many problems there are, to name just a few.

Your transmission works in similar fashion. It’s an expensive replacement – why replace if you can repair?

But you know it’s time when:

Your transmission has lots of problems – if it seems you’re in the shop every few weeks installing a new “band-aid” to keep the transmission operating, it’s indicative of things to come. Several hundred here and there often become better spent on replacement to give yourself a longer lifespan.

Your transmission is difficult to diagnose – sometimes the problems run so deep, they are hard to diagnose. If it takes a mechanic hours to find, it’s often better to replace rather than spending hundreds on labor, knowing you’ll still add hundreds more for the repair.

Your transmission needs a high cost repair – weigh out the option of repair vs replacement costs. Minor repairs are worth the cost to give your vehicle more life. But when the repair moves from minor to major, it’s almost always better to think twice about repairing. Your mechanic can give you a better idea of how long a repair will last, and determining the right path for your vehicle.

Your transmission is failing – your mechanic can determine how much life is left in your current transmission, and tell you if replacement is a better idea. If your transmission wasn’t well cared for, it can have far less than the manufacturer’s guideline mileage. It may be difficult to budget in the expense of a new transmission, but far worse is having to replace shortly after a major repair.

What’s better for your car: rebuild or replace the transmission? We’d be happy to help you make the proper diagnosis.

How Can You Tell When You Need New Brake Pads?

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When you purchased your car, a lot of expectations were attached to it. Manufacturers suggest city and highway mileage, but that depends on how and where you drive. They also give you an estimate of when to replace your brake pads. How long they will last depends on a variety of factors too.

Here in Colorado, most car owners face a variety of situations throughout the year. A lot of mileage is put onto a vehicle driving to and from work. That means a lot of stop and go, waiting for stoplights and sitting in traffic jams.

On the weekends, you might head to your favorite spot in the mountains, using your brakes repeatedly as you wind through the hills.

Some people feel like they drive for a living; they may put 20,000 miles or more onto their vehicle every year. Others barely put 10,000; everything is close to home.

All of this determines how often you’ll need to put new brake pads onto your car. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear-cut schedule that tells you when it’s time to replace your brake pads. You can’t say “every three months” like you would an oil change.

But it is essential to have them checked regularly as they are one of the most important parts of your car. Can you imagine coming back into Denver from a weekend up in Vail without brakes?

It’s a good idea to have your tires rotated every six months. At this time, a mechanic can also check the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the calipers to ensure they are in good working order.

Of course, watching your brake pads is difficult at best. That’s why car manufacturers have installed other indicators to help you know when it’s time to replace your brake pads.

A squealing noise coming from your brakes

It’s hard to ignore this sound. Every time you tap on the brake pedal, a high pitched squeal comes from your brakes. Your brake pads will produce some noise without it being a problem. If they get wet after a rainstorm, they may squeal when you first start out. Where you should pay attention to the noise is when it happens all the time. If you notice a consistent sound every time you press the pedal to the floor, and it gets louder over time, it’s time to see a professional.

A deep grinding sound

Have you ever heard the grinding noise two pieces of metal make? If you hear it when you press down on the brake pedal, that’s an indication that your brake pads are worn. Some brake pads have small metal ridges built into the bottom of the pad. This is a safety factor, and ensures a loud noise will begin to alert the driver of potential failure. The first time you hear it, it’s a warning signal. You have time to get safely into your local repair shop and have new brake pads installed. But don’t ignore this. If you let the metal ridges wear, they could grind into other areas of your tire. When this happens, it’s not just your brake pads that will need replacing. Your costs will go up dramatically, and you’ll have more extensive repairs.

A vibrating brake pedal

Have you ever felt your brake pedal vibrate as you push it down? It can give you an unsteady feeling, like you’re losing control over your car. A vibrating brake pedal occurs when the brake rotor unevenly wears down. When you push on the brake pedal, it pushes the calipers against the wheel to slow. The unevenness has the same impact as warping, causing the rotor to shake or vibrate. That sensation is transferred to the brake pedal; you’ll feel it more when stopping from higher speeds. The longer you leave this problem without correction, the more damage it will cause to your entire braking system. To avoid further damage, get your brakes checked as soon as you can.

An indicator light

Depending on your make and model, you might also have an indicator light show up on your driving panel. With some cars, there is a sensor on the brake pad, and it will trigger a sensor when it reaches a certain level. When an indicator light turns on, you’ll need to have a mechanic check out the system and make a recommendation for how soon you’ll have to replace them.

A brake pad less than ¼ inch thick

Depending on the wheels you have in place on your car, you might be able to look between the spokes to see the brake pad attached to the rotor of the tire. If the brake pad appears to be less than ¼ inch thick, it’s time to have new brake pads installed.

We know that it’s never fun bringing your car into the shop, the sooner you replace your brake pads, the sooner you’ll be on your way. The more wear and tear with the brake system, the more damage will be done. And that means greater cost for you, as well as more time in the shop.

Luckily, we also have a few tips for you to prolong your brake pad life. If you’re an aggressive driver, you’re going to pay the price in repair bills.

Giving your brakes extended life requires just a few things:

Slow down

Brake pads work by turning energy into heat. The more energy they have to dissipate, the more wear they endure. If you find yourself consistently speeding up and slamming on the brakes, back off. Slow down so you’ll have a greater reaction time, and won’t need to apply the brakes as much.

One foot only 

If you two-foot your pedals, stop. Leaving your foot on the brake pedal means the brake pad pushes up against the rotor every mile you drive. This is a bad habit, one that will wear your brake pad out in record speed.

Lighten the load

How much stuff do you carry around? Is your vehicle loaded with sports equipment, school and work supplies, and other things for the “just in case?” That weight can add up. The more weight inside your vehicle, the more energy it takes to bring your vehicle to a stop. If you don’t need it regularly, leave your stuff at home.

Coast

Become a more aware driver and leave space between you and the other drivers. If you anticipate traffic flow, you can coast more than stopping quickly. You should also learn to use your gears for traveling downhill. That way, you can rely on gears for downshifting rather than applying the brakes.

Keep those brake pads in great shape, and you’ll ensure they have a long life.

But eventually, you’ll need to replace them to keep your vehicle safe. And when you do it in a timely manner, your new brake pads can be installed quickly and at the lowest cost. This will have you on the road in no time.

Have a question about brake pad replacement? We’re here to help.

Guide to Battery Replacement

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Most folks know that car batteries wear out just like any other battery and need to be replaced.  There are a couple things drivers should know and keep in mind as a guide to battery replacement.  One is cold cranking amps and the other is reserve capacity.

We’ll start with cold cranking amps.  Think of this as the power output used to start a cold engine.  The number of cold cranking amps you need depends on your vehicle and where you live, or specifically, how cold it is where you live.  Two factors to consider are that the colder an engine is, the more power it takes to turn the engine over to get it started.  It has all that cold, sluggish oil to contend against.  The second factor is the chemical reaction in the battery that creates electrical energy is less efficient in the cold.

So the colder the weather gets, the more power is needed, but is unavailable.  So if you live where it’s cold, you need a battery with more cold cranking amps than you would where it’s moderate or hot.  You should always get at least as many cold cranking amps as are recommended but you may want to upgrade if you live where it gets really cold.

An important guide:  Batteries may also list the Cranking Amps-CA-number.  It is the Cold Cranking Amps – or CCA – that is the number you’re interested in here.  CCA is the number to use in your comparisons when you’re shopping for a battery replacement.

With all this talk of cold temperatures, it’s also important for drivers to note that heat is the real enemy of long battery life.  In other words, the damage that’s done over the summer months shows up with the increased demands on the battery when the weather turns cold.

Now let’s talk about reserve capacity:  It’s the measurement of the number of minutes of reserve power the battery has at a given load.  The number is more important these days because of parasitic drain.  Parasitic drain is the battery energy that’s used when the key is off.  This is the power drawn by the security system, the remote start system, and even the power the computers require to maintain their memory.

Reserves are also needed when you make very short trips, you’re not driving long enough for the vehicle battery to recover the energy it used just to start the engine.

A basic guide to battery replacement is to go with the recommended minimum unless you believe you need more and want to upgrade.  Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable pros about your options.

What To Do When Your Power Steering Goes Out

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Power steering on today’s automobiles is something most of us take for granted. But if you’ve ever had it disappear, you’ll appreciate it a little bit more.

It can be kind of scary, especially here along the Front Range. You’re driving. Heading to the office, or maybe off for a weekend in the mountains. You’re singing along with the radio, talking with the family, and suddenly it’s very difficult to turn the steering wheel in your car. What do you do when your power steering goes out?

Depending on what’s wrong determines the right course of action. Not all power steering problems require extensive repair work. But like other car repair issues, quick action can often save you time and money down the road.
What To Do When Your Power Steering Goes Out
Understanding Power Steering Technology

Power steering isn’t new technology. In fact, it was put in place as the first automobiles started flowing off the production line.

Hydraulic steering uses a pump to supply pressure. Driver control is authorized by use of rack and pinion. Fluid pressure is created within the pump, and pushed against a piston. As the wheel turns, pressure builds and flows, causing the piston to move. This piston is also attached to the steering mechanism, and with the air of hydraulic pressure, the steering wheel is moved and controlled by whoever is driving.

It all comes down to a highly sensitive valve system. When the steering wheel is straight, the steering valve is at rest. But as you turn it, fluid begins to flow around the valves, through the reservoir, and into the cylinder. The fluid moves and flows to different pressure chambers, depending on the direction you turn the wheel to control the gears. When the steering wheel is released, it returns to its neutral position.

When The Power Steering Goes Out

If there is a problem with any part of this hydraulic system, you’ll know it. Even a slight turn of the steering wheel will exert pressure, be more stubborn and stiff, and require more power to create the action of turning. If you drive for any distance, it can actually leave you a little sore. It also begs the question: what’s wrong?

One of the simplest solutions is power steering fluid is low. This could be caused by a leak somewhere in the system. It could be caused by a lack of maintenance over the years, and your fluid has simply run out over time.

It might be due to contamination within the power steering fluid. As you drive your car, parts wear down and start breaking off. These tiny pieces can end up in the power steering fluid and corrode the functionality of the power steering fluid.

A more serious problem could be that the pump itself is failing. While this isn’t a common problem, it does happen from time to time. The best way to prevent any of this and stay on top of a potential problem is to be proactive from the start. If you take care of your system, provide regular servicing, this shouldn’t be an issue.

You can also watch for a potential leak by paying attention to what’s underneath your car. If you leave it set for any length of time, check for fluid. If you see a pink or amber puddle, it might be steering fluid. You can add power steering fluid yourself, or get it into our shop quickly so we can evaluate your entire system and ensure everything is working up to par.

Can It Be Something More?

Keep in mind that your car is put together with thousands of pieces all interlocked together, relying on each other to make sure everything works as it should. When one thing goes wrong, it can create a snowball effect, causing more pieces to go bad.

Every movement your car makes has enough force to impact different pieces. A shimmy or a shake is absorbed by the steering gear. If tires are low or out of balance, it can increase the likelihood of a recurring shimmy every time you drive. If the force is strong enough, it will damage bearings and impact the gears. This gives the drive system free play, meaning it starts the process of making steering difficult to control. It’s not an all-or-nothing problem. It occurs gradually over time.

Many drivers are misled to thinking you can control this shimmy by adjusting the nuts on the top of the steering gear. You can’t. Turning this will not eliminate shimmy, and may actually do more damage to the gears then leaving it alone. This can bind the gears together, essentially making the problem even worse.

It may also be from worn out steering valves. If power steering seems fine when you first turn your car on, and becomes increasingly more difficult as you drive, it may be the steering valves. A reputable repair shop can help make the diagnosis and fix the problem.

What If Your Power Steering Goes Out While You’re Driving?

What if you miss all the warning signs and the power steering goes out while you’re driving?

Don’t panic. The important thing is to slow the car down and remove yourself from traffic. Turn on your blinkers to signal moving over to the side of the road. You can turn on your hazards as well, further indicating to those around you that you have a problem.

Don’t stomp on the brakes. Depending on how fast the car is going, this could send you into a tailspin. And without the ability to steer, this could put you in a hazardous situation. Brake slowly and move over to the side.

Once you get the car stopped, turn the car off and on again. Test the wheel, can you move it easier? Sometimes the act of turning the car off can reset your system. This may give you the chance to move your car from traffic and get it in to our shop as quickly as you can. If you still notice problems, your best bet is to call for a tow truck.

Keep Your Power Steering In Good Health

Like all systems, your best bet is to keep your power steering system in the best shape possible to avoid potential problems when you least expect it. If you can’t remember the last time your power steering fluid was changed, maybe now is the time.

Use our coupon for a power steering flush. We’ll ensure everything is working the way it should, to keep you and your family safe every time you get into your car and head out into traffic.

Change Your Oil, Drivers!

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As engine technology advances, recommended oil change intervals have gotten longer.  High quality oil in a well-engineered engine has led to extended intervals.

Here’s the problem:  With longer oil change intervals, it’s extremely important to follow them closely.  Back in the day of 3 months or 3,000 miles, if you went an extra month or an extra thousand miles, your oil was still fresh enough that it didn’t have time to build up much sludge.

But if your recommended interval is 6,500 miles and you go over another thousand, you’re getting into heavy sludge territory.  This can cause big problems.

You absolutely need to follow mileage intervals on changing your oil very closely.  And don’t forget your severe service schedule.  If you do a lot of stop and go driving, short trips, drive in dusty or polluted conditions, hot or cold weather, or haul heavy loads, you’re driving in severe service conditions.  Is your driving closer to the regular schedule or the severe service schedule?  It’s your call as the driver to decide when to change your oil to protect your engine.

If your car came from the factory with synthetic oil, the recommended oil change interval is for synthetic oil.  If you use conventional oil, you shouldn’t be using the synthetic oil interval – you need to shorten it.

Service advisers often report that when they talk to a driver with 200,000 miles or more on their vehicle, the vehicle owner will say their secret is changing the oil on time.  Please don’t skip an oil change.  Once sludge has started to build up, it’s tough to get it out.  So don’t let that happen to you!  Change your oil, drivers!

Car Doesn’t Start? Is It The Battery or the Alternator?

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Nothing is worse than going out to your car, turning the key, and nothing happens. You hear a slight click-click noise, but nothing happens. And if you try it again and again, even that stops.

You had plans! Now what?

If your car doesn’t start, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your starting system. It could be caused by several things, including:

  • A dying or dead battery
  • A bad alternator
  • Loose or corroded connection cables

But first, before we determine where your problem lies, it’s important to understand the differences between the alternator and the battery, and what they each do.Car Doesn’t Start? Is It The Battery or the Alternator?

The Alternator

Think of your car’s alternator as the power generator that supplies energy throughout the vehicle’s charging system. All vehicles using an internal combustion engine use an alternator.

When the engine is running, the alternator kicks into gear, charging the battery and supplying energy throughout the electrical system.

It’s bolted to the engine and is driven by a serpentine belt.

The Battery

Your car’s battery is what keeps it running. It stores energy and transforms it into power as needed.

Yet a car battery is different than other batteries you use around your home, such as in a watch or your television remote. With a car battery, the greatest thrust of power is at the time you turn the key. It needs maximum current for a short period of time to jolt the vehicle into action.

That’s known as an SLI battery. SLI stands for starting, lighting, and ignition. It sends short bursts of energy to power your lights and other accessories. But one the engine comes to life, the power to keep the car running is supplied by the alternator.

If your car is still relatively new, most vehicles are equipped with a generic SLI battery. They aren’t designed for optimum use, or for long life.

My Car Doesn’t Start – Why?

When the alternator starts to fail, the battery jumps into action and starts picking up the slack. No matter how good your car’s battery is, it isn’t designed for this level of use. It will eventually wear down, and leave you stranded somewhere along your journey.

Car batteries are not intended for long term power supply. When your car doesn’t start, it’s easy to assume it’s the battery’s fault. But there’s an easy way to determine where the problem really lies.

Jumpstart your car with a set of jumper cables. Remove them as quickly as possible once your car comes to life. Then wait.

If the car continues to run, it was likely a problem with the battery.

If the car soon dies, you’ve pinpointed it’s a problem with your alternator.

Even if you get the battery running again, keep in mind that this might be a temporary thing. Something caused the car to stop working in the first place. Even a jump start might not keep it running for very long.

You can test the battery with a voltmeter to determine its life.

What Else Should You Watch For?

Because the alternator is critical to keeping your car’s electrical system working the way it should, any mechanical problem can be a sign that something is going on with the alternator.

In newer cars, everything is computerized. You’ll have warning lights for just about anything mechanical in the system. If a problem exists with your alternator, you’ll most likely see a warning light shaped like a battery flip on. Some may also blink “ALT” or “GEN” instead. This light is telling you the car has a voltage problem. It’s in the early stages of failure.

Most alternators require 13 to 14 volts to operate your vehicle effectively. Too little, and your car will have problems working. Too much, and it will corrode the system.

You might notice other things not working as well as they once did. Since the alternator supplies electrical current, you might notice your headlights dimming, not as bright as they once were. You might notice your dash lights begin to fade. Maybe your tachometer stops working. Or the heated seats turn off before its time.

This is your car’s way of compensating for a problem. It’s putting energy to the one place that matters most – keeping your car running while warning you to pull over and stop the car.

It might also be broken or loose connections.

Electricity from your alternator runs through a series of cables and wires. If there are any problems with these cables, wires, or connections, it can stop the energy from moving from one point to another. This symptom is often accompanied by a burning smell as well. If too much power is generated to one spot, it will produce higher voltage, in effect “cooking” one area of the system. It gives off a distinct smell that warns you of potential problems.

We’ve also had cars come in with starting problems, only to discover it’s a problem under the hood. If a belt brakes, it can hang off the engine block, flapping around as you operate your vehicle. It may be missing altogether. Broken or loose belts are pretty easy to spot; open up the hood and take a peek. Even if you aren’t skilled in auto mechanics, you can usually spot a potential problem.

Because every car is different, it’s best to get in tune with your car. Watch – listen – smell – those should be things you do every time you’re in your car.

Watch for signs that something is wrong. Do you see lights on the dashboard? Do you see things that aren’t working the way they once did? Is something harder to turn? Or do certain functions disappear?

Listen for any new noise that wasn’t there before. Pay attention to clinks, buzzes, hisses, and bangs. If there isn’t a logical explanation for it, it might be your car’s way of telling you something is wrong.

Likewise, a new smell is telling you something isn’t working the way it should. You have something spilling, overflowing, leaking, or disappearing. And when each piece of your car doesn’t have the proper tools to do its job, it’s going to find a way to do it anyway it can.

Have you noticed something new with your car? Don’t let it go. At the first sign of trouble, bring your car in and let’s diagnose the problem. If could be the difference between a minor repair and a major overhaul.

How Does A Car’s Brakes Work?

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When most people purchase a car, they don’t think a lot about the individual pieces used to create the final vehicle.

You might look at make and model. You might look online for reviews. You might consider safety and select one that will provide you and your family miles of safe driving.

While it’s easy to take the time to select your preferred color, ensure it has the features you’ll enjoy, or even select one for a comfortable ride, rarely do you consider what makes it all work.

Did you stop to consider how your car’s brakes work, for example? Or did you just assume they work because of advancements in technology?How Does A Car’s Brakes Work?

Buying a new car usually means the brakes will work for years without trouble. It can be a bit more difficult if you purchase a used car. It depends on who you buy from and how well the vehicle was maintained.

But in either case, you’ll start driving your car as you move throughout your busy days, relying on the safety of your car.

How does a car’s brakes work?

How do you know you’re safe every time you step on the brake pedal?

There’s a lot riding on it.

Imagine sailing down the mountain after a day of skiing, only to discover nothing happens when you press the brake pedal down. That’s a pretty scary thought, isn’t it? Especially if you have your family inside the vehicle?

The braking system is a fantastic invention that helps you get from point A to point B safely and secure. So how does it work?

Motion

Let’s start at the beginning. The concept of braking is simple. Any time you’re in motion, it takes friction to slow down. A vehicle’s braking system takes kinetic energy and turns it into heat energy through the use of friction as it is applied to your wheels. Your wheels turn. Using friction, brakes convert this to heat energy, which slows and stops your car.

Pretty simple. But of course, there are many ways to approach it. You can even see this at work in the Flintstones cartoons where foot-power is used to slow and stop the vehicle.

Today’s cars are a lot more complicated, and we use this process in different ways to achieve the same results.

Brake System Parts

A car’s braking system is made up of a number of parts.

Brake pedal – this is the lever you press down on with your foot. The more pressure you apply, the more your car slows down until it eventually stops.

Brake booster – most vehicles today have power brakes. The brake booster is what increases the force of the stopping mechanism without having to increase the force of pressing down. There are two separate kinds of brake boosters – vacuum-assisted and hydraulic-assisted. Vacuum-assisted boosters create a vacuum using air coming in from the engine. Hydraulic-assisted uses hydraulic pressure from the vehicle’s power steering. As you step on the pedal, force created by this action kicks in and makes stopping easier.

Master cylinder – this holds the brake fluid. Brake fluid runs through the brake lines and into each wheel of your car. The master cylinder ensures power is sent to all four brakes at an even rate. Most master cylinders have two reservoirs, each filled with brake fluid. This is a fail-safe mechanism to give more assurance that if there’s a leak or a blockage, all four wheels won’t be impacted at the same time. On a rear-wheel drive car, one reservoir feeds to the front while the other supplies the rear. On a front-wheel drive car, it uses a diagonally split system because the front brakes do most of the braking. That ensures there is one line to each of the front brakes, to lessen the likelihood of complete failure.

Brake lines – these are steel tubes that connect the master cylinder to each of the four brakes on your car’s wheels. This is how brake fluid moves from the reservoirs in the master cylinder to each of the brakes.

Brakes – there are two different kinds of braking systems: drum brakes and disc brakes.

Drum brakes have been on cars for over one hundred years. Drums are attached to each wheel, with two heat-resistant pads inside. As you press down on the brake pedal, brake fluid moves into the drum. It activates two small pistons that control the brake pads and pressing out against the brake drum. This process slows the car down. Drum brakes are inexpensive and can last a long time. You’ll likely find them on the rear wheels of the vehicle.

Disc brakes were developed to combat the biggest problem with drum brakes: heat. Drum brakes are self contained. As heat builds, it has nowhere else to go. If they get too hot, they can no longer create the friction necessary to slow and stop. Disc brakes work in the opposite direction, squeezing the brake pads in towards a metal disc attached to the wheel. This creates more pressure, thus creating friction. And because the brakes don’t reside in a drum, they don’t get as hot as drum brakes do.

Of course, there are other tiny parts that make a big impact too. This is an intricate system designed to keep you safe as you slow and stop.

Brakes can become compromised in all kinds of conditions. Brake damage or failure can result from things such as improper maintenance, ignoring maintenance altogether, low levels of brake fluid, worn out brake pads, or even undetected damage from an unknown source. Colorado driving conditions often exacerbate the situation, especially if you travel mountain roads regularly, drive in extreme weather conditions, or often pull trailers and other sports or camping equipment  that can take its toll on brake systems.

Watch for these signs

To avoid potential brake problems that can leave your passengers at a safety risk, watch for:

Strange noises – if you tap on the brake and hear a high pitched squeal, a scraping noise, or a grinding noise, it might be your brake pads coming in contact with the disc.

Pulling feeling – if you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or the other when you tap on the brake pedal, it can be one of your brakes isn’t working the same as the other. If your brake pedal sinks to the floor, or pulsates before braking begins, it’s a sign your brakes need maintenance and attention.

Slowing takes more time – if it takes longer to slow and stop, it indicates a problem with your brakes.

Warning lights – don’t ignore those tiny lights that appear on the dashboard from time to time. They’re there for a reason.

Do you have a problem with your brakes? Stay safe and schedule an appointment today.

Serpentine Belt Replacement

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Your serpentine belt is a long belt that’s driven by your engine.  It winds around several accessories that power important automotive systems.  Let’s go over them.

  • First, the serpentine belt drives your air conditioning system.
  • Next, the belt powers the alternator.
  • The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes.  In some vehicles, power steering may have an electric drive and power brakes can be vacuum driven.
  • On many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump ( on some cars, the water pump is powered by the timing belt).

Your service technician can perform a visual inspection of the belt to see if it has any cracks that signal the belt could fail soon and also measure the amount of belt material to make sure there is enough.

There’s a special, spring-loaded pulley attached to the engine called the tensioner pulley and sometimes an extra pulley called the idler pulley.  Their job is to make sure there’s a constant tension on the serpentine belt so that it doesn’t slip.  The spring can become worn and no longer provide the necessary pressure to keep the belt tight.  That’s why it’s often recommended that the tensioner, and the idler pulley, if so equipped, be replaced at the same time as the serpentine belt.

All in all, the serpentine belt’s an important part for the function of your vehicle and it’s not as expensive to replace as you might think.  So it’s good to do your serpentine belt replacement before it fails.

Give us a call and let us help you.

How Do I Check My Brake Pads?

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Think about how many times you count on your car’s brakes to do their jobs each day. You rely on them to stop you at the stop sign by your neighborhood elementary school. You rely on them in the parking lot at your local grocery store. You rely on them as you’re exiting the highway on your way to work.

What if they failed?

The consequences could be devastating. It’s the stuff action-thriller movies are made of. And while they may be fun to watch on Friday night, the last thing you want happening is to live it out in real life.

But how do you know when your brakes are no longer working? Can you check your brake pads and know they need replacing?How Do I Check My Brake Pads?

As your brake pads wear, they become thinner and won’t have the full stopping radius as when they were new. And that means your vehicle isn’t as safe for you or your occupants. If you can’t stop quickly, or it takes longer to come to a full stop, you’re more at risk.

How do I know if my brake pads are worn out?

Your vehicle has brakes on all four wheels of your car. It’s operated by a hydraulic system, which helps transmit force through the braking system with the use of braking fluid.

Even though your vehicle has brakes on all four wheels, it relies more on the front brakes for more stopping power. That’s because during the braking process, a car’s weight is shifted forward to the front wheels, meaning they need more braking power to bring the vehicle to a stop.

Most modern day vehicles use a disc brake system. A disc brake uses a disc to turn the wheel. This disc is straddled by a caliper, which uses tiny hydraulic pistons working to control the braking process.

These pistons push brake pads down against the disc on each side, causing friction to bring it to a stop. They are shaped in such a way as to cover a wide area of the disc.

When they’re new, this system works perfectly. But over time, many things can go wrong, including the brake pads wearing down. That’s why it’s important to periodically check your brake pads to ensure they are in great shape.

Before you do anything, be sure your brakes are cool. Even a quick trip out in your local community can make your brakes incredibly hot. Think about how much power it takes to stop your car over and over again as you zip along your neighborhood streets, parking, and returning home.

In some cases, you can tell your brake pads are having problems just by looking at your wheel. The next time you wash your car, spend a few minutes looking at your wheels. Do you notice a buildup of brake dust? This is normal. As brake pads wear down, the amount of brake dust begins to fade. Cleaner wheels mean less friction potential in your brake pads. And that can be a sign you might need new brake pads.

On many vehicles, you can see the brakes without removing the wheels. Take a peek between the holes in the wheel. To determine how much life is left on the brake pad, you will need to determine the thickness. You might need to pull out your flashlight to get a good look. If you think the pad has less than ¼ inch thickness left, it might be time to get them replaced.

Some brake pads have wear lines built into them. This is an indicator slot in the middle of the brake pad. If this slot is barely visible, or is no longer there, it’s time for new brake pads.

Other warning signs your brake pads need replacing

Not all warning signs are physical. In many cases, your brakes give you warning signs you can pick up on by driving and listening.

Have you ever pressed down on the brake pedal and heard a loud screeching noise? That’s your brake pads signaling their life is coming to an end. Your brakes have a metal shim built into them to provide you with an indicator. When this metal shim appears through brake wear, it pushes metal against metal, making that loud screeching noise. It’s loud enough you’ll hear it over your air conditioner or heater, or over the music from your radio. This warning gives you plenty of time to make it to the repair shop before you start experiencing brake failure.

You may also notice your brakes aren’t as responsive as they once were. Press down on the brake pedal; does it sink closer to the floor before you gain traction? That could be an indication of a leak within the braking system. It might be a problem with brake fluid, or possibly an air leak in the brake hose. Investigate further and see if you notice a tiny puddle of fluid underneath your car. This can be a telltale sign of a brake fluid leak.

A vibration in your brake pedal can all be signaling you have a problem with warped rotors. As you press down on the brake pedal, the warped rotors don’t connect perfectly with the brake pads; they are unable to grab the surface evenly. This gives a pulsating feeling as you continue to press down on the brakes.

You should also be watching your sensors on your dashboard. If the braking system light comes on, it’s your vehicle’s computer system telling you something is wrong. This is a sign to get to a repair shop when it’s convenient for you.

How many miles do you get out of brake pads?

In general, brake pads should be replaced around 50,000 miles. Of course, that’s just an estimate. It depends on a variety of things, including the make and model of your car. Some brakes may need replacing around 25,000 miles, while others may last as long as 70,000 or more. Consult your owner’s manual to find out the average for your vehicle.

Of course, this is just a rough estimate. It’s important to pay attention to the way your car handles, and notice when things don’t feel the way it should.

When in doubt, bring your car in for evaluation. It’s better to be safe than have a problem that could put you or your family in jeopardy. We’re here to help, from checking your brake pads, to full replacement of your brake system.

How Long Does It Take A Mechanic To Replace A Transmission?

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When you get in your car, turn the key, and everything runs smoothly, it’s easy to forget how many moving pieces are in your vehicle. But when your engine fires up and you hear noises, or your car runs rougher than normal, that’s when the questions begin.

  • What’s wrong?
  • Will I get safely to my final destination?
  • Is it something I can live with, or do I need to bring it into the shop right away?How Long Does It Take A Mechanic To Replace A Transmission?

Some things are easily remedied. Others, every time you start and move your car, you risk further damaging parts and systems.

Most cars on the road today have an automatic transmission. That means your car automatically switches gears as you increase and decrease your speed, without having to manually shift to get there. It allows you to focus on the road instead of worrying about what gear you’re in. Suffice to say, your transmission is an important system to make your car run properly.

Like other parts on your car, wear and tear can take its toll on the transmission. Eventually, it will stop working and leave you stranded unless it receives proper care along the way.

How do you know if your transmission is failing? 

  • Your transmission is slipping – Listen to your car as it switches gears. Does it feel like it’s changing gears at the wrong time?
  • Shift sticking – Is it increasingly harder to move out of park, to reverse, and to drive? If it feels like the gears are sticking, it’s a sign your transmission is failing.
  • Transmission fluid leak – Your transmission fluid should never leak. If you notice fluid beneath your car when you drive away, that’s a sign that it’s time for maintenance.

Like any other vehicle problem, the first step is having one of our repair technicians diagnose the problem and determine if parts can be repaired, or if they will need replacement.

Repair is easier and will take less time. Often, parts can be replaced quite easily, and you can drive away knowing you’ve stopped the problem in its tracks, and you’ll have many more miles down the road before you need to replace them altogether.

But in some cases, the damage is so severe, replacement is your only option. While transmissions can last a long time, they aren’t infallible. Other parts within the system fail too, causing more severe problems. In this case, your best course of action is to replace the transmission.

How long does it take to replace a transmission?

Even the sound of it makes you shake your head with worry. How can you go days without a car? What are your options while your car is in the shop?

The good news is quite often, it doesn’t take more than a day or two to replace a transmission. Of course, it depends on the model and make of your car, and the type of transmission it is. If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle that’s commonplace on the road, plan on being without your vehicle at least a day or two. If you have a front-wheel drive, the process can take longer as it’s quite labor-intensive. Estimate up to three to four days to ensure you give yourself plenty of time.

Better yet, stop by. The best way to get an estimate of how long it will take to replace a transmission is for us to see what type of vehicle you’re driving. Only then can we give you an accurate picture of how long it will take.

How often should I change my transmission fluid?

What makes your transmission run effectively is the transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is a slippery liquid that helps lubricate the gears. With an automatic transmission, it also acts as a coolant, and transmits power from the engine to the transmission.

Transmission isn’t as commonplace as gas or oil. You don’t replace it on a regular basis, such as with motor oil or windshield washer fluid. But it is part of routine maintenance for your vehicle, to ensure it has the longest life possible.

Most manufacturers of cars with manual transmissions suggest replacement of transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Manufacturers of vehicles with automatic transmissions suggest 60,000 to 100,000. In some cases, the transmission fluid never has to be replaced at all – doing so will actually cause more harm than good.

The biggest reason it should be changed is because of contamination over time. Every time you use your car, the systems kick into gear. Bearings and gears move and rotate. Parts start to wear out. Microscopic pieces of metal infiltrate the transmission oil, and shorten the life of your transmission. If the fluid isn’t clean, it can’t do its job as effectively as it did when it was new. Each piece corrodes the fluid a little bit more, until damage of other parts begins.

If you don’t change it regularly, you will shorten the transmission’s life. If you aren’t sure when it was last replaced, a good place to start is with a maintenance visit, where we check your entire system and make sure everything is operating in good condition. It will ensure that you can drive safely in the near future, and that every part is operating as it should.

Note: Transmission fluid isn’t like motor oil. Transmission fluid doesn’t burn up. If you are low on transmission fluid, you have a leak somewhere in the system. It’s time to fix it to avoid potential problems.

Know your options

There are a lot of ways to proceed when it’s time to replace your transmission. Your first choice isn’t always to install a new one. In some cases, rebuilding is a perfect solution. Replacing just part of the system can have you back on the road as good as new.

The key is to find a good repair shop to help you make your decision. We understand your transmission going out probably wasn’t in your budget plans.

We can give you all of your options and help you make the right choice for your situation. Our goal is to get you back on the road safely, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition. We’ll give you great advice, and help you make the right decision.

Stop by today for a free estimate. We look forward to working with you.

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