Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Question About Your Head Gasket

by

Express Car Care Tech Question:
My name is Landon.  I bought a new minivan and it started smoking out of the tail pipe.  My service center said my head gasket went out.  What can I do to prevent this from happening again?

Express Car Care Answer:

The head gasket fits between the top of the engine and the cylinder head.  Its job is to seal that connection and keep oil and coolant circulating in the right parts of the engine.

When it leaks, oil can get in the coolant and vice versa.  Sometimes coolant or engine oil can get into the combustion chamber where it gets burned with the fuel, which is what makes all the smoke that Landon was talking about.

He said his van was new, so it’s likely that the head gasket failed because it was improperly installed, which is very rare.  Sometimes they just burn through.

Engine overheating is a leading cause for blown head gaskets.  Following the schedule for cooling system service is a great way for drivers to avoid overheating.

Replacing a head gasket is a fairly expensive repair at most auto service shops.  It’s definitely worth investing in regular cooling system maintenance at Express Car Care to avoid that pricey repair job.  Ask your friendly and knowledgeable service adviser if it’s time for a cooling system service.

Battery Upgrades

by

When that car battery finally gives up the ghost and it’s time to replace it, drivers have options.  First, let’s be clear that you should always get a replacement battery that meets or exceeds your vehicle’s specifications.  But you may have some special needs.  When they first put the battery into your vehicle at the factory, they had no idea where it would end up or how you would use it where you drive.  That battery was chosen to meet the needs of a wide range of motorists.  Replacement time is a good opportunity to talk to your service adviser about how you use your vehicle, so if it’s necessary you can get  a battery upgrade.

An obvious criterion is where you live, whether in Colorado or somewhere else.  Cold starts require a lot of power from your battery.  The colder the climate, the more power is needed.  This comes from a combination of cold sluggish oil and the slower chemical reaction within the battery itself when it’s cold. If this sounds like you, talk to your service adviser about a battery with more Cold Cranking Amps (CCA).

The next consideration for drivers is reserve capacity.  This is the number of minutes of reserve power the battery has under a particular load,  If your driving is mostly short stop-and-go trips around town, your battery may not have time to fully recharge while driving.  You may need to tap into those reserves to get started again.  Also, modern vehicles have a lot of always-on systems that draw on the battery – things like the security system, remote sensors, and vehicle computers.  These combine with the electronic entertainment system, sensors, heated seats and even chargers for phones, tablets and computers to put a fairly high load on the battery.  Your service adviser can give you advice on the reserve capacity you might need.

Most standard batteries are “wet-cell”, meaning they are filled with liquid battery acid.  New Absorbed Gas Mat (AGM) batteries are “non-spillable”, which makes them safer.  They also have a longer life span and greater life cycle than wet-cell batteries.  Off-roaders like these batteries because their performance isn’t affected by steep inclines and odd angles.

Lastly, drivers should consider the warranty.  Premium batteries come with a longer warranty.  Warranties are typically either full-replacement (the battery is replaced if it fails within the warranty period) or pro-rated (a partial credit is given for the failed battery depending on how far into the warranty period you are when it fails).

Your service adviser can help you decide if a battery upgrade is right for you and which battery will best meet your needs.

Differential Service

by

When Denver drivers take a corner in their vehicle, the outside wheels have a slightly longer distance to go than the inside wheels.  That means that the outside wheels have to turn a bit faster than the inside.  The piece of mechanical wizardry that makes this possible is called the differential.

The differential allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds in turns without the wheel binding or hopping.  If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the differential is on the rear axle.  You’ve seen that bulge in the middle of the axle when you’re behind a truck…that’s the differential.

If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, the differential’s function is handled by your transaxle.  Of course, all-wheel drive vehicles have differentials on both axles.  They also have a center differential or a transfer case between the front and rear axles to compensate for speed differences between the front and rear.

Because all the power of the engine is transferred through the various differentials, you can imagine that they are very strong and are built to last a long time.  That’s why it’s important for drivers to keep their differential properly lubricated.  Differential fluid cools and protects the gears.

Your friendly and knowledgeable Express Car Care technician will check the differential fluid level and top it off if necessary.  With low fluid, the differential will run too hot and wear prematurely.  Ask your service adviser when it’s recommended to change your differential fluid.  Fresh fluid added during a differential service, will extend the life of your differential.  Your technician will also inspect the u-joints, which connect your drive shaft to the differential and may recommend service after the inspection.  Some u-joints can be lubricated as part of a routine lube, oil and filter change as well.

Drivers need to know that differentials will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.  You might notice a strange noise from your axle area as one of the first warning signs.  When the differential shows signs of failing, it’s time to repair it.  If you leave it unattended too long you run the risk of it freezing up when you’re driving and you could lose control of your vehicle.  Plus, other parts like the axle, driveshaft and transmission could be damaged.

Basic Car Maintenance Tips

by

Take care of your car and it will take care of you.  Following basic car maintenance tips can help you stay on the road and out of the repair shop.

Engine oil – Checking and changing the oil is critical in keeping today’s engines running properly and efficiently.  Follow your manufacturers guidelines for changing oil intervals, usually every 3,000 miles or three to six months.

Transmission fluid – Checking the transmission fluid is another vital item on the car maintenance list.  Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for change intervals, usually about every 30,000 miles.

Battery – Most car batteries today are maintenance-free, sealed, and can last more than three years.  The first sign your battery should be replaced is often when you have trouble starting the engine.

Tires – A car tire inflated to 35 pounds per square inch (psi) can lose one psi every month, or for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature change, so your car maintenance list should include checking tire pressure.  Also check your spare.  Rotate the tires every 6,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.  Replace them when they become worn, and have the alignment checked if the car pulls to either side when driving or if you notice uneven tire wear.

Engine coolant – Replace most engine coolant or antifreeze every 30,000 miles – or every two to three years.  Newer formulas, however, may last up to 50,000 miles.

Brakes and brake fluid – Have the brake fluid levels checked to ensure they are within tolerance.  How often you need to replace brake pads or other components depends on how you drive and typical driving conditions.  Warning signs of a brake problem include noise, vibration or “grabbing” when you apply the brakes.

Air filter – Basic car maintenance recommends changing your air filter each year or every 12,000-15,000 miles.  A clean air filter can help your engine “breathe” better and improve gas mileage and reduce harmful emissions.

Windshield wipers and wiper fluid – Windshield wiper care is one of the most neglected basic car maintenance tips.  Replace the blades every six to twelve months or whenever the rubber becomes worn.  Check the wiper fluid every couple weeks and keep it full.

What’s Wrong With This Car?

by

You’ve been looking forward to this trip for months.  The kids are excited.  You’ve even checked the pollen forecast, and you don’t anticipate any problems.  The rental car looks perfect.  You’ve reserved a four-wheel drive for this rugged adventure in the great outdoors.  You get inside, take a deep breath, and start the car.  Then it happens.

Your chest tightens and your head pounds.  Something in this car is triggering your allergies.  Between mold in the air-conditioning system and the formaldehyde in the leather seats, your perfect rental car seems custom designed to spike your symptoms.

Common allergens and irritants found inside the average car can make driving a challenge for people with allergies.  Dust mites and mold can grow in cars, and animal allergen – tiny particles of an animal’s shed skin, urine, and saliva – may linger for years.

Awareness is key to travel by car:  awareness of your own sensitivities, of the hazards you may encounter, and of the extra planning needed for a safe and pleasant trip.

Whether you’re driving your own car or a rental, take these steps to prepare:

  • Turn on the car’s air conditioner or heater and roll down the windows for at least ten minutes before getting in.  This will help remove dust mites and molds.
  • Make sure the car’s exhaust and fuel systems are in top shape, and that there are no fluid leakages, such as transmission, antifreeze, or power brake fluids.
  • Avoid exhaust fumes by driving in the early morning or late-night hours when there is less traffic.  Also drive on less-traveled routes.
  • Make sure the car has received detailed cleaning.
  • To reduce your exposure to airborne allergy triggers, have your car’s cabin air filter changed if it has one, (most newer models have them).  If not, consider running an air filter designed specifically for automobiles, which plugs into a car cigarette lighter socket, or wear a filter mask while driving.

More and more people suffer from allergies today than they ever have before, if you’d like more information on how to protect yourself, you can find this article and more on  Allergy9.com

 

Timing Chain

by

As your engine runs, the intake valves need to open up to allow air into the engine.  They remain closed while the air and fuel is compressed and ignited, powering the piston.  Then the exhaust valves open to release the exhaust.  This all has to be timed very precisely.  It is the job of the timing belt or chain to make sure all of this is synced up properly.

Timing belts are made of a very tough compound that can last for a long time.  Timing chains are made of metal and last for a very long time as well.  If your vehicle has a timing belt, your vehicle’s owner’s manual has a schedule for replacing the belt.  If your vehicle has a timing chain, there may not be a specified schedule for replacing it, but that doesn’t mean that the timing chain system is indestructible and never needs attention.

For example, the chain runs on sprockets on the crankshaft and the camshafts.  A broken tooth on a sprocket can cause the chain to slip.  When timing is off, even a little, your engine won’t run at all and could even be severely damaged.  There is also a tensioner that keeps appropriate pressure on the timing chain.  This keeps the chain tight while allowing it to absorb pulsations from the engine.  The tensioner can wear out.  There are also guide rails that keep the chain on the proper path that can become worn.

The bottom line is that at some time, one or more of the timing chain system components will become worn to the point that they are no longer performing within specifications.  Your service adviser can help you with recommendations for when timing chain components should be replaced on your vehicle and for signs of timing chain system wear.

Since timing chains and dozens of other parts, are lubricated by engine oil, smart drivers stay on top of regular oil changes to prolong their life.  Always use a high quality oil filter and oil of the recommended type and grade.

Power Steering Problems?

by

The power steering system in your vehicle is made up of several components that can cause problems after years of use.  Some of these problems might be easy to catch as soon as they begin, but others might be less obvious, forcing you to have major parts replaced.

Here are some steps you can take so you can catch those minor problems before they become more serious and costly.

  • Check the power steering fluid.  If your vehicle is hard to steer, it can be a sign of a low steering fluid level.  Most vehicles on the road have hydraulic power steering systems.  This means that pressurized fluid is used to help you do the work of steering.  A pump pressurizes the power steering fluid to provide the boost you need.  Other possibilities include worn suspension system parts and loose steering pump belt.
  • If you hear a whine or loud noise when you’re turning the steering wheel while the engine is running or while you’re driving, the belt might be slipping.  In some vehicles the pump is driven by the serpentine belt, while in others there is an electric pump.

The most common problem for vehicles is that over time, the steering fluid becomes contaminated and can actually cause leaks in the hoses and connections.  It becomes harder to steer and could even cause total failure of the power steering system.

Periodically, your service adviser may recommend you change transmission fluid, which involves removing the old, dirty fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.  This helps the power steering components last longer, maintains your vehicle’s steering performance and keeps you safely on the road.  Your technician will also have your system checked for leaks and the belt inspected for other pending needs, to help you avoid those pesky power steering problems.

Simple Answers: Water Pump

by

The cooling system in an engine has five components:  the radiator, the radiator cap, the hoses, the thermostat and the water pump.  The water pump is literally the heart of the system.  Just as your own heart keeps your blood circulating through your body, the water pump keeps coolant circulating through your engine.

The water pump is driven by a belt, chain or gear and only operates while the engine is running.  It has a limited life span and sooner or later will have to be replaced.  You can check your owner’s manual to find out how long your water pump should last.  Some can fail at only 40,000 miles, but almost all of them fail by 100,000 miles.

Water pumps can fail in two ways; they can spring a leak or their bearings fail.  Leaks can come from a cracked pump but usually develop at the gasket where the pump attaches to the engine.

If you hear a low-pitched grinding sound coming from the water pump, it’s time for a new one.  If you see coolant leaking in the area near the pump, it needs to be replaced.  Also, coolant on the driveway could indicate water pump failure.  Many water pumps aren’t visible because they’re under a plastic cover, so you may have to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop to know for sure if the water pump has failed.

If your water pump is run by the timing belt, then it should be replaced when you replace the belt.  Most timing belts need to be replaced at around 60,000 to 90,000 miles.  The labor for replacing a timing belt is about the same for replacing a water pump, so it’s cost-effective to take care of them both at the same time.

Also, if your water pump develops a leak (if it’s powered by a timing belt), you have to replace the timing belt as well since contamination by coolant fluid damages the belt.  It just makes sense for drivers to replace both of these parts whenever either one needs it.

Replacing a water pump is a car care issue that almost all of us face eventually.  They don’t last forever.  On the other hand, we can extend the life of most of the components of our vehicle through preventative maintenance.  Just as exercise and diet keep our heart healthy, regular inspections and fluid changes will keep our vehicles healthy.

Fuel Saving Tip: Check Engine Light

by

How long have you been enjoying the romantic glow of your Check Engine Light?  Hey, it isn’t there to create ambiance in your vehicle;  it’s a warning  that says something is wrong.

Fuel saving tip:  Many conditions that cause the check engine light to come on can affect your fuel economy, some very dramatically.  In newer vehicles it might be a problem with your gas cap not being screwed on tight enough (or a worn gas cap), causing the vehicle to fail the self-diagnostic evaporative emission test.  Always make sure you tighten your gas cap until it clicks.  A loose gas cap can cause a false sensor reading that will make the check engine light come on.  So if you verify that the gas cap is tight and that’s the problem, the light will turn off and everything will be fine within one or two days.

We advise drivers to resist the temptation to have someone “clear” the codes to turn off your vehicle check engine light.  This erases important diagnostic information that your service technician needs to diagnose the underlying problem for the check engine light or any other pending problems that may be stored in the computer.

So if your date’s eyes are smoldering in the reflected glow of the Check Engine Light, take this fuel saving tip and bring it in and have us check it out.

Springtime Vehicle Maintenance

by

Springtime is the perfect time to go through a vehicle maintenance checklist and get your car ready for the months ahead.  We’ve put this one together so you know what should be checked out.

  • Regular oil changes are very important for vehicle maintenance.  Clean oil in the engine keeps your vehicle running smoothly, so if it’s been a while, now is the time to change it.
  • Your vehicle’s cooling system needs maintenance.  Not only does it keep the engine from overheating but it also keeps it from freezing.  And since we experience springtime weather that can have both extremes, it’s important to have the system flushed and replaced with fresh coolant.
  • The terminals and cables on your battery should be inspected for wear or damage.  The battery fluid should also be checked along with the batteries ability to hold a charge.  If you’ve had the same battery for 4 years or more, you might want to have it replaced.
  • The tires on your vehicle should be checked to make sure they are in good condition and will provide the proper traction you need for springtime (rain, snow) driving.  Checking for proper tire pressure is another thing that will need attention.
  • Windshield wipers should be inspected and replaced if they are worn out and also refill the washer fluid reservoir.  With spring storms and dirt on the roads, sometimes we use our wipers more often than we thought we would.
  • If your car was built in the last decade, chances are good it has a cabin air filter.  This filter needs to be checked because it screens out dust and debris out of the air that’s entering your vehicle’s passenger compartment.  To improve the quality of the air you breathe while you drive, your cabin air filter should be changed.
  • Finally, the brakes on your vehicle should be checked.  If you haven’t had them checked in the last six months, now is the perfect time, because there’s no perfect time for the brakes to fail.

Vehicle maintenance can and should be done all the time, but if you haven’t started yet, springtime can be the perfect time for a new beginning.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks