Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Question on Your Transmission

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Express Car Care Tech Question:
My name is Suzanne.  We were taking a camping trip at our favorite state park over a three day weekend.  About halfway to our campsite, the transmission went out on our vehicle.  It took all weekend to get it towed out and to get back home.  What can I do to prevent transmission problems in the future?

Express Car Care Answer:  Transmission repairs can be expensive at auto service centers.  On top of that, Suzanne was in the back country, her vacation weekend turned into three days of car repairs.

First of all, vehicle transmissions are tough and durable.  All that needs to be done to maintain them is to replace the transmission fluid on schedule.  The fluid gets contaminated with bits of clutch plates and metal.  Dirty transmission fluid under pressure acts like liquid sandpaper, eating away at important gaskets and seals.  Then your transmission doesn’t shift as well.  It can start to leak and overheat, and then you could end up in a situation like Suzanne.

Another thing to consider:  if you carry heavy loads, or are towing a trailer on the highway or up mountain passes, your transmission is working much harder and running hotter than under normal conditions.  Your transmission fluid may need to be changed sooner.  Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for your severe service schedule or talk with your helpful and knowledgeable pros about when you should have your transmission serviced.  If you’re planning a trip that you know you will be doing some towing or other severe driving, make sure to have your transmission fluid checked before you head out.  It’s always better to be safe, rather than sorry.

Trust Your Vehicle to Us

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Your vehicle is much more to you than a transportation appliance.  It gets you to work, helps you take care of errands, goes on dates, and takes you on vacations.  You could almost say it’s part of the family, or maybe a business partner.  You rely on your vehicle for so many things.  We understand how important your car or truck is to your life.  And we want you to know that you can trust your vehicle to us.  You can rely on us to do all that we can to keep you safely on the road.

We put special focus on preventative maintenance.   Taking care of the routine things is what will help your vehicle last longer, perform consistently, retain its safety, and help prevent breakdowns and repairs.  You can trust your vehicle to us when it’s sidelined.  We’ll do everything we can to get it back in the game as quickly as possible.

To us, keeping your trust requires investing in our employees, their training, and equipment.  When we do that, we can keep our promise of high-quality, convenient service and repair that’s done right the first time.

We appreciate the confidence you have in us and we want to continue to earn it every time you bring your vehicle in for service.  We’d like for you to think of us first for all your car care needs.

Rotate Your Tires

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Rotate Your TiresTire rotation is an important maintenance duty that extends the life of your tires and ensures safe driving.  Let’s take a look at this simple and effective procedure.

The main reason to rotate your tires is because the front and rear tires wear differently.  Think about it, parallel parking, three-point turns, with each turn of the steering wheel there is pressure put on the front tires.  This is even more true for front-wheel drive vehicles.  Resistance causes friction, friction produces heat.  The result?  The front tires will wear quicker than the rear.  Because of this, it’s necessary to rotate your tires front-to-rear several times during their life cycle.

The best indicator that it’s time to rotate your tires is uneven tread wear.  If you look closely at your tires, is the inside or outside of one tire showing more wear than the other?  Because the weight of a car isn’t evenly distributed to all four corners, uneven tread wear is unavoidable.  Most engines are located in the front of the vehicle and since the engine is the heaviest thing in it, the front tires carry more weight.  All of these factors contribute to the front tires wearing out faster than the rear tires.  When we rotate the tires, each tire is being moved to a different corner of the car to make it possible for them to wear more evenly.  Other indicators that the tires need to be rotated are poor handling when braking your vehicle, or poor tire traction in wet or slippery road conditions.

A general rule of thumb for rotating tires is every 3,000 to 7,000 miles.  But your vehicle’s manufacturer’s manual will have recommended rotation times.  Keeping a log of when you’ve had tire rotations can help you stay up to date.  Keep the log in your glove compartment for a quick and easy reference.

Proper Grade of Gas

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Proper Grade of GasThere are a lot of misconceptions about fuel grades-and by fuel grades, I mean, the octane rating.  Names like “Standard”, “Super”, “Plus”, and “Premium”, lead people to believe that the octane rating/grade is associated with quality.  Octane ratings are expressed as a number that typically ranges from 87 to 91 at the pump.  The number doesn’t mean “better” but rather signifies the appropriate grade of fuel for a particular engine.

Octane is a measure of gasoline’s ability to resist igniting before the spark plug goes off.  Gasoline and air are compressed in the engine’s combustion chamber.  When the pressure reaches a certain point, the gas will spontaneously ignite.  You don’t want that to happen; you want the spark plug to ignite the fuel at precisely the right time.  When the gas ignites prematurely, the piston will try to go down while it is still being pushed up by the crank shaft and you will hear a pinging or knocking sound.  That sound is metal banging into other metal which isn’t suppose to happen.  As you can imagine, this can lead to expensive damage.

Because engines have different designs, they have different compression ratios.  An engine with a high compression ratio needs gasoline with a higher octane rating to prevent premature combustion.  Also, turbo-charged or super-charged engines have higher pressure in the engine and often require higher octane gas.  The bottom line is that your vehicle has a recommended octane rating – often on a sticker in the gas cap area – and you should always use at least the octane number recommended.  Using a lower octane rating than recommended could cause engine damage.  Using a higher octane rating than recommended won’t have any noticeable power of efficiency benefit in modern engines.

Now, just because the octane number doesn’t measure quality, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a quality difference in gasoline.  The government mandates that all gas have a minimum level of detergent added to keep the engine and critical fuel system, and emission components, clean and operating efficiently over the long haul.  Top tier gasoline will have many times the minimum level of detergent.  To give you an idea of how important that is, all U.S. automakers use top tier gasoline in their government mandated 100,000 mile durability tests.  Good quality fuel is critical to long life of engine components.

No matter what kind of gasoline you use, there will be some carbon build up on your valves, pistons, fuel injectors, etc.  This is especially prevalent on the intake valves of the GDI (gasoline direct injection) engines that are found in more and more vehicles today.  Because the gas is injected directly into the combustion chamber in these engines and the detergents in the fuel don’t wash over the intake valves, a professional fuel system cleaning is needed to clean and restore the efficiency of this fuel system and to keep your fuel economy up.

Ask your service adviser it it’s time for a professional fuel system cleaning.

 

Oxygen Sensor

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Oxygen SensorMany people hear the term “Oxygen Sensor” and figure it must have something to do with sensing oxygen, but don’t really know much beyond that.  Let’s break it down:  your vehicle has an oxygen sensor in the exhaust manifold that measures how much unburned oxygen there is in the exhaust.  The sensor reports its findings to the engine control unit (ECU), which knows how much oxygen there should be in the exhaust.  Based on that information, the ECU will adjust the amount of fuel it sends to the engine.

This feedback and adjustment loop continues non-stop.  The goal is to have the optimal air to fuel ratio for performance, efficiency, and to lower harmful emissions.

There is a second oxygen sensor located in the exhaust pipe behind the catalytic converter.  It too measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust, after it has been treated by the catalytic converter.  As the measurement is reported back to the ECU, the computer compares the oxygen levels before and after the catalytic converter to determine if the converter is still functioning properly.

So, 4-cylinder vehicles have two oxygen sensors.  V-6 and V-8 engines have four sensors, two for each bank of cylinders.  As you can imagine, the oxygen sensor lives and functions in a pretty hot environment so they will wear out over time.  Substances in the exhaust can also damage them leading to failure.  Outside elements like water and road salt can corrode an oxygen sensor and when the sensor goes bad it needs to be replaced.

You may be interested to know that oxygen sensors are often replaced needlessly.  When the oxygen sensor returns a measurement that is out of the specified range, it may trigger a trouble code in the ECU and the check engine light is illuminated.  Inexperienced do-it-yourselfers or part store employees may misinterpret a trouble code that reports an out of range sensor reading.  That could mean that the sensor is bad, but it could also mean that the sensor is accurately reporting a condition caused by some other malfunction.  A skilled diagnostician can sort this out and will only replace the oxygen sensor when it has truly gone bad.

When you have a check engine light come on and stay on, it’s good advice to have it checked out by a qualified service technician at Express Car Care.  The cause may be minor or quite significant, so it’s best to play it safe and let the professionals check it out.

Essential Engine Maintenance Tips

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Essential Engine Maintenance TipsAs we all know, the engine is as important to a car as a heart is to a human body.  Therefore, it’s important to keep the engine finely tuned so you’ll have trouble free performance, as well as longevity.  Still, engine maintenance is one of the most neglected aspects of the overall maintenance of a vehicle.  Here are five essential engine maintenance tips that if you follow, you can not only keep up the performance of the engine, but you can also keep your pockets safe from costly engine repair bills.

  1. Regular Oil Change:  This is the most important and a must follow engine maintenance tip.  We should strictly follow the oil change schedule provided by the manufacturer in order to keep the lubrication level at its proper place.  The engine oil catches metal particles and dirt, and if not kept at the right levels and changed at the right time, it can negatively affect the life of the engine.
  2. Avoid Rough Driving:  We should avoid driving our vehicles roughly and should practice engine friendly driving habits, like using proper speed-gear combinations and avoid overheating the engine.
  3. Maintaining Fluid Level:  The cooling system maintains the engine temperature and keeps it safe from overheating.  Maintaining the proper fluid level in the cooling system is very important and should be checked and refilled on a regular basis.
  4. Listen to Your Vehicle:  Keep a close eye and ear on the performance of every component and as soon as you hear any unusual sound coming from the engine, have it inspected.  Even a faulty spark plug or a dirty air filter can prove harmful for an engine.  These parts should be repaired or replaced as soon as you suspect a problem in any one of them.
  5. Regular Service:  We should strictly follow the service schedule recommended by the manufacturer.  This service includes checking, repairing, cleaning, replacing many of the essential components of the engine.  By staying on top of these essential engine maintenance tips, we can improve the performance and increase the life of our vehicle’s engine.

Axles

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AxlesQuestion:
I hear a clunking sound from my front wheel when I make a turn.  What could be the problem?

Express Car Care Answer:  One possible cause of the problem is a worn axle.  Front-wheel drive vehicles have axles that transfer power from the transmission to your front wheels.  There is one for each front wheel.  These axles are called constant velocity axles or CV axles for short.  Rear-wheel drive vehicles have axles that are in back and run between the differential and the rear wheels.  Then there are all-wheel drive vehicles which have an axle at each wheel.

When a front CV axle goes bad, it will make a clunking noise as you make a slow turn.  When a rear axle goes bad, the clunking or moaning sound will be in the back.  No, there really isn’t any preventative maintenance you can have performed to make your axles last longer, but you can have them inspected from time to time to see if a problem such as a leaking seal or torn protective boot has arisen.  Sometimes finding the problem early will make the repair easier and less costly.

Of course, axles do wear out and need to be replaced.  This is dangerous and should not be put off by drivers, because a severely worn axle can seize up causing damage to your transmission or other components.  This could even lead to an accident for any driver who ignores a worn axle.

If you suspect an axle problem, have it looked at right away.  Ask your friendly and knowledgeable service adviser at Express Car Care if it’s time for your axle to be replaced.

Ball Joints

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Most drivers in Denver know that ball joints are an important part of the suspension system.  Visualize a ball attached to a spindle, with the ball enclosed in a cup.  This allows the joint to move in several directions, kind of like the way your hip works.

Most vehicles have two or four ball joints on the front, depending on the type of suspension system.  The joint allows the wheels to move up and down as the tires go over bumps, as well as allowing the wheels to turn as you steer.  The ball joints are continuously working and are subject to normal wear.  Most ball joints on modern vehicles are maintenance free, meaning they are sealed and cannot be lubricated.  Once the lubricant breaks down or leaks out due to a broken seal, the ball joint will wear more quickly.  Ball Joints

You may hear a clicking or popping sound from a corner of the vehicle when turning and /or going over bumps as a ball joint is failing.  Your steering may begin to feel sloppy or stiff, depending on how the joint is wearing.  You may even feel vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds.  Unusual tire wear is also a sign of a problem.

It’s important to replace worn ball joints BEFORE they fail.  Once it fails, the joint may not be able to constrain the steering angle of a wheel, causing you to lose control.

Your owner’s manual calls for periodic suspension system inspections.  The ball joints are an important component that will be inspected for safe function.  We can check to see if you are due for a suspension system inspection or ask you service adviser for an inspection if you are experiencing any of the signs of ball joint wear.

 

Tracking True

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Tracking TrueWheel alignment is often overlooked by busy car owners until serious tire damage has been done.  One wheel can be knocked out of alignment from the others by hitting a curb or a pothole in the road.

The tires will wear out very quickly and will need to be replaced prematurely.  It could also lead to suspension damage.  Conversely, worn suspension or steering components can lead to alignment problems for motorists.

But the big issue for drivers is safety.  When your wheels are out of alignment, the vehicle will pull to one side, which could lead to an accident.  When you’re out of alignment, you should have it taken care of right away.

Signs of alignment problems are:  Your car pulls to one side.  Also, your steering wheel may not be centered when you’re going straight.  If you see the edges of one or more tires rapidly wearing down, your should have your service adviser look it over.

If you’ve been in an accident that involved a wheel, you should get your alignment checked.  A big jolt can seriously throw things out of alignment, but drivers also need to understand that a series of smaller ones can add up.  Worn steering or suspension components can also lead to alignment problems for drivers.  That’s why your vehicle manufacturer recommends periodic alignment checks.

If your owner’s manual doesn’t specify, once a year might be appropriate, or check with your service adviser.  He’ll be able to tell you if your vehicle requires a four wheel alignment or if it’s just the front wheels that can be aligned.

One thing is for sure, the cost of an alignment is cheaper than having to buy new tires because of neglect.

 

Thermostat

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ThermostatThe thermostat on your vehicle is an important part of your cooling system.  Your thermostat performs a similar function to the thermostat in your home.  At home, you set your thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature range.  When your home gets too hot, the air conditioning kicks on and when it gets too cool, then the heater.

Now your engine also has an optimal temperature range:  warm enough to run efficiently, and not so hot as to cause engine damage.  Your vehicle’s thermostat is a valve between the engine and the radiator.  When you first start a cold engine, the valve (thermostat) is closed, allowing the coolant surrounding the engine to warm up to the proper operating temperature.  As the coolant gets hotter, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow through to the radiator to be cooled.  The thermostat opens and closes to keep the engine within a certain temperature range.

Now thermostats are rated for a specific temperature depending on the engine – not a one size fits all proposition.  Thermostats are subject to normal wear.  Proper operation depends on a special wax that expands as it heats up, to open a spring-loaded valve.  A worn thermostat could stick in the open position causing the engine to run too cool.  This is inefficient and could hurt performance and fuel economy.  If a thermostat sticks in the closed position, the engine can quickly overheat, possibly causing damage.

There isn’t a specific maintenance routine for the thermostat, but maintaining your cooling system by changing your coolant/antifreeze on schedule will make sure the coolant has enough corrosion inhibitors to protect the thermostat and other vital system components.  Cooling system experts recommend replacing your thermostat when you do a coolant flush or exchange.  Also, thermostats usually wear out faster than your hoses, so if you need to replace worn hoses, replace the thermostat at the same time.

If your temperature warning light comes on, have your cooling system inspected right away.  This could be a thermostat problem.  The thermostat could also be the culprit if you aren’t getting hot air when you turn on your heater.

The thermostat is a relatively inexpensive part that stands guard between you and catastrophic engine damage.  Follow your owner’s manual instructions, or check with your service adviser to see if it’s time for a cooling system inspection or service.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmission Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks