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After Buying a Used Car – Fix These Used Car Problems

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So you’ve bought a new-to-you car. You’re happy with your purchase. You researched the make and model, and scoured over the “for sale” section for weeks. After hours of searching and negotiating, the used car is yours. Now what? 

The price of used cars is skyrocketing all across America. A recent study found that the average used car price was $29,011, up 39 percent from just a year before. 

With prices rising, you may bid quickly on a used car, trying to secure its purchase. That also puts you at a greater risk of investing in a used car that may have problems. 

With a fast purchase process, how do you know? After buying a used car, your best course of action is to take it in for a thorough inspection. It’s a great way to get to know your used car a little better, and have a better understanding of its condition. 

Taking your car in for a maintenance inspection

When you purchase a used car, your first thought might be to take it out on the open road and see how it drives. It’s new to you, appears to run well, and you’re excited about having reliable transportation. 

Yet before you park it in the garage and return to daily living, take some time to ensure you made a sound purchase. Schedule a maintenance inspection with one of our mechanics. 

A good place to start is with an oil change. This will help you develop a pattern with your car, and start you on the road to success. Vehicles need fresh oil every 5,000 miles or so to ensure they operate well. This will also put you in charge of what type of oil your car uses, and ensure quality throughout.

After Buying a Used Car - Fix These Used Car Problems

From there, by alerting a mechanic that you’re the new owner, they will be able to move through the car carefully, evaluating different systems for safety and security. 

A diagnostic test will ensure the technology is working well. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure every system operates at its best levels. 

Fluid checks are a great place to start

A mechanic may also test each fluid level to ensure they are in good condition. If you don’t know when they were last changed, it’s a good way to move forward. Other fluids to check include:

Coolant – coolant (also known as antifreeze) plays an important role in keeping your engine at operating temperature. Check with your owner’s manual for more details, but in general, manufacturers recommend flushing and replacing your coolant every one to two years. Some models use extended life antifreeze, which may last up to five years. 

Brake fluid – brake fluid is important to the overall health of your brake system. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked fluids for replacement. Over time, brake fluid becomes contaminated with particles that compromise the fluid. This reduces the stopping power of the car, which puts you and your passengers at risk. A mechanic can evaluate the risk inside your brake system, and help you make the right call. It is typically replaced every two years or so, depending on the make and model of your car. 

Transmission fluid – does your car’s make or model have a history of transmission problems? Why not start it out right and replace the transmission fluid now. Fluid replacement is necessary around 60,000 miles for most vehicles. But if you aren’t sure of how the car was handled by the previous owner, it’s a good idea to replace it now. A higher mileage used car is the perfect candidate for a transmission fluid replacement. It prevents future breakdowns on the road. 

Used car problems – fix them early

When you invest in a used car, you hope to have a reliable car for years to come. Initial maintenance checks are a great way to ensure it doesn’t leave you stranded by the side of the road. 

What’s the most critical system on a vehicle? Arguably, many would state the braking system ranks high on the list. Imagine coming home from a day of skiing and the braking system stops working. Yep, it’s easy to see how vital brakes can be. 

That’s reason enough to let a professional mechanic look at the braking system of your new used car. 

Start with the obvious – the tires. If the seller shined them up, defects may be a bit hidden. A mechanic knows what to look for, and will spot potential problems. They will check the date the tires were manufactured, and inspect them for signs of damage. If they’ve been sitting for a while without moving, they may have cracks on the sidewalls. A mechanic can pick up on these nuances and give you a better idea of what to watch for. 

From there, they will test brake pads, brake rotors, and ensure the hydraulics are working well. They can alert you to how much brake pad is left, to give you a better idea of when they’ll need replacing in the future. 

Mileage – it tells a lot

Every part of your car has a lifespan. The more mileage on your vehicle, the more parts will need replacing. 

With a new car, every part starts at the beginning. They wear down as you operate under normal driving conditions. 

But with a used car, you have no idea how the previous owner maintained the vehicle. Were they proactive? Or did they wait for maintenance problems to surface? 

When you invest in a used car, you’re choosing your starting point. You receive the vehicle as is, but you’re in control of how well it operates in the future. 

If you want your used car to last for years to come, the best course of action is to err on the side of maintenance, and choose to invest in repair work now. 

A full inspection will help you determine what parts to replace now, and give you a schedule of what to replace in the future. Having a professional mechanic on your side will create a routine that allows your used car to be in the best shape possible, now and well into the future. 

Did you recently buy a used car? Congratulations!

Let us help you get the longest life possible from your purchase. Schedule your used car inspection today.

Why a Car Overheats When The AC Is On

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If you had to choose one accessory on your vehicle that you simply couldn’t live without, what would it be? The radio? Heated seats? Air conditioning?

On a 95-degree day, no matter where it fell on your list before, chances are the AC moved quickly to the top. 

You’re stuck in traffic. You have a meeting to get to. The temperature keeps climbing up, up, up!

You turn up the AC unit one more notch. The cool air feels great. 

And then suddenly, everything changes. You feel it in your car’s behavior. The cool air isn’t so cool. The temperature gauge starts to climb. You hear noises that weren’t there before. You play around with buttons and dials, trying to find the cause. 

You’ve determined the car overheats when the AC is on. 

Why is your car overheating when the AC is on?

There are several reasons why a car might overheat when the AC is on and running full blast trying to keep you cool. The likely causes include:

It could be an AC compressor overload. When you turn the AC on, the compressor starts to work with the engine to move and compress the refrigerant cylinders, which builds pressure inside the engine. A car’s air conditioner draws significant power from the engine. If you’re putting a high load on the compressor and it isn’t in top shape to perform the task, eventually, it will make the car overheat. A high load will damage the AC compressor over time, preventing it from blowing cold air out into the passenger compartment. If this continues to fester, the car engine can overheat, causing more problems within the engine compartment over time.  

Why a Car Overheats When The AC Is On

It could be a malfunctioning cooling system. It’s one of the most common reasons for an overheating car. Problems often start small, such as a leak in the radiator. It’s running out of water and needs refilling to keep it operational. It might be a buildup of dirt or debris in the radiator, preventing fluids from moving smoothly throughout the system. Take a look at the radiator; do you notice corrosion or other buildup on the surface? While the radiator can be washed off with a low stream of water, it might also be a sign of a bigger problem. Bringing it in for a full inspection will help pinpoint the situation to determine what repairs will get it back to working condition. 

It could be a problem with the fan. A lot of city driving is based on sitting in traffic, waiting at stop lights, and idling. If the air isn’t flowing correctly into the radiator, it can overheat. It can be caused by several things, including a blockage in the fins, a faulty electric fan, fan clutch, or fan switch. If you notice the car overheating more during idle situations, the engine fan probably is clogged or dirty, with lowered levels of airflow throughout the system. 

It could be the radiator. The radiator is designed to pass coolant into the engine. That’s why the radiator plays an important role in your car’s overall functionality. If the radiator works correctly, it passes coolant over metallic fins into the engine, which helps the vehicle operate properly. If this process has any faults in the system, the coolant is disrupted, which leads to problems within the cooling system. Suppose you start to see the engine temperature climbing after you turn on the AC. In that case, it’s a good idea to check the radiator and ensure the various components operate as designed. 

It could be a problem with the coolant temperature sensor. Today’s modern cars are built with multiple sensors to help alert you to potential problems before they impact the functionality of the vehicle. While it’s rare that a coolant temperature sensor would go out and allow the car to overheat, if you’ve considered other possibilities and still can’t find the problem, this is worth checking out. The coolant temperature is measured by the sensor and compared to the temperature within the dashboard system. If there is a discrepancy in the readings, it could cause the dashboard light to illuminate, signaling a problem. If it reads normal, but the temperature still continues to climb, it could also be a malfunction in the thermostat. To fix the thermostat or the coolant temperature sensor, bring your vehicle to a professional mechanic for replacement. 

It could be a fault in other components. Every time you drive your vehicle, it can be impacted by many different things:

  • The environment
  • The weather
  • Potholes
  • Bumps
  • Extreme heat
  • Extreme cold
  • Sudden stops
  • Urban driving conditions 

The list is never-ending. Parts wear out, sometimes in a manner you might not expect. You can be diligent with your routine maintenance, carefully watch manufacturer’s suggestions to replace parts at peak times, and still experience sudden problems with different components in your car. 

If the compressor, condenser, evaporator, or refrigerant aren’t in proper working condition, they will impact the way your AC unit functions. And when the temperatures start to climb, it leads to the engine overheating. 

What to do if the car overheats

Sometimes you can do everything right and the engine still overheats. The first thing you should do is turn the AC system off, and pull over to a safe spot off of the road. 

Do not try to open the hood of the car, especially if you see smoke coming from around. Steam is scorching, and can severely damage your hands, eyes, and face. 

If it’s a one-time problem, solutions can include:

  • Cleaning the radiator – it’s one of the most common reasons for overheating, especially if it’s clogged and antifreeze and water can’t pass through to the engine. 
  • Checking the compressor – if you hear any noise coming from the compressor, bringing it in for inspection will ensure it’s operating properly. 
  • Flushing the cooling system – if coolant is low or is compromised, it isn’t working as it should. A coolant flush will ensure proper antifreeze levels are topped off inside the system. 
  • Check the refrigerant – this is an essential ingredient to help keep your AC unit functional. If refrigerant levels haven’t been checked in a while, a visit to a professional mechanic will ensure its functioning. 

Final words

With over 10,000 parts, every component works together to perform well under all the driving conditions you incur each day. When you notice a change in the way your vehicle drives, it’s a sign it’s time for an inspection. 

Finding the solution early can fix the problem before it escalates into something bigger and more expensive. If you notice an issue with your AC unit, bring it in today so we can check it out. 

We’ll have you back on the road in no time. 

The Most Common Sensors Used In Your Car’s Engine

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A car’s engine can be considered the central component that gives a vehicle the power to move. An internal combustion engine creates tiny, contained explosions to produce the energy necessary for movement. And while many refer to it as a car engine, it’s actually made up of several individual components all working together simultaneously. Engine sensors give it precision, ensuring the car engine works seamlessly as it ages. 

A car engine is designed around sealed, metal cylinders. Most vehicles today have between four and eight cylinders, which are made to open and close precisely as fuel and air enter with a spark for burning internally, exhausting the gasses produced outside. While there are many separate components, the essential include:

  • Engine block – the core of the engine 
  • Pistons – transfers energy created from combustion to the crankshaft to help propel the vehicle 
  • Crankshaft – the crankshaft turns the pistons up and down at engine speed
  • Camshaft – the camshaft regulates the timing of opening and closing of the valves, and the up and down motion of the crankshaft to control the movement of the pushrods and valves. 
  • Cylinder head –  is attached to the engine through cylinder bolts, sealed within the head gasket. It contains many of the internal parts of the engine and controls the passageways that allow airflow into the cylinders and exhaust back out. 
  • Timing belt/chain – the camshaft and crankshaft need precise timing to work properly. The timing belt/chain provides the action. 

While each of these components and systems are designed to work seamlessly together, modern day vehicles also use sensors for more precise movement. Modern car engines have up to 30 separate sensors to keep everything running properly, to control everything, and ensure optimal performance. 

The Most Common Sensors Used In Your Car’s Engine

Not every vehicle will come with the same type of sensors. Yet some are more universal, meaning you can find them across the board. The most common sensors in a car engine include:

Engine oil level sensor

One of the most common sensors is the engine oil level sensor. This sensor measures the oil levels inside the engine, ensuring it’s operating at safe capacity. If the oil drops below a certain level, the sensor will catch it and illuminate an oil level warning light on your dashboard. This sensor is often located at the bottom of the oil pan, which requires draining the engine oil in order to replace it. 

Engine oil pressure sensor

The engine oil pressure sensor is similar to the oil level sensor. It measures the oil pressure from the oil pump. It’s located at the engine block, often near the fuel filter.  These can often crack with age, which can cause a leak before it malfunctions. In most cases, people notice this when it illuminates on the dashboard. 

Coolant temperature sensor

A coolant temperature sensor monitors the coolant temperature, which is a great way to determine how efficient your engine’s overall temperature is. If an engine gets too hot, damage can occur. In newer cars, this coolant temperature monitors the inside temperature and can turn the engine off if the temperature gets too high.  

Mass airflow sensor

This sensor measures the amount of air flowing into the engine. It’s a computerized device that regulates the volume and density of air being moved throughout the system. It also ensures fuel is taken into the engine at the proper level. It’s located on the intake hose between the intake manifold and the air filter. 

Oxygen sensors

Oxygen sensors measure the air-fuel mixture from the exhaust, and determine how effective the catalytic converter is. One oxygen sensor measures air effectiveness before it enters the catalytic converter, and the other measures effectiveness after. If not enough emissions control is performed during the process, it alerts you via the check engine light on the dashboard. 

Knock sensors

Engine knock is a severe problem in combustion engines. It’s caused when the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder does not result in detonation and ignition from the spark plug. A knock sensor is there to ensure the engine doesn’t suffer from detonation, or the knocking process of not igniting correctly. A knock in the car engine can cause extensive damage to the internal parts. The knock sensor focuses this process and alerts you to a potential problem.

Crankshaft/camshaft position sensors

Engine timing relies on the crankshaft and camshaft executing in perfect tune. Position sensors time both to ensure they move together, always knowing where the other one is. If those positions are off even a fraction of a percent, you need to know as soon as possible. Having sensors on both the crankshaft and camshaft ensures both are in the proper position every time they move. 

Engine speed sensor

This sensor is attached to the crankshaft, and is responsible for monitoring the spinning motion. This controls fuel injection as well as timing for when the engine runs. This sensor ensures the car won’t stall or spin out of control while driving down the road. 

Manifold absolute pressure sensor

The manifold absolute pressure sensor measures the pressure in the manifold. It further supports the mass airflow sensor by measuring how much air makes it into the engine. This is critical to fuel-injection engines as it optimizes the air-fuel ratio for optimal performance. 

Exhaust temperature sensor

Depending on the make and model of your car, you may have one to four exhaust sensors designed to measure exhaust gas temperature before and after the particle filter. It controls engine conditions and effectively reduces emissions. 

Summary

While these aren’t all the sensors located throughout the engine compartment, it’s a list of just some of the sensors you’ll find in a vehicle. These are some of the more common sensors, and are likely to be the ones you’ll encounter problems with. 

While dashboard lights may be a bit annoying when they illuminate frequently, they are designed to alert you to problems as they arise, before they escalate into more significant problems. It’s the perfect way to fix an issue before it has the chance to destroy your car. 

What engine sensors have you had a problem with in the past? 

How Heat Impacts Your Transmission

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Living in Colorado means you’ll never have a dull moment when it comes to the weather. One day may see snow and cold, followed by record-breaking heat that leaves you sweltering under the sun. 

Imagine how your car feels as it hits the hot pavement, sitting in traffic, heat moving all around it. Heat impacts a lot of things: the tires, the engine, gas mileage. But it also impacts something you might not think much about: your transmission. 

What is a transmission?

Your car’s transmission is one of the most critical components. It’s what moves power from the engine to the wheels. It’s what makes your car go. 

Most modern vehicles today use an automatic transmission. If you drive a high-performance vehicle, you may still have a manual transmission in place – a stick-shift requiring you as the driver to take the necessary steps to move the gears into place. 

With a manual transmission, the driver pushes in a clutch and selects the proper gear. It uses a flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch to disengage the transmission from the engine. This flywheel and pressure plate are connected to the engine, with the clutch between to connect the transmission. Every time you shift, you push the clutch to disengage the clutch from the engine, before moving into proper gear.  

Automatic transmissions don’t use clutches to change gears. Instead, they rely on a torque converter to move to the appropriate gear as you pick up speed and slow down. 

Is the transmission overheating?

One of the most common reasons for transmission failure is overheating. Luckily, transmissions give tell-tale signs of overheating before catastrophic failure occurs. If you notice the symptoms and take quick action, it can be the difference between a quick fix and total transmission failure. 

How Heat Impacts Your Transmission

For an overheating transmission, you might notice:

  • A hesitation or delayed gear shift as you are driving
  • A grinding or shaking sensation that occurs while idling or accelerating
  • The gears “slipping” when accelerating or slowing down
  • A sudden burning odor inside and outside the vehicle

Any one of these signs is a warning to bring your car in for inspection quickly to avoid bigger problems. 

How higher heat impacts our vehicle’s transmission

If you notice more vehicles by the side of the road during high heat, there’s a reason for that. 

Even the most powerful cooling system in the world has a hard time standing up to high heat. You see it in your home with your air conditioner. You see it in your car with the way it operates. If the weather is hot and dry, it creates more heat in and around the engine compartment. It works hard to try and stay cool. The added stress of city driving can do more harm, especially if the transmission is under pressure. 

Low or bad transmission fluid – transmission fluid is one of those additives that you don’t think much about because it isn’t like motor oil where you change it regularly. Most vehicles on the road today require transmission fluid changes every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on if you drive a manual or automatic vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for more details. Transmission fluid keeps the transmission lubricated and ensures the components operate at an optimal rate and temperature. If the transmission fluid is running low, or has been compromised, it will cause the transmission to overheat. 

Radiator or cooling system problems – the radiator and cooling system are responsible for keeping the vehicle cool regardless of what the outside temperature is, the driving distance, or how much pressure is placed on the vehicle. If the radiator or cooling system have issues, it leads to problems in other areas of your vehicle, including the transmission. 

Solenoid issues – a failing transmission may also be caused by a problematic solenoid. A solenoid is an electro-hydraulic valve that helps regulate fluid flowing in and out of the transmission. If the solenoid goes bad, it prevents the transmission fluid from flowing freely through the system. This leads to a transmission possibly overheating, and eventually, total failure. 

Transmission sensor problems – today’s modern cars have sensors throughout the vehicle regulating action and inaction. The transmission uses multiple electric sensors to help it run smoothly and regulate the entire system’s operations. If any one of these sensors goes bad, it can be enough to allow issues to start building within the transmission. If not caught and replaced early, it can lead to overheating.  

How to keep transmission from overheating

Like other systems within your vehicle, maintenance is key to avoiding catastrophic problems. To keep the transmission healthy, be proactive with maintenance and instill preventative actions into your schedule. 

Schedule regular maintenance

Cars need more than oil and gasoline to stay operational. Parts will wear out over time. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule regular maintenance visits with a mechanic you can trust to ensure every system remains in good working condition. For your transmission, this means scheduling maintenance based on guidelines around age and mileage. An inspection can help you determine the best time for replacing fluids and parts. 

Watch for warning signs

When you drive your car every day, you get used to the touch and feel of every system. You can tell when something isn’t right. Don’t ignore these signs. Even the little ones are warning you of potentially bigger problems. This is when you should schedule an inspection to ensure everything is working correctly. This can make the difference between a small part and a significant repair. 

Treat your transmission with care

This is another reason to back off aggressive driving. Avoid idling for extended periods. Come to a complete stop to allow the shifting mechanism to complete its cycle. Avoid aggressive acceleration and deceleration. Pay attention to how you drive when you head up into the mountains. 

If you continue treating your car with kindness, it will give you a long life virtually trouble-free. Maintenance is always a better, safer, and less expensive route than to take the attitude of “wait and see.”

When was the last time you had your transmission expected? Don’t wait until the heat impacts your vehicle. Schedule your appointment today. 

The Most Important Car Safety Services You May Need Right Now

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Today’s modern vehicles are many things:

  • An errand runner
  • A storage unit
  • A chauffeuring service
  • A long-haul provider

Whether you use it for work or play, most of us can’t imagine life without a car.

When was the last time you considered the safety features that help keep you and your passengers safe?

When was the last time you ensured each safety feature was well maintained, and able to perform its job at the highest level? 

Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, if you have a vehicle sitting and ready for you every time you walk out the door, ensuring the safety features are well cared for is mandatory for safe driving. 

What car safety services should you invest in, especially as we move through the seasons?

The basics – windshield wipers and washer fluid

Colorado’s climate can be hard on windshield wipers. You can go weeks – months- without turning them on. Then when you do, they groan as they swipe over the windshield, the dry rubber trying to perform its job. 

The Most Important Car Safety Services You May Need Right Now

They don’t cost much, and they are easy to replace. They are also one of the top safety features to ensure you have clear visibility of everything happening around you. If you can’t remember the last time you changed out your windshield wipers, make now the time. 

Of course, windshield wipers won’t work if you don’t have washer fluid available when you need it. And with the long, dusty summers, followed by snowy, mucky winter driving, chances are you’ll be using your windshield wipers more than you imagine. Don’t wait and wish you had them in place while you’re driving down the road. Be proactive and replace them now. 

Tires – helping you drive in all kinds of driving conditions

Tires help connect your vehicle to the road. If you’ve ever looked around at tires, you know there are many different sizes, types, and styles. What you select will determine your traction, performance, and safety. That’s why drivers often change them out periodically throughout the year, using performance tires in the summer, followed by snow tires in the winter for increased traction. 

But it’s more than the tires themselves. It’s the way they are installed on your vehicle, and the way they are maintained throughout their lifespan. Some of the services to focus on as tires age include:

  • Tire pressure – ensuring each tire maintains proper air pressure as you drive
  • Tire rotation – to ensure tires wear evenly
  • Balancing checks – to keep each tire properly balanced
  • Alignment checks – to keep your car moving smoothly down the road

If you notice anything wrong with a tire’s performance, have it checked quickly to avoid bigger problems. 

Brakes – help keep you on the road

Your tires help bring your car to a stop and keep your car under control, but it’s the braking system that does most of the work. Imagine your vehicle traveling down a mountain road, tires to the pavement, smooth sailing as you enjoy a day away from the city. Now imagine it without properly working brakes. The two work hand in hand to keep you safe and in control. 

As a part of car safety services, checking the brakes is an important step. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, or just getting ready for a new season of driving, a quick stop for an inspection will tell you all you need to know about the brakes. 

One of the easiest places to start is by inspecting the brake pads. A quick check ensures you have plenty of use left on the brake pad, and that it’s connecting properly with the brake rotor. Brakes do give you warning signals if something is amiss: a loud squealing noise, or a squishy feel when you press on the brake pedal. An inspection is always good before you head out on the road, but if you notice something isn’t quite right, bring it in right away. 

Suspension – for a smooth ride every time

The tires maintain contact with the road. The brakes give you the ability to slow down and stop. But it’s your suspension system that makes the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. Imagine if you felt every bump and dip in the road … it wouldn’t be very comfortable. 

It’s your vehicle’s suspension system that ensures a stable ride. Not only does it give you a smooth ride, but it also keeps your vehicle safe as it navigates everything it encounters on its journey. 

To ensure the suspension system is in alignment, a technician will perform several procedures and techniques to check the condition of the car. This alignment process is for two basic things:

  • To get all four wheels moving in the same direction
  • To get all four tires to connect with the road at the proper angle

This ensures your vehicle’s safety, and also increases longevity of every working system on your vehicle. 

Battery – so you never are stranded by the side of the road

Has your battery ever died in an inconvenient place? Some would say there’s never a convenient place for a battery to die, but if you’ve ever been stranded in the dark with few people around, you understand what inconvenience can really be. 

Your car can’t start without a battery. It controls the ignition process and keeps your vehicle running as you make your way out into the day. 

It also controls many of the accessories you rely on each day. Imagine a cold day without heated seats. Or a drive to work without the radio. 

Batteries are only designed to last two to three years. To avoid having them break down at an inconvenient time, a battery check can tell you how much life is left in your battery. It can give you a good indication of when you should replace your battery to avoid the inconvenience of having it go out when you least expect it. 

Are you ready for car safety services before the weather changes?

When working with a reputable service provider, you know you’ll receive honest feedback on all the various systems on your vehicle. Bringing it in for a car safety check means you’ll have a better understanding of how everything is working. 

It allows you to get a better feel for what services you should take care of right away, and which services you can budget for at some point in the future. 

Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs of Brake Problems

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Imagine heading up into the mountains for a day of skiing. You drive deeper into the hills, closer to your destination on snow-packed roads. Suddenly, as you tap your brakes, it feels a bit squishy. Almost as if the brakes aren’t there. You tap again. Something’s not right. 

Will you be able to bring your car to a stop?

Will you trust your brakes on the ride home?  

That’s the last thing you want to have happen on your fun-filled day trip. Luckily, a little TLC and regular maintenance can prevent that from happening. 

Your brakes won’t fail without advanced warning. Your brakes will give you ample notice to bring your vehicle in for servicing long before it creates a problem. 

What should you watch for? 

Squealing or grinding noise

One of the most common indicators of brake problems starts when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. If you hear a high-pitched squeal, this could indicate wear on the brake pad. Brake pads are made with a steel indicator band to let you know they’re reaching end-of-life. This metal band connects with the rotor as you apply pressure, and the metal-on-metal creates a distinctive sound. If you keep driving once you notice this sound, the metal will wear into the rotor, causing additional problems that will be even more costly to fix. 

A grinding noise could indicate different things. Are your brakes fairly new? The grinding sound could be something like gravel stuck in the brake calipers. Or if the brake pads have worn down to the metal indicator bar, it could be the metal-on-metal sound. 

Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs of Brake Problems

Vibration when braking

As you drive, you grow accustomed to the way your car handles. If you notice a change in performance, pay attention to what is occurring. This can help a mechanic get to the heart of the problem. 

If your steering wheel or vehicle shakes or vibrates when you apply pressure to the brake pedal, it might be an indicator of a problem with the brake rotor. The brake rotor is a large disc that sits just inside the wheel. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, the brake pad presses against the brake rotor to bring the car safely to a stop. 

Over time, the rotor surface can change. Material from the pad can cause divots and uneven wear marks. If the brake pads wear down to the metal bar, that can also cause irregular wear marks on the rotor. This unevenness affects the stopping power when you press down on the brake pedal. Brake servicing can fix uneven brake rotors, smoothing down the surface, providing it’s not too worn to fix. If the divots and worn marks are too severe, you’ll have to replace the brake rotors. 

Leaking fluid

Like other systems in your vehicle, the brake system uses brake fluid for proper performance. When you apply the brakes, the system uses brake fluid to create hydraulic pressure against the brake caliper. If the braking system is low on brake fluid, the pressure won’t be there to control your vehicle. 

If you experience a soft brake pedal, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for an inspection. They can check to ensure brake fluid isn’t leaking from the master cylinder or elsewhere in the brake system. 

You can also check your owner’s manual for guidelines on how often brake fluid should be checked and serviced. While it doesn’t need replacing like motor oil, fluid can be compromised over time. 

Spongy brake pedal

When we drive, almost every aspect becomes automatic, second nature, because the car behaves in a certain way. When you notice differences, it’s time to take action. 

A brake pedal provides certain resistance as you push down, and hydraulics kick into action. If the brakes feel softer as you press it further to the floor, it’s time for immediate service. It’s an indicator of moisture or air in the braking system, or a problem with the master cylinder. 

Car pulling to one side  

A vehicle contains four wheels, four brake pads, and four calipers. In a perfect world, all four would wear similarly. However, that’s rarely the case. If one caliper wears differently, or a brake hose goes bad, it can cause more pressure on one wheel. You’ll notice that in your car’s behavior. 

With more pressure on one side, the stopping power will be uneven. You’ll notice the car pulling to one side or the other. This will only get more pronounced if left unchecked. 

Burning smell 

A sharp burning smell after continually using your brakes is an indicator of overheating brakes. Pull over and give your brakes a chance to cool down. You can also further assess the situation. 

Check the parking brake. Is it fully released? 

If you see smoke coming from one of the wheel wells, it could be a sign of a stuck brake caliper. If it’s stuck in place, your vehicle is no longer safe to drive. You may have to tow it in for repair. 

Brake light turns on

One of the good things today’s cars offer is technological advancements that can alert you to potential problems. Your dashboard panel has a variety of lights and indicators to help you decide when to service your car. When you see the brake light illuminate, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for an inspection. 

In some cases, a brake light can be an indicator that your parking brake is on. Check to see if the parking brake is engaged. With that fully released, it’s time to schedule a maintenance visit if the brake light is still on. 

Do you have brake problems? 

Your brake system is one of your vehicle’s most important systems. Without brakes, you put yourself and those around you at risk. 

Think you may have brake problems? Make an appointment today. We’ll get you safely back on the road.   

How Engine Knocking Impacts Your Vehicle

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When you start your car each morning, you may have your mind on many things. Taking the kids to school. The meeting you have after lunch. The book club you enjoy once a month. 

But then you hear a strange noise from underneath the hood of your vehicle. What’s that knocking noise? Should you drive your car? Should you call in a tow truck and start rescheduling your day? 

How an engine works

Our modern-day engines work in a four-movement process: intake, compression, power, exhaust. 

First, air and fuel move into the engine compartment and start the process. Combustion starts as the spark plug and ignition create enough pressure at maximum efficiency. A mixture of fuel/air burns, causing gasses to expand and push pistons downwards rapidly. Pressure rises to peak, until the exhaust valve opens and the piston retracts to eliminate the burned gas. 

This process can work perfectly over and over again. Until one day, something goes wrong. 

What causes engine knocking

There are a handful of causes for engine knocking. The most common include:

How Engine Knocking Impacts Your Vehicle

Wrong fuel type

Your car’s engine was designed to operate with a specific octane level. If you hear the engine knocking as you accelerate, it’s most likely caused by having the wrong fuel, specifically with a lower octane level than as designed. 

You may have refueled with the wrong gas type. Or the gas station had bad fuel in the tanks. Either way, you have fuel with a low octane in your fuel tank, causing premature combustion. This will cause the engine to knock. 

If the issue occurs suddenly after refilling, you can fix the problem on your next refueling. Or you could try using an octane booster to raise the octane level up again. 

Bad knock sensor

Your vehicle has many sensors throughout to keep the various systems in check. A knock sensor is designed to prevent engine knock. 

An engine strives for maximum performance. The control system pushes for advanced ignition to reach for better performance. If the octane level of the fuel source doesn’t meet expectations, the engine will require a slower ignition process to operate without engine knock. The knock sensor’s job is to monitor for any knocks, and if one occurs, to slow down the ignition process to prevent engine damage. 

If the knock sensor goes bad, this control process is no longer in place. This means it could be sending false signals to the engine control, creating an ignition process out of correct timing. Either way, it can cause damage to various components inside the engine. 

Incorrect engine timing

Depending on the age of your vehicle, a faulty ignition timing could cause engine knock on an older vehicle. 

Newer cars control the ignition timing electronically, so the process is controlled by a sensor, and you won’t be able to adjust the timing. 

On an older car, you may have an adjustable ignition timing on either the distributor, an adjustable cam, or crankshaft position sensor. An ignition timing light is used to check the timing. Your owner’s manual will have more information on setting the timing properly. Of course, it’s something you can bring your vehicle in for, and we’ll ensure it’s working optimally. 

Lean fuel/air mixture

The fuel/air mixture circulates through various components inside the engine compartment. It heats up in the engine while cooling down in the combustion chamber. If the fuel/air mixture is too lean, it loses its cooling capabilities and will cause the combustion chamber to overheat.

This heat can cause the fuel/air mixture to ignite prematurely before the spark plug delivers a spark. This can cause the engine to knock. This is dangerous for the engine because of how it delivers heat. It can be hazardous for many components, even causing the pistons to melt down over time. 

Incorrect spark plugs

While not common, occasionally, the wrong spark plugs may be installed. If they aren’t functioning correctly, they won’t produce the spark necessary at the right time. 

If you’ve recently changed your spark plugs and notice engine knock, a quick check will ensure you have installed the correct spark plugs. 

Other problems 

If you only hear a knocking sound when accelerating, chances are it’s engine knock. If you consistently hear the noise at other times, it may be something else.  

This is when you should bring your vehicle in for a complete inspection, as the problem may stem from timing belt issues, bad rod bearings, or a faulty fuel injector. 

How to fix engine knock

The good news is engine knock is fairly easy to fix. 

The first step is to determine when the engine knock started. If it was after your last fill-up, it’s most likely from filling up your tank with gasoline. To fix it, you can try an octane booster, or replace the fuel currently in the system.

You can also check the spark plugs if they were recently changed. While not a common reason for engine knock, it does occasionally happen. Be sure the spark plugs installed are specifically designed for your make and model. 

If you have an older car with an adjustable ignition timing, check the timing and adjust it as needed. You can check your owner’s manual to find out if you have this system in place. 

If you just aren’t sure or prefer to get a professional’s take on what’s happening with your car, bringing it in for an inspection can help get to the root of the problem. A diagnostic scanner can pinpoint where the problem lies, providing trouble codes to help you determine what to fix. A professional will have the right tools for the job, and be able to fix the problem and get you back on the road quickly. 

Have you experienced engine knock?

The best way to ensure your vehicle stays operating well is to provide the necessary fluids and components for each system. 

Fill your tank from a reputable source. 

Ensure spark plugs fit your make and model. 

And when you hear any noise out of the ordinary, the quicker you bring it in for inspection, the better chance you have of stopping the problem before it escalates. 

How can we help you keep your car’s engine healthy? 

And The Most Important Car Maintenance Items Are …

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As summer turns into fall, we pull out our favorite sweaters and watch as pumpkin flavors just about everything. While you might be finishing up home maintenance projects before winter weather sets in, don’t forget about your vehicle too. 

The most important car maintenance items are the ones that keep your car in tip-top shape, no matter what it faces while out on the road. The Car Care Council recommends that everyone follow the ABCs of basic car care, which includes:

  • A – Always follow a vehicle service schedule 
  • B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect you have a problem
  • C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down

These are good rules to follow. 

The Car Care Council also found that a random check on cars on the roadway today would see a significant number of them have:

  • Low or dirty engine oil
  • Insufficient or contaminated brake fluid
  • Dirty air filters
  • Low coolant levels
  • Bad windshield wipers
  • Low washer fluid
  • Damaged or worn-down belts

In fact, close to 90 percent of all vehicles on the road today require at least one repair. 

And The Most Important Car Maintenance Items Are …

How would your vehicle rank in this study?

Where to start – let’s fix the most important car maintenance items now

The best place to start is with what you know. Right now, if you take a close look at your car, you can probably find several issues you’ve been ignoring. When was the last time you washed your vehicle? How about changing the oil? Have your tires been rotated and balanced? 

If you’re scratching your head, trying to remember the last time those items were completed, it’s time. 

Car fluids

Most drivers know just how crucial motor oil is to keep the engine healthy. It’s the one maintenance item preached enough that most drivers follow the rules. Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, have the motor oil replaced with a high-quality oil. Your owner’s manual will tell you what your engine needs; stick with their recommendations and never cut corners. Your engine was designed with a specific motor oil in mind. 

Yet motor oil isn’t the only fluid your car uses. Coolant protects the various parts inside the engine compartment from corrosion. Brake fluid helps keep the brake system fluid and in motion. Transmission fluid ensures the gears are well lubricated. Power steering fluid ensures the steering wheel remains easy to turn. 

While motor oil should be changed every few thousand miles, some fluids can last tens of thousands of miles and still run strong. A quick inspection ensures the systems haven’t been compromised, putting your vehicle at risk of damage. If any lights pop on the dashboard indicating low fluids, top them off as soon as possible. 

Checking your battery

The battery is responsible for many things in your car, including the ignition. Batteries often die when you least expect it, such as when it’s been sitting in extreme cold or heat for a few hours. It can leave you stranded in a difficult situation. 

Car batteries generally have a two to three-year shelf life. As your battery nears end-of-life, inspect it regularly to ensure it’s working correctly. We’re happy to test it at the same time you bring it in for an oil change. 

A voltmeter or a power probe will determine how much voltage is left in the battery. If it’s between 12.4 to 12.7 volts, it’s still in good operating condition. A little lower, and you can monitor it, trickle charging it to see if you can get it back up to working condition.  

This impacts your car’s accessories too. Have you noticed your lights seem a bit duller? Or your heated seats aren’t quite as hot? It’s a sign of a weak battery. Deciding to replace it before it leaves you stranded is always a good option. 

Checking your tires

Tires are the one piece of equipment that maintains contact with the road every time you drive it. If they aren’t in top shape, they risk impacting every other system in your car. 

The most common check is proper inflation. Newer cars have sensors that will alert you when inflation exceeds or falls short of the recommended levels for your make and model. You should also check it regularly, every other time you stop to fill up your car with fuel. Under or overinflation can be impacted by driving conditions or the environment; slight changes may not be a sign of a problem. But if you continually have inflation issues, it’s something to get checked out with one of our mechanics. 

Wheel balancing and tire rotation should also be a part of your regular maintenance schedule. Rotating the tires frequently allows each of your tires to get maximum wear. Balancing them ensures they connect with the road properly as you drive each day. 

Depending on which make and model of tire you select, you can expect up to 50,000 miles of wear. This is suggested; it depends on your driving conditions. You should still monitor the tread yourself periodically. Walk around and inspect the tread across all four tires. Does it look even? Do you notice wear marks? 

Tires have indicator bars built into the tread grooves. If they become level with the adjacent ribs, it’s time for replacing. You can also use a penny as an indicator. Place a penny with Lincoln’s face upside down and facing you. If his entire head is visible, it’s time for a new set of tires. 

Need to know more about the most important car maintenance items?

If you have questions, we have answers. 

Today’s vehicles are sophisticated pieces of machinery. Whether you’re looking for a routine oil change, or have complicated questions about the behavior of your car, we’re here to answer them, find the problem, fix your vehicle and bring it back to optimal condition. 

How can we help you keep your car safely on the road? 

Tired Of Low Fuel Efficiency While Towing?

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Ah, the joys of summer. You’ve bought all the toys, and love heading into the mountains for a weekend of fun. But towing trailers, boats, and other utility items can take its toll on fuel efficiency. 

You’ve experienced low fuel efficiency repeatedly while towing. What can you do? 

With gas prices inching ever upward, fuel efficiency is something you think about more than ever. If it’s making you think twice about taking a few days away from city life, there are a few things you can do. 

Understanding fuel economy

When you think about fuel economy, it comes down to understanding what pushes your vehicle to move harder. The more pressure it has while moving itself and what you’re towing, the more fuel it will use. 

If your goal is to improve fuel economy while towing, you need to take action where it makes the biggest difference. 

The biggest factor is weight. It takes more energy to accelerate and decelerate every time you start, stop, or move the combined vehicle up the road. This is where it pays to take a second look at the items you are bringing. Are there things that rarely get used? Are there things you can lighten up? 

The second biggest impactor is aerodynamics. This is how the wind is affected as the combined vehicle/trailer moves through the air. If you change the way your vehicle is shaped, it can have an impact on efficiency. 

Of course, more minor issues can impact overall efficiency too. 

Tired Of Low Fuel Efficiency While Towing?

Tires – are tires on the vehicle and trailer in good working condition? Proper inflation and tire pressure helps keep the vehicle properly connected to the road. 

Brakes – if a brake drags while you’re driving, it adds resistance to the drive, and reduces fuel efficiency. 

Trailer stability – no matter how well your vehicle is maintained, if the item you are towing is wobbly and not fully operational, it will impact your drive, and ultimately, your efficiency. 

What can you do to increase fuel efficiency while towing?

Before you head out on the open road for time away from the normal routine, spending a few minutes thinking about efficiency can make all the difference. The best place to start is with the things you can control.

Vehicle weight – what you’re carrying takes up space. The heavier your combined vehicle is, the more energy it will take to get it where you’re going. Weight affects energy. So to improve fuel economy, if you take only what you need, there will be less to tow. Are there ways to condense the items you’re bringing? That means less pressure every time you start and stop. 

Aerodynamics – this is where engineering comes into play. Have you noticed how semi-trucks are changing? They create more aerodynamics to make the driving process more efficient. You can do the same with the load you are carrying. You can do this by the size of the load you’re carrying, as well as by focusing on the amount of drag you have on the load. Do you have luggage racks, bicycles, and other personal items attached to the vehicle in various places? Do you have streamlined lines, or is it more random? There is a lot of turbulence around the trailer as you drive. If you can make the structure more aerodynamic, you’ll notice a difference in the fuel usage. 

Plan your route – when you have a big load, the shortest distance between two points isn’t necessarily the best route. Instead, focus on the drive itself. Can you avoid high-traffic zones, where you’ll idle and waste fuel? Can you avoid high wind areas where you’ll increase resistance throughout the drive, possibly putting your vehicle in harm’s way? Not every obstruction is avoidable. But with a little foresight, sometimes you can find better ways to arrive at your final destination. 

Slow down – just because a speed limit is posted doesn’t mean you have to abide by it. Most American vehicles reach peak efficiency somewhere between 50 and 60 miles. Pushing your vehicle faster will make you lose efficiency the faster you drive. Yes, you might not arrive at your final destination quite as fast as anticipated. This might give you an opportunity to stop sooner in more unique places. Where else can you stop along your route? 

Keep up with maintenance – this includes your vehicle and what you tow. Letting even one thing slide can impact the drivability of your vehicle, which in turn affects your fuel economy. This includes the obvious things like changing your oil and fixing any mechanical parts that may need replacing. Pay attention to the tires, and replace them early before you risk damage while on the road. This can be especially true if you haven’t had your trailer on the road in months. Ensure everything is in good working condition, well-lubricated, and firmly attached to your vehicles for lower wind resistance.  

Drive less – planning is everything, both before and during your trip. Combine errands whenever possible. Think twice about driving longer distances – is there someplace closer you can go? Instead of heading out several weekends to different parts of the surrounding area, what if you combined it into one long vacation? Not only is this a fuel efficient thing to do, but it also helps you relax more without the added stress of longer drive times and less stress. 

Towing doesn’t have to ruin fuel efficiency

In fact, if you pay attention to the tips above, you might be surprised at how more efficient you make your vehicle, and how much more you enjoy your time away. 

Towing a vehicle is never easy. But with a little forethought, you can improve the efficiency with and without the trailer too. 

Wherever you’re going, whatever the driving conditions, you’ll see your mileage increase with just a few simple tips. And that’s more money you can take with you and enjoy on your vacations away from everything. 

Car Maintenance Tips Before You Sell Your Car

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You’ve had your eye on a new car for a while now. And now that you’ve finalized the purchase, it’s time to think about selling your old car. 

Of course, you can trade it in. It’s fast and convenient. But you’ll get fewer dollars, and you know your car is worth a lot more. 

Why not sell it yourself? Yet before you list it for sale, we have a few car maintenance tips for you to follow to ensure you get top dollar. 

Why car maintenance is important before you sell your car

People sell cars for all kinds of reasons:

  • High mileage
  • Want the latest tech gadgets and features
  • Need another car in the family
  • Want better safety features 
  • Tired of making repairs

For whatever reason you’re purchasing a new car, the buyer who settles on your car will have similar motivations. 

You may be tired of your car, but to the purchaser, your vehicle will be new to them. Which means they will be looking at it through the eyes of a new car owner. 

They want a reliable car. They want one that will serve them well in the months to come. 

And if glaring car maintenance items are visible while they are considering a purchase, they will be reasons to turn away from your vehicle. 

If you want to sell your car quickly, a little car maintenance first will allow you to present it in its best light. 

How to prepare your car to sell

Start by taking a good look at your car, inside and out. Look at it through the eyes of a buyer. What would you be looking for if you were purchasing this car? 

Car Maintenance Tips Before You Sell Your Car

This is the time for a bit of detail work. Remove everything from the inside. Don’t forget to look underneath the seats, in the glove box, and in any middle compartments between the seats. 

Vacuum out the crumbs and dust bunnies. You can spot clean seats if you can easily remove stains and other marks. 

Take a minute to wash the windows inside, removing any film. This will leave them sparkling and easy to see out of. 

They pay equal attention to the outside of the car. A thorough washing means ensuring tires and wheels are clean, and headlamps and tail lights shine. 

As you move through your car front to back, note any noticeable repairs. While you might not want to put more money into the vehicle, a potential buyer will notice it too. It’ll impact the asking price, and how many offers you receive for purchase.  

Some of the top car maintenance items you should focus on to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition include:

Oil change

Before you place a “for sale” sign in your car’s window, bring it in for an oil change first. Save the receipt, which can be a bonus for the new owner. They will appreciate that it’s one less maintenance item they’ll have to perform as they drive it for the first few weeks, and it’s a relatively inexpensive way to show potential buyers that you’ve cared for your vehicle as long as you’ve owned it. Have a logbook of previous oil changes? All the better. It’s a great sign of caring for your vehicle. 

Tires 

Tires are one of the most visible parts. Tires are also one of the easiest to spot check, noticing if they aren’t in good shape. If you notice bald spots and uneven wear marks, your potential buyer will too. While the thought of purchasing new tires may seem counterintuitive, it will be reflected in how much you can price your vehicle at, as well as how easy it will be to sell. 

Accessories

While safety is key to driving any vehicle, it’s often the little details that sell a car. That’s why people often turn to “color” as the deciding factor. Accessories are no different. When a potential buyer slides behind the wheel, they naturally tend to turn up the radio and push a few buttons, tap the power windows and watch them go up and down, and even flip the windshield wipers on to ensure they work. If you’ve put off fixing little problems that have been more of an annoyance than about vehicle safety, now is the time to get the items fixed. 

Lights

Turn your lights on and notice how bright or dim they are. Tap on the brake pedal and ensure your tail lights are working. How about the turn signals? Do the lights blink on and off? These safety items are easy to check and even easier to fix. You can do it with just a few lightbulbs. Have a few extras? Tuck them into the glove compartment. Simple little “extras” can go a long way in the mind of a buyer. 

Brakes

Worn brake pads are never a good idea, especially if you’re trying to sell a car. When you tap on the brake pedal, do the brakes let out a high-pitched screech? That’s a sign your car needs new brake pads. You can’t hide the sound. It only gets worse over time. If you hear it now and you plan on selling your car in the future, get the brake pads replaced sooner rather than later. 

Consider a pre-sale inspection

Any time you purchase a used vehicle, it can be a bit unnerving to wonder about the quality of the car. Will there be hidden issues that only materialize after the sale is completed? 

One way to give a new buyer more assurance is to perform a pre-sale inspection. Instead of waiting for a potential buyer to ask about having a mechanic check out the car, take the initiative and do it yourself. 

This allows a qualified mechanic to inspect the vehicle and provide notes as to what may potentially need replacing in the near future. 

This gives you a chance to make the repairs first, and present the receipts to the buyer for added assurance. 

Planning on selling a car soon?

Before you stick the “for sale” sign in the window, using these car maintenance tips as a checklist will ensure your car looks and runs its best before the first potential buyer takes a look. 

How can we help you get your used car ready for sale?

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks