Express Car Care of Denver

Yes, The Type of Fuel You Put Into Your Car Matters

August 7, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

When you pull up to fill your car up with gas, you usually have a choice of several types of fuel. You make a selection – regular, plus, premium – and let the fuel flow into your tank. You hop into your car and move on your way.

But have you ever stopped to think about the type of fuel you use and what it does for your vehicle? Does fuel type matter?

From the moment we buy a car, we put fuel into the tank without thinking much about it. You’re programmed to select a fuel grade, fill it up, and head out into your day. Yet most of us think little about it. What goes into the fuel before you put it into the tank?

Fuel is made up of chemicals designed to keep your car running smoothly. Of course, every fuel manufacturer interprets what that means in a different way. While your owner’s manual dictates the right type of fuel needed to keep your car operational, you might be wondering: What’s the difference?

Gasoline is manufactured from crude oil. Crude oil undergoes a variety of refinery processes before it ends up at your local gas station. Additives include aromatic compounds, detergents, isoparaffins, and other additives required by the EPA.

Gasoline is typically sold by octane ratings. The theory states that higher octane should result in more power to the engine, while decreasing the likelihood of unburnt fuel running through the system and exiting the exhaust.

Regular octane ratings start at 87 for regular, 88 to 90 for a mid-grade fuel, and 91 to 94 for premium. This rating helps manufacturers measure the ability to resist “knocking” during combustion. Under certain conditions, the fuel/air mixture can ignite early. This is called pre-ignition, and often makes a knocking sound similar to a percolator.

Yes, The Type of Fuel You Put Into Your Car Matters

In other words, octane controls the ability of the fuel not to detonate early before it has a chance to mix with the air supply and spark as it ignites. Octane measures gasoline’s resistance to pre-ignition. Higher octane provides less likelihood of detonation.

Why some cars need higher octane

Some cars are built with higher output. They use a higher compression rate to produce more power. They compress the fuel/air mixture more, creating excess heat. This can allow pre-ignition to occur. These cars need the higher octane fuel to ensure gasoline doesn’t ignite early.

If you drive a car that requires premium gas, it will say so in the owner’s manual. It’s always a good idea to stick with the fuel source recommended by your car’s manufacturer. But it won’t kill your engine, or cause immediate damage if you fill up with a lower grade fuel. It can harm your engine over time, but occasionally filling up with a lower grade won’t damage it immediately. But it can speed up wear and tear.

What fuel is recommended

When you first purchase a vehicle, getting to know your car is a good idea. The owner’s manual will recommend what type of fuel you should use in your car, what octane level your vehicle will operate best at.

Regular fuel is recommended for engines that don’t have a high compression rate. It doesn’t rely on turbocharging to force air into the fuel/air mixture. The fuel/air ratio remains relatively stable throughout the engine consumption process, and a higher octane isn’t required to keep the mix from detonating prematurely. Regular fuel will contain additives and detergents to help clean and lubricate the engine, keeping it in good working condition without leaving deposits on the various engine parts.

Premium fuel is recommended or required for engines with a high compression ratio, or come with a turbocharger. When the higher compression or turbocharge kicks in, it forces more air into the engine to help pull more energy from the detonation process. Without the higher octane fuel mixture, it can become unstable and prone to premature detonation. Premium fuel was created for stability as the fuel/air mixture changes with the uptick of air. Some manufacturers also provide more detergents and octane additives to ensure engines remain clean, lubricated, and offer you optimal performance.

What about upgrading the type of fuel?

If premium gasoline improves the performance of vehicles that need it, what about other cars? It’s natural to assume that what is good for performance with one vehicle will help with others too.

A non-turbocharged vehicle is designed to operate on regular fuel. When you fill up with regular fuel, the engine gets the recommended octane rating, ensuring the engine receives the proper fuel. If you put in premium instead, it will offer a higher octane. While this isn’t bad and won’t hurt the engine, it doesn’t offer any benefit. It will cost you because you’ll be paying more at the fueling station.

Gas at high altitude

Here in Denver, we drive at a higher elevation on a daily basis. Head up into the high country, and you add even more stress to your vehicle.

Gas stations try to compensate for this in some cases by selling lower octane fuel. They deem that with thinner air, it lowers a car’s compression ratio, which in turn makes a lower octane fuel acceptable. While that may work for older cars, with newer fuel-injected engines, they detect the lower air levels and adjust accordingly. They expect the fuel as recommended, and make the necessary changes accordingly.

As you drive here in Denver, stick with manufacturers’ guidelines and choose the level of octane recommended. Even if you take a road trip to lower altitudes, select the octane level closest to what is listed in your owner’s manual.

What type of fuel does your car use?

What fuel your car runs on does matter.

To keep your vehicle in good working condition, check to see what octane your car’s manufacturer recommends. Then select a high quality gasoline that feeds your car’s engine with high quality gasoline every time you fuel up.

Your car will thank you for it down the road.

A Guide To Regenerative Braking Systems

August 4, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Regenerative braking systems are included in most hybrid and electric cars. You’ll even find regenerative braking on some gas-powered vehicles. It converts the kinetic energy your car creates and turns it into electrical power. It’s more efficient than the process used by gas-powered vehicles.

When you tap on the brake pedal, the kinetic energy of the car’s forward motion converts into heat as the brake pads connect with the rotors in a disc or drum. That heat dissipates into the air and away from the vehicle, instead of being used more efficiently.

A regenerative braking system captures that heat and uses it for better efficiency.

How a regenerative braking system works

Let’s dive a little deeper into how a regenerative braking system works.

Traditional brakes on a gas or diesel-powered vehicle work through hydraulics. When you touch the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid moves brake calipers to connect brake pads with the rotors. This decreases the rotational spin of the wheel, gradually slowing it down until it comes to a stop. Drum brakes work a bit differently, but the overall principle is the same.

With either drum or disc system, it involves transferring kinetic energy back into the environment. It takes the friction that causes heat within the braking system and moves it away from the vehicle.

When you move to hybrid or electric motors, the braking system works a bit differently. As you press down on the brake pedal, the generator increases power, causing more resistance, slowing the vehicle until it stops. This process causes electrical current to flow back to the battery pack, where it continues to power the system. This is why regenerative braking works well in urban settings, because it continually recharges the system with stop-and-go traffic. Each stop at a traffic signal or in heavy traffic situations gives you an added boost when you accelerate again, which actually improves gas mileage and efficiency.

Regenerative braking extends battery life

Because kinetic energy builds as regenerative brakes are used, it helps keep the battery charged and ready to power the accessories used throughout the vehicle. For an electric vehicle, it can help preserve battery life, allowing your vehicle to travel further between power fill-ups. On all vehicles, it reduces wear and tear on the overall braking system, extending the life of the various brake parts.

If you haven’t experienced regenerative brakes before, it takes a bit to get used to the feeling. The added friction can cause more slowing as you move your foot from the brake to the accelerator. Drivers often say it feels more like an on/off switch – now you have power, now you don’t. It makes it feel a bit jumpier during transitions, and takes a bit to get a feel for creating smooth transitions.

In hybrids and newer systems, manufacturers are working to improve the feel of the transition. Some models only use one pedal for all movement.

Brake checks and replacement are still required

One of the reasons people move towards newer technology is the idea of lowering the amount of maintenance required on the vehicle.

Today’s electric technology requires little or no maintenance for the battery, motor, and other electronic parts. There are fewer fluids to check and refill, too, such as motor oil that needs replacing every 5,000 miles or so.

With regenerative braking systems, the friction doesn’t wear on the components the way a traditional system does. It significantly reduces brake wear.

That said, brakes are still a safety feature that needs to be checked from time to time. Reports show that brake rotors and pads can last 100,000 miles or more.

Regenerative braking systems still use physical brakes. That means they mirror traditional brake construction, with rubber, fluids, and metal all being impacted over time. And that means they can suffer many problems found with conventional brakes, and still need maintenance over time.

Electric vehicles might not use motor oil, but they still need brake fluid to function. And no matter how well cared for your vehicle is, brake fluid degrades over time. Especially if you’re not pumping the brakes at regular intervals. If you work from home more and your vehicle sits in the garage for days, it can impact brake’s health.

Traditional brake maintenance revolved around worn out parts. Manufacturers had specific guidelines for replacing things like brake pads, rotors, and drums. They built safety features to warn you when things were wearing down to decrease the risks associated with brake failure.

Because regenerative brakes utilize different energy for braking, the components might not wear down as fast. But it is important to pay attention to brake fluid replacement, changing it based on mileage and timing. Even if you work from home and don’t take it on the road daily, fluid can still be compromised and degrade over time.

That’s why many elective vehicles include frequent brake fluid check-ups and replacement, often once every two years.

Another problem can be rust build-up, unless your car is specifically designed with carbon-ceramic brakes or other systems that are non-metallic. A little bit of surface rust won’t impact performance. But if it’s unchecked for too long, it can break through and cause more extensive problems. Detailing the brakes, especially after extended downtime, is a good idea to ensure they are working well and haven’t seized.

Proper maintenance – the key to any vehicle’s long life

Whether you drive a gasoline, diesel, hybrid, or electric vehicle, ensuring a long life starts with proper maintenance.

Instead of waiting for a problem to arise, regular inspections will allow the problem to be fixed early, meaning you’ll spend less time facing bigger issues down the road.

Regenerative brakes are the future of the automotive industry. They work better, last longer, and provide your vehicle with added safety features.

Yes, regenerative braking is more manageable in urban environments where they get a boost every time you use them. Just keep the process mild, without pouncing on the brakes to ensure the longest life possible.

Do you have any experience with a regenerative braking system?

Is It Time To Change Your Spark Plugs?

July 28, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

How often do you jump into your car in the morning, turn the key, and drive away to start your day without a problem? With a well-maintained vehicle, that describes almost every day.

Yet there comes a time when you turn the key and it doesn’t feel right. Maybe it takes a while for the engine to turn over. Or maybe you hear no sound at all.

What is it?

While most immediately think it might be the battery, (it’s a good guess and is worth checking out,) it could also be your spark plugs. While you don’t have to change your spark plugs the way you do motor oil or an air filter, spark plugs can and do wear out over time.

What are spark plugs?

A spark plug is a small device that plugs into the cylinder head in the engine, providing the spark for combustion between the battery and the spark plug.

The spark plug sits at the top of the cylinder head. The piston moves down into the cylinder, taking in fuel and air. As it moves back up, it compresses the fuel and air, allowing the spark plug to spark and ignite the mixture. This gives the vehicle energy as it pushes back down, clearing out exhaust as it finishes its cycle. The process starts all over again.

A four-cylinder car will have four pistons and four spark plugs. A six-cylinder vehicle will have six. This little tool is a reliable component that keeps on working through thousands of rotations every single time you take your car out on the road. For example, in a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine, spark plugs will fire 200 times per minute while sitting and idling.

Different types of spark plugs

Like other parts of your car, there are different types of spark plugs available depending on the type of engine your car has. Choosing is based on several things: how many cylinders your engine has as well as performance.

You’ll find spark plugs at all price points, with the cheaper ones, in general, providing a shorter life span. Manufacturers will recommend which type of spark plug to use, so it’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual. Different spark plug types include:

Copper – this has been around for decades and is the most common and economical. They also have the shortest life span of about 30,000 miles.
Iridium – provides a long life, which is also reflected in the cost. These are performance driven, so if your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends them, sticking with them will ensure your car remains in top working condition.
Platinum – one of the newer additions to the market, a platinum spark plug will typically last as long as 100,000 before needing replacement. They run hotter and reduce carbon buildup in your engine.
Double platinum – these are common in cars with “wasted spark ignition systems” where two spark plugs fire at once. This increases wear and tear on the spark plugs, and will be replaced more often than other types.

When should you replace your spark plugs

If you check with your owner’s manual, the manufacturer will recommend how often you should replace the spark plugs. Use that as a guide for general upkeep and maintenance. However, your vehicle does provide other warning signs if the spark plugs start wearing down.

Check engine light – this frequent dashboard light can signal a variety of problems inside the engine compartment. If a plug starts to fail, it will send a warning signal through the check engine light. If a spark plug doesn’t provide proper ignition, it can cause the engine to misfire. A misfiring spark can also generate rough idling, uneven power while accelerating, and a greater chance of exhaust emissions.

Trouble starting – the spark plugs provide one of the most important jobs when you first start your car. Without the initial spark, the engine wouldn’t receive enough power to turn over and stay operational. As spark plugs wear down, they have a harder time creating that spark that powers the engine. If the engine cranks over but has difficulty trying to turn it on, it could be a problem with the spark plugs. If there’s no power at all, it’s most likely the battery.

Rough idle – when you start to notice the engine knocking, rattling, or pinging, the spark plugs may be to blame.

Acceleration issues – driving is something we do often enough that we have certain handling and performance expectations. If it suddenly isn’t as responsive as it once was, it’s a sign of a part wearing down to the point of eventual failure. Spark plugs can cause your vehicle to feel sluggish when you press on the gas pedal, giving you a feeling of unresponsiveness. You’ll feel like you’re stepping on the pedal harder trying to make the car go.

Filling up at the gas station more – as spark plugs continue to wear down, it will increase fuel consumption. Spark plugs will no longer burn fuel effectively, meaning you’ll need more fuel to accomplish the same process. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a bad spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by up to 30 percent.

What happens if you wait too long to change your spark plugs

Can you keep putting off spark plug maintenance or replacement? Drivers do it all the time.

But those little warning signs will continue to grow.

It’ll take longer for the engine to turn over while you turn the key as the spark plugs have more trouble catching a spark.

You’ll be pulling into the filling station more frequently, watching your gas efficiency plummet as more gas is needed to keep the vehicle running.

You’ll hear more noises coming from the engine compartment as it has trouble keeping the entire system running the way that it should.

The more stress is put on the engine compartment, the more it impacts other parts and components. What could have been an easy maintenance issue – changing the spark plugs – can accelerate into a more expensive fix.

What’s the easiest way to keep repair costs low and keep your car in good working condition? Maintain your car on a schedule, and bring it in at the first sign of a change.

It’s the best way to keep your car running well, there for you, whenever you decide to head out for a drive.

How To Keep Your Car’s Air Conditioner In Top Shape As The Heat Climbs

July 24, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Summertime here in the Rockies has started to feel like endless days in the 90s and 100s, as heat settles across the land with little relief. You’re using your air conditioner like never before …

But what about inside your car? There are rumors out there that running the air conditioner makes your gas mileage fall. If you use your AC frequently, it will impact the overall health of your car.

Are those myths? How do you keep your car’s air conditioner in top shape even as the heat continues to climb?

Using your air conditioner when you first get in the car

Getting into a hot vehicle is never fun. It’s hot, stifling and can take a lot out of you. Yet pre-cooling your vehicle isn’t the answer. Instead of turning on the AC and letting it idle until cool, put the fan on high and open the back windows for 20 seconds allowing the hot air to flow out the back. The air conditioner is powered by an engine in operation. It puts added stress on the system when you idle, trying to get the car cooled before you move. Give your AC unit the support it needs and start driving before you turn it to full speed.

How To Keep Your Car’s Air Conditioner In Top Shape As The Heat Climbs

Schedule regular maintenance at the start of each season

When you establish a relationship with a reputable mechanic, you can feel comfortable bringing the car in for sound advice. We recommend scheduling seasonal visits twice a year to get your car ready for summer and winter driving. This will allow us to ensure every component and system is in optimal condition, ready to work hard for you as we have record-breaking events. For the air conditioner, it ensures your antifreeze is topped off, and that the appropriate coolant is being used within the system.

Change the AC filter as needed

Your owner’s manual is filled with important facts and information about how best to operate your vehicle. The more familiar you are with it, the more you can use it to schedule regular maintenance items and stay ahead of your car failing at inopportune times. Most AC filters last around 30,000 miles. The AC filter is typically located behind the glove box, and is something easy to change. If it’s been a while, changing it out will help increase airflow, reduce unpleasant odors, as well as reduce dust from settling into the interior of your car.

What to do when you notice odors

Any sign of odor or a strange smell is reason to be concerned. It can be annoying at best, dangerous at worst, and something you should act on immediately. There are a few odors that might suggest urgent issues:

A must smell could mean mold entering the cooling system’s evaporator. Try running the heater for a while to dry out the evaporator core and see if it disappears.
A sweet smell may signal an antifreeze leak. It’s time to bring it in for professional evaluation.
A gas smell coming from the AC unit could be an indicator of a gas leak. It could be something as simple as an unsecured gas cap, or a sign of a bigger hazard.

Keep inducts clean

There’s a reason it’s a good idea to keep your car clean during the summer and winter. If you allow buildup of water, snow, and dirt at the base of the windshield, it can impact the inducts. Moisture can sit there and build, blocking airflow and possibly causing mold or other pollutants to settle in. As these contaminants continue to grow, it enters through the air conditioner every time you use it. Keep this area clean by washing it regularly.

Run your AC periodically on defrost mode

When you turn the defrost mode on in the winter, have you noticed it kicks the air conditioner into gear? That’s because when the system is in defrost position, the AC compressor turns on. This draws outside air in and sends it through the AC evaporator to remove moisture from the air supply before sending it back to the heater core. By turning the defrost system on periodically throughout the summer, you’re allowing the system to run at maximum fan speed and coolness setting, helping clean out moisture and preventing mildew. What works to remove moisture from your windows during cold winter months also works well keeping your inside air supply cool, dry, and comfortable in the summer months.

Don’t leave the air conditioner on recirculation

While the most common AC buttons are to adjust temperature and fan speed, you’ll also see switches to move from fresh air to recirculation. Fresh air allows outside air to flow in. Recirculation continuously recirculates air throughout the inside cabin. While you may wish to recirculate when you’re behind a smelly diesel truck, move back to fresh air when you can as it provides more circulation throughout the inner cabin. Recirculation pulls air from the front and re-cools it. That makes the air flowing towards the back warmer as it’s recirculated back up front. With a full car and passengers in the back as well as the front, a constant input of fresh air will give you the best results.

What are the most common air conditioner issues?

Like many other systems in your car, the air conditioner components wear down over time. Common issues can be:

Refrigerant leaks
Cracked or broken cooling fans
Condenser and compressor malfunctions

A refrigerant leak is easy to spot. It’s a fluorescent yellow-green color that’s easy to detect as it leaves traces underneath your car.

Cooling fans can slow down or stop altogether for a variety of reasons. It can blow a fuse, have an electrical short, or be cracked by hitting debris on the road.

A broken condenser can be caused by a damaged part, component failure, or debris moving in through the grill and damaging the part.

In all cases, the faster you act, the less damage may occur.

Whether you’re performing preventative maintenance, ensuring your air conditioner is running well, or you have a problem with your system and it’s not keeping you cool, schedule an appointment today to get your AC system back in good working condition.

And stay cool no matter how long this current heat wave lasts this summer.

Ensuring Your Car’s Safety Features Are Well Maintained

July 21, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Are you an old car enthusiast? There’s something nostalgic about glancing into an old car, imagining all the places it’s seen in its lifetime.

But glance inside a vehicle made in the 50s or 60s, and you’re also likely to see something missing: Safety features.

Car safety features have advanced since cars were first introduced in the market. In the 1930s, new safety improvements included all-steel bodies and hydraulic brakes. The 1950s brought on seat belts and padded dashboards. The 1990s made airbags standard equipment.

Today we take many modern day safety features for granted. When was the last time you thought much about airbag functionality?

But it goes beyond that too. Every single system inside your vehicle has been adapted with your safety in mind. Brake advancement, improved suspension, even emissions standards have been designed to make your driving experience safer while creating a better world as well.

Yet every single one of these safety features needs to be well maintained in order to function well when you need it most.

Ensuring Your Car’s Safety Features Are Well Maintained

What are some of the most important safety features?

Airbags

What started out as a simple safety feature to protect the driver has become a huge part of every vehicle’s overall safety strategy. Most new cars today will have a minimum of six airbags in place. Newer vehicles work to improve functionality, and offer as many as ten airbags or more.

While they aren’t perfect, they do more good than harm. The IIHS found that front airbags reduce driver fatality by 29 percent, and front-seat passenger fatalities by 32 percent.

While they are an excellent feature to have in case of an accident, things can go wrong over the years. Airbags are sometimes subjected to manufacturing defects, which can cause lack or improper deployment. Manufacturers are required to issue recall alerts as soon as they notice a problem. Fix it quickly if you hear of a problem.

With airbags in multiple places throughout the vehicle, the technology is also becoming more sophisticated to measure the weight and position of the seat. These systems are designed to adjust deployment to minimize injury.

The suspension system

The suspension includes the steering, wheels, tires, shock absorbers, struts, and many other components linking it all together. While a vehicle may come out of the factory with a tight suspension, everyday driving can start to whittle away at how all the pieces fit together. Every bump, dip, and uneven surface you drive on has the potential to damage the suspension system:

Broken springs
Damaged struts
Leaks in the shock absorbers
Wheel alignment issues
Uneven tread wear

While some of this is beyond your control, some are avoidable. This is where regular maintenance comes into play.

Start by getting familiar with your owner’s manual. It will establish guidelines for how often different components need replacing, or systems need to be repaired. Schedule maintenance items regularly, and be proactive in how often you seek regular maintenance visits. You can do things like:

Have the wheels aligned
Rotate tires regularly
Change out fluids timely
Maintain proper tire pressure

Regular service is the key to prevention.

The braking system

The brakes are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. Without them working effectively, you put yourself, other passengers, and those around you at risk.

The braking system is exposed to a significant amount of friction and heat. Every time you step on the brake pedal, it adds energy through the brake pads and rotors, eventually onto the wheel itself. Common issues include:

Worn brake pads
Worn rotors and calipers
Leaking or low brake fluid

Aggressive driving habits will exacerbate these conditions. Ignoring a good maintenance schedule will also allow repair work to go unchecked longer, potentially putting more of the brake system at risk. To keep them in good working condition:

Have the brake system inspected once a year or every 12,000 miles. This gives a mechanic the chance to look at brake pads and rotors, and ensure it’s all working well.
Replace brake fluid every 25,000 miles or so.
Bleed brake lines as needed to remove air and dirt.

In modern day vehicles, antilock brakes (ABS) also aid in emergency situations. If you remember your instructor at driving school teaching you to pump the brakes during an emergency stop, ABS handles that process for you. It electronically pumps the brakes when it detects the wheels not responding as they should in an emergency. Electronics can do so more rapidly than you can, providing more assurance of coming to a complete stop. It is crucial to have this inspected regularly, to ensure it’s functioning properly and will respond in the event of an emergency.

Electronic stability control

In addition to ABS, electronic stability control (EBS) was enacted in 2012 to help keep the vehicle moving in the direction you’re steering. It’s a more complex system relying on both ABS and traction control for results.

The EBS sensors also measure sideways motion and steering angle to ensure stability. If something happens to your vehicle and the sensor senses the vehicle isn’t moving in the direction of your steering inputs, it uses every tool possible to return the car to its intended position. While it’s not foolproof, it does a pretty good job of keeping your vehicle under control in most situations. If this isn’t working correctly, your vehicle is at greater risk.

Is it working the way it should? Diagnostics can help determine if something is wrong with the control system, and make adjustments as necessary.

Are your car’s safety features well maintained?

The easiest way to ensure they are is to schedule a maintenance inspection today. Through diagnostics and inspection, we can determine where problems may lie, and ensure every system is in good working condition. We can help put a schedule together for better understanding on repair and replacement expectations, giving you a chance to add them into your budget.

How can we help you keep your car well maintained?

Catalytic Converter Theft – What It Means To Your Car

July 18, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Have you heard talk in the media about catalytic converters lately? It’s not a lifestyle piece about what they do for your car. Chances are they’re talking about catalytic converters because of their increasing theft rate.

A recent study shows as of June 2022, there have been more than 26,000 thefts this year, an increase of more than 33 percent from this time last year.

Catalytic converters are an expensive part that are easily removed and stolen. What does a catalytic converter do for your car, and why are they being stolen? Read on. We have the answers you’ll need to keep your catalytic converter safe.

What is a catalytic converter

A catalytic converter is part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. While they come in different shapes and sizes, they are usually about the size of a loaf of bread. You’ll find the catalytic converter in the exhaust system located somewhere between the engine and the muffler. They need high heat to function, so they’ll be located as close to the engine as possible.

The catalytic converter’s job is to convert harmful exhaust pollutants into something less harmful. Through a chemical reaction, toxic hydrocarbons, carbon, monoxide, and nitrogen oxides are converted into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor. Though not perfect, the EPA still commends the use of catalytic converters as one of the top inventions so far in the quest to make our air supply cleaner.

Catalytic Converter Theft - What It Means To Your Car

Why is catalytic converter theft on the rise

People steal catalytic converters for money. They contain three metals that aid in production of the chemical reaction needed to make pollutants less toxic: platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

The prices of each of these metals have risen steadily over the past decade to make them valuable enough for thieves to take. Platinum, for example, was just above $100 an ounce, moving to an all-time high of over $2,000 an ounce in 2008. It’s settled to around $1,000 today, which still leaves a heavy profit margin to anyone taking it for profit. Because of the value, junkyards are more actively collecting catalytic converters, and have even gone so far as to advertise “mail-in” campaigns making it easy to profit with few questions asked.

States around the US are now passing laws to make catalytic converter purchases traceable, and require proof of ownership when people try to sell them. Without the anonymity protection, it should help reduce theft. But until then, it’s important to know how to protect yours, and what to do if it’s stolen.

Can you drive a car if the catalytic converter has been stolen?

As a general rule, you can drive a car without a catalytic converter. It’s the catalytic converter’s job to lower emission levels and toxic fumes being released into the environment. But it won’t hurt the engine if it’s not in place.

That said, it’s illegal to drive without a catalytic converter in place. That means you’ll fail an emissions test if you don’t have one in place.

You’ll also notice a difference in the way your car performs.

Without a catalytic converter, the oxygen sensors will not operate within the designed range. That sends engine fault codes to diagnostics, engine performance will suffer. Diagnostics will receive a signal from the sensors to change the oxygen mixture to try and reduce emissions. You’ll likely see the check engine light with trouble code P0420.

You’ll notice a reduction in power every time you take your vehicle out on the road for a drive. Without the proper fuel and oxygen mixture, the engine will sputter as it tries to operate. You’ll notice this hesitation each time you take it out.

Your fuel economy will also be compromised, causing you to pull into the gas station more often. Because it impacts the fuel/oxygen mixture, it will push more fuel into the engine trying to accomplish the same action with new requirements. This results in more emissions production and less fuel efficiency.

The exhaust noise will also be louder and raspier without it.

Your car will definitely alert you to the problem.

How to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen

While the good news is states across the US are putting laws into place to thwart criminal activity, it hasn’t stopped thefts from occurring. It’s harder to instill new laws onto older parts and technology, so it may take a while for rules and policies to catch up.

Until that time, there are things you can do to protect your catalytic converter and reduce the risks of having it stolen.

Catalytic converter replacement can typically cost thousands of dollars, depending on the vehicle. Some high performance vehicles may even have two catalytic converters in place, increasing the replacement cost.

Luckily, there are things you can do to help protect your car’s catalytic converter.

Park indoors if possible. If you have a garage, use it. It’s the easiest way to deter criminals from destructive behavior.
Park in a well-lit area. Thieves are less likely to work on a vehicle in a well-lit area, in view of anyone who passes by. A well-lit area with abundant traffic around the location pushes any would-be thief to another location.
Look for video surveillance. Some places make it well known the area is watched. Thieves want anonymity. If they know they might be observed and recorded, they’ll look for easier targets.
Consider getting your catalytic converter etched. Many police departments and some auto shops are now etching your license plate number onto the catalytic converter. This will tie any purchase back to the particular theft, and help stop more thefts in the future.
Have anti-theft devices in place. You can have installed shields that make it more challenging to steal. While not a perfect plan, with little evidence of how effective these are, if you live in a higher crime area, this may be worth trying.

Have you ever had your catalytic converter stolen?

Does Your Car Still Use a Muffler?

July 14, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

I was surprised by the question: Does a car still use a muffler?

And yet it makes sense. Years ago, it was common to see commercials on television touting muffler repair and replacement. Cars weren’t as sturdy. Owners anticipated having to replace parts of the exhaust system every few years.

Today, however, that has changed. Most modern vehicles have a stainless-steel or aluminized-steel exhaust system designed to last for a lifetime.

What is a muffler?

A muffler is designed to muffle the sound created by a rumbling engine. Engines operate with a lot of power. That energy creates continuous pulsating sounds that reverberate through the exhaust valves. It creates thousands of pulses per minute, which could create a very noisy environment without the muffler in place.

A muffler is designed as a noise canceler. If you were to open a muffler up, you would see a series of tubes, baffles, and chambers all working to reflect the sound waves as they move in from the engine. They are reflected back and forth in such a way to decrease and cancel each other out.

Mufflers are created differently. Some are designed for quiet, reducing the noise to a minimum. Others are created with lower tones and different zounds. If you hear a growling noise from some vehicles, it’s the way the muffler was designed.

Why mufflers grow noisier with age

When you drive a vehicle off the showroom lot, it’s a solid machine that works at optimal performance. From there, every bump in the road or slamming on the brakes starts wearing on the various components. This doesn’t happen all at once. Unless you’re in an accident, it happens slowly over time.

This is normal.

Over time, the engine starts to wear down. Even if you bring your car in regularly, various parts continue to wear down. Belts can wear and extend. Joints can wiggle loose. Efficiency can degrade.

As the pieces no longer fit together quite as tightly, you’ll notice it in performance. You may hear noises you’ve never heard before.

Every noise you hear is an indicator of something not working quite the way it was designed. It might not impact your car … at first. But over time, it can start causing damage within the system.

Oil is one of the most important foundations for an engine’s good health. While there may be some debate on whether to change it out every 3,000, 5,000, or even 7,000 miles or more, err on the side of changing it more. Oil is a lubricator that keeps your engine cool and working well. As oil degrades, it won’t perform well, which causes the engine to have to work harder for performance.

This is where problems begin.

A muffler takes that noise and muffles the sound. More sound means more work. And because a muffler degrades over time too, you get the two components countering each other.

Common muffler problems

The most common muffler problem is rust. As water trickles through the exhaust system, it causes condensation to build within the system. As some of it accumulates, it causes rust over time.

Moisture can accumulate from other resources too. During our snowy winter months, ice and snow can build up underneath your vehicle. Rain can splash up during the rainy summer months. This can also build up over time and cause rust, especially along joint and connection lines.

Another common problem exists when holes or loose parts exist within the exhaust system. This happens over time. Hitting a bump or a pothole causes friction in connections. Every rock kicked up as you drive can ping the muffler. While you might not see damage the first month after you purchase a vehicle, or even after the first year, damage accumulates over time. It’s the constant wear and tear that eventually causes a problem. And if a crack exists in the muffler or tailpipe, it needs to be replaced.

How to know your muffler needs replacing

Like other parts on your vehicle, there are telltale signs a muffler gives you, signaling it isn’t working properly.

The easiest is by producing more noise. Since a muffler’s main objective is to remove noise, you’ll notice if it’s no longer performing optimally. When a muffler is damaged, it can’t provide noise reduction. You’ll hear it every time you start your car and drive. It won’t be something you can ignore, as it will only worsen over time.

The engine can also misfire. A misfire shows up as a sudden loss of speed, yet the engine recovers quickly and moves on. It feels like it stumbles, catches, and recovers. This happens as exhaust moves through the system, it catches in the muffler without moving smoothly through the system. This catch causes it to hesitate, showing up as a misfire.

You can also notice it in your fuel economy. And with prices rising as high as they are today, you’ll feel it in your wallet. A good exhaust system is essential to a vehicle’s performance level. The muffler can easily be the starting point to losing efficiency. A crack or leak in the muffler allows exhaust to flow where it shouldn’t be. This cuts back on performance, requiring more fuel to get the job done. This means the fuel you put in will have to work harder for the same results. You’ll be filling up more often as you move through your weeks.

You might also hear a rattle if the problem stems from loose parts. A loose connection, a damaged part, or a small crack can allow different pieces to rub together, bang together as you hit a bump, or rattle as the car vibrates and moves.

How to fix a bad car muffler

Unfortunately, the only way to fix a bad car muffler is replacement. If it has a minor hole, a mechanic may be able to use adhesive material to patch and bond to the muffler’s surface. But beyond that, it’s better to replace the entire muffler. It’s the best way to ensure it works correctly with your system, providing both safety and fuel efficiency.

When was the last time you had your car’s muffler inspected?

Gas Saving Tips For Your Summer Travels

July 10, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

How fuel efficient your car was even a few short months ago wasn’t that big of a deal. When gas prices were low, a swing of 5 to 10 miles per gallon barely registered in your mind.

Yet now, gas prices are rising … drastically. You notice it every time you pull into a gas station and fill up your tank. It’s difficult watching your final cost rise significantly upward, knowing there isn’t much you can do. Gas saving tips you read online never really amount to much … Do companies really think trading your car in for an electric car will save you money? Not when the average price of a car just rose beyond $47,000?

If your summer plans include road tripping, you want real gas saving tips you can use right now, with the car sitting in your driveway. Luckily, there are many things you can do that won’t break the bank.

Let’s start with the reasons why your car’s losing fuel efficiency

Sure, you can save a little bit of money by tracking gas prices with your favorite app, but that amounts to a few cents each fill up. The same applies to paying with cash.

Gas is an important part of keeping your vehicle fully operational. Have you ever purchased cheap gas and noticed your car ran rougher as it moved through the system?

The quality of gas is equally important. We suggest finding a reliable source that’s convenient for your lifestyle. Then use that source every time you fuel up. Do they have a loyalty program? This is the time to use it.

Depending on where you go on your summer road trip, you can sometimes find the same source along your drive. Many consumers use Costco for gas as well as other lifestyle choices. You can map out the best places to stop based on where a servicing station is convenient. It also works well if you need to pick up a few food items when arriving at your final destination.

While you can save some cash this way, it won’t make a huge dent in your fuel bill. This is when it comes time to ensure your car is in top condition, to ensure it’s using fuel as efficiently as possible.

Air filter

An engine needs both fuel and air to power the engine. Without the proper air supply, it won’t operate correctly. If the engine isn’t taking in enough air, it compensates for it by adding more fuel to the mixture. It will take more fuel to travel at the same speed.

This is why it’s vital to ensure the air filter is clean and capable of allowing a proper air stream into the engine. Clogged air filters are especially common in older cars that still rely on carburetors. While most manufacturers recommend replacing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, it’s a good idea to check it regularly and replace it as you notice changes.

Fuel filter

A fuel filter blocks contaminants in the fuel supply, preventing them from traveling throughout the engine where they can cause harm. One of the biggest places contaminants can hamper fuel efficiency is by damaging fuel injectors. It can also lower fuel pressure, which further compromises your engine.

As your car ages, manufacturers suggest replacing a fuel filter every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Check with your owner’s manual to follow recommendations. If you suspect a dirty fuel filter, bringing it in and letting a mechanic inspect it will ensure all parts of your fuel system are working as designed.

Fuel injectors

One of the most common reasons for a drop in fuel efficiency is a dirty fuel injector. Fuel injectors are tiny nozzles that spray fuel into the engine cylinder. This spray system must work precisely to mix with the air supply at the right time. Without it firing properly, it disrupts the fueling process.

When fuel injectors become dirty or clogged, the fuel spray is anything but precise. In some cases, the fuel injectors can be cleaned. Other times they may need replacing to ensure a proper spray pattern. Fixing the problem early will prevent it from escalating and damaging other parts of your vehicle.

Oxygen sensors

Today’s modern cars use an oxygen sensor to measure how lean or rich the exhaust gasses are as they exit the engine. These sensors register the results, then send a message to the computer system to adjust the amount of fuel that enters the engine.

When an oxygen sensor is dirty, it can lead to an inefficient amount of fuel entering the engine. Some estimate that fuel economy can be lowered by as much as 40 percent.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the more common reasons the check engine light will illuminate on your dashboard. It’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in anytime a light illuminates. A faulty oxygen sensor is an easy, affordable fix, and will help keep your fuel economy in check.

Tires

Low tire pressure can be a common occurrence as you drive on scorching hot roads. It’s also a common cause of lowering your fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires have more roll resistance with the road. It creates drag as you drive and lower the fuel economy over time.

Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to fix. Pay attention to the dashboard. If it illuminates low tire pressure, inspect your tires for any signs of weakness. You should also check your tire pressure and fill it up with air as needed. Because tires can have a major impact on safety, especially as you road trip, it’s essential to pay attention to this throughout your trip.

Alignment

No matter how well you drive, you can’t avoid potholes, bumps, and other road hazards all the time. Each bump impacts your wheel alignment, and if it no longer sits straight, it’s costing you money at the pump.

Just like low tire pressure, a poorly aligned wheel creates resistance as it travels down the road. This continual pull hurts fuel economy too.

Now’s the time for a little TLC – before your road trip

With both your safety and fuel efficiency at stake, scheduling a maintenance visit before your next road trip just makes sense. You’ll stop any potential repairs from escalating, and ensure your vehicle is as efficient as possible.

It’s the best gas saving tips we can give.

How Exhaust Leaks Are Impacting Your Gas Mileage

July 7, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

With gas prices climbing higher each day, it’s only natural to pay more attention to your gas mileage. When you watch your budget being eaten by trips to the gas station, fuel efficiency is of top concern.

Will exhaust leaks impact gas mileage? Will exhaust leaks affect your vehicle’s performance?

While you may not have thought much about the process before, times are a-changing. Exhaust leaks can and will make you take more trips to the gas station. It impacts performance, and underscores your efficiency.

What do you need to know?

Understanding your car’s exhaust system

A car’s exhaust system is a variety of pipes, connectors, sensors, and mechanical devices designed to handle and dispose of exhaust fumes that are produced by the engine’s combustion process. The exhaust system is designed to:

Funnel potentially dangerous exhaust fumes away from the occupants of the vehicle
Reduce the noise levels of the internal combustion process
Reduce the toxicity levels of outgoing fumes that can be harmful to humans

Why exhaust leaks can be dangerous

The combustion process is a powerful force used to create energy, and make your car go. Car exhaust fumes can contain a variety of poisonous chemicals, including:

How Exhaust Leaks Are Impacting Your Gas Mileage

Carbon monoxide
Sulfur dioxide
Nitrogen oxides
Formaldehyde
Benzene
Soot

Each can be harmful to your health.

A properly working exhaust system ensures your vehicle is operating safely for you and those around you. When an exhaust leak occurs, it can allow dangerous gases to enter the atmosphere around it. If that moves into your vehicle, it quickly creates a hazardous situation. Many of these harmful gases are odorless, which means you won’t even realize their impact as you ride in the passenger cabin. Prolonged impact can make you sick.

You may have an exhaust leak if you notice …

For many drivers, an annual emissions test may be the first sign you receive that something is wrong. If you pull into your state’s testing center, it records an abnormal reading, alerting you to a potential problem. To continue legally driving, you’ll have to fix your exhaust system before getting your certification.

But that’s not the only way your vehicle alerts you to a potential problem. Exhaust leaks can give you other warning signs that give you advanced warning.

Engine noise – listen for a loud rumble that often occurs while accelerating. Depending on where the leak is, you may hear a variety of noises: popping, hissing, ticking, or buzzing. It usually sounds louder when you’re outside the vehicle, and it will get louder as you rev the engine.

Loud exhaust – over time, you get to know the sounds of your vehicle well. If you have a leak in the exhaust, it will make driving and accelerating louder than normal. You will know if you have a leak.

Loss of acceleration – anytime the system doesn’t work the way it should, it can impact performance. When you press down on the accelerator, you may notice your vehicle no longer accelerates the way it once did. It no longer has pick-up-and-go. This won’t go away. You’ll continue to lose power as the leak becomes more pronounced.

Vibrations – don’t you just hate rattles and vibrations, and you can’t seem to find the cause? Exhaust leaks allow air to escape from cracks or holes in the system. Depending on where it is, it can cause a variety of vibrations.

Noxious smells – some of the exhaust fumes are odorless. But that doesn’t mean you can’t smell it. One of the exhaust system’s functions is to give it an odor to make sure you smell it in the event something goes wrong. If you start to smell exhaust fumes moving towards the front of the cabin, you have a problem. You may notice it as a gas smell as well.

Reduced fuel economy – with today’s gas prices soaring sky-high, this might be one of your first clues if you monitor your mileage. Are you returning to the gas station more frequently? An exhaust leak may be the culprit. Exhaust leaks cause an air-to-fuel ratio imbalance that makes the engine less efficient. That increases the amount of gas needed for processing.

What’s causing exhaust leaks?

Just like exhaust leaks can spring to life for a variety of reasons, what causes them varies depending on your vehicle. It may be from:

Corrosion – the exhaust system rides close to the ground. It’s impacted by heat and cold, ice, rain, and snow. When you drive on a dirt road, rocks and gravel can pound against it. When you drive in the winter, salt, mag-chloride, and other chemicals can affect the metal. Heat can cause melted road tar onto the system. Go on a road trip? You may bring part of the experience home with you. Through all the miles your car drives, it can impact the system over time.

Damage – the exhaust system resides underneath the car, close to the ground. Potholes, road hazards, unpaved roads, and even normal driving conditions can all cause damage to the low-lying equipment. If a rock bounces up, it can damage the metal.

Failing joints, gaskets, and welds – every piece on your vehicle degrades over time. If it was installed correctly, it might last the manufacturer’s suggested time limits. If it was poorly repaired, it might show up sooner than expected.

Time and age – everything wears down over time. The older your vehicle is, the more room for problem areas can arise.

Fixing exhaust leaks

Exhaust leaks are a job best left to the professionals. That’s because it contains a variety of issues to ensure it’s brought back to good working condition. It may include part replacement, dealing with metal corrosion, or ensuring the system is functioning well. Everything from new parts to sealants may be used.

The exhaust system isn’t something you want second-rate. Your life could hang in the balance if something isn’t right.

Your best line of defense against exhaust leaks is to have your vehicle inspected on a regular basis. If you notice significant changes, schedule an inspection right away.

It’s the best way to keep repair bills to a minimum, and ensure you’re vehicle is always running smoothly.

Should You Consider a Transmission Rebuild?

July 4, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Your vehicle’s transmission is a vital part of operation. Without it, your car won’t go.

If your transmission has problems, it can be a safety hazard. Imagine getting in a situation where your car won’t change gears, or suddenly does as you’re driving down the road.

When you notice a transmission problem, a mechanic will inspect it and find what’s causing the issue. It might be a minor repair, or it could be more serious. That’s when you’re likely to have to make a decision: should you consider a transmission rebuild, or is it time for a new one.

Understanding a transmission

Think of a transmission as a car’s gearbox. If you compare it to a bicycle, it would consist of a gear shifter and chain mechanism.

The transmission components are mounted to the engine compartment so the gear and chain system can effectively convert combustion power from the engine into physical energy.

Fuel is ignited in the combustion chamber. As fuel ignites, it uses the heat to push pistons up and down in the engine cylinder, spinning the crankshaft. This crankshaft is what’s used to move the wheels.

Should You Consider a Transmission Rebuild?

It’s the transmission system’s job to ensure this energy force is kept under control. The transmission ensures energy is sent to the wheels at intermittent levels, depending on the speed you’re traveling at. Without it, it would be difficult to start and stop your car.

A transmission changes gears as the vehicle moves through different speeds. As you push down on the accelerator, let up and apply the brake, the transmission adjusts so that the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPMs) are kept relatively low. This provides better fuel consumption, and ensures the energy process doesn’t overload the engine. Think of it as a harnesser of energy, making the entire process work safely and efficiently.

Everything works well. Until it doesn’t.

What is a rebuilt transmission?

Transmissions are one of the most complex systems that make your vehicle operate. When something goes wrong with the transmission system, the repair process can escalate fast.

While mechanics will speak of a transmission as if it were one part, it’s actually a series of over 800 different components, each with its own unique make and model. Each part can be repaired or replaced. It’s a time-consuming and expensive process. Even for a highly trained mechanic, it takes time to ensure the right pieces are fixed, and the entire system is efficient once it’s put back together.

Inside a transmission are several major components:

Gear set – this allows the forward and backward motion.
Hydraulic system – transmission fluid moves through the system to help control gear movement. It helps with lubrication, cooling, and shift control.
Seals and gaskets – these components ensure lubricant stays where it’s supposed to be without leaking.
Pump and turbine – the engine and transmission work through a series of three fans, spinning as fluid is pushed through the system.
Throttle cable – this monitors speed and throttle position of the transmission to help determine the proper time to shirt.
Computer – modern day vehicles use a computer to control the process through a series of sensors.

A transmission rebuild would include working on any one or more of these components. If any part is damaged or worn out, the components would be in need of repair. It includes replacing a series of parts rather than replacing the entire transmission.

Rebuilt transmissions can involve major overhauls. It can include replacing several parts or systems within the transmission rather than installing a brand new one.

What happens during a transmission rebuild?

When a mechanic rebuilds a transmission, it involves removing the transmission and completely disassembling it. Each piece is inspected for damage or wear, and a decision is made on whether to keep it or replace it. If it’s kept, it’s cleaned and used as the system is being rebuilt. Clutches, seals, gaskets, and any other easily worn items will be evaluated during this process as well.

Why are transmission rebuilds popular? Because a rebuilt transmission can be considerably less expensive than replacing the entire system. Even a rebuilt transmission can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the problems. It’s a way to keep the costs as low as possible while bringing your vehicle back to drivable condition.

There is a break-even point where a transmission rebuilt and installing a new transmission meet. As parts and labor creep upward, there’s a point where it makes more sense just to replace it. A reputable mechanic can help determine that and make suggestions along the way.

Research shows that transmissions tend to fail between 80,000 and 150,000 miles. As you approach that mileage, you can start asking yourself questions.

How often do I bring the vehicle in for routine maintenance?
What problems have I had in the past?
How long do I plan on keeping this vehicle?

These questions can help you decide the best course of action. If your transmission has a history of problems, needing repair work frequently since you purchased it, it may point in the direction of replacement. If it’s never given you any problems before, rebuilding the transmission may be the solution.

Some common indicators of needing a transmission rebuild

Problems with your vehicle rarely occur instantaneously. Instead, you’ll start noticing problems build over time.

Transmission slipping – you’ll notice regular and sudden changes with gears shifting when it’s not expected. It might make a humming noise. It often happens with low transmission fluid levels, or lack of maintenance. The worse it gets, the more the gears are damaged. Too much damage would require a new transmission.

Gear shifting problems – your car won’t go without the ability to shift gears. When this starts to fail, you’ll notice it in several ways:

A jerking sensation as it moves between gears
Shifting without reason
Falling out of gear while driving
Hesitation before engaging

Burning smell – any burning smell should be checked out right away. It’s a sign of a component failing. The sooner you find the problem and fix it, the less at risk you are of the entire system collapsing.

Fluid leak – transmission fluid is a red color. If you notice it darkening, or leaking anywhere from the system, you’ll have cooling issues. Continuous leaks can result in low levels of transmission fluid, which means it’s not running through the system at optimal levels. It can damage a series of components.

Do you have transmission problems?

Whether a transmission rebuild is in your future, or a full replacement is necessary, it starts with a full inspection. Bring your vehicle in today, and we’ll help you make an informed decision.