Express Car Care of Denver

Brake Check Checklist To Ensure Your Passengers Safety

April 25, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

When it comes to vehicle safety, there are many tasks you shouldn’t ignore. Motor oil is important; experts suggest replacing it about every 3,000 miles. If your tires wear out, not only will they provide a very bumpy ride, but they may also suffer a blowout, putting you and your passengers at risk.

But few would argue at the top of the safety list is your car braking system. The head of the Car Care Council said it best when he stated, “If brake service is neglected, you’re gambling with your safety, and the safety of your passengers and other drivers.”

For all those reasons and more, it’s important to keep a brake check checklist handy, and refer to it from time to time to ensure your car’s braking system is operating the way it should. It’s the best way to keep you and those around you safe and secure.

A good brake check inspection will allow you to recognize when things go wrong, as well as allow you to take action before bigger problems arise. If you have an older car and you haven’t paid much attention to the brakes lately, do this now.

Step 1: Schedule a brake inspection

A car’s brake system is made up of a variety of different components.

The brake master cylinder pushes hydraulic fluid into the brake lines. Most master cylinders have two components for safety reasons, one section to control the front brakes, the other for the rear brake. It works by controlling the amount of hydraulic fluid released in order to maintain the pressure used to slow down the vehicle.

The brake rotor (or brake drum on older cars) spins while the car is operating. The brake pad and caliper push against the brake rotor to cause friction necessary to slow down and stop the vehicle.

In a disc brake system, the brake pad and caliper are used to control the speed by pressing up against a spinning brake disc. Brake calipers provide a clamping force that pushes the brake pad against the rotor.

The alternative to this is a brake shoe that is used for slowing and stopping drum brakes. The brake shoe rubs against the interior of the drum brake to control speed.

The brake pedal is the connector to give you control of how much pressure is applied within the braking system.

Many vehicles today are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Each wheel has a sensor that detects how fast each wheel is spinning. If your wheels lock and one or more wheel spins at different speeds, the ABS module turns on to help you safely control and stop your car. This is run by an ABS module that programs the speeds and keeps the system working.
Brakes lines move brake fluid throughout the system to allow ease when you tap on the brakes.

While these are the main components of the braking system, there are many more parts that go into making up each individual component. If any of these parts wear down, break, or leak, it can put your braking system in jeopardy.

When you schedule a brake inspection, a mechanic will look at the entire braking system thoroughly. They move through the entire process, ensuring parts are in good condition, fluid is at the right levels, and every piece is working as it should. If you’re heading out on a road trip, this is an important step before you leave to give you added insurance your car is safe for the road.

Step 2: Never ignore warning signs

As a part of your brake check checklist, you should become aware of how your vehicle runs when it’s working at its best. How does it act? How does it sound?

Being aware of what your car sounds like in good working condition will help you pick up on the signs when something goes bad.

Do you hear a squealing, squeaking, or grinding noise? The brake pads are built with an internal indicator to create sound when they reach the end of their lifespan. They provide you with plenty of warnings to schedule an appointment and get your car in for servicing. A grinding noise might also mean dirt or debris has made its way into the brake line, and is causing havoc somewhere within the system. Bringing it in for servicing will allow a mechanic to thoroughly inspect the brakes and make corrections as needed.

Do you feel a vibration in the steering wheel? It could be uneven rotors. As the brake pads apply pressure to each of the four rotors, unevenness will send shockwaves through the system, and present itself as wobbling or a vibration.

Do you notice a spongy or soft brake? Over time, it can take more pressure applied to the brake pedal to slow and stop your vehicle. This could be a leak in the brake lines, or a problem with the master cylinder. This is also a sign you should schedule servicing as quickly as possible.

Do you smell something burning? If your brakes overheat as you use them, they have a sharp chemical smell you can’t miss. If your brakes get too hot, it can cause brake failure, meaning you’ll be driving without braking assistance. It’s important to pull over to safety immediately, and get your brake system checked out.

Step 3: Use your brakes correctly

This sounds almost obvious, but some drivers consistently put too much pressure on their vehicle’s braking system.

Speed is the enemy. If you drive too fast, follow too closely, and often find yourself slamming on the brakes, you’re putting too much pressure on the brake system. You’ll replace brake pads and other parts more frequently than if you slow down and drive less aggressively.

Coast when you can. Don’t hurry up just to stop again. And avoid being a two-footed driver. Having constant pressure on the brake pedal means your brake pads wear out that much faster.

If the brake warning light illuminates, don’t ignore it. Schedule your appointment with a mechanic today.

Step 4: Find a mechanic you can trust

While a trip to the service station often ends with you spending money on car repair, if you get to know your local mechanic, you can work in partnership to keep your vehicle safe.

If you have any questions about how to extend the life of your brake system, and how to get the most out of the parts you install, we’re here to provide the answers. Just call.

9 Car Noises You Should Never Ignore

April 21, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

What’s that sound?

Is that normal?

Before you ignore it altogether, turn up the radio as you drive, take a moment to figure out exactly where the noise is coming from. The difference could be a simple fix versus a major auto repair.

The average vehicle on the road today has around 30,000 parts. If a screw falls out, if a belt loosens, if a part wears out, it’s going to create an odd sound. The only question for you is: does it matter? Should you disregard the sound? Or are there car noises you should never ignore?

To help you distinguish between the two, we’ve put together a list of the most common sounds, what they mean, and give you a better understanding of which noises you should pay attention to.

Squeaking

When you get into your vehicle, you expect certain things to happen. Step on the brake pedal and you assume you’ll slow down without a hitch. When you tap, do you hear a squeaking sound? That’s the first indicator there’s a problem with your brakes. Brake pads are designed in such a way that they provide warning sounds long before they’ve reached their lifespan. As the brake material wears, it gets closer to the wear line built in. When this touches the brake rotor, it makes a squeaking noise. You can’t miss it. You should never ignore it. While you do have some time before the brake pad completely wears down, the noise will be annoying enough to make you bring it in and repair it.

Knocking

If you hear a knocking noise from the engine, it could mean your engine is low on oil. Low oil isn’t something to avoid as it can cause serious issues with your entire engine compartment. As an engine operates without proper fluid levels, the various components start failing. If the rod bearings fail, for instance, you might be replacing your engine soon. When you hear the noise, take note of where it’s coming from and how frequently you hear it. Bring it in as soon as possible to stop the problem from increasing.

Rattling

Rattling noises can drive you crazy. You press on various parts of your car, trying to figure out where it’s coming from. If you’ve pinpointed it’s coming from the front wheels, and you drive a front-wheel drive car, does it happen when you accelerate or make a hard turn? If water seeps into the joints that allow your tires to turn, they can rot. It makes a distinctive sound under certain circumstances. Of course, that’s not the only part that can rattle. With 30,000 parts, if any one of them comes loose, it can allow two or more components to come together and create an annoying sound. Maybe your muffler is loose. Or you have a problem with brake connections. Regular maintenance on your vehicle will ensure everything is properly connected and working as designed.

Howling

Does a howling noise seem to come from the back of your vehicle as you drive? Do you operate a rear-wheel drive car? It may be a problem with your read differential. Worn parts may include bad bearings, worn gears, or a pinion problem that causes a distinctive sound as you drive under different conditions. Accelerating and decelerating may exacerbate the noise.

Clicking

Some noises are more noticeable at certain speeds. At lower speeds, as your wheels turn and move, you may hear a clicking sound that sounds similar to when you drive over train tracks. This could be a problem with your drive axles. Velocity joints control the vertical movement of your car, send power into the wheels, and control your ability to steer. If the sound worsens, it may impact your ability to control your vehicle.

Hissing

You can’t miss a hissing sound. It sounds like air is being released somewhere underneath the hood. If it’s coming from your engine, you may have a leak in one of the many connective parts, such as a vacuum line, or a tube in the cooling system. If any of these parts aren’t working properly, quick repair is necessary to keep your engine working well. Leaks may start out small, impacting something as small as the way your dashboard works. But it can quickly escalate to your engine’s performance. If you have a question about something within the engine compartment, act quickly to avoid larger repair bills.

Grinding

When you hear a grinding noise, that usually indicates metal on metal, rubbing against one another. That means joints and lubrication have deteriorated enough for the parts to be connecting and wearing away. Notice where the noise is coming from for a better indication of what system it’s impacting. Under the hood, for example, could indicate a problem with the water pump, or a drive belt that’s failing.

Tire noise

One of the most difficult noises to recognize are the noises that change over time. You get used to the way they sound because the change is gradual. Tires will last thousands of miles. But if you have a problem with the way a tire connects with the road, one tire may wear out faster than the rest. That can also cause varying noises to come from different wheels. Pay attention to how they sound. Changes in noise level could mean a problem with alignment or suspension, which can impact the smoothness of your drive. It can also impact gas mileage over time, and eventually wear down different systems in your vehicle.

Whining

Most of us drive with an automatic transmission these days. As you move it into gear, it should operate smoothly with little noise. If you hear a clunking or banging as you move gears, that’s an indicator of a problem within the transmission system. As you’re driving, it shouldn’t produce a whining noise.

Have you started to hear strange noises as your car ages? Have some of them gone from bad to worse? Don’t wait. Waiting can also cause your repair bill to escalate. There are certain car noises you should never ignore. If you hear any of the above, schedule an appointment with our mechanics today.

A Guide To Your Car’s Air Conditioner Condenser Before The Summer Heat Hits

April 17, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Springtime in the Rockies. It can be in the 70s one moment, and a blizzard the next. You may find yourself turning on your car’s air conditioner in the afternoon underneath the blazing sun, followed by the heater as the sun dips behind the mountains.

Is your car’s air conditioner condenser up for the job? Is it ready and waiting for the hottest days of the year?

How your car’s air conditioning system works

While almost every car purchased today comes with air conditioning as standard equipment, that wasn’t always the case. Air conditioning grew in popularity in the 1970s, and it quickly became the standard in auto production.

The air conditioning system in your car today works similarly to how it was first put into production back in the 1930s. Air conditioners are built with three main parts: the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator.

The three work together to push refrigerant through a high pressure/low pressure closed-loop system. As the refrigerant moves through the loop, it changes from gas to liquid, and back again.

The compressor takes in low pressure refrigerant gas and compresses it to a high pressure, high temperature gas. It then pumps this gas into the condenser.

The condenser dissipates the heat outward, and turns the high pressure gas into a high pressure liquid. It removes any water formed during this process as it moves through a dryer system before being pumped out to the thermal expansion valve.

It’s there that this high pressure liquid is allowed to expand and become a low pressure liquid that enters the loop system and into the evaporator located in your car’s interior. The refrigerant moves from liquid to gas form once again as the evaporator takes in the heat from the inside of your car.

As this occurs, a fan blows over the compressor, creating the cooled air you feel through your vents. As the gas enters the compressor, it continues through the closed-loop system, and the process starts all over again.

What are the symptoms of a bad AC condenser?

A vehicle’s air conditioning system depends on a steady flow of refrigerant moving through it. This is what it needs to produce cooled air, and send that air out through the ventilation system.

The only way refrigerant can do its job is if the air conditioner condenser is working. But like other parts on your vehicle, an AC compressor can fail. Luckily, it doesn’t happen all at once. It provides you with warning signs so you can take action before it stops working altogether.

Noises – You can’t miss the noises a compressor might make as it develops problems. The compressor relies on a closed-loop system to operate, which is held together by a series of sealed bearings and other components. As these wear, break, or are damaged in any way, it becomes more difficult for the compressor to operate properly. Whether it’s a squeak, a squeal, or a bang, if you notice a noise as you turn your air conditioning system on, it’s time for an inspection.

Hot air from the vents – On a hot day, if you turn on the air conditioner the moment you enter the car, the only thing you’ll feel coming from the vents is hot air. If that hot air continues, it’s a clear indicator of a problem with the AC compressor. If refrigerant can’t circulate throughout the air conditioning system, it won’t be able to create the cooled air you want. This usually isn’t an all-or-nothing process. Gradually, the cool air will warm, and you’ll start to notice your air conditioner doesn’t put out as much cooled air as it used to. Eventually, it will stop altogether.

Leaks – The AC compressor is made up of a series of components to keep it working well. Over time, if those internal bearings and connections fail, the pressurized refrigerant can start to leak. Refrigerant won’t show up as a puddle underneath your car, the way other fluids might appear. Instead, refrigerant leaks appear as a thin, greasy substance that appears around the compressor itself, or small pools if it’s really bad underneath your vehicle. Refrigerant is bad for the environment, so it’s imperative that you fix the problem quickly to avoid further release into the atmosphere.

Are there ways to maintain the air conditioning system?

Luckily, your AC compressor isn’t something most car owners replace. If your car is well cared for, your compressor can last for tens of thousands of miles.

But that doesn’t mean you should take a back seat, and wait until warning signs occur. Like other systems inside your vehicle, there are general maintenance items you can occasionally do to ensure the air conditioning system continues to work well.

Your vehicle’s cabin has an air filter, which is positioned between the air conditioning system under the hood and the vents that blow air inside your car. Check this regularly, and replace it if it’s clogged or blackened with debris.

Don’t forget to clean your entire vehicle, inside and out. Running it through an occasional car wash is a great way to ensure the outside looks great. But don’t forget that salt, mag-chloride, and other contaminants can spray up into the engine compartment as you drive on Colorado roads throughout the year. The condenser sits in front of the radiator. A simple flow of water from a garden hose can clean the grille, which allows the airflow needed for the air conditioner to work.

An occasional inspection should also be made, especially if you’re heading out on a road trip. Pull it into our service station and let us evaluate your entire vehicle. We often catch small repair items that, if left unchecked, could quickly escalate as you head out on the road. It’s one of the easiest forms of preventing, ensuring your car stays in great shape for years to come.

When was the last time you pulled your vehicle in for an inspection?

Why Car Repair Shop Reviews Matter

April 13, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

When were you last in a situation where your car had a problem, and you didn’t know where to go?

We’ve all been in that situation before. Maybe you’re new to town. Or maybe you’ve purchased a new home in a new neighborhood and aren’t familiar with the local shops.

You want to do business with a local, but where should you go?

Typically, there are three ways to find a new car repair shop.

1. Drive by. Every day as you’re out running errands, you notice the repair shops in your community. Which one should you trust?

2. Mailers and flyers. Of course, you can always rely on marketing. Homeowners are bombarded with flyers in their mailboxes offering coupons for different services. Does one of them seem to be a good deal, and applies to what’s wrong with your vehicle?

3. Referrals. Arguably, this is one of the best ways to discover new shops. If your neighbor or friend trusts a place, maybe you can too.

Still, we’ve all heard horror stories about taking your vehicle in for service, only to have the mechanic come out and tell you there’s a major complication with your car. Do you trust the advice? Do you sink hundreds – thousands – of dollars into your vehicle?

Do you trust that they are telling you the truth?

Two types of car repair shops, which is right for you?

As you’re running errands, you’ve probably come across two separate types of car repair shops in your neighborhood: national brands, and locally owned shops.

The national brands are part of a corporate conglomerate with shops all over the country. Their names are recognizable, and part of that is to gain your trust. If you visit one in your local city, you can go to one in another town and expect similar service. Of course, that’s not always the case.

Locally owned shops are also known as “mom and pop” shops. They were started by a local member of the community, and operate as a family operation. You’ll typically talk with the owner and get to know them over time.

According to a survey by Consumer Reports, independent mechanics provide a more satisfying experience. They surveyed over 40,000 consumers and asked them about their recent repair experiences. One mechanic they interviewed said it best:

“If you keep your car for many years, find a local, independent garage you can trust, and then build a relationship by giving them repeat business. If you stay loyal, they’re bound to treat you right, which can be advantageous when it comes to those really expensive jobs.”

With most large corporations, they operate to maximize profits. They set prices and stick with schedules to ensure maximum revenue. The people you meet when you bring your vehicle in are employees. And as employees, they come and go based on their goals and desires.

Local car repair shops are locally owned and operated, often bringing in family and friends who stick around. You’ll see the same friendly faces every time you bring your vehicle in.

How do you find a car repair place you can trust?

As mentioned before, you can find local service shops in a variety of ways. As you narrow down your focus, that’s when you should head online. While you might receive one or two reviews from your neighbors, online, you can gain a wealth of information with only a few clicks. Whether you use social media like Facebook, or review sites like Angie’s, you’ll start to see patterns emerge.

Car repair shop reviews help you monitor quality – If a business is around for any length of time, chances are you’ll find a number of reviews online. People realize how important this is, and they are highly motivated to leave their own. Don’t read one or two and finalize your decision. Instead, take some time to get a consensus about how people feel about the local shop. Do they like the people? Do they like the service? Do they have any trouble with the mechanics of the repair after they drive away? Online reviewers are honest about quality, and you can quickly build a better understanding of how well a shop is doing.

Car repair shop reviews build trust – One review might not be enough to lower your concerns, but how about ten, or twenty? Building reviews online should be a part of a local business’s goals. It’s a great way to tell other people in your community about the great resources you’ve been using for years. With reviews, you can also see the dates of when the item is posted. Does the service stay the same year after year? That can be a bonus for a local shop.

Car repair shop reviews can also show your customer service care – Let’s face it, all reviews aren’t going to be positive. This is also a chance for a car repair shop to show its true colors. How do they handle the situation? Do they ignore the review? Or do they take the time to answer the poster and face the problem head-on? Not every customer is going to gel with a business, and that’s okay. This is where it’s important to read reviews carefully, and go with the majority view. It will tell you everything.

Celebrate good reviews

There are many ways to celebrate good reviews. Increasingly, online review resources understand how difficult the process of finding quality repair shops can be, so they highlight service businesses that go above and beyond.

Here at Express Car Care, we take our reviews and ratings very seriously. We’ve recently been awarded the distinction of being a 2020 CARFAX Top-Rated Service Center, with an average rating of 4.9, and we couldn’t be happier!

If you want to see what other drivers already discovered, and want to have a mechanic who works with you to ensure your car is in top shape, schedule your maintenance visit with us today.

Battery Cable Maintenance

April 12, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Chances are you’ve had the power go out in your neighborhood at some time, and you know how helpless that can make you feel. No lights, no microwave oven, no cold refrigerator, it’s like living in another century!

Well, your vehicle is also highly dependent on having power for it to run properly. This is why battery cable maintenance is so important. When your battery cables are failing, the power that needs to be transferred for your vehicle to run properly, isn’t being transferred.

Battery cables are essentially the wires that connect your vehicle to its battery. The positive cable supplies the power to the various components that use them and the negative grounds the system to the vehicle chassis. This setup allows you to have power throughout your vehicle.

When a battery cable fails, your vehicle may not start, your starter may turn over very slowly, or you may hear a clicking noise. And you may see your battery warning light go on. Just like a house with no power, a vehicle with no power needs to get reconnected to its power source in order to work the way it should.

It’s important to keep your battery cables clean and maintained. You may have noticed a greenish white substance building up on the battery terminals. This corrosion can start to move inside the battery cables. Corroded cables don’t conduct electricity well. Your Express Car Care technician can disconnect the cables, check them and clean the cable ends and the battery terminals. This preventative battery cable maintenance will help extend the life of your battery and your battery cables.

If you are noticing any signs that the power in your vehicle isn’t acting the way it usually does, head on over to Express Car Care and have one of our technicians check it out. More power to you!

When Should You Use Your Parking Brake

April 10, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Your car’s braking system is one of the most essential mechanisms built in for safety. Imagine driving down the mountain after a day of skiing without it. Even coming to a stop for a stoplight would be a harrowing experience if something were to go wrong.

While your front and rear brakes make up the most important part of the braking system, there’s a third brake that doesn’t get as much attention yet is equally important: the parking brake. The parking brake is connected to the rear brake system, and is used mainly as a failsafe if something were to happen to your brakes during your normal drive.

The parking brake is a secondary brake system that is designed to be independent of the front and rear brakes. This is your safety feature. You’ll find the control for your parking brake in one of four places:

Center console – it’s a lever located between the two front seats
Foot pedal – it’s a pedal located on the floor on the far left of all other pedals
Stick – in older vehicles, you may find the emergency parking brake lever located on the instrument panel
Push button – on newer vehicles, a push button exists on the console with other components

The mechanism is available for easy access.

If you drive a manual transmission, you may be used to using a parking brake to keep your car from rolling. But that doesn’t make a parking brake on an automatic transmission any less important. In truth, everyone should be familiar with the uses of a parking brake, and utilize it to make your driving experience safer.

How a parking brake works

Your vehicle’s brakes are designed to bring your car to a stop. The more pressure you apply to the brake pedal, the more tension is transferred from the brake pad to the wheel, slowing your car until it eventually stops.

When you engage the parking brake, discs inside your rear wheel squeeze up against the inner part of the wheel in much the same way. This action slows the wheel, eventually stopping it and keeping it from rolling away.

While parking brakes work in a slightly different manner from vehicle to vehicle, to engage the parking brake, fully engage the rear brake system by pressing down on the brake pedal. Only then should you pull the lever or press the button for the parking brake system. Once the parking brake is in place, shift your car into park. Then release the brake pedal. This allows the hydraulic system to activate and do its work without putting added stress on the transmission.

Why your vehicle has a parking brake

In everyday situations, you might be tempted to only utilize your vehicle’s braking system. When you place your vehicle in park, a parking pawl is pushed into one of the grooves of the transmission gear to keep it from moving. A parking pawl is nothing more than a hammer-shaped pin that drops into place. While it might be enough force in everyday situations, it can weaken over time, especially if you’re on steep inclines or hills. One small pin stopping a several ton vehicle will only work for so long.

If you don’t use your parking brake regularly, this parking pawl weakens over time. That can impact your transmission system, or cause accidents as your vehicle rolls away. That can lead to expensive repairs.

Get in the practice of using your parking brake

Even if you infrequently drive, even if you park in relatively flat areas across the Front Range, your vehicle can still be at risk. If you’re putting your car in park, it’s a good idea to engage the parking brake too.

We advise using a parking brake no matter where you park your vehicle, but especially as your risk level increases.

Are you parallel parking on a hill? Engage your parking brake.

Are you filling up your vehicle at a gas station? Engage your parking brake.

Will you be leaving your car in a parking garage for hours at a time while you head into the office? Engage your parking brake.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. And a parking brake gives you added insurance to ensure your vehicle stays safe.

In many cases, people refer to a parking brake as an emergency brake. That title may be a bit misleading, making you think you only need it in emergency situations. The parking brake not only keeps your vehicle from moving, but it also saves your transmission from wear and tear. And that can save on repair bills down the road.

Using a parking brake in an emergency

Your car’s braking system is a complex mechanical system. Over time, it can fail, and that could be catastrophic depending on where it happens. That’s where the emergency brake comes into play. If you’ve ever referred to the parking brake as an emergency brake, this is why.

In the case of brake failure, you have seconds to react. A natural reaction is to stomp on the parking brake pedal, or pull up on the parking brake lever as hard as possible. Resist that urge. That will send your car into a tailspin, and possibly put you in even more danger.

Instead, slowly engage the emergency brake as your car comes to a stop. The parking brake is designed to hold your car in place, not stop it. As it engages, it slows your vehicle down until the point you can gain control.

Get a full brake inspection

If the concept of using your parking brake regularly is still new to you, put it into practice today. It can help your vehicle have a longer lifespan, as well as keep it safer over time.

Have a question about how well your brakes work? It’s time for a complete brake inspection. It’s the easiest way to determine how safe your entire braking system really is. By bringing it in, we can tell you how much wear is left on your brake pads, and give you tips on better driving and maintenance. If you pinpoint issues early, you’ll stay safer in the long run.

When was the last time you had a full brake inspection?

Is That a Radiator Leak?

April 7, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

If you’re a careful driver, and do what you can to ensure your car has a long life, you may notice when liquid appears underneath your vehicle and wonder if everything is alright. Is it oil? Is it water? Is it something else?

It’s good to be aware every time you get into your car. Awareness can help you drive safely without having to worry about being stranded by the side of the road. But it still takes a careful eye to notice all the potential warning signs your car sends out.

What is a radiator?

A car’s engine produces a lot of heat during operation. To prevent the engine from overheating, your car pumps coolant through the engine to take in the heat and move it away from the engine block. Coolant takes heat into the radiator, which blows air across the liquid to cool it down, before exchanging the heat with the air outside your car. It’s like a mini air conditioner built exclusively to keep your engine cool and running at its best.

If the radiator doesn’t work at its best, it can cause your engine to overheat, impacting the drivability of your car.

If your vehicle overheats, a lot can go wrong internally. Various parts can be impacted, including the engine, thermostat, gaskets, and other components connected to the engine block. That’s why it’s important to recognize potential problems, and fix them before they allow bigger problems to occur.

Leading warning signs of radiator leaks

Radiator leaks rarely happen overnight. Instead, minor problems slowly develop as your car ages. Here’s what to watch for.

Drop in coolant levels, rise in temperature – do you keep an eye on your temperature gauge? You should. You’ll notice it remains relatively static as you drive. Coolant levels rise and fall based on engine temperature. It adjusts to keep your engine at a constant level. A quick drop in coolant levels can be a good indicator there is a leak somewhere in the system. If you think there may be a leak, fill the reservoir back up with coolant, and recheck it after a few days of normal driving. Watch the temperature gauge during this time. Does it lose fluid? If so, bring your car in for inspection as quickly as you can.

Visible fluid leaks – if you’ve ever experienced an engine misfire, it’s easily recognizable. When you turn the key or press the button, the engine fumbles for a bit as it struggles to catch and stay running. The more frequent this is, the bigger the problem. A spark plug misfiring releases a variety of problems into the overall process of starting and operating your vehicle. It can release too much raw fuel into the exhaust, which can cause internal temperatures to rise. This restriction can lead to problems throughout the system, including the converter substrate, which may further restrict the exhaust. Never ignore the warning sign of an engine that doesn’t turn over quickly every time you turn the key.

Visible damage to hoses and parts – when is the last time you popped the hood and took a look underneath? You don’t need a class in auto mechanics to notice when something is wrong. Rust or discoloration around your radiator or surrounding the engine block may be a sign of a coolant leak. Radiator hoses and clamps will also wear down over time. They should be washed and checked regularly to ensure they are running smoothly without leaks.

Regular inspections – when you work with an auto mechanic regularly, they can notice items that may otherwise go undetected until bigger problems arise. Think of an auto inspection as your vehicle’s yearly checkup. It’s a way to test each system, look at the major parts, and determine how much life is left in each system. A mechanic will notice what systems have potential problems, and what parts should be replaced to avoid problems on the road. They can also give you a clear indication of how much time you have left in different systems. This can allow you to plan for further repair work when you have the time. This is especially important if you’re planning a road trip in the near future.

Is a radiator flush necessary?

Coolant’s job is to push fluid through the system, keeping your engine cool and running properly. Over time, that coolant can begin to break down. That’s when it no longer can serve its purpose.

Over time, dirt and debris can build up inside. That’s when a coolant flush is necessary, to flush out any corrosive debris, rust, or other contaminants that have built up inside.

A technician will take several gallons of radiator cleaner and water, and flush it through the cooling system. This gets both old antifreeze and other contaminants out of the system. If this isn’t done the right way, it can break loose debris and leave it in the system, which can quickly damage major other components and lead to problems with the engine overheating.

How do you know it’s time for a radiator flush? A technician will usually look for several things.

Orange or green fluid is leaking
The radiator is corroded, dirty, or rusty
You’ve noticed steam coming from underneath the hood
Your car smells like hot maple syrup under the hood

If you’re considering this as a DIY project, keep in mind that you have to clean the surrounding area thoroughly. Antifreeze is a sweet smelling liquid that attracts both animals and children. Your space should be cleaned entirely of both old and new coolant to ensure you don’t put anyone around you in danger. That’s the upside of having a mechanic perform this task for you. They know how to complete the job efficiently, as well as dispose of all fluids properly after the job is done.

You have a choice. If you pay attention to the way your car operates, you’ll notice slight changes that can have a big impact. You’ll check coolant levels, and fix leaks before they grow. You’ll flush your radiator to keep it operating at its best. This will allow you to stop problems before they arise; a radiator flush is much less costly than replacing the entire radiator. Or worse, the entire engine block.

Have you noticed a radiator leak?

What a Muffler Does and Why It May Be Rattling

April 3, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

The purpose of a muffler is revealed in its name. To muffle means to cover or wrap up to quiet or hide the sound. A muffler, therefore, is designed to reduce sound, and it does it quite well. But what is a muffler and why is it attached to your vehicle? Is it a required auto part? Can you get by without one? Let’s dive in and find out.

What is a muffler?

A muffler is responsible for muffling the sound created by the engine inside a vehicle. The process of starting and running an engine takes a lot of power. The result is a series of pulses and vibrations that reverberate throughout the exhaust system. These pulses continue over and over again for as long as your car is operating. Without a muffler in place, you’re going to hear it inside and out of your vehicle. In fact, if you feel like your car is getting noisier the more you drive it, it could be a sign your muffler is no longer doing its job.

How does a muffler work?

As a car’s engine turns over and continues to run, it releases harmful emissions into the combustion chamber. These contain things like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

As a safety factor, cars are built with exhaust systems to disperse these dangerous gases away from the vehicle. One of the key components of the exhaust system is the muffler.

A muffler contains various tubes, channels, and holes that direct gases and exhaust where it’s supposed to go.

As exhaust gases are created, they feed into an inlet area to capture both the gases and noise. It moves to a resonator that acts as an echo chamber to reduce the overall noise volume. This then feeds into a series of metal tubes, also known as the perforated tubes, which are responsible for the output noise. How loud or quiet your car is will be determined by these perforated tubes. Finally, the remaining exhaust gas and noise are released from the outlet.

A muffler isn’t designed to reduce the noise. Instead, it combines the sound waves inside a closed chamber, and makes them cancel one another out.

It also has the task of releasing toxic gases a safe distance from the vehicle. Without a muffler, you risk these noxious gases moving easily into the passenger cabin where they could hurt anyone inside the car.

A muffler can also improve the overall performance of your vehicle. A car’s engine can generate more power if it can quickly move exhaust gases away from the system. The faster the process, the better your car will operate.

Does every car have a muffler? In short, yes. It’s designed for safety and performance, which creates a better performing car.

What happens if you remove the muffler?

Have you ever heard a car rumbling as it drives by? Have you sat at a stoplight near a car that was so loud, you wonder how it’s operating? The owner may have removed the muffler.

Car owners remove the muffler to give it a louder sound. Instead of a quiet drive, you’ll be noticed as you move into view. And for some drivers, that’s what they are looking for.

When you remove the muffler, you’re also taking away performance. Without the muffler, the exhaust system no longer has a place to reduce the vibrating sound waves. Instead of dissipating it within the system, it releases it out into the environment, along with some of the noxious gasses produced internally.

Is it illegal? In many cases, yes. It depends on your local community. Many cities, counties, and states have created noise laws. If caught, the driver might face a penalty.

Driving without a muffler won’t damage the engine or other internal parts. The exhaust system still works, it just doesn’t dissipate it out in a controlled way. But you will have to be careful. Depending on how your exhaust system works, it can leak exhaust fumes up and into the passenger cabin. Keeping your windows closed may put you at risk of inhaling the fumes.

Your muffler may need replacing

While a muffler isn’t a part that needs replacing regularly, there are still signs to watch for that may indicate yours is failing.

Noise is your first indicator of a potential problem. Is your car louder when you start it up? Does the engine seem to have more noise while operating? A loud rattle or rumbling sound is the most common sign of a muffler problem.

You should also check underneath your car periodically and inspect the exhaust system. Do you see any damage to the system itself? Is rust present? Pay particular attention to the muffler itself, as well as the heat shield.

Because of its location, the exhaust system will wear down over time. Heat, debris, chemicals from winter driving, moisture, and more will all impact how well the system handles. When you notice a problem, it could be an indicator to even more damage inside. What’s visible is almost always an indication of further damage within the system.

How well is your muffler working?

While a muffler’s primary role is to reduce sound, it also plays an important part in the overall operation of your exhaust system. If it isn’t working at its best, you’ll notice a decrease in how well your car performs.

An engine generates maximum performance when all systems work well. It will go faster, be more efficient, and be a safer car to drive. If exhaust gases have no place to go, it can slow down your engine. It can make your car noisier, and make you the talk of your neighborhood.

While you may be more susceptible to ticketing from your local police force, an even bigger concern is safety. While a car technically doesn’t need a muffler, it depends on how well your exhaust system is operating. Where are those noxious gases going? If they are entering the inside of your vehicle in any way, you’re putting your passengers at risk.

How safe is your vehicle?

Growling that Grates

March 29, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

A driver who uses his or her ears has a leg up on those who don’t. Noises, in addition to helping us to be aware of traffic, can also give us clues to potential problems in our vehicles. One noise to pay special attention to is growling.

Growling is a universally recognizable noise; you know it when you hear it. In a vehicle, it’s usually the sound of metal contacting metal, and not in a good way. So, what is your vehicle telling you if you hear growling when you are turning your steering wheel?

There are a few possibilities. One is the mechanical linkage that helps your steering wheel turn your wheels and tires. This system frequently has a hydraulic system that makes turning the steering wheel easier for you. This can be one source of growling sounds you might hear. An auto technician can check your power steering fluid to see if it’s at the correct level and still has a good consistency.

There are a few things that can go wrong with your power steering. If your fluid is low, that might be a sign of a leak in the pump, hose, or somewhere else in the system. It’s important to have your power steering working properly since losing the ability to turn precisely can sharply reduce the safety of your vehicle.

If that growling sound is coming from around the wheel area, it could be a suspension issue. That growling is giving you a warning that a component such as a constant velocity (CV) joint or a wheel hub may be on the verge of failing, so it’s a good idea to get it checked right away. Another reason you may be hearing growling when you turn your steering wheel is that your brakes are engaging when they shouldn’t.

Growling noises are trying to tell you something, and they can tell a trained technician a great deal. Inform your service adviser about the symptoms you’re hearing or seeing. Your Express Car Care service provider can put that growling to a an end. Your ears will thank you.

Is It Time To Replace The Brake Fluid?

March 28, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

As drivers, we put a lot of trust in our brakes. We assume they’ll work in every road condition. We trust in their abilities as we pull up to a stoplight, and think nothing about the process as we slow down for traffic.

But when you experience brake failure, fear runs through your veins. You apply pressure to the brake pedal and nothing is there. Ever had that happen when you hit a patch of ice?

As Coloradoans, we’ve learned to pay attention to driving conditions, especially in the winter. We slow down on icy roads, and become more cautious as the snowpack builds.

What about brake failure? Under the best of conditions, your brakes will only last so long. Over time, parts wear down, fluids leak, and defects become more prominent, until you reach a point where they aren’t performing the job as best as they can.

That’s when you face more risk, and potential failure.

What is brake fluid?

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluids are designed to provide energy transmission, which permits work and motion throughout the system. Hydraulic fluid is responsible for lubrication as well as heat transfer, and will prevent contaminants from entering inside the system.

Today’s modern vehicles wouldn’t work without the use of hydraulic fluids. In the brake system, it transfers force into the system, and amplifies the braking force.

Brake fluid operates under high temperatures and high pressure. It’s what gives you ease when you press down on your brake pedal, yet adds power to the process and brings your vehicle to a stop. That makes brake fluid one of the most important fluids you’ll find inside your vehicle. Without the right amount, the right kinds, and in the right condition, your vehicle would cease to run.

How do you know if your brake fluid isn’t operating well?

Like every system inside your vehicle, the brake system is designed with safeguards to warn you of potential problems. Pay attention to these signs. They will tell you when it’s time to replace your brake fluid.

ABS icon lights up

Luckily, today’s vehicles come with a computerized system that senses when changes occur within. When a problem is detected, the sensor triggers a light to the icons on your dashboard.

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. This light is designed to trigger when brake fluid is low or contaminated. When you see it, it’s a sign you need to bring your vehicle in for an inspection, and have a mechanic either top off your brake fluid, or replace it altogether.

Brake pedal operation

The brake system is designed to slow down and come to a complete stop with little pressure from you. As you tap the brake pedal, the action takes place quickly as hydraulic fluid transfers and adds power to the system.

When you press down and notice the action takes more effort, it’s a clear indication the brake fluid isn’t fully operational. It may be contaminated. It may be leaking somewhere in the system. That loss means you need to apply more pressure to get the job done.

If you notice a softer touch, you push down with little action at all, it’s essential to bring your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. This is a clear indication of a leak within the system.

Noises

When systems aren’t fully operational, you’ll find they make strange noises. They do so because parts don’t operate correctly, and action starts to shut down.

If contaminants are in the system, they can do a lot of damage to the system. Clogged lines, frozen caliper pistons, leaks in the seals, and master cylinder failure all create unique noises as they degrade due to lack of lubrication.

If your brakes make any noise at all, don’t take chances. Schedule an inspection as soon as possible to ensure they remain operational.

Problems with the brake pads

When was the last time you replaced your brake pads? Have you checked them and discovered they still have wear left on them, but your car is still making noises when you apply the brake pedal? It might be the brake fluid instead.

If the brake fluid is low, or if it’s contaminated with dirt and debris, it can impact the connection the brake pads make with the wheel, causing a squealing, grinding, or squeaking noise.

A burning smell

Have you ever slammed on the brakes and noticed a burning smell? Or if you ride your brakes coming down the mountain, is a chemical odor noticeable? It’s associated with hard braking, and is a sign of overheating with the brake system.

When you notice this, pull over immediately to allow your brakes to cool. If they continue operating at high temperature levels, you risk overheating the brake fluid. That’s one of the most common reasons for brake failure.

If you smell anything or see smoke, it’s a sign you might need new brake fluid. And there’s a potential for other damage in the braking system too.

How long does brake fluid last in a car?

When is the last time you read your owner’s manual? It’s not something most of us read on a regular basis. Yet it gives you guidelines for how best to operate your vehicle, including when to change your brake fluid.

There is no set time to change brake fluid. It doesn’t operate in the same manner as motor oil. It’s based on how the car was manufactured, as well as how you operate your vehicle.

A good rule of thumb is to check it regularly, even have it checked at the time you’re having your motor oil replaced. It often can last at least four to five years, or even longer. There is a benefit to using a local mechanic who gets to know you and your car well. You can establish a maintenance routine that both you and your car depend on to keep your vehicle in good operating condition.

When was the last time you had your brake fluid checked, topped off, or replaced?