Express Car Care of Denver

How Much Do Today’s Cars Pollute? Reducing Pollution Through Better Car Maintenance

December 24, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Global warming. Climate change. Energy efficiency. Green technology.

Each of these concepts stirs up a lot of debate. But no matter how you feel about each subject, chances are you’re doing something to reduce your carbon footprint and make your world a better place.

Take car pollution, for example. According to the EPA, automobiles and other light vehicles are one of the leading causes of air pollution.

Think back to cars from the 40s, 60s, or 80s. What’s the one thing that continually changes over time? Efficiency. All you need to do is follow a car from the 60s for a few miles and you’ll realize just how much progress we’ve made with car pollution.

What causes air pollution?

The main cause of car emissions is gasoline. When you start your car, it requires gasoline to operate. (Electric cars are changing this, but for now, we’re talking about gasoline operated vehicles.) As gasoline burns, pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other hydrocarbons escape through the tailpipe. They also escape as the gas flows throughout the vehicle, operating the various systems that make your car run.

These pollutants escape and cause problems as they react with the environment. When exposed to sunlight, for example, hydrocarbons impact ozone. Nitrogen will linger in the atmosphere and add to acid rain. Carbon dioxide traps heat here in the earth’s atmosphere. And all of this has been building over time – for over a century as auto production has scaled over the years.

If you want to reduce car pollution, your first steps are to clean up your car and the way you drive.

Upgrading your vehicle is a step in the right direction – every new make and model adds more efficiency to the cause. But even models several years old can be maintained for maximum efficiency.

How do you reduce emissions, and reduce car pollution to the best of your ability?

These are the parts and systems that help reduce air pollution

Today’s vehicles come with an emission control system. Chances are you need an emissions test every so often in order to license your vehicle for the road. An emissions control system is specifically designed to reduce nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that impact the environment.

Your vehicle also has an onboard diagnostic monitoring system to monitor the inner-workings of your car. If it finds a problem somewhere within the engine compartment, for example, it will trigger the “check engine” light to come on. This often is a problem related to the transmission system, or to emissions feeding through your tailpipe. Acting quickly can fix the problem and eliminate costly repairs down the road. The most common auto parts that play a part in reducing car pollution include:

The air injection pump – pushes air into the exhaust manifold to allow fuel to burn more completely.

The catalytic converter – it oxidizes the volatile organic compounds and reduces nitrogen oxides.

The exhaust gas recirculation system – also known as EGR, this system returns exhaust back into the combustion chamber to aid in lowering emissions.

The misfire monitor – this turns on the check engine light whenever a misfire occurs in the engine compartment.

The oxygen sensor – monitors the best possible mix of fuel and oxygen. If this sensor isn’t working right, it can cause your car to waste more gasoline.

The positive crankcase ventilation valve – also known as PCV valve, it redirects vapor into the intake manifold. This helps prevent engine corrosion, and reduces emissions by increasing efficiency.

How to reduce car pollution and emissions

Colorado has rules in place that require your vehicle to meet certain guidelines to car emissions. Counties that require emissions tests include Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, and portions of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld. If you are unsure, you can contact your local county office for more information.

Your vehicle will need periodic testing in order to receive your updated vehicle registration and license. If your vehicle fails the test, you’ll need to repair your vehicle in order to gain a positive reading before you’ll be allowed to renew your registration.

To keep your car in good working condition and to avoid potential emissions related problems, a good maintenance schedule will benefit both your vehicle and the environment.

Get regular tuneups

If your car is running rough, it is more likely to be releasing higher emissions into the environment. It may be a clogged filter, poor oil quality, spark plugs that aren’t firing correctly, or a timing problem that’s preventing fas efficiency. Schedule regular tuneups to ensure your car is always working at its best.

Tire pressure

While many drivers associate efficiency with the engine, your tires play a big part as well. Proper tire pressure ensures your gas mileage is as high as possible, and that your vehicle is operating correctly. Every piece in your car plays an equal part to help in achieving efficiency.

Read your owner’s manual

We all lead busy lives, and have priorities weighing on us all the time. Sometimes it can be easier to push maintenance aside and focus on things that are more pressing. That creates a cycle of responding to emergencies rather than performing preventative maintenance. It also creates a pattern of paying more for repair work than is truly needed.

If you haven’t taken the time to become familiar with your vehicle’s owner’s manual, spend some time getting to know your car. Pay attention to service markers that can impact how your car operates:

How often you should change brake pads
How often you should replace the timing belt
How often you should service the transmission

Of course, these are just a few of the systems your car needs serviced throughout its lifetime. By being proactive, paying attention to mileage markers, and knowing how long individual parts should last, you’ll be able to replace parts before they turn into bigger problems.

Looking for a mechanic that can help you reduce car pollution, and create a maintenance program that keeps your car in great shape twelve months of the year?

Stop by today and see just how easy it is to keep your car in great shape.

What You Need To Know About Wheel Balance and Front End Alignment

December 22, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Have you ever let go of the steering wheel and had your vehicle veer to the right or left? While a little pull might not impact safety immediately, the more off-balance your vehicle, the more risk you’ll be on the road.

Your wheels have to point in the same direction, roll straight forward when driving on a flat surface, and be evenly balanced all the way around for your car to run smoothly. If a problem arises with any one of these points, it impacts your driving, and can influence safety during the drive.

Yet if you’ve done a search online, heard a mechanic talk about the steering system, and felt like you’re not quite sure what your car needs, we want to explain a few of the terms of the industry, and help you understand the mechanics of your vehicle.

When talking about your steering system, there are several things that can impact your drive.

What is wheel balance?

Think about your tires for a moment. Tires are made up of a variety of materials, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic polymer, metal, and other compounds. They may be tough to the touch, but as they connect to the road, they move and change shape as they move along.

Even with today’s technology and all the manufacturing upgrades we’ve made over the years, it’s still impossible to find a perfectly formed tire that will continue to be balanced all the way around as it ages. There will always be a part of the tire that ways a bit more, is a little thicker than other areas, or has imperfections that cause it to fall out of balance.

When one side of a wheel is out of balance with the other, it vibrates. Wheel balance fixes this issue.

What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment has little to do with the actual wheels. Instead, wheel alignment is all about working with your car’s suspension system to control what direction and angle your wheels are moving in.

There are three different ways your wheels are aligned in relation to your car’s steering system:

The first is toe – it’s the angle of all four tires to one another. This is one of the most common repair issues, when your four wheels are no longer working in conjunction with one another. If you’ve ever noticed your car veers to the right or left, and refuses to drive in a straight line without extra effort, it’s most likely a toe misalignment.

The second is camber – this refers to the angle of a wheel if you were to look at it from the front of the vehicle. If you notice a wheel leaning to one side or the other, it’s most likely a misaligned camber.

The third is caster – this is the angle of the steering pivot as you view it from one of the vehicle’s sides. This is the most difficult to see. Take a look at the way each wheel sits inside the wheel well. If one is more forward or backward, and doesn’t sit in the middle, it might be a problem with the caster. This could lead to rubbing the wheel along the well, especially if you hit a large bump. It can damage the tire over time.

What is front end alignment?

While you might see some mechanics or auto websites talking about wheel alignment, you’ll also find many articles referring to front end alignment. Is there a difference? Do you have to work with both to keep your car running smoothly?

Wheel alignment often refers to the alignment of all four wheels. This is especially important if you drive a four-wheel drive vehicle. A front end alignment relates only to the front two wheels.

Yet no matter how you refer to it, the ending result is the same. A wheel alignment – or a front end alignment – all work towards the common goal of ensuring your wheels are working optimally in providing you a safe, smooth ride.

How do I know if the wheels are out of balance?

Your wheels go through a lot as you drive around the city. They hit bumps, dive through dips, take corners quickly, keep you safe on slick or snowy roads, and protect you from debris covering the roads.

Even brand new tires are susceptible to problems and errors. Coming out of the factory doesn’t necessarily guarantee perfection.

Yet with the use of technology, your tires are installed on your vehicle and regulated to fit your car’s requirements. The moment you drive away, things begin to happen. Cold, heat, water, ice, debris in the road, age – all of it begins to wear on each tire, causing slight variations in their performance. It can impact one tire at a time, or all four equally. One can be slightly overfilled while another is underfilled.

Just a half an ounce difference in the amount of pressure in a tire can cause a vibration in handling. And that begins to wear on your vehicle.

Rebalancing puts the wheels back into adjustment.

Tires are attached to a tire balancing machine. The wheel is spun while taking various vibrational measurements. If an imbalance is found, the mechanic will add weights or move the tire on the wheel to bring it back into balance.

Wheel balancing should be done anytime you notice a vibration in the steering wheel. It’s automatically performed every time you get your tires rotated, or you buy and install new tires. If you notice the weights have fallen off, or you notice uneven wear on a tire, it’s also wise to bring it in for wheel balancing.

How do I know if a front end alignment is necessary?

The more you know your vehicle, the more you’ll notice when changes occur, problems that might be causing wear and tear on various systems within your car. While wheel balancing and wheel alignment require different repairs, they are connected and sometimes start showing in a similar manner.

Have you noticed a vibration in your steering wheel? It’s time to bring your car in for an inspection. This is a prime symptom of a problem with your steering system.

Wheel alignment also shows up in performance and handling as you drive. Take a look at your steering wheel. Does it sit crooked as you drive in a straight line down the road? That is a symptom of an alignment problem.

You might also notice your car pulling to the right or left as you drive, needing even more of your attention to keep the vehicle in a straight line. That’s a sign you’re in need of a wheel alignment.

Front end alignments can also show up in the form of a strange noise. Do you hear abnormal sounds every time you move your steering wheel? Do the tires squeal? Don’t ignore unusual sounds. It could be a sign of a bigger problem.

To Turbo or Not to Turbo?

December 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Nobody likes wasting money. Gasoline costs money, so using less gasoline saves money. One of the ways vehicle manufacturers are helping you save gasoline (and money) is with smaller, turbocharged engines.

You might have heard of turbos associated with race cars, but more and more everyday street vehicles are getting into the turbo game. The big advantage is that you can get the same horsepower out of an engine that uses less fuel. Neat trick, huh?

Today, we see small turbocharged four-cylinder engines that make more power than large displacement V-8 engines of a decade ago. Here’s how a turbo manages that trick. A turbocharged vehicle uses a turbine that is turned by exhaust gas. That compresses air that goes into the engine. More air means more oxygen with which to burn fuel, which makes it more powerful.

Modern turbocharged engines are very reliable. Turbos are offered in cars, trucks, and SUVs. Keep in mind that because they are more complex, turbocharged engines can be more expensive to repair. The good news is you will likely be saving fuel without sacrificing performance.

Turbos spin at very high speeds. They require a constant supply of oil to lubricate their bearings. For this reason, changing your oil on time is critical. Just a small amount of oil sludge could block the turbo oil passage and lead to expensive damage. Also, most turbocharged engines require the use of synthetic motor oil that meets or exceeds strict standards to withstand the stress and high heat. Always use the type and specification of oil your vehicle manufacturer recommends.

The technicians at Express Car Care are trained to inspect all systems associated with a turbo engine. If you are currently driving a turbocharged vehicle, make sure you keep all your maintenance up to date.

To turbo or not to turbo? With the fuel economy advantages they offer, turbocharged vehicles are definitely here to stay.

Easy Ways To Repair Your Car Without The Stress

December 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

If you look up the word maintenance in the dictionary, it means:

Upkeep or support, the process of keeping something in good condition by regularly checking it and repairing it

Maintenance is something we spend a lot of our time working on. Your house and your car are your two biggest investments; it only makes sense to spend the time necessary to keep them in good working condition.

But therein lies the problem. Both your house and your car are large investments, you use them in a variety of ways every day. We tend to ignore the little things that might not seem like such a big deal, pushing it off for later “when we have the time.” And they go on our to-do lists, sitting there, waiting.

There are two approaches you can take to repair your car and keep it in good working condition:

Scheduling it
Waiting for emergencies

Think about your own patterns; drivers usually fall in one of the two categories. Regular maintenance is obviously the wiser choice, both to keep you safely on the road, and to spend less time, money, and energy on repairs.

Imagine for a minute, a driver who replaces their motor oil regularly. They replace the oil several times a year with fresh, high quality oil. Their car works well, and it operates as efficiently as possible. Compare that with the driver who forgets to change out the oil. What will that car look like two years down the road?

Creating a stress-free way to repair your car and keep it in good working condition doesn’t have to be difficult. But it does require you to set yourself up for success. Here’s how.

Create a car maintenance schedule and stick with it

Did you know every make and model comes with a handy guide that provides guidelines for how to repair your car over the years? Who better to keep you on track for maintaining your vehicle than the people that built your car?

When you signed the paperwork and drove away, you were presented with an owner’s manual filled with details about your car. Did you read it? If you bought a used car, you can also find this information online. Just Google it.

Most of us know we have to change the motor oil frequently, keep the windshield washer fluid tank filled, and install new tires as they wear down. That’s the easy stuff. But just like your motor oil or tires eventually wear down, so do the rest of the parts on your car. All 30,000 of them.

While you don’t have to check every part of your car frequently, it is a good idea to understand the major systems, and realize what parts need cleaning, changing, or replacing, and how often you should perform the task. If you find a reliable mechanic, they can also provide you with regular support – think of them as a general doctor for your vehicle. That’s especially important now as cars are increasingly more technology-driven.

Remember, all maintenance schedules are guidelines for how often they should be looked at. It’s equally important to pay attention to the way your car performs, noting any changes in the way it drives or handles on the road.

Create an auto repair log

Do you really need to create a log of all the repairs performed on your car? It may sound like a waste of time, but it can be a helpful tool. Here’s why.

A log of repair work can help you understand the needs of your car. It can help you:

Track fixes and repairs
Help troubleshoot problems and make it easier to find solutions
Provide proof of expenses
Help separate personal and business usage
Log mileage
Add value to your car when it comes time to sell

If you’ve ever purchased a used car before, a log of all repair work would make your faith in the vehicle that much higher, wouldn’t it? The proof of good maintenance would be right there. You can buy an inexpensive journal and keep it in your glove compartment, or consider downloading an app, so it’s always with you.

With your logbook in hand, you can keep a better eye on the repairs performed throughout the years. It helps you be better informed about how your car is operating.

Fix things sooner rather than later

Problems don’t go away by themselves. Instead, they build over time, escalating, until you have an emergency situation on your hands.

Take the example we used from above about changing out your motor oil. Pulling into a service station every few thousand miles for fresh motor oil keeps your car running smoothly. It costs a few dollars, and is a smart way to keep your car in good condition. If you don’t change the oil regularly, dirt begins to build, and over time can lead to extreme engine wear. If you run out of oil, your engine will fail. The parts will grind, seize up, and stall your vehicle. What would have been a few dollars for an oil change is now thousands of dollars in repair bills.

Of course, some car parts are more dangerous to leave unchecked than others. Determining the difference is something you’ll learn over time. You can consult with your owner’s manual to establish a guide of what to replace, and rely on a good mechanic to keep your vehicle in good running condition.

You can also use good judgment regarding what you replace quickly, and what you can leave until later. Common sense tells you that an oil leak is something that can’t wait, while a scratch in the paint can. In general, leaks, noises, smells, or changes in the way your car performs are things you should check immediately.

Follow the instructions – don’t delay

We’ve said it before in this article, but we’ll repeat it. The best way to repair your car and keep it in good working condition is to follow the guidelines established by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

It will explain the meaning of the dashboard lights as they flicker on, warning you of potential problems.

It will give you guidelines as to what to repair and when.

It will provide you with tips on making your vehicle operate better.

It will give your car the longest life possible.

Your car is one of your biggest investments. Isn’t repairing your car regularly worth it to make the most of your purchase?

Will Electric Cars Make Auto Mechanics Obsolete?

December 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

As a society, we have a nostalgic vision of what auto mechanics is all about.

We picture a scene from a movie, where a person drives into an auto shop with their vehicle. A smiling face in a pair of coveralls meets them at the door. They bring the car in and get to work.

They have a toolbox nearby filled with screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers. You might see them slide under the vehicle, tapping and banging around as they get to the heart of the problem. Hours later, with grease smears everywhere, the happy mechanic waves as the customer drives away.

Those days are gone.

Instead, today’s auto mechanics deal with modern cars and high tech tools.

If you’ve purchased a vehicle recently, how many new “bells and whistles” are included on the car?

Like Automatic Parking Assistant. This modern technology makes parallel parking easy. Using ultrasonic sensors located at the front, rear, and sides of the car, it detects the parking spot, the vehicles around it, and guides it into place.

And that’s just the beginning. We’re already looking forward to a day where autonomous cars allow us to sit back and relax instead of keeping an eye on the road.

Or a day where electric cars are the norm.

What does all of this mean to auto mechanics? Is there a place for a vehicle servicing shop in the future?

Auto Mechanics – Past, Present, and Future

When you head back in time, fixing a car was a very hands-on job. The vehicle servicing station was a busy place, with lots of mechanics needed to work several hours on each job. Every turn of a wrench, every twist of a bolt was done by hand, and it could take a mechanic hours to complete one simple job. While hundreds – thousands – of little pieces fit together to build complex systems, it was necessary for a mechanic to check and service them all by hand.

This may sound like something right out of the 1950s, but it really wasn’t that long ago. Even cars built ten years ago required a lot more hands-on maintenance.

But with the advances in technology over the past few years, we’ve also seen changes in the way cars operate.

Remember when automatic locks on the doors was the latest technology? Now each system is interwoven together and controlled by a centralized motherboard. Instead of pulling things apart with a screwdriver or wrench, new cars are more likely to be connected to a laptop to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies. And only then is a fix attempted, often with newer, more high-pressured tools.

Yep, today’s cars are no longer a bunch of nuts and bolts, instead, they are computers on wheels.

Still, we are nowhere near where technology will take us next. Self-driving vehicles, electric cars, and more sophisticated technology will forever change the way we get around. While we may have a nostalgic view of what an auto mechanic has in their toolbox, in truth, the toolbox of the future will be little more than a series of computerized programs.

What Does That Mean for an Auto Mechanic?

With everything we’ve mentioned so far in this article, it’s natural to question the future of auto mechanics – will it disappear completely from view? The answer is: no, it’s not going to happen anytime soon.

Instead, like every industry, it will continue to evolve over time.

Cars will always need tires, and a way to connect to the road. They will always need a braking system, a way to safely control the vehicle and bring it to a stop. Who drives it and how it functions might change, but the basic requirements won’t – not for a very long time.

What will change is the way an auto mechanic approaches their job.

An auto mechanic may keep their screwdriver and wrenches in their toolbox on a shelf. But the toolbox itself may stay on the shelf, collecting dust, nothing more than memorabilia from a bygone era.

Instead, future toolboxes will include diagnostic tools that are run by technology. They’ll use things like code readers and laptops to tweak a computer’s settings.

And you as a driver will be part of the solution. Ever noticed all the codes that flash when you start your car, or numbers dancing across your dashboard as you drive? That’s due to the continual diagnostics going on underneath the hood, using sensors to tell what’s working and what’s not. When things vary even just a little, it alerts you to a potential problem.

It’s important to note that auto mechanics are not going to be a thing of the past. There will still be a need for a highly trained auto mechanic. But the way they approach analyzing a vehicle and making adjustments will.

A New Approach To Repair

Auto repair itself is getting more sophisticated all the time. As more things become automated, auto mechanics will find new ways of working for a new generation of vehicles.

They won’t approach a car in the same manner as before. Think of it more in terms of hiring an engineer, working with code, using programmed software to make a diagnosis, and utilizing various tools to get to the root of the problem.

While auto mechanics of yesteryear went to school to learn the nuts and bolts of how a car is put together, tomorrow’s technicians will work more with technology to tweak and get to the root of the problem. Popping the hood won’t mean pulling pieces apart to determine their condition. Instead, it’ll be about hooking up the main computerized dashboard and looking at reports online.

Instead of guessing at where a problem lies, diagnostics will show you exactly where it begins.

Things may change for all those who love tinkering with cars, and have always been mechanically inclined. But it can never stop the love for what a great car has to offer.

Technology has changed everything. That’s never going to stop. Peering under the hood may change in the coming years as we make significant progress in the way our automobiles operate, but keeping them safe will always be our number one priority.

Do you have a trusted auto mechanic who can help you stay safe no matter what kind of car you drive?

It May Be Time To Replace Your Master Cylinder

December 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When you get in your car and head out for the day, you have a lot on your mind. You might be thinking about the meeting you’re attending, or what errands you need to run on your way home.

What we don’t think about is the trouble we might face a few miles down the road. We assume our cars will work, and will protect us in the event of something going wrong.

How about your braking system? Think it’s working okay on your vehicle? A study put out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that 22 percent of accidents were caused by brake-related issues. That means they didn’t function correctly, and were the major cause of why the accident occurred.

The braking system is one of the major systems of your vehicle. And at the heart of the braking system is the master cylinder, in charge of sending brake fluid down through the brake lines to the brake caliper. This allows the caliper to control the brake pads, squeezing against the rotors to slow your vehicle down, keeping it in control and safe as you move throughout your day.

Like every part of your braking system, the master cylinder will only last for so long. And when it does, it causes disruption in the system and puts your vehicle at risk.

Luckily, there are warning signs to watch for before your master cylinder goes bad.

What is a master cylinder?

Before we get into some of the potential problems with your master cylinder, let’s get a clearer understanding of its importance to the brake system.

The brake system moves into action as you step on the brake pedal. Through hydraulics, the force of the brake pedal moves pressurized brake fluid through the line, down into the caliper. The caliper then squeezes the brake pads at each wheel into the brake rotor, which in turn causes friction at the base. This action is what slows down the wheel rotation, bringing it eventually to a stop.

None of this would be possible without the master cylinder providing the brake fluid into the braking system. If something is wrong with the master cylinder, it shows up in the form of a braking system that doesn’t work as intended.

The brake pedal is connected to a pushrod. By applying pressure to the brake pedal, it pushes the pushrod deeper into the master cylinder. Inside are two pistons and spring, which move into action as the pushrod connects.

Inside is a reservoir of brake fluid, which floods the master cylinder during this process. The reservoir stays shut when in motion, but as the pushrod releases the ports to the reservoir, it causes the fluid to rush in.

This fluid follows the brake line until it eventually sets the calipers into motion. As you release the brake pedal, the springs pop back into place, and the braking system returns to its original position, waiting for your next movement.

Signs of problems with the master cylinder

Just by understanding how the braking system works should allow you to see where potential problems can begin. This also helps you keep a watchful eye on ways to prevent problems before they start.

Brake pedal feels spongy

This is one of the easiest symptoms to notice. As you drive your car, notice how things feel when everything is running well. Then do a quick assessment every time you slip behind the wheel. Do you see differences from the last time you drove? Stepping on the pedal should always be a responsive move. If it feels squishy, almost like stepping on a sponge, it could be a problem with the master cylinder. The brake pedal may also sink closer to the floor, and not pop back into its regular position. This happens because of a problem with the seal inside. If they are worn or damaged, they can allow fluid to leak. That means there won’t be enough pressure to squeeze the pads into place.

Brake fluid is low

While you don’t need to replace your brake fluid regularly like you do motor oil, it can eventually be low enough it needs a refill. Different cars have different requirements. The easiest way to tell how often your brake fluid needs replacing is to check with your car’s manufacturer, or read your owner’s manual. Then stick with a schedule, and be sure to replace it in a timely manner. Without brake fluid, you could have total brake failure. That’s dangerous at best.

Brake warning light

Luckily, today’s vehicles are designed to give you advanced warning of potential problems. If you have a newer car, chances are it’s designed with pressure sensors that will alert you if brake fluid levels drop too low. Some cars have a “brake light” indicator, while others may illuminate a “check engine” light that can mean many different things. Don’t ignore warning lights. Stopping by and allowing us to check for potential problems can alert you to small problems that are easily fixed, avoiding bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

Fluid contamination

While the master cylinder is designed to be an enclosed system, as it wears down, seals can be damaged and allow contaminates inside. This usually coincides with a brake pedal that loses responsiveness, but you can also pay attention to the brake fluid color. Brake fluid is clear, possibly with a slight yellow tint. If it darkens to brown or black, then there may be a problem with the brake fluid. You might also notice gunk forming along the master cylinder casing.

What does it mean to replace a master cylinder?

The cost of replacing your master cylinder depends on the make and model of your vehicle.

If you catch the problem early enough, it may be a simple process of flushing your braking system and inputting fresh, clean brake fluid back into the system.

If the master cylinder has sustained damage or is worn from age, it might be time to replace it altogether. This is something one of our mechanics can help you with, and make suggestions for the best way to repair your car and keep it safe.

Don’t ignore your master cylinder. At the first sign of trouble, stop by and have your brake system evaluated. It’s better to stop potential problems quickly and avoid bigger problems down the road.

Timing Chain or Timing Belt – How Your Car Works

December 8, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

The heart of your vehicle is the engine. Without an engine, your car simply won’t go.

Since the very first car, the engine has been vitally important to keeping your vehicle running. Over the years, the engine has been upgraded for precision to give you the smoothest ride possible in the most efficient way. To ensure this process, it requires timing, which uses a timing chain or timing belt to work with the camshaft and crankshaft to provide motion to the pistons and valves to produce synchronicity.

Both the timing chain and timing belt are used to produce the same result. Yet they are slightly different from one another.

What is timing?

Within the engine, you have a camshaft and a crankshaft. The camshaft controls the valves that let fuel and air in and out of the engine. The crankshaft moves the pistons up and down. This process involves mechanical timing, with the synchronicity of these two movements being imperative to the engine functioning. If the timing is off, it can damage any part within the two processes – the pistons, valves, or other components of the engine.

The purpose of the timing chain or timing belt is to make this process fluid. Either of these components is used to create harmonization at a precise rate.

Timing chain or timing belt – what’s the difference?

The timing chain and timing belt function in the same way. The difference between the two is the material they are created from, and their location in the engine compartment.

Timing chains were introduced first in the production line. A timing chain is constructed of metal, and is housed within the engine compartment. It receives lubrication from engine oil, and with proper maintenance, can last for a lifetime.

Timing belts were introduced in the 1960s as we became more sophisticated with the materials we produced. Belts are made from a reinforced rubber, and are quieter and less expensive to produce. But because they are made from a softer, more flexible material, they do wear down over time, with manufacturers suggesting they be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Of course, modern technology keeps making improvements to the way we produce various components of a vehicle. Some manufacturers have returned to a timing chain because of the strength in metal, albeit more quiet and efficient than was used decades before.

There are strengths and weaknesses to both, so manufacturers select their final products based on the overall design of the vehicle.

The symptoms of a bad timing chain or timing belt

While a timing chain can last the lifetime of a vehicle, and a timing belt can last as long as 100,000 miles, it isn’t impossible for either component to fail. Before either completely fails, it will show warning signs along the way.

Engine misfire and poor performance

Over time, either the timing chain or timing belt can stretch, meaning it won’t be able to perform at its optimal level. As it tries to do its job, it can skip a gear on the camshaft or crankshaft as it moves as you drive. This causes the engine to fall out of calibration, and often results in an engine that misfire. You may also notice the engine jumps and runs poorly, or a lack of acceleration as you move forward down the road.

Ticking noise in the engine

The timing belt is attached by a series of pulleys that connect it to the camshaft and crankshaft. These pulleys are what help the camshaft and crankshaft function within the engine itself. As the timing belt wears down, it can produce a ticking noise in the motor due to the individual parts not being able to perform as designed.

An engine that won’t turn over

If the timing belt snaps, is broken, or no longer works, it also means your engine won’t have the neccesary power to turn over and run. When you turn the key or press the button, you’ll hear a clicking noise as the motor tries to engage. But since the timing belt is responsible for the operation of the camshaft and crankshaft, the engine won’t have a way to fully ignite.

An engine that suddenly fails

Over time, the timing belt can loosen to the point it becomes a risk underneath the hood. If it brakes while you’re driving, it snaps and begins to flail around. That’s when it has the potential for doing a lot of damage. The rubber can snap back and forth, damaging other parts such as the cylinder head hardware, including pushrods and valves. You’ll have no choice but to bring your car to a stop and have it towed into the shop.

You’ll notice metal shavings in the oil

If you’re performing regular maintenance on your vehicle, you’ll change out your motor oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Oil begins to separate over time as it continually heats up and cools, and is exposed to the solvents found in today’s gasoline. If the timing chain is wearing down, flecks of metal can break away and find their way into the oil pan. A mechanic watches for these signs as he changes the oil, and alerts you to the beginning of any potential problems.

You’ll notice an oil leak

Another common sign of a problem with a timing belt is an oil leak. Pay attention to any changes in and around your vehicle, even under the hood. If an oil stain starts appearing around the engine, it might be a timing belt issue. The timing belt cover is secured by nuts and bolts, which can work their way loose over time. This can allow oil to pool out and become noticeable around the engine compartment.

The check engine light is illuminated

The check engine light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, one of which can be a problem with the timing chain or timing belt. Because the check engine light can signal a variety of issues, it’s important to have a mechanic check it out as quickly as possible to prevent further stress to your vehicle.

Whether you suspect an issue with your timing chain or timing belt, or are just in need of a reputable mechanic who will change your oil regularly, we’re here for you. Give us a call today.

Spare Tire Care

December 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Most of us don’t worry about getting a flat tire. After all, it rarely happens, and if it does, we might think we can just call someone and have them put on the spare tire. That’s a perfect plan if your spare is in good shape. But how many of us even think twice about checking the condition of our spare tires?

The spares that take the biggest beating are those mounted outside the vehicle. Like those on SUVs and trucks. They might be on the tailgate or underneath the vehicle. These get exposed to water, dirt, salt, and road debris. The mounting hardware can become so corroded that you may not even be able to get the spare out of its holder, leaving you with no usable spare at all.

When you get your tires rotated, ask your service technician to check the condition and inflation of the outside-mounted spare and its holder. A little lubrication and maintenance periodically can help keep them fit for action. Often the spare on an SUV or truck is the same size as the other tires and may be included in the regular rotation – check your owner’s manual.

How about those compact spare tires that are sitting in the trunk, out of sight and out of mind? They can have low air pressure too, because over time, the air can slowly escape. It’s a good idea to have your service facility check the spare’s pressure and condition at least twice a year, if not more frequently. What good is a spare tire with inadequate air pressure?

And then there are the vehicles that don’t have spare tires at all. They may have an inflator kit. These kits need to be kept in good shape, too. Be aware that an inflator kit can’t fix many tire punctures and failures. They frequently have a sealant in them that attempts to plug leaks and holes. That sealant has an expiration date and should be replaced when it expires. Again, ask your service adviser if your inflator kit is up to date and working.

Be fair to your spare and show it you care.

What a Water Pump Does In Your Car

December 3, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Water sustains everything on earth, and your car is no exception.

Your vehicle was built with a water pump that is a vital part of the cooling system. When running, it continually circulates coolant from the radiator to the engine block to prevent overheating.

How a water pump works

If you’ve ever popped the hood of your car to perform basic maintenance, it probably comes as no surprise that your vehicle stores a lot of heat while in operation. It takes a lot of action to keep your car operating correctly, especially when you can reach speeds of fifty miles per hour and greater, even just running to the grocery store.

Thanks to modern technology, and manufacturers that are constantly looking for ways to improve their processes, today’s vehicles are made for durability and longevity. While cars built decades before were expected to last around 100,000 miles, today’s cars can double or triple that. That’s good news for the consumer. But it also means that you need to be even more diligent in regular maintenance to keep it working at its best.

A car under constant pressure can only withstand so much before individual components begin to wear down. Excessively high temperatures underneath the hood regularly can damage parts over time.

The water pump is designed to push coolant through the engine block and radiator through a series of hoses. Without this coolant, the engine block could quickly overheat, causing damage that can require extensive repairs.

The water pump is a part of a series of systems that ensure your vehicle runs at optimal performance. When a car starts, the serpentine belt also begins to move. This belt allows the impeller blades inside the water pump to turn, pushing coolant to the various places in the system, including the cylinders built around the engine.

Hoses take the coolant into the radiator. As it moves through the system, it travels across the radiator fins to help the liquid cool down. It breaks down the heat formed during operation, keeping the engine compartment cool and running well. Then it continues on its journey back towards the water pump. This cycle continues as long as you drive your car.

This process wouldn’t be possible without the water pump. It maintains the flow of coolant throughout the system for as long as your car is in operation. While it may seem like a simplistic part, it’s vital to the operation of your vehicle.

When a water pump stops working

A water pump isn’t something you’ll have to replace often. In most cars, the water pump is expected to last 60,000 to 90,000 miles. The water pump is usually located behind the timing belt, and the two are often changed out at the same time.

Age is one factor that could lead you to suspect a problem with your water pump. The older your car is, the greater the chance maintenance issues will arise with your vehicle. This is why regular check-ups help you stay ahead of potential problems, and ensure your vehicle stays working at its best.

Water pumps do give off warning signs that something is wrong.

Leaking fluids

A water pump has several seals and gaskets to help it operate correctly, maintaining the flow of coolant throughout the system. Each of these seals and gaskets are important to keep coolant in the system, and avoid it spilling out and all over the roads. If they start to fail, small puddles may form underneath your car when it’s parked. Be on the lookout for what happens underneath your car, especially if you park in the same spot over and over again.

Coolant is either orange or green in color, depending on the type. If you notice it pooling and it takes on a rusty color, that indicates the rust inhibitor has broken down and it no longer controls rust and scale buildup. You might also notice a buildup of gunk on the pump itself, which has the potential to rust the various components.

High pitched whine

Over time, you start to develop a sense of how your car sounds as it operates. Any time noise strays from the normal, question it and bring it in for a check-up to find out what is making the noise.

With water pumps, the serpentine belt and pulley system that keeps the fluid running can sometimes start to whine. This is especially prevalent as you’re accelerating. You may also notice a grinding or growling noise, which can be an indicator of bad bearings in the system. While a mechanic may be able to fix the noise by adjusting the belt or tweaking the bearings, ultimately, it’s because components are wearing down and are in need of replacing.

Overheated engine

An overheated engine is a sign of major malfunction, and could be a costly repair. It’s something to avoid at all costs. Still, it can happen. Pay attention to the temperature gauge. If it shows your engine is running hot, you should have a mechanic take a look and locate the problem.

Steam from the radiator

Another sign of overheating is if you see steam coming out of the engine compartment. If steam comes up from underneath the hood, pull over safely, and turn off your vehicle. Call in a tow truck and bring it in to have one of our mechanics look at it and determine where the problem lies. If you keep driving it, it will cause more damage. Instead of replacing the water pump, for example, you may be replacing the entire engine.

What’s involved in a water pump replacement?

Replacing the water pump isn’t an every day job. How difficult it is depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Depending on the design, the water pump may be hidden under other components that require special tools to get in and replace it. It often makes sense to replace it with other parts, such as your timing belt.

Finding a trustworthy mechanic who can help you maintain your vehicle for as long as you own it can put your mind at ease.

Anti-Lock Brakes or Power Brakes – What’s The Difference?

November 29, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

On the simplest of terms, brakes are easy to understand. When you apply brakes, they help slow you down. Keep applying pressure and eventually, you’ll come to a complete stop.

Everything in motion uses some type of braking system. You’ll find it on heavy machinery, airplanes, bicycles, and of course, cars.

Depending on how old your car is, and how familiar you are with automotive history, you might be familiar with two types of braking systems on a car: power brakes and anti-lock brakes. What’s the difference? Why does it matter? And is one more preferable over the other?

Before we dive into that, let’s look a little deeper into how the braking system works.

How brakes on today’s cars work

If you want to slow down or come to a stop, you apply pressure to the brake pedal, and it goes into action. But while you can feel the motion taking place, a lot more is going on than you can see.

The brake pedal is connected to a rod that connects to the vehicle’s master cylinder, which is then bolted to a firewall. If you have power brakes, this rod is first bolted to a vacuum booster, which is then connected to the firewall.

This rod works as a piston inside the master cylinder. When the rod is pushed into place, it forces brake fluid through the lines. This creates action at the brake caliper level, which forces brake pads against the brake rotors, which slows the vehicle down. It’s the friction of this process, the connection between the brake pad and the brake rotor on the wheel that makes the vehicle slow down.

Understanding power brakes

If you went back in time, the braking process was rudimentary at best. Todays’ brakes are built around Pascal’s law of hydraulics, which is the law of fluids in motion and how they can be used to increase force. Pascal’s law states that when there is an increase in pressure at any point in confined fluid, there is an equal increase in pressure at every point inside the container.

That law has been transferred many times as the modern day braking system was designed and refined.

Power brakes were initially developed for heavy vehicles during WWII. It made this machinery easier to slow down and stop.

An engine naturally generates a great deal of vacuum. The concept of power brakes is designed to siphon off some of that power, and store it in a booster that is created to help with the braking process. By stepping on the brake pedal, this vacuum multiplies the effort your foot puts towards the pedal, making the entire braking process easier, with more power.

Vacuum boost power brakes became by far the most popular type of assisted brakes. That’s because it puts more power throughout the application of brake fluid, and less effort from the operator. It’s a simple system that’s reliable at the same time.

But of course, through invention and ingenuity, there is always room for improvement.

Understanding anti-lock brakes

Even as an experienced driver, there are times when your reaction speed doesn’t match the level of intensity you’re experiencing. You have to make split-decisions in order to keep your vehicle safe and on the road.

Accidents occur. And that made inventors go back to the drawing board, looking for ways to improve on the power brake system.

Even as an experienced driver, if something jumps out in front of you, or you face immediate danger, the natural reaction is to find yourself jumping on the brake pedal.

This is how anti-lock brakes, or ABS, were developed. It’s designed to prevent the wheels from locking up, which helps keep a grip on the road.

Anti-lock was first created for aircraft back in the 1950s. Sensors were used to monitor the rotational speed of each wheel, and send it in real time back to a processor. This processor controls a series of valves that meter the braking effort and force level used at each wheel. If one wheel slows down more than the others, or is on the verge of locking up and skidding, the processor reduces the hydraulic pressure in that brake line to stop the situation from happening. This works exceptionally well on wet pavement, where the car can go into a dangerous skid.

ABS reduces the risk of skidding even when you, the driver, faces excessive potential problems. Your instinct is to stop the car as quickly as possible, but with ABS, it judges how to do so safely given the current conditions. That is why it’s important to leave ample distance around you to allow ABS to do its job. Cars with ABS:

Are less likely to be in fatal accidents
Are less likely to have frontal collisions on wet or dry roads

That is why they are a standard feature on all of today’s vehicles.

Ensure your anti-lock brakes work through regular maintenance

Anti-lock brakes are designed to be there when you need them most. That means they require occasional maintenance to ensure they keep working their best.

One of the simplest steps you can take is by keeping your car clean. Brakes that are dirty, caked with oil and grime, can’t function how they were designed. Occasional washes are a good way to keep your car looking great and running equally as well.

You should also avoid overusing your anti-lock braking system. ABS isn’t something that was designed for daily use. The more aggressively you drive, the more chances you take while out on the road. Drive with care. Stay back from the vehicles in front of you so you have more time to react. Take extra care if the driving conditions change. Stay off the roads if you can avoid it in inclement weather.

You may also need to have the ABS speed sensors calibrated from time to time. Over time, they can become misaligned. One of our experienced mechanics can access the computer system at different speeds to reset and calibrate each sensor at each wheel. This should be done yearly, or any time you have maintenance work performed on your braking system.