Express Car Care of Denver

What Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Means To You

May 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What if your car could drive for you?

We’re seeing big changes all across the auto industry. Companies like Tesla have promised autonomous vehicles sooner rather than later. While a road filled with them may still be years away, one thing is for sure: the way we drive is changing forever.

What does ADAS stand for?

ADAS is short for Advanced Driver Assistance Programs. While that may seem like a fairly new concept, it’s actually been around longer than you think.

One of the first driver assistance programs built into your vehicle was the anti-locking braking system, or ABS. ABS originally started out in the 1920s as a way to control aircraft from skidding out of control as it touched down on a runway. Slowly, the advancement of ABS moved to automobiles, providing skid-control in cars in much the same manner.

Today, driver assistance programs are increasing in abundance. Technology has been added to vehicles in many different ways, all designed to keep you safer when you’re on the road.

If you know anything about AI – artificial intelligence – you know it’s structured to take over difficult, time consuming, and repetitive tasks. It creates a system to keep the process on track, so we humans don’t have to. Because it’s built through an algorithm and is designed to respond to the situation based on facts, it takes out the human element. It responds with very little, if any, work from you.

Why ADAS?

Are advanced driving assistance systems even necessary? It’s designed to keep your car out of harm’s way, to keep you safe, and take action whenever necessary to protect your investment. That makes ADAS a good thing to have on your vehicle.

Depending on the system, it can offer you a wide variety of benefits to help you get from point A to point B safely and give you a better driving experience. It uses a variety of components such as sensors, cameras, and radar to communicate with the computer that makes your vehicle operate.

Does your car have ADAS? ADAS didn’t have to be a prominent selling point for your car to use ADAS technology. You can find out what features your vehicle has by:

Checking your owner’s manual. Owner’s manuals are thicker than ever, and they can seem like a daunting, and somewhat boring task to take it all in. But it is a good idea to thumb through your guide to learn how to operate it effectively and efficiently. It’s also the best place to see all the different features you have, including ADAS.

Google it. If you know your make and model, you can use Google to determine what features your vehicle may have. You’ll find articles and videos to help you determine what your car is built with, and how you can use it to keep your car in better condition.

Get to know your car. There’s more to driving a car then jumping into the driver’s side and starting the car. Spend a few minutes walking around and seeing all the parts. Look for cameras on the tailgate, in the rearview mirror, on the bumper at the front of the vehicle, and in the side mirrors.

Ask. The next time you drop your car off for servicing, ask about ABAS. We’re happy to teach you more about what your vehicle does to keep you and your passengers safe.

What can ADAS help with?

There are many ways ADAS is being incorporated into your car. This is how it can help you.

Adaptive Cruise Control – instead of having to monitor cruise control when you’re on the highway, advanced cruise control monitors the road for you and slows down or speeds up in response to the actions of drivers around your car. It’ll automatically shut off if you go below a certain speed.

Adaptive Light Control – this is designed to help you see better in all road conditions. It adds light as it grows dark, and can swivel and rotate headlights to better illuminate the space around you.

Automatic Braking – this system is designed to reduce the chances of crashing. It’s meant to monitor the speed of traffic and reduce speed to lower the risk.

Automatic Parking – if you’ve ever had trouble parallel parking, this feature is for you. It automates the entire job of parallel parking. Different models offer different levels of support, from handling the entire job for you, to prompting you when to turn the steering wheel and when to stop.

Collision Avoidance – this system is designed to sense how close your vehicle comes to objects around it. It can sense vehicles, pedestrians, animals, obstructions, and other objects you might miss by looking in the mear. It warns the driver as you get too close so you can make adjustments as necessary.

GPS – it’s hard to remember life when all we had available were bulky maps. Now, you simply click on a navigation system, and you can get everything from live traffic data to maps, vocal directions, or actual screens where you can see the world outside of your vehicle.

Lane Departure – ABAS is often designed to avoid distractions. Lane departure uses a variety of sensors to ensure your vehicle stays on course, within the lane itself. If you start to drift, it sounds an alarm so you can correct your actions before putting you, your vehicle, or others at risk.

Night Vision – sometimes driving at night is difficult at best. Night vision systems work either through active or passive systems to help you be more aware of what’s around you. Active night vision used infrared while passive systems use thermal energy to highlight possible danger points.

Tire Pressure – driving on a flat tire is a sure way to further damage your car. Yet it’s easy to miss depending on how you walk up to your vehicle. Tire pressure can also change daily, depending on road conditions and climate. A tire pressure monitoring system checks inflation levels and ensures your tires stay safe, alerting you to potential problems.

What is ADAS vehicle alignment?

When you bring your car in for an alignment, a technician performs a computerized process to ensure all four wheels are straight. They use the computer to adjust three separate angles of each wheel known as the camber, caster, and toe.

An ADAS alignment is different. Because ADAS controls a variety of systems throughout your vehicle, it requires an even more specialized alignment process to ensure they are all working well.

It starts at the wheel, making the necessary adjustments. Then it continues to ensure your cameras, sensors, and radar that helps control computer components are working at its best. For example, if the camera used to assist you while backing up isn’t focused correctly, you could miss crucial parts behind you that create hazards more than help.

Do you need a safety systems alignment?

Just like other maintenance on your vehicle, you should schedule a safety system alignment periodically to ensure everything is working at its best. Our mechanics have the right equipment to ensure everything on your vehicle is working at its best.

Tire Balance or Alignment – Which Does Your Car Need?

May 19, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

“My car shakes when I drive it.”

“My car veers off if I don’t hold tight to the steering wheel.”

Have you ever thought something similar when you drive your car? Maybe your car is in need of a tire balance or alignment.

Tire balancing and alignment are two phrases you might be familiar with. Drivers use them all the time. But what do they really mean? Are they the same thing? Can you use “tire balance” and “alignment” interchangeably for when you notice something wrong with the way your car drives?

What is tire balancing?

Tire balancing is also sometimes referred to as wheel balancing. Tire balancing corrects the distribution of weight onto each of the four wheels.

When a wheel is imbalanced, it leads to vibration while driving> If you’ve ever felt your vehicle shimmy and shake, it may be from imbalanced wheels. It can also cause excessive wear on the tires. If the tires don’t hit the pavement in the same manner on all four sides, it can cause some tires to wear faster than others. It can also damage the suspension system. The wheels are designed to keep your car stable as it moves. If it’s off balance, it can’t protect critical components of your car.

When a mechanic performs a tire balance on your vehicle, they apply zinc, lead, or composite weights to each wheel rim, both inside and outside. Because wheels are designed in different ways, there are several different types of weight application, determined by what your vehicle needs.

The weights are either pounded or taped into place to check balancing. Legislation has been enacted in some states to ban the use of lead weights, as many of them would fall off and wind up underground, potentially impacting our water supply.

What are the signs your car needs tire balancing?

If you start to notice a vibration as you are driving, it’s a sign your tires need balancing. You might notice a shake in your steering column, feel it underneath your feet on the floorboard, or even notice movement in your seat.

Pay attention to the vibration as it can signal where your tires are out of balance. A tremble in your steering wheel can mean your front tires are impacted. If you notice your seat vibrating, it’s a sign it’s the back wheels.

You should also periodically inspect your tires. Do you notice uneven wear marks? Are certain parts of the tire wearing smooth before the rest? Does one tire look more heavily worn than others? All can be a signal your tires are imbalanced.

Also pay attention to your drive. Do you drive dirt roads frequently? Do you ignore potholes because you hit them often? Have you hit the curb recently? All of these things and more can damage your tires and wheels, and cause your tires to go out of balance.

What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is also known as tire alignment. It refers to the practice of adjusting your car’s suspension system for a smoother ride. This isn’t an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves, rather, the work is done to the suspension system to control the smoothness of the ride.

Alignment is what is needed to keep your car from veering off to the right or left when you drive. It can also improve the overall handling of your vehicle, and avoid certain vibrations that develop over time.

What are the signs your car needs a wheel alignment?

You might need a wheel alignment if you notice any of the following things:

Your car starts pulling to one side or the other while you drive
You notice uneven tire tread, or your tires are prematurely wearing down
You notice a squealing noise coming from your tires
You notice problems with your steering wheel, such as it tilts off-center, or vibrates when you accelerate

If you’ve been in a car accident, or you’ve recently slid into a curb, your vehicle is most likely in need of a wheel alignment.

Do I need a tire balance or wheel alignment?

Both tire balancing and wheel alignment should be a part of your regular maintenance routine. Just realize that the two are separate maintenance items, each being required to keep your car in good working condition as it ages.

While balancing is ensuring each individual tire is connecting well with the road, alignment is about modifying the angles of the wheels to ensure they are in proper position to each other, and to ensure the tires connect well with the road. An alignment ensures all four wheels are traveling in the same direction, and makes sure each tire stays well connected to the ground.

When do you balance your tires?

While it’s important to have your tires balanced if you feel a problem as you drive, there are also other times when you should rebalance your tires.

At a bare minimum, once every two years, more if you drive rough roads
When you get them rotated, which should occur about every 5,000 miles
When you have a flat and fix your tire
When you buy new tires
If you notice a weight missing from one of the rims
When you notice uneven wear on a tire

When do you align your wheels?

It’s suggested that you get your wheels aligned every time you have new tires put on your vehicle. You should also get an alignment:

If you have an accident
If you hit something, such as a curb, with your wheels
If you have severe wear on your tires
If you feel your car pulling as you accelerate
If you replace your tires

Keep in mind that not all vehicles need the same wheel alignment. A four-wheel drive doesn’t require a four-wheel alignment. Any vehicle with a single-tube axle can only have a front-end alignment.

And if your vehicle has other front end damage that may impact the alignment, it might be better off to wait until all work is completed. This way you won’t have to get an alignment twice.

Have more questions? We’re here to help. Just ask.

What If You Leave Winter Tires On All Year?

May 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

This for a moment about a day of driving in January. You might start out with a sunny day on your way to work, but that can quickly change. Suddenly, the flurries start, it drops in temperature, and the snow starts to accumulate. Your drive home will be difficult at best.

Compare that to a day in the middle of July. You start out your day with a cool drive in, but the day quickly heats up from there. The temperatures climb – 80, 90, 100 degrees and more. It’s so hot even the pavement seems a bit gooey.

What about your tires? Should you prepare for each and get two separate sets? Or will one set of tires handle it all? Can you leave winter tires on all year? Or is there a better way to drive?

Get to know Colorado’s Traction Law

If you’ve ever driven Colorado roads, especially in the dead of winter, you know how treacherous they can be. When one car has trouble, spins out of control, and winds up by the side of the road, it can impact traffic for hours. It can turn one small accident into a major pileup in seconds.

It can also be deadly.

The Traction Law is designed to require motorists to have:

4WD or AWD vehicle with at least a 3/16 inch tread depth
Tires designated as mud and snow tires and a 3/16 inch tread depth
Winter tires with a 3/16 inch tread depth
All-weather tires with a 3/16 inch tread depth
Chains or an Autosock

It can go into effect at any time from September 1st to May 31st, depending on road conditions. If a Traction Alert is issued, you’ll have to stay off the road unless you have the specified tires on your vehicle.

This law was designed for two reasons. First, and the most obvious, is to keep Colorado drivers safe. Second, to keep the roads moving, and avoid hours of delay that can quickly occur in the event of a major pileup.

Your first question – Do your tires meet the Traction Law?

While this new Colorado law went into effect in 2019, if you haven’t evaluated if your car meets the guidelines, it’s time to give your tires a second look. All tires must have at least 3/16 inch tread depth to be considered compliant with Colorado law. If you aren’t sure what your tires’ tread depth is, measure it. Try this simple trick. Stick a quarter into the tread, making sure George Washinton’s head goes into the tire. If you can’t see the top of his head, your tire passes the 3/16 inch test.

However, don’t try the test just once and assume your tires are okay. Try all four tires. Try it in multiple places. In some cases, you might have a tire that isn’t wearing evenly, and you might be low in certain areas.

Don’t worry if you aren’t sure. The easiest (and possibly the best) way to determine if your tires are okay is to have them checked by one of our mechanics. We can tell you if they all meet required specifications, and how much traction you have left before replacement.

Winter tires, summer tires, what’s the difference?

Typically, you’ll find several different types of tires on the market: winter, summer, all-weather.

There are a few fundamental differences between them.

Winter:

Winter tires have a higher rubber content, which helps keep them softer, more supple when the temperatures dip low. The softer they are, the more able they are to grip the road surface in all kinds of weather conditions.

Winter tires have thousands of tiny grooves built into the tread blocks to disperse water and prevent hydroplaning. These grooves also can bite into the packed snow and provide optimal grip as you speed up and slow down.

Winter tires also have a deep tread pattern that allows snow to build up in the cavities. Snow helps grip snow, and intensifies the connection to the road.

Summer:

Summer tires are built from a harder compound that softens in milder and warmer weather conditions. This makes them more drivable on dry as well as rainy roads.

Summer tires have fewer grooves than winter tires, and are built more for handling afternoon rain showers and to prevent hydroplaning on suddenly wet roads.

Summer tires are made from a harder rubber compound that is designed to soften as the temperatures rise. They have more friction in the heat, which in turn gives you more fuel efficiency when the pavement reaches peak temperatures.

Summer tires also have a simpler block tread, which gives you better handling on hot roads, and has a massive impact on quickly you can brake.

All-season tires are somewhere in the middle. They are designed for average performance, no matter what the weather brings. You won’t have the grip and performance of summer tires, and will sacrifice more intense braking and handling in the winter. But overall, they get the job done.

Now let’s talk about winter tires. Are winter tires good all year long?

Should you leave your winter tires on all year? After all, the Denver metro area can see cold and snowy conditions ten months out of the year. It isn’t unheard of to have a snowstorm hit in May, while we’ve had sudden blizzard-like conditions as early as September.

And if you live in the foothills, the chance of snowfall increases from there. You might be tempted to trade in your tires for a good set of winter tires, and make those your year-round replacements. Here’s why you shouldn’t.

Winter tires are designed for traction and grip on snowy roads. They have unique features that make them great at what they do.

But if you leave them on, you’ll find:

They’ll wear down faster. Because winter tires are designed with deep treads that grip in cold weather, they can also wear down faster when they meet warm or hot roads day after day.

They won’t perform. You would never wear your snow boots to go jogging in the summer. You need the right tools for the job. Winter tires are designed for lower speeds and careful driving. When you want to hit the open road, you won’t get the same maneuvering or handling with winter tires.

You replace your tires faster. When we buy new tires, we focus on the manufacturer’s guidelines for how much mileage we can expect to see. If you’re not following the guidelines, the performance factors will decrease. You’ll replace your tires more often, and possibly have more problems (and repair bills) along the way.

It makes sense to have the right tire for the job.

Have you left your winter tires on all year long in the past?

Understanding the Menu Board

May 11, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

You may not be familiar with all the items on your service center’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed. But understand that the menu board is there for a reference; you should speak to your service adviser about other possible needs or services.

Fuel system cleaning: Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish build up. A fuel system cleaning gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. This saves gas, by the way.

Headlamp replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness. Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to a like new condition.

Inspections: People get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter. Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over. An inspection may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Oil change – there are several options: Some centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full-service oil change. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

PCV valve: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. It should be changed now and then.

Power steering service: Often overlooked but this service cleans out the system and replaces it with clean fluid and can keep the system running well for a long time.

Serpentine belt: That’s the belt that powers the engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt before it breaks or wears down, because that will lead to other problems.

Shocks and struts: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many people don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Transmission service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Tire rotation and wheel balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. This helps the ride and saves tire wear.

Remember if you don’t understand something on the menu board, ask your service adviser for help.

Should You Stick With The Car Maintenance Schedule Your Vehicle’s Manufacturer Suggests?

May 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s something about driving your car for the very first time.

When you drive it off the lot, everything feels fresh and new. The smell. The touch. Even the way it drives, responding instantly to whatever move you make.

Then you fall into patterns. You drive. And slowly, your vehicle wears down.

Are you paying attention?

That’s why manufacturers have established a car maintenance schedule for every vehicle on the road. If you follow their guidance, you can protect the systems needed for a smooth ride. You prevent damage to the engine, which causes premature damage and wear.

Why a car maintenance schedule is important

Human nature has the belief: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We don’t look for problems, we wait until they surface.

For some things, that works. For your vehicle, it doesn’t.

Do you really want to ignore your brakes until they “break?” Imagine the problems that would create if you’re on your way home from a day of skiing in the Rocky Mountains.

Or what about engine failure? What if that happens late at night as you’re coming home from a road trip, out in the middle of nowhere?

According to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry:

The average age of a vehicle in the US has increased by 17 percent in the past ten years
People are holding on to their vehicles, both new and used, 60 percent longer over the past ten years

The longer you own a vehicle, the more maintenance it’s going to need.

The same report shows older car owners are twice as likely to expect to spend more than $1,000 on a repair, and they are more aware of the work that needs to be performed on a regular basis.

Do you fall into that category?

The people that manufacture your car know everything about your car. Why not trust them to guide you towards the best car maintenance schedule you can follow? It will help you:

Save time by being stranded without a vehicle
Save money by addressing concerns before they blow up to bigger problems
Improve safety by assessing vehicle conditions before they cause you harm
Maintain the resale value of your car by keeping it in top condition
Create a record of work performed, something that can be invaluable when you decide to sell

What a typical car maintenance schedule looks like

The best place to find out more about your vehicle is by checking your owner’s manual. If you don’t have access to that, let Google be your guide. Simply type in your make and model into Google, and you’ll find a wealth of information pertaining to your car.

Of course, that’s just a starting point. The timing of maintenance intervals depends on a variety of things, such as make and model, how many miles you put on each year, road conditions, driving skills, and more.

What you’ll find are general guidelines. But if you talk with one of our mechanics about your own unique driving patterns, we can help you adjust them to fit better with your lifestyle.

Someone driving down the hill to work each day will have a different maintenance schedule than someone who works from home, logging just a few thousand miles each year running errands around town.

Typically, you can plan on servicing your vehicle about every 30,000 miles. This is a great time to schedule a service appointment to allow a mechanic to evaluate the different systems in your car. They will handle:

Replacing the engine air filter
Rotating the tires
Changing engine oil and replacing the filter
Inspecting the coolant system, adding coolant and replacing hoses as necessary
Inspecting the braking system, replacing pads and rotors as well as brake line and hoses
Inspecting the exhaust system to ensure it’s working correctly
Inspecting the transmission system for proper gear placement

Of course, that’s in addition to other routine maintenance visits you should plan out over time.

Every 3,000 to 7,000 miles – every manufacturer will recommend you get an oil change on a regular basis. This flushes new oil throughout the system, and replaces dirty oil filters. Furthermore, it allows a mechanic to take a look for other potential problems as well. Be aware that other fluids such as windshield washer fluid, new wipers, tire checks, and things like coolant and transmission fluid should be checked periodically as well.

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles – be sure to check your battery during this time. Especially new batteries that come with a new car, they aren’t expected to hold their charge beyond the first couple of years, or 15,000 to 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. You should also chick coolant, hoses, filters, the heating and cooling system, brake pads, and all suspension parts.

Every 35,000 to 50,000 miles – start paying attention to the individual parts throughout your vehicle. Continue to check the battery regularly. Replace spark plugs and wires. Inspect the ignition system. Verify the suspension system is working well.

Every 60,000 miles – it’s time for a full-blown inspection. The older your vehicle gets, the more important it is to bring it in for regular maintenance visits. This gives one of our mechanics the chance to learn your car, and to work with you on creating a schedule for maintenance and repair.

What really impacts car maintenance schedule requirements

It’s worth mentioning again that it isn’t just the mileage you put on your vehicle that determines how frequently it should go in for inspections and repairs. Sitting and not operating are equally tough on your vehicle, just in different ways.

Factors that impact what type of maintenance should be performed include:

How you drive – are you aggressive? Do you push the limits? Do you rarely drive? Your driving behavior will impact which systems wear out quickly, and how your vehicle responds to different maintenance items.

Where you drive – Colorado can be hard on cars. They are exposed to extreme heat and cold, sometimes within days of each other. They face snowy roads, mag-chloride spraying up from the roads, rocks chipping away at the undercarriage. The harsh sun beats down on it almost every day. And then there’s mountain driving. How frequently do you head up into the hills? That can take its toll on how well systems like your brakes fare over time.

Your vehicle – parts matter. Of course, you can find cheap parts online. You can do things yourself, opting for the lowest priced components you can buy. But it will matter in the end.

Your vehicle is something you use every day. It’s a matter of safety for you, your family, and others out on the road.

Are you following your car’s maintenance schedule?

Or are you leaving it to chance?

6 Car Smells That You Should Never Ignore

May 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Have you noticed your car smells? What is it?

No matter how many times you clean out your car, sometimes things get trapped in the back. Especially if you have kids. A pb&j falls between the seats. Old gym socks are waded up and thrown in the corner. Until eventually, you can’t help but pull everything out of your vehicle to find the culprit.

What we’re talking about here is more than a moldy snack or old gym socks. It’s that smell that lingers when you turn the car on. It’s very distinct. In your gut, you know something is wrong.

Luckily, different parts of your car produce different smells when something goes wrong. If you learn to troubleshoot them early, it can save you by avoiding higher ticketed repair bills, and reducing the risk of being stranded on the road.

Ask yourself these questions.

Is it safe to drive a car that smells like rotten eggs?

This is the one smell you might mistake for an old, moldy snack left under the seats. As your car operates, you notice a rotten egg smell coming through the vents.

A smell of rotten eggs in your car is from a compound called hydrogen sulfide. This comes from the small amount of sulfate they mix into the fuel you use for your car. If your car is working correctly, sulfur is converted to sulfur dioxide, which doesn’t have an odor. When a part on your fuel system breaks down, the sulfur isn’t transformed correctly, and it can release a rotten egg smell into your car. It’s a malfunction somewhere in your fuel system.

It might be the catalytic converter. It might be a bad fuel filter. It could even be a fuel pressure sensor that causes the system not to work. But when sulfur gas leaks out from the system, you’ll know it. And it won’t go away without repair.

In fact, it can be downright dangerous. This is a problem with your fuel system. That means this is one repair job you can’t put off.

What if my car smells like gas?

Every time you fill up your car with gas, the scent of fuel may linger for a bit. You’re surrounded by it while you get in and out of your car to fill up.

But if you notice it long after you drive away, pay attention. Did you spill some on your hands or clothes while maneuvering the nozzle? Did you step in it and now have it on your shoes? Cleaning it up should solve the problem.

But if it doesn’t, it may be a bigger problem. It might be a problem with your gas cap or a leak in your fuel line. Not only will either of these hurt your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, but they can also lead to dangerous situations. Being that close to fuel vapors can also impact your health.

If the scent won’t go away, it’s time to bring it in and have your car checked.

Why does it smell sugary sweet inside my car?

Your engine coolant is treated with an ethylene glycol, which gives off a sickly sweet smell. You’ll most likely smell it after the engine has warmed a bit, or when your car shuts down.

This toxic fluid is usually a green or orange color when it’s healthy and freshly installed, but will turn a rusty color as it wears down. This tells you the rust inhibitor has been broken down and it’s no longer providing rust control and scale buildup inside your vehicle. If you see drips or a puddle underneath your vehicle in this color combination, it’s time to check for a coolant leak.

This also means it’s starting to impact various parts in your car. It could be coming from a radiator hose, a failed intake manifold gasket, or a bad cylinder head. It might be coming from a leaky radiator cap, or a problem with the radiator itself.

Pay attention to where the smell is worse; inside or outside of your car. If it’s stronger inside, it may be a bad heater core.

Why can I smell exhaust fumes inside my car?

Exhaust fumes have a distinctive odor. You’ve probably noticed it if you walk by a running car, or leave your car in the driveway to warm up on a cold winter day.

You may smell it as you enter your car and prepare to drive away. But if you continue to smell it inside your car, you should never ignore it. Exhaust fumes inside the car most often indicate a problem in your car’s exhaust system. You might also have a problem with the seals on your windows or doors.

This can lead to a dangerous situation. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly to humans and animals. If you smell exhaust, unroll your windows to let fresh air in, and bring it into our service station as quickly as possible.

What creates a burning smell, almost like burnt carpet?

This is another distinctive smell you’ll notice right away. Because we live here in the Rockies, and free time often means heading into the hills for a day of fun, we tend to wear brake pads differently than other cities across America.

If you’ve been using your brake pads a lot, or pressing down hard because of sporadic traffic, you may notice a burnt carpet smell. This is a sign your brakes are overheated.

While this may be somewhat normal as you’re moving down the mountain pass, back into the city, it’s also a warning. It’s telling you that too much pressure is being placed on the pads; downshift to control your speed instead.

If you smell this on your normal commute here on most flat Denver roads, it’s telling you something else is wrong. You might have a brake problem caused by a seized brake caliper piston. Or maybe you forgot to release the handbrake. This can be checked with a glance.

What is that smell?

While we’ve mentioned some of the more popular smells your car will make when it’s trying to tell you there’s a problem, this by no means is all. Every part operates in its own way. Every problem can create its own unique set of circumstances.

That’s why it’s a good idea to really get to know your car.

If you pay attention to what it looks like, how it drives, and the various smells when it’s operating correctly, you’ll be able to notice quickly when something no longer works well.

Have a question? Give us a call. We’re happy to help you get to the bottom of your car smells, and get you back on the road safely and quickly.

Is Your Car’s Air Conditioner Not Working?

May 5, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s one thing Colorado isn’t short of – sunny days. Colorado advertises 300 days of annual sunshine, mild temperatures, and record snowfalls – all of that makes it the perfect place to live, no matter how you like your weather.

Of course, once you live here, you have to drive in said weather. Those record snowfalls can be troublesome if you’re trying to get somewhere on time. And when the temperatures creep higher – 80s, 90s, 100s – you’ll be sweating it out as you make a break from your home to the car, and everywhere you choose to go.

But what if your car air conditioner doesn’t work when you need it most? You open up the windows, drive for a bit, and wait for the system to cool down. Only it never does, and you’re stuck roasting in a hot car, stuck to your leather seats.

Why won’t your car air conditioner work?

What is black death?

Imagine a sludgy, sticky, dark goo slowly flowing inside your car’s internal workings. As the refrigerant in your car’s air conditioning system breaks down, it slowly moves inside the compressor.

Refrigerant is a fluid that helps your car operate at its best. Think of it as the motor oil for your air conditioning system. But as this fluid breaks down, it thickens. And as it moves into the compressor, it gums up everywhere, including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and all the moving parts.

And that sticky, grimy substance won’t just disappear. You have to replace the major pieces, and flush the lines clean. Yep, you guessed it, this isn’t an easy (or budget-friendly) process.

Of course, this is the worst case scenario. There are warning signs your car’s air conditioning system is having trouble long before it completely shuts down. Catch it early, and it’s a much easier (and less expensive) repair.

It starts with knowing your car’s air conditioner

From the moment you drive your car home, it’s important to take note of how it runs. Pay attention to the noises it makes, the feel of the drive, the smell as you turn different systems on. This is your base.

Two things make all the difference in keeping your car operating as it should.

1. Paying attention to changes – if you notice any change, don’t ignore it. The sooner you get it checked by one of our mechanics, the easier it will be to fix. And in most cases, a lot less expensive too.

2. Performing regular maintenance – along with oil changes and tune ups, if a mechanic completes a diagnostic test regularly, it can alert you to potential problems long before they create lasting damage to your vehicle.

These are the things you should watch for with your air conditioning system.

An air conditioner with weak airflow

Remember when your car was new, and you could barely handle the cold blast when you turned your air conditioner on high? Slowly, that blast has disappeared. The main causes of weak airflow include:

A hose has come loose. Through all of its use, the blower hose that connects to the blower unit has wiggled free.
The ventilation fan no longer works. If the fan is broken, it can’t push air through the system.
Seals have been compromised. Think of all the rattling, clanking, and banging going on underneath the hood as you drive each day. Bumps, potholes, and even speed on the highway can slowly rattle connections apart. There are a variety of seals within the air conditioning system that can eventually wear down, such as the core case seal or the blower hose seal.
Contaminants such as mold and mildew can build up over time. Water flows in the air conditioning system. That residue moisture from the cooling process sometimes accumulates. When this happens, mold and mildew can start to build. Not only will it impact the air flow, but it can also impact your health as it blows this contaminated air supply into your vehicle.

An air conditioner that isn’t as cold as it once was

Your air conditioner is still working … sort of. There is cold air, but it’s not as cold as it once was. That lack of cold air can be caused by a number of things.

A failed blower motor
A vacuum leak
A failed switch or fuse
A damaged condenser or evaporator
A failed compressor
A clogged refrigerant hose
A refrigerant leak

When one part of the air conditioning system no longer works, it throws the entire system off. If you’re experiencing an air supply that isn’t as cold as it once was, chances are there’s a problem somewhere in the system. Even the smallest leak can quickly escalate into a major repair.

An air conditioner that smells bad when you turn it on

This goes beyond the smell you first get when you turn it on for the first time. If you continually notice an odorous smell that resembles an old gym locker, it could be:

A dirty air cabin filter
A moldy evaporator case

Because the system has been compromised, you’ll continue to get that smell until you fix the system.

Is there a way to test for an air conditioner leak?

Since one of the biggest reasons for an air conditioner problem is a leak somewhere in the system, there are a few ways you can test to find out where it’s starting from.

The first way is by using a fluorescent dye. This is the least expensive and does a good job at detecting a leak. However, if the leak is tucked away from your line of vision, it can be difficult to detect.

The second way is with a sniffer. This is a tool that is placed near a suspected problem area to find the leak. When it finds a refrigerant leak, it emits a warning signal to the user. A faster beep means the leak is larger in size.

Both of these are dependent on knowing your vehicle and how it operates. You can trust one of our mechanics to find the root of the problem, and offer you the best solution to fix your car’s air conditioning problem.

Why fix your air conditioning problem right away?

Because the longer it goes unfixed, the bigger the potential problem can grow. If left unchecked, it can further damage your air flow system, and spread into other systems throughout your car. If a leak or crack turns worse, corrosion can occur on other parts, belts and lines can snap, doing further damage to parts nearby.

Are you set for the summer season with your air conditioner? How can we help you stay cool no matter how high the temperatures climb?

How Long Can a Car Battery Last? 5 Answers You Need Right Now

April 30, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When was the last time you drove your car?

For most of us, that question would have been comical a few short months ago. But moving past a month of stay in place, that question now may take some thought. A week ago? A month ago?

Your wallet may be thanking you for not spending a lot on gas these days. But if you don’t pay attention to caring for your car the proper way right now, you may pay for that as we come out of lockdown. Cars are meant to be driven. The more they sit, the more problems can arise.

Which is why we’ve put together a series of questions and answers about one of the first things that can happen to your vehicle the longer it sits: problems with your car battery.

How long can a car sit before a car battery dies?

A car battery isn’t like a battery you put into your phone or your remote control. It isn’t fully charged, dropping down ever so slowly as it sits or is used.

Instead, a car battery is typically a lead acid cell battery made up of 6x 2V cells or piles. A lead acid battery is bigger and heavier than other batteries, and is designed to produce high current over short durations. Alkaline batteries produce low current over longer durations, and are in general safer even when leaking, as they won’t eat through what’s around it the way the sulfuric acid from a lead acid battery will.

With this set up, a car battery is designed for short spurts of energy. It’s designed to jolt the car engine to life as the key is turned or button is pushed. This charges the alternator, which is what continually powers a variety of things in your car, such as the lights or radio.

To stay in good function, the car battery needs that jolt periodically to recharge the cells. Without it, the power continues to drain until the battery no longer works.

How long a car can sit before the car battery dies depends on a variety of things:

How old the battery is
Under what circumstances the car battery has been used
Temperatures and road conditions
The make and model of the battery
Driving conditions

Predicting how long a car battery will last if it isn’t used is difficult at best. A month? Two months? Longer?

Your best takeaway is to realize the importance of operating your car regularly, even when you’re staying in place.

How do you change a car battery without losing your settings?

What’s one of the most frustrating things that can happen when you replace a battery? Having all of your presets disappear. And in today’s modern cars, that can be a wide variety of details.

That’s why it pays to watch your battery carefully, and change it for a new one long before it dies and leaves you stranded. If you replace a battery while it’s still holding a charge, you can do so and keep all of your presets in place.

To do so, you’ll need a secondary power source. You can use a secondary battery, or a jumper/booster pack. After attaching the secondary battery to your car, you can disconnect and replace the main battery. This will hold the charge in place during the process. With the new power supply in place, test the system and make sure it’s working.

You can also attach a memory saver, which is a small device you can plug in that will provide just enough power to hold your presets in place while the battery is changed.

How long can you play the radio before the car battery dies?

Have you ever sat with the engine off and the radio on, listening to your favorite tunes? Of course. We’ve all done it.

Did you know that’s one of the heaviest drains on your car battery?

How long you can play depends on a variety of things. How old your battery is. Temperatures. The power of your radio.

We Googled this question to find out what some of the answers were, and had to laugh. Some were very specific – how would anyone know you can get exactly 125 minutes of radio time before your car dies? The general consensus is: it depends.

Is your radio standard equipment? Does your radio have a digital screen – this will require more power from the battery.

The bottom line is, if you aren’t using your car regularly, find another way to play your tunes. Keep all listening to a minimum if you aren’t operating your car.

How do you reconnect a car battery safely?

If your car battery is dead, you’ll have to replace it. For safety’s sake, remember that this is an electrical device. “Dead” isn’t really dead, and it can still be harmful – fatal – if not handled properly.

Even if a car battery is dead, you should never let any metal object touch both the negative and positive posts on the battery at the same time. This can cause a current to spark, even to explode.

When removing a battery, identify the positive and negative posts – the positive will have a red plastic cover, while the negative will have black markings. Remove the black/negative cable first, followed by the red. When you reattach, reverse the order – attach the red first, followed by the black. It’s always in this order for safety.

Remove the battery carefully to ensure you don’t spill acid from the battery. They can weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.

Clean all the connections before you insert the new battery. Then reinstall the cables, red/positive before black/negative. Carefully double check all connections and ensure the battery is secure.

Of course, to ensure this process runs smoothly, we recommend never doing this as a DIY project unless you have been trained in auto mechanics. Because you’re dealing with dangerous chemicals and electrical current, it’s important to know what you’re doing before you try it.

What else happens to the car if the battery dies and isn’t replaced right away?

Car batteries die for a variety of reasons. And in some cases, it might not have to be replaced right away.

When you jump a car battery, be sure to keep it running for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure it regains its charge. Don’t take it far from home; remain in a location where you can have access to another jump if you need it.

If it holds its charge, you should have nothing to worry about. If it needs a second charge, it’s time to replace the battery.

The key to good car maintenance is being aware. Watch for signs. Evaluate how well your car is working.

How long a car battery lasts is all about knowledge. Knowing how old your battery is, the conditions it’s operated in, and how well it’s been treated since it was installed.

Do you have any questions about replacing your car battery? We’re here to help.

Air Blend Box

April 27, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

You push a few buttons or turn some knobs, and voila, you have warm air blowing on your feet or cool air chilling your face. How does it all happen? Well, it’s all thanks to the air blend box. This box lives behind your dash and serves up just the right air temperature right where you want it.

Here’s how we break it down. First there is the blower fan that circulates the air through the heating/air conditioning system. The fan can blow at different speeds, depending on how much hot or cold air you need to be comfortable. The air blend box can either draw in fresh air from outside or recirculate air from inside the cabin. People often choose to recirculate air when first starting the vehicle until it starts to either cool down or warm up.

The next thing the blend box does is direct airflow over the heater core to warm the air, or over the air conditioner evaporator core to chill it – or a blend of hot and cold to get it just right. From there the blend box can direct the air out into the passenger compartment through the floor vents, the panel vents, the defroster, or a combination of them. All of this allows you to customized the climate just the way you like it.

Some vehicles have different climate control zones, like one for the driver and one for the passenger – or even more zones for the back seat. Additional air blend boxes are used for this. Climate controls could be manually adjusted, or computer controlled depending on your vehicle.

The blower motor and all the little actuator motors that open and close the various blend doors can fail and need to be replaced. Most new vehicles come with a cabin air filter. This filter cleans the air before it gets into the blend box. If you neglect changing the cabin air filter, it can get clogged, smelly and even allow mildew and other microorganisms to build up in the blend box. Your service center can perform a heating/air conditioning system cleaning service that will clean and disinfect the system, restoring a fresh clean scent. If you are not getting enough hot or cold air, your service center can inspect your system, diagnose the cause and set things right. And don’t forget to replace your cabin air filter on schedule. If you live and drive in dusty conditions or where there is a lot of pollen or other pollutants, you may need to replace your cabin air filter more frequently.

6 Ways To Keep Your Brakes Working All Year Long

April 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What’s one of the most crucial systems in a car? The brake system should be one of the first to pop into mind.

No matter how much you drive, your brakes are used over and over again throughout the trip. You use them to stop. You use them to slow down. And while you might not think of them much, you would if they ever started to fail.

Keeping them working their best is crucial. No matter what the Colorado weather throws at you, it’s important to be able to stop on a dime.

What the car experts say

Depending on what make and model you drive, your car will need to have new brakes installed every 25,000 to 65,000 miles. Of course, this is just a general rule of thumb. The number of miles you drive is only one of the determinants for how long your brakes will last.

A vehicle’s brake system is complicated. In contains multiple pieces that each need to be monitored separately, to ensure it works together as one complete system.

Brake pads – these are replaced more frequently than any other part in the braking system.
Brake rotors – these are the part of the brake system attached to the wheels. They are one of the most difficult to judge for lifespan.
Brake fluid – it needs periodic checking to ensure it’s at its full level.
Brake clamps and lines – these are designed to last the life of the car, barring no damage from accidents or rough driving conditions.

While parts wear down due to age and mileage, there are also a few other ways you can help keep your brakes working and extend their life, to ensure your safety no matter what the driving conditions.

Stop speeding

One of the biggest enemies of your braking system is speed. The higher your speed, the more effort is needed by the braking system to bring your car to a stop. Think about it for a moment, and it becomes obvious that the brakes would wear more trying to bring a car going 65 or 70 miles per hour to a stop than it would a vehicle traveling at 30 miles per hour.

We’re not suggesting that you slow down on the highway to try and save your brakes. Instead, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and travel at the speed limit and for travel conditions. If you’re racing through town traveling at the highest speed possible, chances are you’re going to be pouncing on the brakes a lot to maneuver through traffic. Slowing it down means you’ll fit in better with the traffic around you.

Drive with one foot only

It used to require two feet to drive – one for the brake and gas pedal, the other for the clutch. Most cars have eliminated the need for a clutch, yet some people haven’t removed the need for wanting to drive with their left foot.

If you use your left foot for the brakes, you have a better chance of applying pressure – even the lightest pressure – to the brake pedal long before it’s needed. That means the two actions will counter each other. You’ll be applying gas to go while at the same time causing a dragging action by having the brake system engaged. This is known as brake riding, and it can significantly lower the number of miles between brake jobs.

If this is your new habit, find a firm place for your left foot far away from the brake pedal and leave it there. Your brakes and your gas mileage will thank you.

Stop tailing

We get it; traffic can be horrendous on some days. A drive that would normally take you minutes can sometimes double or triple in the heart of rush hour. You’re in a hurry. You try and “push” the person in front of you to go faster. Guess what? It won’t work.

When you’re antsy, sitting in traffic, you tend to ride close to the car in front of you. That means you’re more likely to have to punch down on the brake pedal more often as you adjust to different road conditions.

Keeping your distance means you can apply pressure softer, which doesn’t wear onto the brake pads as quickly. Leave a little earlier and stop stressing about the drive.

Handle braking in the mountains the right way

Depending on where you live, you might face mountain driving on a regular basis. But even if you just head up into the hills for weekend ski trips, practice good mountain driving behavior to keep your brakes working the way they should.

Here’s how.

As long as the roads are safe to drive on, no icy or wet conditions, use your gears to bring you down in elevation instead of riding your brakes. Most cars, even automatics, have the ability to shift into a lower gear. This slows the vehicle down through engine power rather than riding your brakes.

This is also a safety issue. If you leave the brake pads engaged for miles coming back down into the city, heat can build and possibly cause the braking system to fail.

Control your weight

Did you know that the average SUV weighs can weigh 5,000 pounds or more? That’s empty, without passengers or cargo.

The trouble with SUVs is they have a lot of cargo space. And that means you can throw in a variety of things for the “just in case” and leave it there as storage. All of that adds extra weight, which requires more from your braking system to bring the vehicle to a stop.

Follow the three-second rule

If you think back to your driving school days, you’ll recall the instructor telling you to leave three-seconds between you and the car in front of you. It’s still great advice.

Leaving space gives you a longer reaction time. It means you won’t be pouncing on your brakes in stop and go traffic, and can tap on the brake pedal lightly to slow down. This saves on the wear and tear of your entire braking system.

Drive smarter and keep your brakes working longer

Your entire braking system – brake pads, brake rotors, drums – it all needs maintenance and replacement eventually. Stick with manufacturers’ guidelines to determine what’s right for your vehicle. If you think something’s wrong, or nearing the dates in your owner’s manual, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Stop by today and get your brakes checked.

Stay safe.