Express Car Care of Denver

Simple Answers: Check Engine Light

April 13, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Question: My check engine light is on and my boyfriend thinks he can get the code read and know what part to replace to fix my car. I say it’s not that simple. Who’s right?

Answer: The simple answer is you are! But let’s look at it logically and break it down. There are hundreds of things that can go wrong with your vehicle. Some are simple but some are actually quite complicated.

In today’s vehicles over 80% of engine functions are computer controlled. The computer receives information from dozens of sensors. When a sensor reading is out of range, a trouble code is automatically entered in the computer and the check engine light is illuminated.

Unfortunately it’s a common misconception that the trouble code will tell you exactly what is wrong. Because the truth is, that for any given trouble code, there are any number of faults that would trigger that code. For example, a code indicating a misfire on cylinder three could be due to a bad spark plug, a failed coil, ignition problems, compression issues, etc. Each of those possibilities requires additional diagnosis to confirm or rule out a cause. Once a trained technician with state-of the art diagnostic tools and access to extensive research databases, can then nail down the problem, and set about getting it fixed.

A complicated diagnosis may take some time. Your boyfriend might be tempted to bypass a diagnosis charge by taking a trouble code reading with an inexpensive scan tool and start replacing parts. He might get lucky, but chances are he’ll end up like a recent customer who ended up spending hundreds of dollars on parts that weren’t needed and didn’t fix his problem because he tried reading the code himself. So save yourself time and money and have a professional with the right equipment check your vehicle.

Just one more thing… a flashing Check Engine Light indicates that a condition exists that could lead to serious damage. You should get to your service center right away. A steadily illuminated Check Engine Light is less urgent but still needs to be checked out. Keep in mind that a minor issue today can become more serious if left unresolved.

Why Your Car Tires Keep Going Flat

April 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Staying in place has brought a lot of “newness” to your life. Maybe you’ve joined the craze of making your own bread. Perhaps you’re finally up to speed with navigating Zoom and attending virtual meetings.

Yet every time you head outside to drive to the grocery store, you notice a flat tire. Why? It’s been sitting in a garage. You haven’t driven anywhere! Why do your car tires keep going flat?

Like every component on your car, there are a variety of reasons your tires could be flattening between uses.

Puncture

Have you inspected your tire to ensure nothing is in it? Often, a sharp object embeds itself into the tire and punctures it, leaving a slow leak in its place. Nails, shards of glass, bits of metal, and more can sometimes hit the rubber just right as you drive over it, and leaves a tiny hole. This can be a slow leak, or cause your tire to go flat in a matter of hours.

While a lot of this debris is difficult to avoid as you’re driving down the road, do you best to avoid situations where you know your risk is higher. Head around construction sites. Leave enough space between you and the person in front of you so that you can make split decisions. It can save you from having to buy new tires before their time.

Age

Like every part on your vehicle, your tire is only designed to last for so long. Rubber degrades over time, even if you don’t use your car as frequently as you used to. (That’s also why you should inspect your spare tire regularly too.)

Of course, not every tire is created equal. Because different manufacturers use different materials in their final product, the life of your tires depends on the type of tire you select.

Even if a tire is never used, it still succumbs to the effects of age. As rubber ages, it stiffens and cracks. They can be difficult to see, even close up, which is why it can develop a slow leak without you knowing where it’s coming from.

As a tire ages, it weakens and develops slow leaks. It will appear flat even if it’s sat for an extended period of time. If a tire gets too weak, it runs the risk of a blowout as you drive. A low tire, no matter how flat it appears, is worth investigating further to ensure your safety.

Valve stem

The valve stem is the tiny tube that sticks up from your tire. You unscrew the cap when you need to add air. Even though this valve stem is set back in the middle of your wheel, it’s still at risk of being damaged as you drive. If you knick it while turning a corner, for example, it can puncture it and allow a slow leak to develop.

Like your tire, the valve stem can only last for so long. It can corrode from use. It can wear down with age. It can clog from dirt and debris. And as this occurs, it can develop a crack and allow your tires to lose air.

Dry Rot

The older a tire is, the more susceptible it is to deterioration. A lot of that is from wear and tear. Dry rot can also occur, which is the natural deterioration of rubber.

You may be used to dry rot in an old tree stump in your backyard. It’s similar in rubber too. As rubber is exposed to different elements in day to day life, it slowly starts to wear. Cracks and flaking can be caused by things like:

The extreme temperature variations we frequently face here in Colorado
The mag-chloride we use on the roads in wintertime
UV damage from our intense sunshine
Long periods of sitting without use

Inspect your tires regularly to catch potential problems that might impact your driving.

Tire bead

Sometimes your tire won’t hug the rim of the wheel the way it should. This connection is known as the tire bead, and can cause slow leaks if not properly connected.

The tire bead is the rubber edge that attaches to the rim of the wheel. It’s made of a metal-reinforced rubber compound that is specifically designed to help hug the two pieces together. It seals it into place to prevent problems as you drive.

If your tires aren’t installed properly, it can cause a slow leak. This is almost always the case if you’ve recently purchased new tires. Bring your car in and have it inspected to get to the root of the problem.

Vandalism

Depending on where you leave your car throughout the day, vandalism can occur. One of the most common acts is simply letting the air out of the tire. After accessing the tire for damage, the situation is easily remedied by inflating it once again. The best way to avoid vandalism is to be aware of where you park your car.

Monitoring system

In a lot of cases, drivers are alerted to a flat tire through their monitoring system. On the dashboard, the tire pressure alert icon turns on, alerting you to a potential problem. If you’ve checked all four tires and they appear to be inflated correctly, it might be a problem with your monitoring system.

The tire pressure monitoring system is designed to warn you when tire pressure is low. A malfunction with the sensors is possible due to a variety of factors, including faulty wiring, weak batteries, or improper sensor programming. One of our mechanics can ensure your tire pressure meets your vehicle’s standards, and if the dashboard light is still on, we’ll run it through diagnostics to determine where the real problem lies.

Road hazards

Even if you are a careful driver, always aware of your surroundings, road hazards can pop up that are out of your control. When you hit a pothole, swerve to miss unexpected debris, or bump a curb as you’re turning, it can cause damage to your tire, and result in a flat tire.

Not all tire problems can be fixed. Sometimes your best solution is to purchase a new set of tires.

We’re here to help you navigate it all. Whatever questions you have about your vehicle – from a flat tire to your transmission system and more – we’re here to help you and keep you on the road, safely, no matter what the road conditions entail.

Keeping Your Car Battery Charged When You Don’t Drive a Lot

April 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

As a society, we’re busy, busy. It’s hard to imagine surviving in Denver without the use of a car. We start it, stop it, and start it up again as we drop the kids off at school, drive to work, head out to a meeting, stop by the store, and run to a friend’s for dinner plans.

They might only be short trips of twenty miles or less, but we rely on our cars to go at our beck and call.

Yet times are changing.

Maybe you’re like one of many who has decided to move in from the suburbs. Urban living is your thing. You’ve invested in a condo right in the heart of the city to make your life easier. You walk to shops and restaurants. You work from home – who needs a car during the week? So your vehicle sits there in its space, only ready and waiting for when you decide to roadtrip it for a little time away.

2020 has also taught us that the world can stop on a dime. Suddenly, we can go from our normal routines to staying in place overnight. Your car can sit there week after week, never starting up.

Which brings up the question: What does it take keeping your car battery charged if you don’t drive very much?

If you search online, you’ll find a host of answers.

One site will tell you to start it up every few days and let it idle in the driveway or parking space for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. Another tells you you’ll have to drive it to get the full benefits of keeping your battery healthy and charged. Still another says today’s technology has improved enough, you really don’t have to worry about your battery much – just start it up once a month.

What do you believe?

How a car battery works

Even if you don’t know much about cars, you probably realize that a car battery is different from the battery you pop into your television remote, or into your smartphone.

The purpose of a battery is to translate chemical energy into electricity. A battery is made up of cells that hold chemical energy. When a connection is made, it moves stored chemical energy into electricity. That’s what powers up your devices.

Car batteries are a bit different as they rely on a lead-acid chemical reaction. Most vehicles come standard with an SLI battery, which stands for starting, lighting, and ignition. Instead of a steady stream of electricity, it provides short bursts of energy to power up your engine and jolt it into life.

If you were to look under the hood of your car and find your battery, you’d notice that it’s made up of six cells. Each cell has two plates attached, one of lead, the other lead dioxide. Each cell produces about 2 volts of energy. Six cells – two volts – that makes it a 12 volt battery.

These plates are submerged in sulphuric acid, providing a catalyst between the two to trigger a chemical reaction. Electrons race around each plate and generate electricity. It flows out of the battery terminals and into various parts of your car. Like the starter to kick your engine into gear. Or your headlights or radio.

Why car batteries die

Your car battery dies for one of three general reasons:

Problems with your car battery
Electrical system problems
User error

If you run your vehicle properly and on a regular basis, keeping your car battery charged isn’t something you have to think much about. But over time, that changes. And that’s where problems begin.

Leaving the lights on – if any interior lights or your headlights stay on for an extended period of time, they drain the battery down.

A weak battery – batteries only last three to five years. The older it is, the weaker it is, the easier it can stop working.

Extreme temperatures – too hot or too cold conditions further weaken a battery, especially if it is already weak from age.

Corroded or loose connections – if the battery isn’t connected properly, or there is corrosion on the connections, it can weaken the battery.

Keeping a car battery charged

All of these lead us back to understanding why your vehicle may have trouble keeping a car battery charged.

Your car is designed to run. It’s designed to have the engine started, taking it out on the road, and having each system operate to its fullest capacity while you make your way from place to place.

Your vehicle has thousands of parts that all work together to keep your car running well. When a piece isn’t working at its optimal level, it compromises the system. And that’s when your problems begin.

The battery is the key to making sure everything works. When you turn the key or press the start button, it kicks all of the systems into gear. But it isn’t everything. It may start the engine, it may start gas flowing, but it doesn’t allow each part to perform its job.

That only comes when your car moves.

And that’s the reason it’s important to operate your vehicle once in a while.

Idling your car in the driveway is bad for two reasons. First, you’re not really using the battery as it’s designed. It doesn’t recharge it, so it actually weakens the battery overall.

Second, as the engine runs, gas combines with air through combustion and creates water vapor. If you don’t move your car and allow it to heat up through movement, that water vapor sits there and can start to damage many other parts.

What you should do to keep your car battery properly charged

Starting your car battery regularly doesn’t have to be a long process. Schedule it like you do other home maintenance projects, every few weeks is sufficient. Once you start it, operate it as intended. Drive ten to twenty miles to really give it a chance to work.

This charges the battery and removes water vapor. It also moves every part, keeping potential problems at bay.

Keeping your car battery charged when you don’t drive very much isn’t difficult. Just make plans every few weeks to save yourself the headache of having your car not operate when you need it most.

Car Maintenance When You Aren’t Driving Your Car

April 3, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

How many miles have you put on your car during the month of March?

The current headlines say it all. One recent article in the LA Times stated “Eerily empty freeways: A symbol of how coronavirus has hurt Los Angeles.”

Of course, it’s not just in LA. Satellite images show airports, ports, and highways deserted as lockdowns soar.

New problems are popping up daily. Like having to control street racing.

And we’re experiencing things most of us have never experienced before. Hello, #StayHomeSounds.

Unless you are an essential employee, chances are you’re currently working at home. And staying at home. Day after day.

That means your car is staying at home too.

Before the coronavirus, a low mileage driver was someone who put less than 600 miles on their car each month. They might do so for a variety of reasons, including:

They are retired and don’t leave home often
They work from home
They use public transportation regularly, reserving their cars for weekend use
They are part of a carpool
They have more than one car, and limit driving one for special occasions – think a convertible for summertime weekend use

For the past month, even that 600 miles may seem high. Your car sits there in the garage or out on the street. And it doesn’t move.

Is that okay?

What happens when you don’t start your car

A vehicle is designed for operation. It’s made up of a variety of systems that are designed to move. Fluids are designed to move through the parts. Gears are designed to turn. Parts are designed to warm up.

And when that doesn’t happen, a whole host of other problems begin.

Keep in mind, it’s more than just starting your car. Batteries slowly lose their charge when they sit. If you start it for a minute and turn it right back off, it drains the battery further. You have to drive it for several miles after starting it to ensure the battery has a chance to recharge. This gives all the systems a chance to kick into gear and engage, including the transmission system, the brakes, the suspension, the climate control system, the power steering, and all the intricate hoses, seals, and joints to have proper flowthrough to ensure they are working well.

With your digital devices, you’re advised to let the battery drain fully before recharging it and topping it off. But a car battery doesn’t work that way. They are all about short bursts of energy. Their goal is to burst the car into life, then recharge and wait for the next time it’s needed. When you turn the key or push the ON button, a car battery converts chemical energy into electric energy. It delivers enough power to start the engine, and enough power to turn on many of a vehicle’s accessories, like the lights.

What else can happen if you don’t drive your car?

The tires can start to lose pressure, especially during cold weather. It slowly drains and begins to flatten. And as the weight of the car continues to press down on the tires, it can cause flat spots to develop with the rubber touching the ground. When you finally take your car out once again, these flat spots will be noticeable as you drive.

Moisture can start to form in the gas tank, especially if it hasn’t been filled up. It can also build in the oil and cause corrosion.

And then there are those pesky rodents that are looking for a new place to nest. They can easily find their way up underneath the hood, or even in exhaust outlets. And when rodents make a nest nearby, they chew. They can disconnect wires and chew through hoses and other parts made from organic materials.

What should you do to keep your car operating well while you aren’t driving?

Let’s start with the most basic of care – bring your car in so one of our mechanics can give it a thorough inspection once every six months. Surprised? That’s just one of the reasons we’ve been deemed an essential business during the coronavirus lockdown. It’s more important than ever for you to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive in case of an emergency. And a simple inspection will help ensure that.

Change your oil regularly. While most oil service stations tell you to replace the oil based on mileage, it should also be changed based on age. Pull up the dipstick at least once per month and check the condition of the oil. If you notice it changing from its original golden color into something darker, it’s time to change the oil.

Walk around your car and inspect it regularly. Look for signs of furry friends making a home somewhere on your vehicle. Now is the perfect time for them to be building nests. Don’t think your car is safe because it sits in a garage. Rodents can easily slip in through cracks, or scurry in when you have the door open.

Drive your car at least ten miles once per month. Don’t just ride to the grocery store, pop onto the highway and get it up to speed for at least ten minutes or so. Plan out a circle, drive there and back. This will keep all the fluids flowing properly and your car running smoothly.

Schedule a car maintenance appointment today

Depending on the age of your car, you might know something needs to be replaced. Have you been nursing your brakes along? Or know you need work performed on your climate control system before the heat of the summer kicks in?

Why wait? You don’t need your car right now. It’s the perfect time to get those car maintenance items done and off your plate.

We’re open for business. We’re here to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly no matter how much you’ll be driving it in the days and weeks to come.

What other car maintenance questions can we answer for you?

Why It’s More Important Than Ever For Car Maintenance

March 31, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

You head out into your garage and jump into your car, ready to go to work. You turn the key, and nothing happens.

You’re taking the kids up the mountain for a family getaway. Driving up the hill, you feel it. A jolt. Shuttering. And finally, steam coming up from underneath the hood.

It’s raining out. The car in front of you illuminates the brake lights as it screeches to a stop. You try, but the tires won’t catch. You slide, you turn, you won’t stop …

Ever had any of these things happen to you?

We’re not suggesting that all car problems can be avoided. But in most cases, with a little forethought and regular car maintenance, you’ll have a much better chance of avoiding problems.

Car maintenance is essential.

No matter what is happening in the rest of the world, we as a society cannot survive without access to transportation. Routine car maintenance ensures your vehicle is there, operating well, when you need it. It also is a way to extend the lifespan, and make sure it runs well for the life of your car.

If you avoid small problems, they have the potential to quickly grow into more significant items. And that means more expense for you.

What is car maintenance?

Car owners usually subscribe to one of two approaches for car maintenance.

One decides to wait until their vehicle shows signs of a problem. A dashboard light turns on. They hear a funny noise. Their cars quit working.

The second sets up regular maintenance visits with a service station to ensure their vehicles are operating as they should.

The second catches things before bigger problems occur. They change belts before they break. They add fluid before it becomes a problem. They’re proactive in every action they take. And it shows in their cars. They never leave them stranded. They always work. And if something does happen out of the ordinary, they’re on it before it turns into something more.

The first is always playing catchup. They pay more because everything is an emergency. What would have been a minor problem – changing a belt, for example – moves from an easy task to a complex issue, one that takes a lot of labor and equipment to fix.

When your car was designed back in the factory, the manufacturer knew things would have to be replaced regularly. They wrote the book on it – your owner’s manual is designed to tell you how to watch for things that could go wrong.

Many manufacturers recommend a 30 – 60 – 90 schedule to help car owners think about maintenance. Every 30,000 miles or so, your vehicle will probably require new equipment. At 30,000 miles of driving, your car should be serviced to determine where potential problems lie. Items like rubber hoses, belts, and gaskets only have a specific useful life before they harden, possibly crack. These are consumables – they aren’t designed to last forever.

And while they are inexpensive – a rubber hose doesn’t carry much cost – if it breaks, it can cause significant damage to the systems of your car.

What does regular car maintenance look like?

Let’s start with regular maintenance. If you own a vehicle, you should be servicing your car for an oil change on a regular basis. Check with your owner’s manual to determine the recommended guidelines for replacing your oil and oil filter. With today’s synthetic oils, many cars can safely operate between 5,000 and 10,000 miles before replacement. Of course, driving isn’t the only thing that determines how frequently you should replace your oil. If you only drive a few miles each week and your car sits the majority of time, it should still be replaced in a timely fashion.

Your first 30,000 miles should be reasonably problem-free. If you replace your oil regularly, it should operate well. Around 30,000 miles, it’s time to replace the air and fuel filter.

An air filter helps your engine take in clean air. The dirtier it becomes, the more problems your engine can develop. A fuel filter is designed to give your car a smooth ride. If the right fluids aren’t flowing through the system, you’ll notice it in performance. A mechanic can perform a test to determine if either filter is clogged, and make recommendations accordingly.

If your car has reached the 60,000 point and you haven’t performed a lot of repairs, it’s time to bring it in for a complete car maintenance check. This is the point where minor repair work may begin. This is where easy repairs can be made to extend the life of your car, and to avoid costly emergency work when you least expect it. Things we look at include:

Battery – the average battery is designed to last up to five years, which for the average driver occurs right before the 60,000 mark. Factory grade batteries aren’t designed for a long life. If you still have one in place, replacing it ensures you won’t be stranded.

Brakes – it’s time to check the full functionality of your brake system. The brake system operates by means of a hydraulic system. When you press down on the pedal, it uses brake fluid to control the braking process. It’s not something you replace like motor oil, but it should be checked around the 60,000 mark to ensure it’s performing at its best. Brake pads should also be checked to ensure they are still working correctly. Brake pads squeeze against metal discs called rotors. If the pads are worn or are off balance, it can impact the rotors as well. A mechanic can evaluate the entire brake system and make suggestions to when individual pieces might need repair.

Coolant – your car uses antifreeze to keep the radiator cool. If not enough antifreeze is in the system, the engine will overheat. To prevent damage, it’s important to ensure the proper levels of antifreeze are still in your system. Depending on your vehicle, it might also be wise to flush the cooling system and install new fluids to get rid of any contaminants that may be within the system.

Transmission – if you have low transmission fluid, it can impact the way your car shifts into gear and drives. While your transmission fluid doesn’t have to be replaced as often as motor oil, it’s still a good idea to have a mechanic check it regularly and determine if it needs to be replaced. If your transmission light illuminates on the dashboard, let a mechanic evaluate it to determine your next steps. Transmission fluid is pink and has a sweet smell. If you notice a leak that is darker red, or takes on a burnt smell, it’s a sign your transmission fluid is bad.

https://denverexpresscare.com/is-it-cheaper-to-rebuild-or-replace-a-transmission

The older your car gets, the more stress you put on your vehicle while driving, the more you should check the inner-workings of your car. These are just a few of the milestones we use as guidelines for evaluating a car. City driving is different than highway driving. Your car will have different parts that wear out faster than others. The only way to stay on top of what’s happening is to get to know your car well, and bring it in regularly for a checkup. We’re here for all of your car maintenance needs.

NOTE: Governor Jared Polis has put out executive orders and public health orders to aid in the fight against COVID-19. We are deemed an essential business and will remain open to ensure people throughout the Denver Metro area have the ability to get their vehicles serviced, as needed. If we can answer any questions for you, please contact us at 303.691.2760.

https://covid19.colorado.gov/public-health-executive-orders-explained

Suspension Failure

March 30, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving down the road and suddenly, the back end of your vehicle collapses. A possible cause is that something in your suspension failed. Suspension components gradually wear out – you may not even notice the ride and handling slowly getting worse. But a sudden suspension failure is unnerving and will often leave you unable to drive your vehicle.

A broken spring can cause your suspension to drop suddenly. There are different types of springs, including coil springs, leaf springs, and air springs. Most vehicles these days use coil springs, and they look just like you think they’d look: a coiled-up metal spring like what you’d find if you took apart a ball point pen. Coil springs fail from rust (thanks to brine and road salt), trauma (think potholes, speed bumps, curbs) and just plain metal fatigue.

Leaf springs are often used in larger vehicles such as trucks and large SUVs. The design has been around since the early days of carriages, and they are designed to handle heavier loads. Since leaf springs are made up of metal plates stacked together, rust and fatigue are common causes of failure.

Another type of spring that can suddenly fail is an air spring. Air springs are rubber bags that hold pressurized air. They have an air compressor, and air reservoir, and height sensors. The advantage of an air suspension is that you can adjust the ride height, level loads, adjust handling characteristics, and lower the vehicle to make it easier to get in and out.

Eventually, the rubber in an air spring can rot out, or the airbag can be punctured causing the air to leak out all at once. Not only can the corner of the vehicle with the failed air spring drop suddenly, but it’s also possible for the entire air system to lose air, allowing the vehicle to drop. Plus, compressors, solenoids, air lines, and sensors can also fail.

Your Express Car Care technician can check your suspension components for rust, metal fatigue, cracks, or other worn or failing components. If you notice that your ride quality and handling is deteriorating, have us check your suspension.

What If Your Car Isn’t Shifting Right?

March 22, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There are a few problematic issues with your car that are easy to diagnose. If you forget to put gas in the tank, you’ll recognize the familiar sputter as your car chugs to a stop on the last fumes. You’ll also see the warning sign blinking at you on your dashboard.

Other systems can be more difficult to diagnose. When your car isn’t shifting right, for example, it could be a number of problems. Most likely it’s a sign of a problem with your transmission system.

What happens when your transmission starts to fail

Wouldn’t it be nice if your car sent out warning signs as each piece began to fail? It does.

Let’s say you take your car out for a drive on the weekend. Maybe you head into the hills for a day of skiing, or just a short drive to the park to play a game of softball with a few friends.

Halfway there, your car starts making a whining noise, so you slow down. Or maybe you pick up speed to head up a hill and your car suddenly revs up and bucks.

Then you notice your car doesn’t shift quite right. Maybe it’s more difficult for you to put it into gear. Or maybe you hear a clunk or even a whir as the gears attempt to move as you drive.

What could it be?

If you’re like most drivers today, you head online and do a little research. That’s probably how you got here.

Very quickly, you start to build a picture of what could be wrong. Gears. Transmission. Very expensive … And your mind shifts to a variety of different questions.

Could it be that my car has a blown transmission?
How did it happen?
Was there a way I could have prevented it?
How much will it cost to repair my transmission?
Is it worth it? Or is it time to look for another car?
What are my options?

We’re here to point you in the right direction.

When an automatic transmission is working correctly

Before we get into the warning signs of why your car isn’t shifting right, let’s talk about how the transmission is designed for your vehicle.

Like other systems in your car, the automatic transmission uses a combination of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulics to make the system work.

The mechanical system is designed for functionality. It helps the high engine speed and the slower gear speed synchronize to give you a smooth drive. The electrical system provides sensors to ensure proper gear selection and position. The hydraulic system uses fluid to ensure proper gear positioning. They work together to ensure the automatic transmission flows efficiency every time you get behind the wheel.

What are the signs of transmission failure?

At the first sign of failure, you’ll find your car tries to warn you something is wrong. If you ignore it and the situation worsens, your repair bills rise, until finally, you might have to replace the transmission altogether. You should watch for:

The transmission warning light – luckily, today’s cars have dashboard lights for everything. Don’t ignore them when the little lights pop on. They give you ample time to make your way to a service station.

The car isn’t shifting right – when an automatic transmission transitions smoothly, you don’t pay any attention to how it operates as you speed up and slow down. That changes when it starts to have problems. You’ll notice the movement. You’ll hear it, feel it, sense it.

The gears change position for no reason – when you’re driving at a stable speed, you’ll notice the gear moves for no reason, causing a jolt in your driving patterns. It may slip from a gear to neutral, creating an unusual sound from your engine.

A fluid leak – the hydraulics in your transmission system need hydraulic fluid to operate correctly. This shouldn’t leak. If you notice a puddle of fluid underneath your vehicle, it can be a sign something is wrong with the transmission system. To distinguish it from other fluids your car uses, the transmission fluid is a clear red, sweet smelling liquid, though it may darken if it’s bad.

Delayed gear engagement – you press down on the accelerator and expect to go. Only it doesn’t, not right away. There’s a delay as the gears take extra time to move and connect. There’s a pause, your car lurches forward, bucks as it tries to respond.

What is the cost of fixing a transmission problem?

To fix your transmission, it boils down to parts and labor. That’s difficult to estimate without bringing your car in and having it evaluated.

Yet it’s important to note that for every day you continue to drive your car, ignoring the problem, the damage continues to worsen. What once was a simple fix may now be difficult – and expensive.

It may be as simple as replacing the fluid. Of course, if you wait until eventually, you’re stuck with a blown transmission, the repair bill can quickly add up.

Any indication that your vehicle isn’t shifting correctly should be dealt with quickly to avoid bigger problems.

While simple repairs like changing out the transmission fluid may only need a day in the shop, the act of replacing a transmission will take longer, allowing two full days or more.

Of course, the easiest way to budget your time and your costs for the project is to bring it in for an estimate. Only then can we provide you with all of your options.

Do you think your vehicle might have a problem with its transmission? Have you noticed your car doesn’t shift right, yet you aren’t quite sure what’s wrong?

Trust us to help diagnose the problem, and provide you with the best way to move forward with your car. We look forward to serving you with all of your car needs.

Do I Have a Blown Transmission?

March 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What does the transmission do on your car?

The transmission has a very important job – it ensures there is enough power moving to the wheels to drive at the speeds you desire. The transmission is your car’s gear shifter, moving energy as you navigate your daily drive.

The best way to understand it is to think about your ten-speed bicycle. When you power up, add speed, or start climbing a hill, you shift to different gears. The chain moves from gear to gear, giving you the power to accomplish every need and desire.

The same applies to your vehicle. Different gear ratios allow you to do different things while driving your car. Want to go faster? Want to climb into the Rocky Mountains? Want to slow down for the changing stoplight? The gear ratios help control speed and RPMs for a smoother ride.

A manual transmission

There are two kinds of transmission systems: manual and automatic. With a manual transmission, you take charge of the gear changing process. Using a third foot pedal, the clutch pedal, you manually disengage the transmission from the flywheel and change gears. It works similarly to the bicycle chain process, without the chain. It temporarily disconnects the engine and the transmission, adjusts by moving the gear shift, and reengaging into the new gear you desire. Release the clutch pedal and drive.

An automatic transmission

An automatic transmission automates the gear shifting process. Instead of having to push in a clutch pedal and manually moving the gear shift to the appropriate gear, the automatic transmission does everything for you through a combination of fluid pressure and electronics. You put the car in drive and go; the automatic transmission ensures you are in the right gear.

Next to the engine, your transmission is one of the most complicated systems within your vehicle. Keeping it in good working condition is a must. Even one small problem can wreak havoc on your vehicle and turn into a very expensive repair.

How do you know if you blow a transmission?

Like all the major systems used to create your vehicle, your transmission will give you clues it’s not operating the way it should. The sooner you act, the greater the chance of lower repair bills.

Are there ways you can tell if you have a blown transmission?

The dashboard lights up with a transmission error – today’s vehicles are sensitive enough to notice basic problems. Don’t ignore warning lights as they may cost you a lot more when you finally drive it into the shop.

Your car won’t move in drive or reverse – you might have trouble moving the gear shift at all, it simply won’t move into drive or reverse. In some cases, you have the ability to move the gear shift, but your car won’t operate. No matter what you do, it just sits there.

You’ll notice vibrations or sounds as you’re driving – pay attention to what you feel and hear. You might notice strange vibrations while you drive, or hear a grinding or whining noise especially while your car is attempting to change gears.

The gears can slip – it creates a definite clunking noise. When you try and speed up, your car won’t accelerate because it can’t shift into the right gear. There might be a hesitation as it tries to react. You might even notice a sudden surge as it clicks and connects with the new gear. As you can imagine, both of these are of concern for safe driving; you should bring your car in for an inspection as quickly as you can.

Extreme heat – if you drive a rear wheel drive car, the transmission transfers energy from front to back to give the rear wheels their necessary power. If the transmission starts to overheat, you’ll feel it in the passenger compartment. It might impact the temperature gauge on your dashboard as well. Because the transmission fluid continues to heat up, you might notice a burning odor, some say it resembles burnt toast. If your transmission is overheating, it still might be a simple repair. The key is getting it into a mechanic to be checked immediately.

Some cars have poor design – not every make or model is built the same. If you do a search on Google, you’ll often find one make or model that stands out from the rest. Maybe they decided to use cheaper parts, or they simply didn’t pay attention to quality assurance during a certain production cycle. Whatever the case, if you chose to buy during that year, you’ll pay the price by having to repair or replace more frequently.

Poor maintenance – it doesn’t matter how poorly or how well a make or model is built if you don’t take care of it from the moment you drive it home. Your car needs regular maintenance to ensure it stays in good working condition. That means adding fluids when it’s necessary. It means having a mechanic check out how well your car is operating and making the necessary changes as needed. It means upgrading parts for normal wear and tear – from oil changes to adding new belts.

What about transmission fluid?

While your transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed out regularly like motor oil, it is important to pay attention to it. Start by checking your owner’s manual; how often does it say it should be changed? Some manufacturers may suggest every 30,000 miles or so while others push it back to 100,000 miles or more. In most cases, you’ll need to follow guidelines to ensure your warranty remains valid.

You can check to ensure you have enough transmission fluid and that it’s still in good condition. It’s similar to checking your motor oil, but each vehicle has its own recommendations for how to check it. How you drive determines frequency too. Someone who drives up and down the mountain each day will have different needs than someone who drives urban conditions just a few miles.

Are there different kinds of transmission fluid?

Each make and model has its own requirements; it’s important to check your owner’s manual for guidance and to ensure best performance. Don’t forget that the wrong fluid can void your warranty.

If you have any questions about how your vehicle operates, or if you think you might have a blown transmission, give us a call today.

Driving With ABS Brakes

March 16, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Do you know what kind of braking system you have on your vehicle? It matters. Do you think you should pump your brakes to get them to stop better on a slippery surface? Or are they computerized and they pump the brakes for you?

The most common brakes on today’s vehicles are anti-lock braking systems, or ABS for short. They employ a computer and sensors in the wheels to give you a big edge over the older systems. ABS began to be regularly installed on vehicles in the 1970’s but weren’t mandated until 2004 in the European Union and 2013 in the United States.

Let’s go back to the “old” days when there were no computerized brakes. The driver pushed down the pedal that then sent pressure to all four wheels at the same time. Unfortunately, all four tires aren’t gripping the road the same way; some have more traction than others because of the varying road surface, so stopping and steering can be compromised. In older systems, pumping the pedal made sense because a driver was letting off the brakes when the tires were skidding in an attempt to regain traction.

ABS changed all that. Sensors in each wheel now can determine which ones are turning faster than others and then adjust brake pressure accordingly, maintaining maximum grip. They automatically “pump the brakes” up to 20 times a second. That helps a driver’s stopping distance and steering control, both important in avoiding obstacles.

ABS is designed for the driver to apply steady pressure on the pedal since the computer can do things that are not humanly possible. If you have ABS, pumping the brakes can defeat the technology that’s trying to help you maintain control. Remember the three S’s: Stomp-Stay-Steer. Stomp your brakes, stay on the brakes, and steer as needed.

Now you can see how important it is to know which system is in your vehicle. If you’re not sure, consult your service adviser. That’s also a good time to go over your vehicle’s brake system and maintenance schedule. ABS is sophisticated technology and needs to be maintained so it will work the way it is designed. Remember stopping and going are both important when it comes to vehicle safety.

Your Rough Idling Car Is Trying To Tell You Something

March 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

For most of us, we jump in our cars and think very little about how they work or operate. They start up when we turn the key. They go when we push on the accelerator. They stop when we hit the brake. What else is there to know?

But where you start to notice your car is when things don’t work the way they should.

If you turn the key and it doesn’t start, you know you have a problem.

What is idling?

The definition of idling refers to the process of a vehicle’s engine running when it isn’t in motion. If you leave it in park after you turn it on and listen to the engine, that is idling. When you sit at a stoplight waiting for the signal to tell you it’s safe to turn, that is idling.

Idling allows a car’s engine to run without the stress or load of any of the other engine accessories running. It keeps the car ready and waiting for when you demand more.

When it idles normally, you probably don’t notice it. You don’t focus on it.

But occasionally, you’ll notice a change. It seems a little rougher than normal. You might even have trouble keeping your vehicle running.

What does a rough idle mean?

A rough idle means different things to different people. Some will come in and report their car shakes; the car feels like it’s moving even when sitting still. Others will say it sounds awful, almost quakes and moves. And in other cases, no matter what the owner tries to do, the car just won’t stay running. It turns over, it idles rough, and then stalls altogether, no matter what they do.

Of course, how bad it idles often determines how quickly an owner takes action. A few jitters often fall into the “wait and see” category. There’s not much you can do if your car won’t stay running.

When you start to notice your car isn’t running as it should, pay attention to all the details. Not just what you can feel. Yes, your car might shake and jump. But look around. What else is happening?

How much fluctuation is there in the RPMs?
How consistent is the problem?
Does it only happen when you first start the car on a cold morning?
Are there other strange noises?
Do you notice smoke?

Report anything else you notice to help your mechanic make a correct diagnosis.

What causes rough idle and loss of power?

If you have a problem with rough idling, it can range from simple to severe. Fixing the problem right away can ensure no further damage is done to your car. Any of these causes could be at play.

Bad Spark Plugs

A rough idling car can be the result of bad spark plugs or a problem with the spark plug wires.

The spark plug has two primary functions. The first is to ignite the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. The second is to remove the heat from the combustion chamber.

The spark plug must be kept at a low enough temperature to prevent pre-ignition, and high enough to ensure ignition. The spark plug is technically a heat exchanger to transfer energy within the car’s ignition system.

If anything goes wrong with either of those processes, you may notice a rough idle or loss of power.

Leaks

If you’ve ever looked under the hood of your vehicle, you know it’s a myriad of hoses linking all of the different systems together. Over time, hoses wear and may eventually leak. This can limit both air and fuel to flow properly throughout the fuel system, which may cause your engine to idle rough, trying to compensate for the lack of air or fuel.

Dirty Fuel Injector

Think about all your vehicle goes through throughout the year. From hot weather in the summer, to below temperatures in the winter. It deals with ice, salt, and mag chloride spraying up and covering various parts of the undercarriage. And no matter how well you care for your car, things can get dirty pretty quickly.

A car’s fuel injectors control how often and how much fuel is released into each cylinder. They provide the engine with the amount of fuel it needs to run at optimal performance. If the fuel injectors are dirty, they can stunt that process. They can cause a rough idling engine, or stop the operation altogether.

Clogged Air Filter

Over time, the air filter can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris. Once clogged, those particles can migrate into other areas of the engine compartment and impact the way your car starts and runs. That’s why car manufacturers recommend you get your air filter checked and replaced routinely along with a motor oil change. It’s a simple, cost-effective process that can give your vehicle a longer life.

Worn Oxygen Sensor

It might also be something as simple as your oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is a part of the emissions system, designed to ensure the oxygen to fuel ratio is correct. As this sensor begins to wear out, the ratio can be thrown off, leading to too much air or fuel being supplied to the system. Not only will this cause a rough idle, but it can also impact your fuel economy. If you notice both at the same time, it’s a clear indicator something is wrong with the oxygen sensor.

How do you fix a rough idle?

While there is a long list of potential problems that could be causing your car to have a rough idle, pinpointing the reason can be difficult at best.

One of the best ways to prevent rough idle is by being conscious about your scheduled maintenance.

Stick with a schedule for regular oil changes. Replace all filters regularly, or as a technician tells you it’s time.

You should also take your vehicle in annually for an inspection to ensure all systems are operating as they should. With a simple process, we can diagnose your car for issues with each of the systems: engine, emissions, transmission, braking, and more. Plugging your car into a diagnostic tool will provide error codes, and give the mechanic a better understanding of any issues your vehicle may face.

If you do this early enough, you’ll have more options for how to fix it. And your car won’t leave you stranded at the most inopportune time.

When was the last time you scheduled a service visit? Do it today.