Express Car Care of Denver

Do You Know The Signs of a Broken Water Pump?

March 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When you slide into your vehicle, it’s easy to think of it as one complex machine that gets you to where you want to go. In reality, a car is made up of thousands of different pieces, all working together in complex motion to be one of the most essential devices in your life.

But when one part goes bad, you’ll learn very quickly just how important even one piece can be. It can be the difference between a car running … or not.

What is a water pump?

If you’ve ever experienced a broken water pump, you know the damage it can cause.

A water pump is vital to the operation of a car’s engine. A water pump’s job is to push coolant throughout the engine block, hoses, and radiator to ensure an optimal temperature. The water pump uses impeller blades and centrifugal force to move the coolant around the engine cylinders to ensure it doesn’t overheat during the combustion process. The water pump is part of a loop system, moving water around the engine, through hoses, and into the radiator, then out through another series of hoses and back into the water pump.

A broken water pump can cause catastrophic engine failure

A water pump is designed to help keep the engine at the optimal temperature. That should be your first sign of how important the water pump’s job is.

As temperatures rise here in Colorado, especially in the summer months where it can climb to 3-digits, your car’s engine needs to have a consistent flow of coolant to ensure it works correctly. If it’s in good working condition, the water pump ensures coolant flows through the system as necessary, keeping a consistent operating temperature, and giving you the capability to drive wherever you choose without problems. However, if the water pump starts to fail, the system responds in various ways. If you don’t pay attention to it, it can result in total engine failure.

And that can be an expensive repair bill.

Most people understand how vital motor oil is to the operation of a vehicle. They know it’s necessary to change out the oil on a regular basis.

Your water pump is equally as critical to the operation of a car’s engine.

How often does a water pump need replacing?

There is no set rule on when you should think about replacing your vehicle’s water pump. Check with your car’s manufacturers guidelines, or read your owner’s manual for more information. In general, many mechanics recommend replacing a water pump every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, depending on how your car is put together. Mechanics will often make suggestions based on repairing or replacing other parts. If they have certain parts out, it’s easier to replace and costs you less overall in labor costs.

Still, there isn’t a definite rule on when you should replace it. But you can watch for certain signs that will nudge you in the right direction.

Leaks

Like other parts on your vehicle, as a water pump ages and begins to wear, it will start to leak fluid near the front of the vehicle. Check under your vehicle when your car sits for a few hours – do you notice an orange or green puddle on the ground? The color is dependent on the coolant your car uses, but it is distinct enough you’ll notice it if it’s puddling on the ground.

It’s also a good idea to pop the hood and take a look at the parts from time to time. A slow leak can form residue around the pump, and leading away from it. You’ll find a gelled substance that sticks to the parts around the water pump. Depending on how long this has occurred, you might even find rust buildup on the water pump, eating through the metal pump or the mounting surfaces. No matter how much of a leakage you find, this is an indication of a problem. The quicker you act, the better the outcome.

Noise

The water pump is driven by a serpentine belt. If it loosens or breaks, you will hear a whining noise that increases as you speed up. If you catch the problem at an early stage, it could be as simple as tightening up the belt. As the noise turns to a grinding noise, it’s an indication of a bad bearing. Bearings are used in other ways on your car’s engine, but in any case, if you hear this noise, it’s best to make an appointment right away to repair the problem.

Steam

When a pot on the stove starts to boil, steam rises into the air. It works similarly underneath the hood of your car. If the water pump fails, your engine will overheat. Heat builds up underneath the hood, and smoke or steam will move from the radiator and out from under the hood. If it reaches this point, your engine has already sustained a lot of damage. Stop the car as soon as you can and call for help. Don’t pop the hood immediately as the steam can scald you. Wait for it to cool down before opening up the hood and checking underneath.

Dashboard Light

This is another reason to pay attention to your car’s dashboard. Lights turn on for a variety of reasons. While some you can ignore indefinitely, many of the lights mean multiple things. The only way to know for sure what’s happening with your vehicle is to bring it in and have one of our mechanics diagnose the problem. We can help you make the right decision for repairing parts on your car.

Is it time to replace your water pump?

Your water pump isn’t a part you’ll have to replace frequently on your vehicle. Unless there’s a sign you have a problem, you don’t have to replace it just for good measure. However, mechanics often recommend replacing the water pump at the same time as replacing the belt. If labor is being used to take this part off and replace it, it often makes sense to change out the water pump at the same time.

No matter what questions you have about your vehicle, we’re here to help.

When Repairing Your Car Is Better Than Buying New

March 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Though our world is changing with the advances in public transit and autonomous vehicles, it’s still difficult to survive in a place like Colorado without owning a car.

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has been in business since 1969, and benefits more than 3 million people throughout the Denver metro area. People use RTD for many reasons, from daily rides to work to using BroncosRide and BuffRide for weekend games.

But even if you take the bus or light rail regularly, chances are you still have a car to get around. You might even use your car to drive from home to a light rail station, saving you from having to find a parking spot in the increasingly difficult and expensive downtown area.

Still, the more you use other forms of transportation, the more you consider the future of today’s automobile. What will driving look like five years from now? Ten years?

Does it make sense to hold on to your old vehicle, repairing your car as problems surface, and wait for the industry to completely change? Or do you buy a new vehicle?

When your car alerts you something is wrong

Depending on how long you’ve owned your vehicle, you probably drive it every day, not really paying much attention to how well it drives. It’s there. It’s reliable. It gets the job done.

And you have a lot of other things on your mind. Like work. And the kids. And school. And this year’s vacation. And … You get the picture.

But suddenly, you start to notice a change. It might appear slowly over time. Something feels different. You start to hear a rattle or a squeal. Or your car pulls to the right or left.

Sometimes the alert is more “in your face.” If you’ve ever had a dashboard light turn on and stay on, you know what I’m talking about.

According to CarMD, in 2018, the check engine light came on most commonly for:

Ignition coils and spark plugs
Oxygen sensor
Catalytic converter
Gas cap
Replace ignition coil

Repairing your car when any of these problems surface may not break the bank, but they can take a healthy bite out of your monthly budget. The average cost across the country for any check engine light-related repair cost sits right at $381.

Still, you don’t know until you bring it in to a mechanic and have them assess your vehicle where the problem lies or how much it will be. And there can be stress involved in that decision. CarMD also states that the most expensive car repair associated with the check engine light in 2018 cost as much as $7,150. That’s not only a budget breaker, in many cases, it’s also a deal breaker.

Can you really afford that level of car repair?

And more importantly, does it make sense?

When is repairing your car no longer a valid option? When should you consider buying something new instead?

When repairing your car is the right choice

Repairing your car and keeping it for a few more years is a personal choice. It’s one you should weigh based on how you use your vehicle, how well you like it, and where you want your money to go over the next few years.

Today’s modern vehicles are built to last much longer than vehicles from several decades ago. It’s not unheard of for any make or model to go 200,000 miles or more with very few problems.

While it is true a major repair can set you back several thousand dollars, if it gives you another 100,000 miles, and years worth of service at a relatively low cost per mile, would that be worth it to you?

If your car has always been reliable and you still enjoy driving it, the answer might be: yes.

While you might be facing a fairly significant repair right now, how are other systems on your vehicle operating? Now may be the perfect time for an overall inspection as well. Mechanics are there to help you make the best decision based on your needs and interests. But they can’t do that if you don’t ask. “What would you do” is a great way to start the conversation, and receive insight from someone who works on cars every day.

Steps to take if you’re planning on keeping your car

Your first step in the process is to find a reputable mechanic you can trust. Luckily, we can help you with that one. We’re a family owned operation who has been here for years. You’ll always see the same friendly faces when you visit our shop.

Then get a repair estimate. We work hard to keep our costs low. Rest assured when you receive our estimate for parts and labor, we’ve put a lot of time into it, ensuring it’s a reasonable offer. Parts are expensive. You have the potential of spending thousands of dollars when repairing the major systems of your vehicle.

Next, run the numbers. Kelley Blue Book is a great way to research and find exactly how much your vehicle is worth on the open market. Use that as your guideline to determine if the repair is worth it. If the repair is more than your car is worth, it might be wise to explore other options.

According to Edmunds, it may be time to buy a new car if:

The repairs are growing in frequency and cost
Your car is leaving you stranded more frequently
The repair in question will cost more than half the value of the car
You’ve been eyeing new cars anyway

Whatever your decision, be nice to your car

Whether you make the decision to invest in a new vehicle, or decide repairing your car is the way to go, remember a good mechanic is your key to a long life.

Don’t skip on regular maintenance, or push the envelope of when you come in for tune ups and minor upgrades. This one thing can help you care for your car throughout its life in the best possible way, ensuring the lowest repair bills possible while increasing the chances for reliable transportation.

Your Shocks and Struts Might Be Wearing Out

March 3, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Have you started noticing a change in the way your car drives?

Maybe it’s taking longer to come to a complete stop. Maybe your car seems to sway more, side to side, even when it’s a still day. Maybe your car seems to bounce more, bottoming out occasionally when you head through a dip in the road.

What’s wrong with your car?

What are shocks and struts?

Depending on what vehicle you drive, you’ll find it uses shocks, struts, or a combination of the two. The purpose of shocks and struts is to stabilize your car. Every time you push down on the pedal to accelerate, hit the brake pedal to slow and stop, or turn the steering wheel to control your movements, it’s the shocks and struts that ensure your movement is stable, and doesn’t spin or roll your car. If the shocks and struts are working properly, you won’t feel the bumps in the road. Instead, it will be a smooth ride.

Your shocks and struts are designed to last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, those are general guidelines based on all the cars on the road today. The vehicle you drive comes with its own set of guidelines; consult your owner’s manual for more specific ranges. It also depends on your driving patterns. Someone who drives in city traffic every day, just a few miles of stop and go driving, will have different results than a performance vehicle that drives up and down the mountain all the time.

And while you might not pay much attention to them when your vehicle is operating correctly, you’ll definitely notice when the shocks and struts are starting to fail. They:

Provide you with a comfortable ride
Controls the body movement your vehicle makes
Provides your vehicle with stability throughout acceleration, turns, and stops
Keeps your tires well grounded to the road
Prevents uneven tread wear on your tires

Keep in mind that today’s vehicles are technology driven units where all parts work together. That’s to technology, a lot of the parts work together through automation, with each piece relying on the other to provide a smooth ride. When one part weakens or fails, it impacts every other part in the system.

What’s the difference between shocks and struts?

If you look in your owner’s manual, you’ll discover your vehicle has either shocks, struts, or both. What’s the difference?

A shock and a strut do essentially the same thing. They control movement of the spring, and stop the bouncing of your car. Yet even though they perform the same task, they aren’t the same part. You could never replace a shock with a strut or vice versa. Your car will be built either with a shock or a strut at each wheel, never both. This is how the suspension system is controlled, and it must remain intact for proper function.

The main difference is in function. A strut is built into the structure of the suspension system. A shock isn’t.

A strut is a pivotal point of the steering system, greatly impacting the alignment of the vehicle. Because of this, if your car uses struts, you’ll always need an alignment when replacing struts. This is also why struts are usually more expensive than shocks, because they are an integral part of your vehicle.

While people will often say “shocks and struts” as if they are interchangeable, clearly they aren’t. But to add to the confusion, some vehicles use both – struts in the front and shocks on the rear.

How do you know if your shocks are bad on your car?

Like every part of your vehicle, your shocks and struts won’t go bad without warning signs. Here are three of the biggest things you’ll notice if your vehicle is in need of new shocks or struts.

A bouncy ride. If your car uses shocks, the shock absorbers and the coil spring are mounted separately to your vehicle. If your car uses struts, the coil spring and shock absorber are combined.

In either case, it’s the shock absorbers that take the abuse from the road, and provide you with a smooth ride. As these wear out, they will be looser, not able to absorb as much of the road as you drive it, giving you a more noticeable ride. That bounce isn’t your imagination; it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you something is wrong.

Leaking fluid. Inside your shocks or struts is a piston and hydraulic fluid. When everything is working as it should, this is a self-contained unit. The piston pushes against the hydraulic fluid, which absorbs the force. Over time, parts wear down, and small leaks can occur. While small amounts aren’t necessarily a problem, if you notice the hydraulic fluid either on the shock or strut itself, or on the road, it’s time to have one of our mechanics check out the system. It could be a sign your car isn’t working the way it should.

Tire tread. When was the last time you paid attention to the tread on your tires? As shocks and struts go bad, they can cause uneven tire wear. Every time you hit something in the road, it impacts the rubber of the tire. And if one portion is hitting the ground more than others, you’ll start to see it in the wear.

This is sometimes referred to as scalloping or cupping. Look for smooth spots in uneven placement. These parts have been scraped off as it connects more with the road.

I think it’s my shocks and struts, now what?

After reading this article, are you convinced it’s your shocks and struts? What’s next?

Your best course of action is to schedule a maintenance visit with one of our mechanics right away.

Our best advice is to select a high quality, brand name product. And ask questions about your final selection. This isn’t one size fits all. Some shocks are built a little stiffer for performance, while others are designed to give you a more comfortable ride. The only way a mechanic can make the best recommendation is if they understand how you drive.

It’s important to replace all parts as they wear. You can’t put off a repair, hoping it won’t change. Every mile you put on a worn out part only increases its chance of failure.

Are you in the market for new shocks and struts?

Axles

March 2, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Your axles are the last link in transferring power from the engine to your wheels. They’re strong parts that last a long time – but they can run into trouble.

Axles just wear out over time and need to be replaced. And sometimes axle seals leak, causing the axle to wear out prematurely. Lubricant leaks out, and water and dirt can get in and contaminate the gears. When this happens you might hear strange noises coming from your axle.

If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the sound would be up front. Of course, with an all-wheel drive, the sound could come from either front or back. It might be a groaning sound or clunking when you’re turning.

There are different kinds of axles, each with their own potential problems. Your service technician knows this and checks for things like leaking seals, torn CV boots, and worn axle joints. An inspection will reveal if there are any problems or if a part is nearing failure.

When there is a concern with the axle shaft, it will be removed and inspected. If it’s damaged, the shaft will have to be replaced. If the shaft is in good shape, it’ll be cleaned, lubed and reinstalled. Damaged CV boots are replaced as well.

It’s important to take care of this work as soon as you become aware of a problem. Waiting only makes the damage worse and more expensive to repair later. If the axle fails completely, it could lock up. This could severely damage other things like your transmission – which is very expensive. It could also contribute to an accident, which nobody wants.

Taking care of your axles when they need it saves money in the long run, and helps keep you safely on the road.

Do I Really Need New Brakes?

February 28, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When you buy a new car, it’s only a matter of time before you start replacing and repairing. The average car has around 30,000 parts. While some wear down quicker than others, every day your car works hard providing you with reliable service. It faces all kinds of weather elements, many different types of driving conditions.

Your car’s brake system contains dozens of those parts. A brake system is designed to transfer force from your foot, through the brake pedal, and ultimately to the wheels, tires, and the road. If every part does its job effectively, you’ll stop without issue. But over time, each of those parts can start to wear and fail. If enough of them have problems without being corrected, that force might not be there for you when you tap down on the brake pedal. If this happens, you need new brakes. Without them, you’re putting you and others around you at risk.

The parts of a brake system

Before we get into the determinants of why you may need new brakes, let’s talk about how the brake system works.

For you, the driver, the braking system begins with the brake pedal. Located inside your vehicle, the more pressure you apply to it, the greater the force within the braking system. Push down hard on the brake pedal and you’ll eventually come to a stop.

As you press down on the pedal, it’s connected to a piston located in the master cylinder. The master cylinder controls wheel movement and hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid. As you push the pedal, pistons move, and valves open up in the master cylinder. Brake fluid passes through a series of tubes and hoses, moving into the brake cylinders.

Depending on your vehicle, you may have either drum brakes, disc brakes, or a combination of both. Drum brakes may be located on the rear wheels. As you apply the brakes, brake fluid moves to the wheel cylinder, pushing the brake shoe into the brake drum, slowing the car down. Disc brakes work when brake fluid moves from the master cylinder, giving force to a caliper which presses against a piston. This piston squeezes two separate brake pads onto a disc rotor located on each wheel. The friction of this action is what slows the vehicle.

Anti-lock brakes provide greater safety. If the anti-lock system detects your wheels locking up, it takes over and rapidly pumps the brakes, giving you more traction against the road.

Each piece of this braking system has dozens of tinier parts, all with the potential to loosen, wear, fall off, or eventually fail. Of course, you might not notice if one bolt or screw is missing. That takes time as more parts continue to wear down. But eventually, your car starts telling you something is wrong, You need new brakes, and if you don’t replace them soon, you will have problems.

How can you tell when you need new brakes?

Because cars are made by humans, we’ve built in a variety of warning signs to alert a driver to potential problems. Rarely will the brake system fail without giving you advanced notice something is wrong.

From the moment you start driving your car, notice the details. How it feels to push down on the brake pedal. The noises your car makes. The way it performs.

Then, when the warning signs occur, you’ll be more aware and notice them as they happen.

If you push down on the brake pedal and you hear a squeaking or squealing noise, you might need new brakes. If you push down on the accelerator and it feels like it’s going all the way to the floor, it’s another sign something is wrong within the braking system.

If you notice a problem once, it’s a sign you should start paying attention. If you hear a squeal, for example, it might be dirt or grime that has settled in on the surface. As you tap the brakes a few times, the sound goes away, and you don’t hear it again.

Your eyes and ears are one of the most critical parts of your vehicle’s systems. They can tell you something is changing, something is wrong. Rather than wait for more damage to occur, that’s when it’s time to bring your car in for a checkup. Replacing small, inexpensive parts is much easier timewise and on your wallet.

How often do you need to replace brakes?

Luckily, your braking system isn’t like gasoline or motor oil. You don’t have to replace parts on a regular basis. In general, car manufacturers suggest brake pads be replaced after about 50,000 miles. Of course, that changes depending on the make and model of your car. It also depends on the way you drive.

Your driving habits – if you’re an aggressive driver, tapping the brake pedal all the time, your brake pads are going to wear out quicker than a more passive driver. Smooth braking is always easier on the braking system than having to stomp on the brakes.

Your location – we live in a state with all kinds of driving conditions. You might sit in rush hour traffic daily. You might perform the stop-and-go dance several hours each day. You might live in the foothills, controlling your speed by tapping on the brake pedal again and again.

Your brake pads – brake pads come in several types, several different materials. They are installed based on your make and model, as well as for the way you drive. Some perform better in an urban setting, while others are made for higher performance. They wear at different rates.

Is a brake service necessary?

Think about all your vehicle goes through each year. Here in Denver, it can operate as temperatures drop below 0 degrees, or climb over 100. Your car provides safety and security as you make your way through city and highway driving. Road conditions change – slush and snow can deposit minerals and grime throughout your braking system.

While you might not need new brakes, it’s still a good idea to let a mechanic inspect your brakes periodically to ensure they are in top shape, working the way they should.

Are Car Batteries The Same? Choosing The Right One For Your Vehicle

February 25, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

We use batteries for things all over our homes. If you have a watch on, you’ve probably added a small round battery inside from time to time. Those smoke detectors outside of your bedrooms have 9-volts that should be replaced regularly to help keep you safe. And all of those remote controls you have near your entertainment center – you might invest in batteries by the truckload to keep them all fresh and operating day after day.

The cars sitting out in your garage or driveway work in a similar fashion. If you pop the hood, you’ll find a car battery tucked neatly inside. And while they might look the same from one vehicle to the next, they aren’t.

Do all cars use the same battery?

In the most practical sense, it stands to reason that a battery for a small sports car would be different than one for a large pickup truck with a V8 engine. One car is used for performance while the other is a workhorse – of course, they have different needs.

That alone would be reason enough to have a different battery in different makes and models, but there’s more. Batteries are designed to work differently depending on needs.

In most cases, a car battery is installed for starting, lighting, and ignition needs. That’s why you’ll often find car batteries called SLI batteries. These batteries are used mainly for these three functions. They provide energy for starting your car when you turn the key, as well as the energy necessary for the accessories you use to make your ride safer and more enjoyable. Things like the radio, lights, and other electrical components are all charged by your car’s battery.

The standard car battery offers a standard 12v voltage. They provide power in short bursts, with only a shallow cycle coverage.

Maybe you’ve invested in newer technology. If you have a hybrid or electric car, you may have a lithium-ion battery. Because these do more to power a vehicle, they offer more energy than a standard SLI battery. They are also much lighter. But because they offer more energy to a vehicle’s operation, they also won’t last as long as an SLI battery. Most SLI batteries will give you three to five years of life, whereas a lithium-ion battery is estimated closer to three.

No matter what battery your vehicle needs, it’s not as easy as driving down to your local big box store and picking up a pack of batteries. Even though you’ll often find them sitting on the shelves, it’s still important to understand what your car truly needs before buying and installing a battery.

What happens if you put the wrong size battery in your car?

While a lot of car batteries may look the same sitting on the shelf – all SLI batteries are 12v voltage after all – they are unique to your vehicle’s design. If you buy the wrong one, it won’t fit into the designated spot, the battery tray. And if it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t do your car much good.

Today’s modern vehicles are filled with all sorts of electronic gadgets and devices. That’s why even your mechanic relies on a computer to analyze the mechanics of your vehicle to determine where a problem really lies. All of those electronic parts take power. They depend on your battery to provide them with the right amount of power to work properly, to provide you with an enjoyable experience, and to keep you safe while driving.

Have you ever had a power surge in your home? Those sudden blasts of energy can wreak havoc on sensitive electronic devices like your television or game systems. It works the same inside your car. If you use a battery that wasn’t designed for your specific vehicle, you risk creating power surges underneath the hood. And that can do more damage than good.

How do you know what battery to buy for your car?

While you have to know what type of battery goes into your car, you also need to know the right size. You’ll find all car batteries are classified by battery group size. This is an industry standard that defines all batteries in terms of height, width, and length. It also defines where the positive and negative battery posts are, also known as polarity. Because there are only a certain amount of battery group sizes, it’s easier for manufacturers to design engine compartments within certain specifications.

Instead of having to climb underneath the hood to look for the battery and measure the size, all you have to do is determine what battery group size your vehicle uses. It will be printed on the label of the battery, or you can find it in your owner’s manual. You can also find a battery group size chart in many different locations, including online.

You’ll also find manufacturers tend to favor specific battery sizes for ease. That way all of their designs can be similar, they can purchase larger allotments of parts, and repair is easier because it’s similar depending on model and year. General Motors, for example, tends to install size 75 in its vehicles.

Brand and warranty can matter too

Like every part on your vehicle, there’s always the good/better/best way of buying replacement parts. Can you find someone willing to give you an incredible deal on a battery for your car? Of course. But you’ll pay for it in the end. It might not work well with your vehicle’s requirements, giving a much shorter lifespan than if you’d upgraded.

Going with a recognized brand name will give you better customer service if you have trouble down the road.

You can also select different grades. If you’re planning on keeping your car for a while, it might be wiser to invest in a higher grade battery. This is designed to provide you with a longer life. They will also come with different warranties. In case something goes wrong, it’s always nice to know you’re covered.

If you aren’t comfortable selecting the right battery for your vehicle, or changing it out and disposing of the old one, one of our mechanics would be happy to do it for you. That way you’ll ensure you have a high quality replacement car battery, one that will have you back on the road in no time.

How Do You Know If Your Car Battery Is Dead?

February 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s never a good time for a problem with your car, is there? Yet it always seems to happen at the worst time. Maybe you’re running late for a meeting, or picking up the kids. Or perhaps it happens on the coldest day of the year.

Then you’re left stranded, wondering what to do. And trying to think if there was a clue somewhere, telling you something is wrong.

That can happen easily if something is wrong with your vehicle’s battery. How do you know if your car battery is dead?

The car battery

Like tires, car batteries are one of the most recognizable parts on your vehicle. That’s because you can find them almost anywhere, even on the shelves of your favorite membership stores.

A car’s battery is designed to provide electrical current to the motor. It feeds the starter, which in turn starts the engine. Once the car is running, power is continuously recharged through the alternator.

Today’s car batteries haven’t changed all that much since they were first introduced decades ago. Unless you have an electric car, hybrid, or another special performance vehicle, you have a “wet cell” battery installed underneath the hood. This is a plastic cube filled with sulfuric acid and lead. It has two terminals on the top or side, depending on the way it was installed.

Most car batteries on the market today are designed to last about five years. Of course, that number is entirely dependent on the way you drive. A driver that spends a lot of time driving in cold arctic air is going to have different results than someone who spends most of their time driving in the desert. It also depends on use. A city driver who turns their cars on and off all day long will have different results than someone who rarely takes their car out of the garage.

In your car, the battery ranks up there with one of the most common parts that fail. Luckily, it’s also one of the least expensive parts you have to replace.

Signs your car battery is dying

Think of your battery as the heart of the car. If you want to have a reliable car, there for you when you need it, the battery has to be working well.

And like other parts on your vehicle, the battery rarely dies without a few warning signs. Paying attention can help you avoid being stranded with a dead battery. Here’s what to look for.

The car battery signal on your dashboard

This is the easiest, and most apparent. When lights come on your dashboard, pay attention to them. They are designed to give you ample time to bring your car in for service.

The engine cranks, but won’t start

Have you ever turned the key, you can hear your car engine trying to start, but as it turns over, it just won’t catch? That’s a sign your battery is dying. Occasionally, it can be one of several other problems with the starting system, such as your starter. But in almost all cases, it’s about the quality of your battery.

Because your car still has power, it’s just not catching, this is a time you can use jumper cables to start your engine. Once your car is running, let it operate for at least 30 minutes to allow your alternator to charge the battery fully again. Then turn off your vehicle and let it sit for a few minutes. Start it. Start it again. If it turns over, you’re okay to continue driving it.

In a lot of cases, this charge is enough to keep your battery running for a while. But don’t be fooled into thinking your battery is back to normal. Instead, consider this to be time for getting into the service station and replacing your battery.

Your car battery works one day, not the next

If your battery isn’t that old, and your car seems fine one day, won’t work the next, it might be the connections. If the car battery terminals are loose, broken, or corroded, it can cause a problem with the power being supplied to the rest of your vehicle.

Check the battery cables first. This is usually the cause of the problem. Check to ensure they are connected and haven’t wiggled loose. You can also look at the cables and ensure they are in good condition, aren’t frayed, or show evidence of leaks. If you see any problems, it’s time to bring your car in and let one of our mechanics take a look at it.

The car won’t start, no crank, no lights

If your car is completely dead, it’s easy to diagnose: your car battery is at fault. Your battery’s job is to power all of the accessories in your vehicle. If your car won’t turn over, and lights won’t illuminate, it’s a sign your battery is no longer supplying power.

Be aware that if your battery doesn’t even have the power to supply energy to the lights, you might have a bigger problem than just your batter. It might also be a problem with the alternator. The best way to tell what’s wrong is to bring your vehicle into our service station and let us diagnose what’s wrong.

The size of the battery is wrong

Because car batteries are available just about everywhere, they are an easy DIY project, especially for people attempting to save a little money. Do you have a new-to-you car you’ve recently purchased, and are starting to have problems with the car starting? It could be the wrong battery was installed.

You’ve jumped your battery more than once

If your battery dies and you jump it to bring it back to life, it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you a problem might exist. Of course, you might have a lot of life left. But it would help if you watched closely for other symptoms.

If you have to jump your car more than once, and the episodes get closer together, you can no longer ignore the warning signs. Your battery is failing, and if you keep ignoring it, it could fail at an inopportune time. Like on a cold, dark night, when nobody is around.

Is it time to replace your battery?

Manufacturers will tell you a car battery has an expected life of five years. Depending on your driving conditions, two to three years may be the maximum life.

As you near the end of life, watch for little signs that tell you your battery is failing. Bring it in and let us inspect it. We can help ensure your car is working correctly, keeping you safe and on the road without a problem.

Have One of These Common Power Steering Problems Happened To You?

February 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Think back for a moment about the cars from the early 1900s. Although you may have never climbed into one, just watching them in the movies, you can tell it was an entirely different experience than what we have today.

The wheels were a lot taller and narrower. Almost like the idea moved from a bicycle over to the automobile.

Cars didn’t have much structure to them. They were often open frames, not a lot of comfort on the inside, dangerous if the driver happened to bump into something.

And if you grabbed hold of the steering wheel, you would have been amazed at the size. They were much larger than we had today, taking up a lot of space in front of the driver.

There was a reason for that. It took a lot of effort to control a car into corners and turns. The large steering wheel gave the driver the ability to put effort into the turn. It gave them the ability to crank the wheel while keeping it under control.

But all of that changed in the early 1950s as power steering was introduced to the marketplace. Power steering added control to vehicles. It also made the steering wheel smaller, which meant more comfort for the driver inside.

Think about your actions today. With one finger on the wheel, you can adjust it and make minor corrections in how you drive. Nudge it just a bit and you can change lanes. With one hand, you can corner, even park your car without exerting any pressure. That gives you the ability to think about other things – like what’s for dinner as you stop by the grocery store.

Understanding the power steering system

Today’s modern power steering is a hydraulic-controlled system that makes driving a breeze. A dedicated pump moves power steering fluid from a reservoir into the power steering column.

Have you heard the term “rack and pinion?” Rack and pinion is the most common steering gear system used in cars and trucks today. A rack is a long, flat gear with prongs located on one side of it. The pinion is a round gear connected to the steering shaft attached to the steering wheel. As you turn the wheel, the pinion gear rotates, connecting with the rack as it moves back and forth, giving you your turning radius and moving the car from right to left.

To make the steering process easier, hydraulic or high pressure steering was introduced. Think of this as a steering assist program designed to make the process easy for you to do. With a hydraulic system, fluid moves throughout the system, giving the power steering system the pressure it needs to move the steering wheel.

What problems can occur with the power steering system?

If your car is in perfect condition, driving is effortless. But the more you drive, the more opportunity for parts to wear down. Like every part of your car, power steering will eventually have problems. If you recognize the telltale behaviors early enough, you can avoid emergency repairs.

Your power steering system will alert you to potential problems with these behaviors.

Screeching as you start your car. Have you ever started a car and heard a high pitched screeching noise? It may be a problem with a belt. As belts age, they harden and start to decay. As they move, especially when cold and sitting for a while, they can screech or chirp as they move into action. You might also hear a similar sound as you move through hard turns. While it’s often a belt, it could also be a sign your power steering pump is wearing down.

Hard steering. The longer you drive a car, the more familiar you are with how it performs. It any part of the steering system starts wearing down, you can start to detect stiffness in movement, where the wheel feels like it’s more difficult to turn. If you start having to put more power into the way you move the steering wheel, it’s a sign you have problems with your power steering system.

Less responsiveness to your movements. When your car is new, barely touching the steering wheel can have your car moving quickly from one side to another. Over time, you might have to turn the wheel more for those same movements. As you start feeling even a bit of hesitation, be aware that the power steering pump may be failing.

A rumbling noise while moving into turns. If you hear a rumble or moan when moving into turns, it’s an indicator something is wrong with the power steering system. While it may only be a leak, it could also be the power steering pump is failing.

Fluid leak. To work effortlessly, the power steering system used power steering fluid. If the levels decrease over time, you’ll have power steering problems. A leak in power steering fluid levels can allow air, dirt, or grime into the system, putting stress on the mechanics of the power steering system. This can enable any of the above symptoms to occur. Keep watch underneath where you park your car on a regular basis. If at any time you see liquid, bring it in and let one of our mechanics take a look.

Finding a leak can be difficult. It can leak out of the steering pump. It can be from a hose that is failing. It could be somewhere in the rack and pinion system. If you have an indicator light come on your dashboard, the power steering fluid has dropped below acceptable levels. But if it’s just beginning, it may be a little more challenging to find. That’s where our expertise comes into play.

Make sure your power steering system is working

Power steering fluid is usually a reddish or light brown color. If it begins to leak, and you find it pooling underneath your vehicle, keep in mind that it’s similar in color to your transmission fluid. Power steering fluid usually leaks by the front of the vehicle, whereas transmission fluid will be more centralized, towards the middle of the car.

Whatever problem you’re currently having with your power steering, the important part is to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Repairing early means you’ll be back on the road safely in no time, and do so for less cost.

How can we help you with your power steering problems?

Answers About Transmission Service

February 17, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Question: My friend just had a very expensive transmission repair, how can drivers like myself avoid transmission trouble?

Express Car Care Answer: Next to your engine, your transmission is the most important component in your vehicle – so you and your fellow drivers want to do all you can to avoid transmission repairs.

Drivers may have noticed a recent trend of engines becoming more and more powerful. At the same time, fuel economy has been improving in nearly every motor vehicle. More power and better economy have always been a high priority. Some of the improvement in fuel economy has been due to engine design, but more of the increases can be credited to advances in transmission technology.

Every engine has a sweet spot in which it most efficiently makes power. This is often referred to by technicians as the power band – the optimal engine speed ( measured in revolutions per minute, or RPM). The computers that control what gear your automatic transmission is in also try to keep it in the right gear in order to maintain optimal engine speed – whatever your driving conditions. Modern automatic transmissions have anywhere between four and ten speeds. The more “speeds” your transmission has, the more time your engine can operate at peak efficiency. Needless to say, transmissions have become more sophisticated.

Transmissions are cooled and lubricated by transmission fluid. This pressurized fluid is directed through small passages to effect gear changes. When transmission fluid gets old and contaminated, the small passages can become plugged, which adversely affects shifting. The dirty fluid circulating in the transmission can eat away at gaskets and seals, causing internal leaks that also hurt shifting. This is why it is recommended that transmissions be serviced from time to time. The interval varies by vehicle, so check your owner’s manual or speak with your friendly and knowledgeable Express Car Care service adviser about your transmission service recommendations.

Old, contaminated fluid is removed and new fluid is installed. Keeping up with the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule helps prevent internal damage that may result in a transmission rebuild. Let us help you extend the life of your vehicle and prevent repairs with recommended preventative maintenance service.

Blowing a Head Gasket – What Does It Mean?

February 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

You’re driving along, and suddenly, your check engine light comes on. The power may decrease. You may lose power altogether. You might see smoke. Or none of the above. Still, the engine light is worrisome. What could it be?

While blowing a head gasket isn’t a common, everyday occurrence, for some makes and models, it’s more commonplace than others.

What is a head gasket?

First of all, let’s talk about what a head gasket is. It’s a simple mechanical seal that separates your engine block and your cylinder head. Every car has one, but they do change shape and size based on manufacturers’ design.

The head gasket has two primary purposes:

1. It seals the combustion chamber, ensuring you have a properly functioning engine

2. It also separates the different liquids flowing into the engine block. Fuel, oil, and coolant all serve a purpose, but it’s important to keep them separate to function properly.

Sounds like a tough job, right? It is. That’s why you could argue that the head gasket is one of the most important parts of your engine block.

Because a head gasket is part of the combustion process, it must be tough. A lot of pressure occurs as your car burns fuel and releases energy. It can’t melt, change, or weaken under pressure. That’s why most head gaskets today are made from a variety of composite materials, steel, or even copper with high-performance vehicles.

Why head gaskets blow

A head gasket’s job is to create a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. Because it comes in contact with extremely hot, high pressure combustion, as well as varying temperatures from the coolant, it has to perform well under extremes. This can create a lot of tension over time. Eventually, the head gasket can develop a leak. It doesn’t matter the make or model of your car, or how well you care for it. The pressure can eventually build.

What’s more, it’s not a part you can easily see, which means it could very well have a problem and continue operating that way for a long time. Until it eventually blows.

Since you can’t readily see it, it’s important to understand the warning signals so you can accurately diagnose the problem before it turns into something significant.

Things to watch for that signal a blown head gasket

Because a head gasket’s job is critical, it’s crucial to replace it at the first sign something is wrong. Watch for these signs, and see your mechanic right away.

An overheating engine – If you watch the temperature gauge on your vehicle, you might start to see temperatures moving up. That’s because the coolant is no longer doing its job. If the coolant leaks or burns away, there isn’t enough left in the engine to cool it properly. Eventually, the engine overheats. Hopefully, the warning light on the dashboard lights and gives you enough time to turn off your vehicle and fix your car before further damage can occur.

A poorly operating engine – Because head gaskets don’t always go from working to broken overnight, you’ll often see engine performance declining first. Watch for things like decreased power or a rough idle. This can signal fuel is reaching the combustion chamber and isn’t firing correctly.

Low coolant – A part of your maintenance routine should be to check your fluid levels. If your coolant starts to lower without any visible signs of a leak, it could be a problem with your head gasket.

White, milky oil – Remember, your head gasket separates the different fluids as they enter the engine block. Even a small leak can allow these fluids to intermix. If your oil starts to look white or milky, it’s been compromised. Coolant is leaking in and making the lubricating process less effective.

White smoke – As the vehicle runs, you might start to notice white smoke flowing from the tailpipe. Leaking coolant produces steam. It’s water and burned glycol flowing from the combustion chamber. Keep in mind that other than seeing the white smoke, your car may appear to operate normally until the coolant is all gone.

Leaking coolant – If the coolant begins leaking below the exhaust manifold, you’ll see a small puddle forming on the ground. This is the easiest way to diagnose a problem with your head gasket. Always look at the ground of your regular parking spaces to keep an eye out for potential problems.

Bubbles in the radiator or overflow tank – If the head gasket between the coolant line and the combustion chamber is compromised, it can allow air to push into the system. While bubbles might not seem like a bad thing, if allowed to continue, they eventually can form a large pocket of air and stop the coolant from flowing. This can stop your car in its tracks.

Spark plug problems – If coolant flows into the combustion chamber, it can cause problems with the spark plugs. If you notice your car misfiring, this could be one of the reasons.

Is it okay to drive with a blown head gasket?

As you can tell from the above symptoms, it can be quite tricky at times to determine if you do have a blown head gasket. Therefore, you might drive with it for quite a while.

The key is in watching for the symptoms and fix problems before they are allowed to fester and grow. It’s easier and cheaper to fix minor issues than it is to do a complete system overhaul.

Pay attention to how your car operates. You can even keep a log as your car ages.

If there are problems with the head gasket, hot gases and liquids, and cold coolant are moving through the mechanics and can quickly erode or warp the metal of the engine block. The longer it goes unnoticed, the more damage can occur. That leaves you with costly repair bills when you do finally bring your car in for servicing.

Are there ways to prevent a head gasket from blowing?

One of the simplest ways to prevent the head gasket from blowing is to ensure your engine doesn’t overheat. Frequent maintenance can help with that. Regular oil changes will ensure your system always has fresh oil and is properly topped off. Checking your coolant levels will ensure it’s properly filled as well. Watch for evidence of leaks as well.

Try to keep from pushing your car on a regular basis. Avoid aggressive driving. This increases RPMs and increases stress on your engine. Likewise, if your car has a turbocharger or supercharger, keep the combustion pressures as low as possible. More stress means more heat, which can push the deterioration process of different parts.

Have you ever experienced a blown head gasket?