Express Car Care of Denver

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?

A Guide To Anti-Lock Brakes

February 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

If you’ve ever driven an older car, stomped on the brake pedal, trying to get the car to stop quickly, only to feel the cart slide and swerve, you know how scary it can be not to have full control over your vehicle. ABS – anti-lock braking system – is designed to give you more control in more situations.

The concept of anti-lock brakes actually started almost 100 years ago. Engineers were looking for an override system for aircraft, and ABS technology became the standard to prevent the wheels from sticking as the plane rapidly decelerated.

In the 1950s, ABS technology moved to motorcycles to improve safety and handling. And slowly, it was introduced into vehicles over the course of the next few decades. By the 1990s, anti-lock brakes were standard issue on most production line vehicles.

How do anti-lock brakes work?

Let’s talk a bit about how anti-lock brakes work. If you think back to your lessons in drivers ed, you might remember how they taught you to take control over your car if you hit a patch of ice. If the brakes won’t work and you slide, pump the brakes instead by pressing down on the brake pedal and letting go, over and over again. This helps your tires look for traction instead of continuing to slide.

That same concept explains how ABS is designed to work. If you suddenly want to come to a stop and apply a lot of pressure to fast-moving wheels, that intense pressure can cause your wheels to lockup. This will typically cause them to lose traction, and you’ll slide and skid uncontrollably.

ABS is designed to prevent this. Anti-lock brakes use sensors to determine the motion of your wheels. When you press down on the brake pedal, these sensors activate and monitor the wheel movement to determine the action. If it senses lockup, it turns on the ABS, which pumps your brakes instead of locking them up. The timing of it occurs with precision, thanks to technology, a vast improvement over what you could do simply by tapping your brake pedal over and over again.

Why are my anti-lock brakes coming on?

Your vehicle is technology-driven, with every part working together to keep you safe. Every new year brings new technology to light, meaning if you have the latest production car, technically, it will have the safest features on the market.

If you’ve ever stepped on your brake pedal and had the ABS turn on, you might have felt a vibration. Depending on your car, you may have a small dashboard light turn on as well, telling you your anti-lock brake system has been activated.

Based on road conditions, the vehicle’s technology has determined it needs ABS to keep the car safe. In some cases, the pulsing of the brake system may not stop the car as quickly as it normally does. But it has determined that this action is better to bring your car to a stop, and risk sliding or skidding out of control.

Where is the anti-lock brake?

The good news is most new cars on the road today have anti-lock brakes. If you’re driving an older car or truck and wish to determine if you have ABS, there are several ways you can go about it.

The easiest is to check your owner’s manual.

If you don’t have access to your owner’s manual, you can check your dashboard instrument panel. As you turn your car on, yet before you turn it to start, all lights will flash on. Think of this as “test” mode. If your car has ABS, it will be illuminated at this time. Look for a light that either says “anti-lock” or “ABS.”

If you have a basic understanding of the parts of the car, you can also pop the hood and take a look inside. The anti-lock brake pump will sit near the brake master cylinder, and be connected to several different lines.

The final way is to physically look at the setup of the wheel. You’ll have to get into position to be able to see the brakes on the front wheels. If your car has anti-lock brakes, you’ll see a flexible hose attached to the brake caliper, with a wire attached to a speed sensor in the hub of the wheel. This sensor will be missing if your car doesn’t have ABS.

How do you test anti-lock brakes?

The best way to ensure your anti-lock brakes are working is to check that the warning light illuminates on your dashboard during test mode every time you turn your vehicle on. If you don’t see the icon light up, it’s best to let your mechanic check it out and ensure everything is working correctly.

Likewise, if your ABS light turns on at any point while you’re driving your vehicle, schedule a maintenance visit as soon as possible to ensure your braking system is working the way it should.

How long do ABS controls last?

ABS is designed to work in all kinds of conditions, and be there for you no matter when you need it. It’s not something you turn on, or that you have to change out the fluid for on a regular basis. But like any other part, it can wear out over time.

As anti-lock brakes initiate, you’ll feel a slight pulsating mechanism underneath your foot. It clicks, and then it creates rise and fall in the system, which you can feel by having your foot on the brake pedal. This is known as the ABS control module.

The brakes are one of the essential systems in your vehicle. You use them every day, dozens of times, as you move in and out of traffic to accomplish all you do on your drive. The anti-lock brake system is separate from your brakes. That means even if the ABS fails, you’ll still have your braking system to rely on.

Under most conditions, ABS will last the life of your car. But because it is electronic, it can suffer from several things, including an electrical overload, or overheating due to high temperatures. If the ABS light comes on, one of our professional mechanics will replace the control panel.

Is your ABS working correctly? Is your braking system keeping you safe? We can ensure everything on your vehicle is working correctly, to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Brake Fluid Low? This Is How You Know

February 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What happens when you push down on the brake pedal?

Your car slows and eventually comes to a stop.

Touch it lightly, and it slows just a bit. Stomp on it, and you can stop in mere seconds. According to the National Association Of City Transportation Officials, the average vehicle going 60 mph will come to a resting point in 4.4 seconds. You’ll feel that motion if you stop at that rate, but it can be done.

However, the only way that can happen is if your braking system is working the way it should.

How the brake system works

Brakes are actually pretty straightforward in the way they operate. We’ve written about it here and here. But for the sake of this article, we’ll condense it into one paragraph format.

When you press down on the brake pedal, it pushes an internal lever that increases the pushing force. This lever pushes a piston into a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid, also known as brake fluid. The fluid condenses and squeezes out through the end, down a pipe until it reaches another cylinder located at the wheel. Here, it pushes another piston with increased force. It connects with the brake pad and pushes it towards the brake disc. As the brake pad touches the brake disc, friction between the two heats, causing the outer wheel and tire to slow and eventually stop.

This basic principle happens four times over, for every line to every wheel on your car.

What makes it all possible is the brake fluid. It’s what increases the pressure to the point of making the mechanics of the braking system work.

It’s time to check your brake fluid levels

You’re already in the habit of checking your motor oil on a regular basis. Low brake fluid is equally important. Yet keep in mind that brake fluid doesn’t need to be changed out as frequently as motor oil, nor is it as vulnerable as the oil used to keep your engine running clean.

However, brake fluid is a vital fluid needed to keep your car running smoothly. It can be the difference of being able to stop your car whenever you desire, or not.

Like your motor oil, checking your brake fluid should be a part of your regular maintenance plan. Especially if you notice your brakes not behaving as they should. Do your brakes feel spongy when you press down on the brake pedal? It’s time to check your brakes. Do you hear a squeal as you tap on the brakes? It’s definitely time for a check up.

Like motor oil, brake fluid can have a variety of things wrong with it. If it’s low, there might be a leak somewhere in the system. If it’s contaminated, it means dirt and grime has found a way inside.

Brake fluid impacts every part of the braking system, the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines. And if the brake fluid doesn’t have the proper makeup, chances are it’s impacting any or all of these parts in various ways. A thorough inspection is needed to ensure your brakes are working the way they should.

Finding the brake fluid reservoir

Keep in mind that filling your brake fluid reservoir isn’t like topping up your motor oil. You can’t run to your local auto parts store and buy just any brake fluid sitting on the shelf. It takes knowledge to ensure you’re purchasing the right product, and skill to fully clean the system as you change it out. Still, having a general understanding can make you a more well informed driver and car owner.

The brake fluid reservoir is typically a plastic canister that is mounted near the rear of the engine compartment. It’s usually near the driver’s side brake booster. If you can’t find it, consult your owner’s manual or do a search online for your make and model. It will point you in the right direction.

Most newer vehicles use a translucent plastic with a fill line, so you can immediately tell if the brake fluid is low. Older vehicles might have a metal reservoir, with a clamp securing the top into place. Different vehicles have different rules about opening up the lid. Follow guidelines exactly or risk contaminating the brake fluid. Exposure to moist air can contaminate the fluid in just a few minutes, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before you open it up.

Brake fluid looks okay if …

The first check is to ensure you have enough brake fluid in the system. Does the brake fluid levels reach the fill line?

If it doesn’t, that can be a warning sign your brake pads are wearing thin. This is because as brake pads wear down, they take more action to work. The piston will need to move farther into the system, requiring more fluid to complete the process.

If the fluid level looks okay, the second step is to inspect the fluid itself. Brake fluid is normally a clear or light gold color. If it turns brown or black, the brake fluid is contaminated and it needs to be replaced. As dirt enters the system, it slowly changes the coloring, giving the fluid its darker appearance. It allows dirt and other contaminants into the braking system, which in turn can damage other parts.

Adding brake fluid

As a general rule, you should have your brake fluid replaced about every two years. Of course, this depends on a variety of things, including your drive style, the make and model of your car. Check your owner’s manual for recommended guidelines. One of our experienced mechanics can also provide you with more information.

Different vehicles require different brake fluid. You can’t mix and match. If you use an incorrect formula, or overfill your brake fluid reservoir, you risk having your brakes working incorrectly. Most systems use either DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid. Consult your owner’s manual, or find the information located on the brake fluid reservoir cap.

Brake fluid is toxic and highly corrosive, so proper protection is needed anytime you deal with brake fluid.

Once brake fluid is changed, it also requires testing and bleeding the brakes.

Don’t have the tools or the knowledge to test your brakes yourself? Let one of our mechanics help. We’ll ensure your brakes are safe and well cared for, and have you back on the road in no time.

Schedule your maintenance visit today.

Dashboard Lights and What They Mean

February 4, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Driving and maintaining your car is more complicated than ever before.

Your vehicle isn’t just a bunch of mechanical parts all working together. Over the past twenty-five years, cars have become more technologically advanced, with the parts integrating and working together.

Where mechanics used to use a wrench and a little elbow grease to figure out what was wrong, today they use highly sophisticated computers to plug into your car and determine where the problem lies. A recent Popular Mechanics article shows the most important milestones that have brought us to where we are today; they include the electronically controlled torque vectoring differential, the dual clutch transmission, and the on-board diagnostics system, among other things.

Drive a new vehicle today, and you’ll no longer have to guess when a part of the system is wearing out or in need of repair. Instead, Dashboard lights will provide vehicle warning indicators telling you when there is a weakness in the system.

Dashboard lights are nothing new. But with the advancement of technology, we have more indicator lights than ever before. What does that tiny little icon flashing on your dashboard mean? Is it something that needs immediate action, or can you put it off for your earliest convenience?

It is important to note that most dashboard icons will flash on as you start up the engine, then turn back off. Think of this as a test mode to ensure everything is working the way it should. Be concerned if the fault lights don’t turn off after a few seconds of turning on your vehicle.

Here’s a list of dashboard lights and their meanings.

Airbag Fault Light – The Airbag Fault Light will illuminate if it detects a problem within the airbag system. You can continue to drive the car with this dashboard light on, however, keep in mind that the airbags may not deploy if you get in an accident. The only way to be sure what the problem is will be to schedule a maintenance visit, fix defective parts, and reset the light.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Light – This indicates there is a defect somewhere within your braking system. It could be a problem with a wheel speed sensor, or an indicator that you have a low fuel level in one of the reservoirs. The only way to properly determine where the problem lies is with professional diagnosis.

Battery Alert – This light warns you when your battery is charging below normal levels. The charging function of your vehicle isn’t working properly; check the battery terminals, the alternator belt, or change out the battery altogether.

Brake Pad Warning Light – Not all vehicles have this dashboard warning light, but if yours does, it can alert you to failing brake pads and give you a chance to make an appointment with your local mechanic before they grind down further.

Brake Fluid Warning Light – If the brake system dashboard light is flashing, it’s an indicator that your brake fluid levels are low. Brake fluid isn’t something you should try and replace yourself. Instead, make an appointment to top off brake fluid, and give your entire brake system a check to ensure it’s running correctly.

Check Engine Light – The check engine light is one of the most common dashboard lights on a car’s diagnostic system. This light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, and stay lit to remind you of simple maintenance issues, or alert you to potential danger. Your mechanic can use a diagnostic tool to determine why it’s lit. A check engine light is usually lit for one of these reasons:

The oxygen sensor needs to be replaced
The gas cap is loose, damaged, or missing
Spark plugs or plug wires need to be replaced
You have a bad catalytic converter
The Mass Airflow Sensor (MAS) needs to be replaced

Coolant Temperature Warning – This indicator warns when temperatures exceed normal limits. When this appears, check coolant levels, ensure coolant isn’t leaking, make sure the radiator cap is tightly sealed, and that your fan is operating as it should.

Cruise Control – A steady cruise control light indicates you have activated the cruise control. If, however, this light flashes without using the system, it might be an indicator that something is wrong with the cruise control features of your car.

Door Ajar – This indicates either a door or your trunk lid is ajar. If left this way overnight, it has the possibility of draining your battery. Check for safety and to ensure you conserve power while you’re away.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning Light – If the ESP lights up, it indicates there is a problem with the chassis system. It could be an issue with your car’s traction control, anti-skid, or electronic stability program. It might be something as simple as a wiring issue, or more serious and an indicator you could face problems on the road.

Exterior Lamp Out – When this symbol illuminates, it’s warning you that one of your exterior lights has burnt out. Replacing a bulb should take care of this problem. Your owner’s manual will provide you with the right size of bulb to buy, and how to access the exterior lights.

Fog Lamp – When lit, it merely reminds you your fog lamps are on.

Oil Pressure – This is an indicator your vehicle has a sudden loss in oil pressure. Check oil levels and pressure immediately.

Overdrive Light – This dashboard indicator warns you that the overdrive system has been manually turned off. For most vehicles, the overdrive system has an on/off switch. If it’s bumped, a steady warning light alerts you to the problem. If the overdrive blinks while you’re driving, it could be a sign of a more serious problem with your transmission; check in with a mechanic as soon as possible.

Service Vehicle Soon – This indicator light warns you to schedule an appointment soon to check out the inner workings of your vehicle. Pay particular attention if it illuminates with another light, such as the ABS light. It’s a diagnostic tool that warns you of a particular problem with your car.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – If you see this dashboard light, it’s warning you that one or more of your tires has low tire pressure. Pull in to a fueling station and check each tire and fill it to its manufacturers’ guideline levels. You can find this in your owner’s manual, or search out your car online for the proper levels. Low tire pressure can cause dangerous driving conditions, so it’s important to fill your tires appropriately as soon as possible. If the light doesn’t turn off after you have each tire adequately filled, it may be a sensor malfunction.

Washer Fluid Level – Here in Colorado, this might be the dashboard light you are most familiar with. With dirt and grime from winter driving, it might feel like you fill up your washer fluid regularly. This little indicator light will warn you when levels are getting too low.

Question On Your Water Pump

February 3, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Express Car Care Question: I was driving on the freeway in Colorado and the engine on my vehicle started to get hot. I turned off my air conditioner and was able to drive the short distance to my meeting and then found a shop in Denver. It turns out that my water pump was leaking. It cost me hundreds of dollars to get it fixed. Is there anything I could have done to avoid this?

Express Car Care Answer: This story really did have a happy ending. When you continue driving when your engine is overheating you risk a catastrophic engine failure. It really is a good idea to pull over and let your engine cool down before you drive it again. If you try to add water or coolant, be sure your engine is cool or you’ll risk getting serious burns.

Unfortunately, there really isn’t any way for drivers to predict when their water pump will fail – water pumps just wear out. This drivers water pump replacement was more expensive because the water pump is driven by a timing belt. This repair requires a lot of hours of labor for the mechanic to get to the water pump and then put everything back on the engine.

A money saving tip from Express Car Care is if your water pump is driven by your timing belt – replace the pump when you have your scheduled timing belt replacement. This way most of the work is already done and you don’t end up paying for it twice.

Check with your friendly and knowledgeable professionals at Express Car Care about when it’s a good idea to have your timing belt replaced.

Give us a call or come in and see us.

Why a Car Needs a Suspension System

January 30, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Car performance. When you hear the experts talk about increasing a car’s performance, in most cases, it has to do with horsepower, or how fast a vehicle can move from zero to sixty. We’ve been chasing speed for as long as cars have been in the marketplace. That’s why muscle cars are still celebrated around the globe.

But for the average driver – you and me – performance means something else entirely.

Power is great, but when all you’re doing is driving to the grocery store, or picking the kids up from school, you probably don’t think much about speed. Instead, you want a car that connects well with the road. One that provides a smooth ride no matter what the road conditions are like on the outside.

That’s the suspension system’s job. A vehicle’s suspension system maximizes the friction between the tires and the road, and provides easy steering and good handling to ensure the safety and comfort of the occupants. If all roads were perfectly smooth and flat, a suspension system wouldn’t be necessary. But even just a few short miles from home, your car can travel over many different paths. Gravel roads. Potholes. Construction sites. Curves and turns. Hills. Bumps and dips.

Car designers and engineers take all that into account as they create a suspension system. They ensure every vehicle has a proper ride so you don’t notice the bumps and rough spots, and proper handling, so you’re safe with every turn and curve you take.

What is a suspension system?

Like all systems within a vehicle, your suspension system is made up of several other parts and systems, including:

The frame – the car’s structure that supports all important components of the vehicle

The steering system – the parts that give a driver control to guide the car along

The tires and wheels – these make contact with the road and create friction to allow a safe journey

The suspension system – the parts that give your vehicle a comfortable ride and keep the passengers safe on the inside

Let’s dive a little deeper into the parts that make up the suspension system.

Springs are attached to the wheels and are designed to compress and expand with the motion of the wheels. They come in several different varieties, depending on the vehicle’s purpose.

You may also hear springs referred to as sprung or unsprung mass. This refers to the stiffness of the spring. A sprung mass will have looser springs designed to take the punishment of the ride. It swallows the movement keeping the occupants inside free from feeling the bumps of the road. Unsprung is found in higher performance and sports cars. These tightly sprung cars are less forgiving over the bumps in the road to give the driver the ability to drive more aggressively, cornering with ease.

A car also uses shock absorbers to control unwanted spring motion. Springs will continue to coil and release energy unless it has the ability to control it. That’s the shock absorbers job. It slows down and reduces kinetic energy with the use of hydraulic fluid. As a wheel encounters a bump, it causes the spring to coil and uncoil. This energy is transferred to the shock absorber where the pressure is dissipated, slowing down the spring.

Are there different types of suspension systems?

As you drive, you’ve probably noticed your front wheels and back wheels work together. That’s by design. It’s also the reason vehicles come with different types of suspension systems: front and rear. The four wheels work together to get you where you’re going. But the two wheels in front are connected by the front axle, while the two in back operate with the read axle.

The MacPherson strut is one of the most widely used suspension systems available. It combines a coil spring and shock absorber into one, giving the suspension system a lighter, more compact design.

Both front and back suspensions come in dependent and independent design. The spring and shock absorber are mounted as a single unit to the axle, or independently to all four wheels.

Why is a suspension system important?

Your car’s suspension system is responsible for the smooth ride, and for keeping you safe as you drive. It provides you with good handling and steering ability. Without it, you wouldn’t have a comfortable ride.

But a good suspension system does more than that. It also protects your vehicle from premature wear and tear. If your suspension system isn’t working the way it should, it quickly starts impacting other parts and systems throughout your car. Replacing your shocks and struts as needed will help:

Control spring and suspension movement
Keep the tires connected to the road
Maintain wheel alignment
Reduce wear on individual tires
Keep tires balanced
Prevent bounce and sway

How do I know if my suspension system needs repair?

Like other systems within your vehicle, your suspension system is designed to provide warning signs that it is in need of repair. The more you ignore the warning signs, the strong the signals will become.

Your vehicle’s suspension system is in need of repair if:

The car rides roughly

It’s easy to tell when shocks and struts are wearing out because your smooth ride will disappear and you’ll be left to feel every bump in the road. Have you ever referred to your car’s ride as “it feels like I’m riding in a truck”? Yep, that’s a sign your shocks and struts are wearing down. You’ll feel every bump in the road, and your car will bounce along taking in the impact.

The car drifts or pulls

As you turn your vehicle, you’ll feel it drift or pull, having to keep a tighter hand on the wheel to control the direction. This is because the shocks are no longer to keep the body stable as the car moves into the action of the turn. The higher the speed you take turns and curves, the more risk you have of having the car roll over.

The car dips or dives

As the shocks wear out, you’ll notice the front of your vehicle dives forward as you press down on the brakes. This can affect your breakability, increasing the amount of time it takes to stop.

The tires have uneven tread

It’s a good idea to watch your tires for any sign of wear. If you notice uneven wear, it’s a sign the suspension system isn’t doing its job of holding your car evenly down to the road.

The shocks are oily

Have you noticed liquid on the road underneath your tires? If it occurs directly where your shocks are, it could be a sign of damaged struts. If they are leaking fluid, they aren’t working the way they should.

The car can’t pass the bounce test

Try this if you think your car may need a new suspension system. With the car in park, press down on the front hood and release. Does the car bounce more than 2-3 times before settling back into position? Try it again in the back. If it rocks more than the 2-3 times, it’s a sign your suspension system is in need of repair.

For expert repair service, give us a call. We’re here to help you with your suspension system, and all of your auto needs.

How To Improve Fuel Economy

January 26, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Imagine living without a car. It’s something few of us can imagine. Families don’t just have one or even two in the driveway; instead, they’ve become mandatory for every driver in the household.

Here in Denver, it’s almost impossible to exist without a car. Some choose downtown living to be close to everything. But mass transit will only get you so far. We’re not set up like other cities. Your car is your key to freedom. It gets you into the hills for a day of skiing, around town for a day of errands, and out late at night when you’re ready to hang with friends.

But all that running around means burning more fuel. And even though fuel has somewhat steadied in price over the years, it still can take a lot to fill your tank up every week. It’s quite the line item in your monthly budget. Is there a way to improve fuel economy to save money? If the manufacturer gives you a fuel efficiency range, is there a way to always be in the upper range?

Turns out, there is. You don’t have to invest in an electric car, or make radical changes to your existing car to see the benefits.

What causes poor gas mileage?

Bad gas mileage is caused by a number of things. Ultimately, they can be lumped into two categories: problems with your car, or problems with your driving habits.

Poor gas mileage means that your car isn’t operating as efficiently as it possibly can. It also means you’re losing money every time you pull into the pumps because you’re having to do so more frequently than necessary.

Let’s start with your car. The best reason to keep it in good working condition is for performance. If it’s running correctly, it will perform at its best. And that means you’ll see the best fuel economy possible for your make and model.

Poor fuel economy can come from:

Bad oxygen sensors or air filters. The oxygen sensor helps keep the proper mixture of air and fuel in your car. If this is out of balance, your car will be inefficient. The air filter grows dirtier the longer it’s in place. They need to be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis to ensure your car is working as it should.

Incorrect tire pressure. Proper tire pressure means your car is handling as designed. Tire pressure is easy to check, and should be checked and filled regularly. You’ll find manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels either on the driver’s side doorplate, or in your owner’s manual. Over inflating is equally as bad as underinflated tires; keep them in the range suggested by the manufacturer.

Spark plug problems. Spark plugs are designed to spark combustion and start your engine. If they misfire, or are working poorly, they reduce the efficiency of the fuel supply.

Bad fuel injectors. The fuel injectors are responsible for moving fuel into the engine. If the system has a leak, the proper amount of fuel isn’t making it where it’s supposed to be.

The wrong motor oil. Different cars use different types of motor oil. You can’t expect to put in the cheapest form and expect it to run at high performance levels. Think of it as the difference between living on cheap processed food versus a whole grain, fruit and vegetable diet. Both will keep you alive, but one will make you more efficient at everything you do. Check your owner’s manual for guidance on the right motor oil, or ask one of our mechanics which is the right for your vehicle.

How can I improve my fuel economy?

Once your car is in the best shape possible, it’s up to you to turn your driving habits around in order to avoid poor fuel economy.

Avoid the “pedal to the metal.” When was the last time you left late for work, or for a meeting? Did you push how fast you drove by a few miles? Did you ride closer to the person in front of you, zipping in and out of traffic trying to make up the time? While you might save a minute or two, you’re also cutting back on your engine’s efficiency. To push your car harder, faster, it takes more fuel to get there.

The same holds true when you slam on the brakes. Sudden acceleration away from stoplights or stop signs, combined with pounding on the brakes as you get too close to the person in front of you kills fuel economy. It also wears down other parts of your vehicle like the braking system. Not only will you spend more money at the pump, but you’ll also spend more time and money in the repair shop too.

Pay attention to fuel grade. Do you know what grade of fuel your vehicle’s make and model are supposed to have? It’s easy to think that if you put a higher performance fuel into your car, it will run better. But that isn’t always the case. When your car was designed, it had certain specifications in mind. They built it, tested it, and tested it some more. Then they created recommendations to ensure it runs at optimal performance levels so long as you abide by their guidelines. Likewise, if you have a high performance car, putting higher octane fuel isn’t just important, it’s also a requirement to ensure it works its best. Check with the guidelines and pay attention at the pump.

Watch weight. Today’s vehicles are bigger than ever before. We love our SUVs and crossovers to be able to bring everything we need with us. But does your vehicle look like you’re going on vacation when all you’re doing is driving to work? The more stuff you carry in your car, the more it weighs. And a heavier vehicle has to work harder to get from point A to point B.

Stop idling. Did you know it takes up to a gallon of fuel to leave your car idling for an hour? That means the time you spend sitting in carpool lane, waiting for your spouse to run into the grocery store, or even turning your car on in the morning to let it warm up has an impact on your fuel economy. Turning your car off in each of these situations will actually help you be more efficient overall.

What steps have you taken to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy?

Steering

January 24, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Steering is one of the things we take for granted in our vehicles. Let’s break it down into two areas: First, the power assist and second the actual parts that steer the vehicle.

Most people under 40 have never driven a car or truck without power steering. Most vehicles today have a hydraulic power steering pump that provides boost to help you steer. The pump is usually driven by the serpentine belt, but some newer vehicles have an electric pump. Some vehicles even have an electric motor that directly powers the steering. Nothing like in the “old” days.

The important thing to keep in mind is that these pumps and motors will eventually wear out and the hoses will start to leak. You can postpone that day by having a power steering service from time to time. We will drain the old fluid and replace it with fresh fluid. This removes water and contaminants that can corrode power steering parts. Ask your service adviser for the recommended change interval for your vehicle.

What about the mechanical steering parts? Is there anything you can do to maintain them? Yes. If any of the steering parts can be lubed, your technician will take care of that with a lube, oil and filter service. Other than that, just watch for signs that parts are wearing out. Things such as loose steering and uneven tire wear.

Worn parts can be replaced to get you back on the road. Now, sometimes parts can be bent or damaged from hitting potholes, curbs, or rocks. It’s important to take care of these problems early on, as soon as possible. If you neglect them, the damaged parts stress other attached components which sets off a chain reaction of damage.

Steering maintenance is pretty straight forward: Replace power steering fluid as recommended and fix worn or damaged parts right away. These steps will save you money in the long run.

Hey – we wouldn’t steer you wrong!

Understanding the Automatic Transmission

January 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

In order to drive a car, you need a transmission. And while cars come either with a manual or an automatic transmission, in today’s world (at least here in America), you’re far more likely to buy an automatic transmission than a manual.

What’s the difference? In simplest terms, with a manual, you control the movement of the gears. You shift from first to second to third and so on based on your needs and desires.

An automatic transmission handles everything for you.

In reality, it’s a little more complicated than that.

Why a vehicle needs a transmission

In order to understand why a vehicle needs a transmission, it’s important to discuss how a car engine works first. The engine is designed to create power. To move the car, the power generated by the engine must be transferred to the wheels. That’s what a drivetrain does, of which the transmission is a part of.

An engine only spins at a certain level of speed. If it spins too low, you won’t be able to get the car moving. Too quickly and the engine could self-destruct.

That’s why you need something to further the control of the power produced within the engine. That’s the transmission’s job.

The transmission makes sure your engine spins at the optimal rate while sending power to your wheels at the right amount to move your car. It sits between the engine and powertrain, and operates as a control box for moving your car.

With a manual transmission, you accomplish this by moving the gears yourself into place. You connect different sized gears with one another depending on how fast you want to go, and how fast the engine needs to perform. You control the engagement of the gears by pressing in the clutch and shifting the gears into place.

With an automatic transmission, this process is done for you. Through engineering, the gears are engaged at the appropriate time to make your car go no matter what speed you desire.

The parts of an automatic transmission

In order to fully understand the automatic transmission, you’ll have to start with the casing. It resembles a bell, which is why you’ll sometimes hear it referred to as a bell casing. It’s typically made of aluminum, and is designed to protect all of the moving parts of the transmission.

Torque converter

When you start your car, it doesn’t suddenly take off in a forward or backward lurch. That’s because of the torque converter. The power from the engine to the transmission remains disconnected until you tell it to engage. With a manual, you engage the clutch and put it into gear. With an automatic, you use a torque converter. With hydraulic fluid, it varies the vehicle’s ability to go and stop by producing the exact amount of power necessary to accomplish the goal. It spins independently from the transmission and engages as needed. If you ever feel erratic behavior while driving at different speeds, it’s a torque converter malfunction.

Planetary gears

As your vehicle picks up speed, it needs additional gears to move to in order to accomplish its goal. With a manual transmission, the gear shift changes the gear ratios. With an automatic transmission, it uses a planetary gear designed to do the process for you. In includes:

A sun gear – it sits in the center of the gear set
Planet gears – three or four smaller gears that surround the sun gear. They are mounted to their own shaft and are designed to orbit the sun gear
Ring gear – this is the outer gear and contains teeth to mesh with each of the planetary gears

A planetary gear set can contain a reverse drive and up to five levels of forward drive.

Pump

A pump is located between the torque converter and planetary gear set. It’s what draws transmission fluid in and creates pressure for the torque converter and transmission. Automatic transmissions rely heavily on this fluid for the process to work. Think of it as the heart of the transmission system.

Bands and clutches

Bands and clutches are used to help the gears rotate, engage, or disengage. They are made from metal lined with organic friction material, used to hold the rings and gears stationary or tight, depending on what is called for.

Sensors

With today’s modern technology, more of this process is computerized than ever before. Sensors control the different functions in the transmission to help control the speed of the engine and wheels in order to decide what gear to use.

Valve body

The valve body is the control center of the transmission system. It’s the part that regulates incoming transmission fluid and uses it to run the valves and pistons. It determines what gear ratio by sending fluid in the proper quantities to the appropriate places within the transmission.

Transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is crucial to the overall process. It has both lubricating and cooling properties so that your transmission stays in good working condition and won’t overheat. It’s made from a variety of synthetic liquids and oils, and includes things like detergents, rust preventatives, and lubricants necessary to keep your automatic transmission working the way it should.

How the automatic transmission works

That’s a lot of working parts to ensure your automatic transmission works the way it should. It takes a special combination of mechanical, electrical engineering to give you a car safe enough to drive in all kinds of conditions.

In an easy-to-understand way, the automatic transmission works like this.

The engine starts and sends power to the torque converter, and into the pump.

The pump engages and begins sending transmission fluid into the system. A vortex of power is created inside the torque converter.

This engages the central shaft within the transmission, starts the spinning of the shaft and turbine, sending power to the first gear in the planetary gear set.

Depending on which part of the gear system is engaged, it will allow the gear to move or remain stationary. It sets the gear ratio and powers the transmission into action.

That, in a nutshell, is how the automatic transmission system works. Knowing how it works gives you a better understanding of how your vehicle works. And that makes you better at watching for things to go wrong, as well as a better understanding of the work that needs to be done when you bring your car in for service.

Our goal isn’t just to repair your car. We want to ensure you understand the mechanics of how your vehicle works too. It will make you a better driver, and a better owner.

How can we help you maintain your car?