Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Driving With The Check Engine Light On – What You Need To Know

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We’ve all experienced it from time to time. You’re driving along, and the check engine turns on. What should you do? Do you keep driving? Or should you pull over immediately?

It depends on what your car is doing.

Step one – Diagnose the situation

You know your car best. What has your car been doing up until this point?

Have you heard funny noises? Has your car been operating differently the past few days? Have you smelled strange odors? Have you been having other issues with your driving experience? Your car rarely has an immediate effect without leaving a telltale sign.Driving With The Check Engine Light On - What You Need To Know

If the check engine light turns on and is steady, not flashing, you can keep driving as long as your vehicle isn’t performing out of the ordinary. A steady light is your car’s way of telling you your car is in need of service. (We’ll get into that more in a minute.)

If the check engine light flashes, it’s a more pressing matter. The check engine light is usually yellow or sometimes a red engine-shaped icon located somewhere on your dashboard. All lights might blink on when you first start the car. This is a more serious situation when it blinks and continues to flash after your vehicle is on.

Step two – Heed the warning signs

The check engine light is usually a small icon in the middle of your dashboard, yellow or red in color. All lights may turn on for a few seconds as you start the car. This is your vehicle’s way of testing the system and sending energy to all parts of the car. This is normal.

What isn’t normal is if your check engine continually illuminates as you drive your car. Does the warning light blink for over 6 seconds? Does it continue to blink as you move down the road? This may be an emergency situation. Your car is telling you there is a serious problem with the engine.

Slow down. Pull over as soon as possible. Stop the car and turn off the engine. Otherwise, you risk damaging various parts of your car. Driving with the engine light on at this point will continue to wreak havoc with your car.

Today’s vehicles have all sorts of computerized sensors. It’s designed to take the guesswork out of car maintenance. Instead of having to watch and listen for the signs, your car has a built in system designed to provide you with a warning system to alert you to potential dangers. At the first sign of trouble, it alerts you with a warning light.

The first stage is a steady light. This indicates there is a minor problem somewhere in the system. This gives you a chance to get to where you’re going, schedule a maintenance visit, and fix the problem before it grows.

The second stage is a flashing light. This is an indication there is a severe fault somewhere in the system. It’s your vehicle’s way of telling you something is wrong. Pull over, stop the car, and get service immediately.

While this little blinking light is your car’s way of talking to you, there’s actually more going on behind the scenes. When you bring your vehicle in for service, the engine control unit also stores a fault code related to the malfunction. This can be read and interpreted by your mechanic using a diagnostic tool. After reading the fault codes and diagnosing the full complexity of the situation, a mechanic will then recommend the necessary repairs.

Keep in mind, that the check engine can come on for anything that might be wrong with the system. It might be a small problem or a very large repair. Until its diagnosed, you simply don’t know.

What are the most common causes for the check engine light to come on?

A faulty oxygen sensor – this sensor is designed to monitor the unburned oxygen within the car’s fuel system. It then communicates with the car’s computer to adjust the mixture of air and fuel to ensure your car is getting what it needs to run properly. If the sensor is faulty, your car will burn more fuel, and won’t run as efficiently, releasing more emissions into the air.

A faulty gas cap – when the gas cap is firmly in place on your car, it creates a vapor lock to keep the gas inside the system. If it’s loose, cracked, or faulty, it can cause a leak. Some leaks are more serious than others; a vapor leak might be easily fixed by creating a tighter seal, whereas a crack could be releasing gas into the upper portion of the fuel system, damaging equipment.

A faulty catalytic converter – the catalytic converter controls emissions in your vehicle’s exhaust system. It converts carbon monoxide and other potentially harmful gases into byproducts that aren’t as harmful. If a catalytic converter is faulty, your car can’t perform at optimal levels, and the performance of your vehicle will be impacted.

A faulty mass airflow sensor – the mass airflow sensor, also known as the MAF sensor, helps your car determine how much fuel to be added to the system based on how much air supply is getting to the motor. The most common reason for this sensor failure is due to a dirty air filter, or one that hasn’t been installed correctly. A failure will mean a decrease in fuel economy and poorer performance for your car.

A faulty spark plug – when was the last time you replaced your spark plugs? It’s important to do so according to your car’s manufacturers’ guidelines. The spark plugs and wires work together to ignite the air/fuel mixture and transfer the spark to the ignition coils and plugs. If the spark doesn’t work properly, it reduces fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Can you safely drive with the check engine light on?

Don’t let this little light make you panic. It isn’t always telling you a dire emergency is in place.

If you pay attention to your car, you will understand more about what it’s trying to tell you. You’ll know what to do in every situation.

  • A check engine light that is flashing is telling you to stop the car as soon as you reach safety. Call in a tow and bring it into one of our mechanics to diagnose the problem.
  • A check engine light that is solid is a gentle reminder to bring your car in at your earliest convenience. It’s your car’s way of saying it needs a little maintenance.

Schedule your appointment today.

Does Suspension Impact Brake Wear?

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It’s estimated that the average car on the road today has over 30,000 parts. And while it’s not important to know every part, you should learn the basic systems and how they operate. This helps you stay on top of the condition of your car, and can alert you to when things go wrong.

Let’s start by discussing the braking system and your suspension, and how the two work together.

How car brakes work

A car’s braking system is fairly simple to understand. When you press down on the brake pedal, the car slows down or stops. If you’ve ever ridden a bicycle, you know how the process works.

The brake pedal is connected to a part called the master cylinder with a metal rod. The master cylinder chamber is filled with brake fluid, which is what makes the brake system work. Brake lines are connected from the master cylinder to the brake calipers, which give passageway for the brake fluid to flow.Does Suspension Impact Brake Wear?

When you press down on the brake pedal, the metal rod moves up and down, compressing the brake fluid in the master cylinder. As pressure builds, it moves through the brake lines and creates the force the brake system needs to operate. More force on the brake pedal pushes more pressure in the brake line, and ultimately more force for stopping the car.

When you take your foot off the brake pedal, it releases the pressure via spring action. It moves back to resting position, releasing the brakes at each wheel and allowing the car to move freely.

How steering and suspension work

The steering and suspension work together to keep your car under control.

The steering system gives you directional control over your vehicle. The suspension system supports the weight of your vehicle and gives it a smooth ride, while providing stability for the current road conditions. Together, they keep your car under control and give you both drivability and handling.

If you’ve ever had a problem with your steering, you’ve probably heard the term “rack and pinion.” This is one of the most common steering systems used for many cars on the road today. As you turn your steering wheel, it’s rotating on a pinion. This movement rotates a rack, which controls the direction of your wheels from one angle to another. Think of the rack and pinion as a gear shift that work together. As you rotate the steering wheel, the pinion catches in the circular gear connected to the rack, giving you a turning radius.

While rack and pinion is one of the most popular, it isn’t the only format. Other popular types of steering design include parallelogram steering, which includes power steering pumps, Pitman arms, idler arms, and a center link. They have joints and levers work together to form the modern day steering and suspension system.

Ultimately, no matter what type of steering and suspension system you have, the goal is to provide you with a smooth ride.

How brakes and steering and suspension work together

It should be fairly easy to see how the two systems work together. The steering and suspension provide stability to keep you safe on the road, while the braking system gives you the control you need to adjust to traffic conditions.

If your suspension is off, your car won’t handle well when braking. It may nosedive. It can cause you to swerve. All of which can cause you to pound on the brakes, wearing them out before their time.

Does your car have problems with the suspension? Have you noticed any of these signs?

Your car rides roughly

Every system in your vehicle is designed to tell you in advance that it’s reaching end of life. When the shocks and struts of your suspension system are wearing out, you’ll start to feel every bump on the road. Have you noticed a bounce when you ride? That’s an indication your suspension system is having problems.

Your car drifts or pulls as you turn

When a car’s suspension system fails, it starts to drift or pull as you make a turn. This means the shocks are no longer doing their job to keep your car stable as it moves through turns. This can increase your risk of rollover if you take the turn too fast.

Your car nose dives as you stop

When shocks wear out, you’ll likely feel the car nose dive as you apply the brakes. This can reduce the stopping power of your brakes, meaning it will take more distance to safely come to a stop.

Your tires will wear unevenly

Glance at your tire tread from time to time. If you see uneven wear, it could be a sign your suspension system isn’t doing its job. It applies pressure on the tires in different ways, creating bald spots in certain places.

Your shocks are oily

If you take a look under your vehicle, or glance at the ground as you drive away, do you notice wet spots? It a greasy, oily liquid appears where your shocks and struts were lined up, it could be they are leaking fluid. Anytime fluid leaks, it’s a sign the system isn’t doing its job at full capacity.

Try the bounce test

One of the easiest ways you can determine if your suspension system isn’t working is to apply the bounce test. With the car in park, press down on the hood of the car, then release. Do the same thing on the trunk. If the car bounces as you release it, it’s a sign your suspension system is wearing out.

Do you have a problem with your brakes, steering or suspension system? We can help.

Your brakes and suspension system are designed to help your vehicle function properly, while giving you a safe, smooth ride. Letting either system continue to operate at a less-than-optimal rate puts you at risk as well as costs you money as more damage continues to accrue.

Stop by today and let assess your vehicle’s performance. Together we can help keep you on the road longer, and enjoy the ride.

Headlight Restoration

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Question:  My headlight lenses are all cloudy.  I checked with my vehicle dealership about replacing then and it is very expensive.  What else can I do?

Express Car Care Answer:  You are right – replacing a headlight assembly can cost hundreds of dollars.  Luckily there is something drivers can do about cloudy headlamps.

First let’s talk about why the headlamps are so cloudy.  Back in the “old days” headlights were glass.  These were heavy, could crack, and had practical limits as to their shape, so manufacturers started using plastic headlight lenses.  Road grime and UV light take a toll on the plastic surface of your headlights.  Over time the lenses get cloudy and discolored.  Just look at the vehicles in any parking lot and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Because a disproportionate amount of traffic accidents happen at night, smart drivers make sure they have maximum visibility.  Cloudy lenses reduce the amount of light that gets out on the road, which in turn can really hurt the time you have to respond to hazards in the road.

Fortunately, your service center, (Express Car Care) can restore your lenses.  Using a combination of special cleaners and polishes, the cloudy and discolored layer is removed.  This service costs a fraction of replacing the headlight assembly.  How costly it is will depend on the size of the lens and how badly it is clouded.  This can be used on brake lights, turn signals and taillights as well.  If it’s been over a year since you replaced your headlamp bulbs, they may have started to dim.  You can ask your friendly and knowledgeable Express Car Care service adviser about options to replace or even upgrade your headlamp bulbs.

The Importance Of Your Car’s Heating and Air Conditioning System

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Heating and cooling inside your vehicle is so automatic, you probably don’t think much about it. Whether it’s warm or cold outside, you push a button or flip a lever, and your car is conditioned just the way you like it.

When something goes wrong with your car’s heating and air conditioning system, you’ll learn how important it is. A one hundred degree day in Colorado can leave you scrambling out of your car as quickly as possible. And when you can’t get the heat to turn on, you might not be going anywhere. A problem with your heating and cooling system can also impact ice and moisture buildup on your windows. If you can’t see, you can’t drive.

If you’re having a problem with your car’s heating and air conditioning system, what could be the problem?The Importance Of Your Car’s Heating and Air Conditioning System

What causes your car’s heater or air conditioner to stop working?

Many different things can cause the heater or air conditioner to stop working in your vehicle. Here are the most common situations.

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, it could be a refrigerant leak

Refrigerant is a specially formulated fluid designed for transforming hot air into cold air. It does this by absorbing heat, releasing it, and leaving cool air in its place. It has a similar purpose as motor oil or radiator coolant, with refrigerant specifically designed for the cooling system.

You may have heard of refrigerant referred to as Freon. Freon, also known as R12, was the primary chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) used within the air conditioning system to keep cars cooled until it was banned by the EPA in the mid 1990s. Freon has a chemical that depletes the ozone layer and causes all kinds of environmental concerns. When the EPA discovered its problems, it banned continued use and created a timetable for phase-out.

Today, the auto industry continues to switch to CFC-free refrigerant, which is safer and eliminates CFCs from being released into the environment. The EPA has issued guidelines that state all vehicles by 2021 will no longer use R134a, a replacement of R12, which is also shown to have a potent greenhouse gas with global warming potential. New climate-friendly refrigerants continue to be developed and will be added to newer models of vehicles.

A refrigerant leak in your vehicle can be a serious problem, depending on the age of your car. Newer cars may already use upgraded refrigerants, which make repair a fairly easy process. However, if your car is older and uses one of the older refrigerants, it could mean a complete replacement of your car’s air conditioning system to bring it up to date.

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, it could be a failed AC compressor

The AC compressor is the main component of your car’s air conditioning system. It forces refrigerant to flow through the entire system, giving you the cool air you demand.

On most of our modern day cars, the AC compressor is belt-driven. That means if your AC compressor isn’t working, it’s most likely a problem with the belt. Maybe the belt has slipped off the pulley. Or the belt has seized or failed entirely. In any case, your air conditioner will stop working entirely.

Because many modern day vehicles use one common serpentine belt to control a variety of your car’s accessories, you might notice other problems too if the belt breaks.

Age is also a factor. Like every part of your vehicle, the AC compressor will only last for so long. It wears out over time, and when it will no longer work, it’s time for replacement. When an AC compressor breaks, it can also send bits and particles of metal and other substances to other parts of your system. If you continue operating it without flushing the system out, you could wind up with bigger problems down the road.

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, it could be a failed blower motor

This one is pretty easy to detect. Sitting behind the vents in your dashboard is a fan called the blower motor. If it has a problem, no air will flow through the vents. It could be either a failed blower motor or a problem with the electrical system, so it’s a good idea to have the system assessed by one of our technicians.

If your heater is blowing cold air, it could be low coolant

The same system that is responsible for keeping your engine cool is what operates your heating system. If your car is having problems with the cooling system, it will ultimately cause an issue with your heating system too.

Your car operates with coolant, or antifreeze, to absorb heat from the rapidly moving parts in your vehicle.  If there is a leak in the system, it means there isn’t enough coolant to do its job. All it takes is topping off the coolant to fix the problem.

If your heater is blowing cold air, it could be a failed heater

Just like other parts of your vehicle, the heater core can rust, corrode, clog, and ultimately fail over time. If the heater goes bad, it will have to be replaced.

How to prevent issues with the car’s heating and air conditioning system

The good news is that with today’s newer cars, there is rarely a problem with the heating and cooling system unless there is a defect during the manufacturing process. If you have a newer car, you shouldn’t experience any problems with your heater or air conditioner until they reach 60,000 miles or more. The older the car is, the more miles you put on, the more risk you’ll have of experiencing a problem.

That’s why it’s equally important to know your car well. Don’t just drive your car and ignore the tiny details that make it unique. Instead, listen to the sounds it makes, watch the way your car handles, and pay attention to anything new that pops up as you drive. Don’t ignore warning signs; take action right away.

The best way to ensure your car’s heating and air conditioning system work properly for the life of your car is to ensure proper maintenance. That means taking your car regularly for check ups, to ensure everything is working the way it should. By having a trusted mechanic on your side, you’ll know your car will be there for you, working properly no matter how many miles you have to drive.

When was the last time you brought your vehicle in for maintenance?

5 Signs Your Shocks and Struts Need Replacing

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Don’t you just love the Colorado roads right now? When the snow clears away for a day or two, you still feel like you’re off-roading it down the highway. It’s a game of “how to avoid the potholes”, and all-too-often, the potholes win.

When you hit one, you cringe. You can feel the impact ripple through you and your vehicle. This can take its toll on how well your car handles.

A car’s suspension system is designed to hold up the weight of the vehicle, and absorb the impact of the road while providing the occupants a smooth ride. One of the critical components of the suspension system are shocks and struts.5 Signs Your Shocks and Struts Need Replacing

Both shocks and struts curb a car’s tendency to bounce while moving. Every time you start, stop, turn corners, or hit bumps in the road, it’s shocks and struts that create a smooth riding experience.

What are shocks and struts? What’s the difference?

Before we talk about possible problems with your vehicle’s shocks and struts, it’s important to understand what they are.

In many cases, the terms shocks and struts are used interchangeably, but they do provide two separate functions.

As a part of the suspension system, every vehicle has a combination of springs, and either shocks or struts. Springs are what support the weight of the vehicle to cushion the ride. This prevents the car’s passengers from experiencing harsh jolts as it rides on rough and uneven roads.

Shocks, also known as shock absorbers, do what their name implies: they absorb the shock of the road. Shocks aren’t a crucial piece of the suspension system; you could, in theory, remove them and still be able to drive. However, they are built into a vehicle to provide comfort and stability no matter what the conditions of the road are like.

Struts are an integral part of a vehicle’s suspension system. They play a key role in absorbing the roughness of the road. MacPherson struts are the most common struts on today’s vehicles. They combine the spring and strut together into one serviceable part. However, depending on the vehicle you drive, the two might be separate. In that case, the strut acts as a connecting point between the spring and the vehicle.

How do I know if my shocks and struts are bad?

Like other parts of your vehicle, shocks and struts have warning signs that they are failing. But they aren’t components you’ll replace on a regular basis. They are engineered to last anywhere from 50,000 to 90,000 miles or more, depending on how you drive.

Still, you can’t miss the signs that your shocks and struts are starting to fail. Have you experienced any of these signs?

Nose diving – this is probably one of the easiest signs to recognize; you’ll see this portrayed on television a lot. Cars stay level because of shocks and struts. If they aren’t working the way they are designed, every time you step on the brake pedal, your car will dip forward, with the nose diving towards the pavement in the process. There is also the possibility of the rear of your car bouncing down when you accelerate; this is known as squats.

Bouncing – the shocks and struts absorb the roughness of the road. However, if you notice your car bouncing up and down with each bump and you can feel it in the way you move up and down in your seat, your shocks and struts have a problem that should be serviced as soon as possible.

Tire bouncing – if the shocks and struts aren’t absorbing the impact of the road, the tires can take on the stress. If they aren’t connecting with the pavement as designed, they can wear before their time.

Fluid leaks – shocks and struts contain hydraulic fluid. As they wear, they can start leaking. If you notice what looks like a leak by your tires, bring it in to be serviced as soon as you can.

Handling problems – pay attention to the way your car handles no matter what the road conditions are. This will help you determine when things start to go wrong. Problems with shocks and struts can make your car shift from side to side even when the weather isn’t there to affect it. You should never feel a swaying motion as you drive.

Can I test for bad shocks and struts?

Still not sure if it’s your shocks and struts going bad? Luckily, there is a test you can perform to determine if your shocks and struts are in good working condition. It’s called the bounce test, and it works like this.

Move to the front or rear of your car. Push down as hard as you can, and then pull your hands away. If your car doesn’t bounce, your shocks and struts are fine. A bounce suggests that the shocks and struts are starting to wear, or a problem already exists. This is your sign that it’s time to get your vehicle serviced and have your shocks and struts replaced.

Your suspension system needs regular maintenance too

As a frequent driver, you’re probably in the habit of basic maintenance items. You bring it in for an oil change every few months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. You wash it and add windshield washer fluid seasonally.  You get new tires as the tread wears down.

Even if your vehicle isn’t showing any signs that the shocks and struts are going bad, it’s a good idea to have one of our mechanics evaluate your suspension system on an annual basis. This of it as cheap insurance to ensure your car is in good working order, and will keep you and your car’s occupants safe and secure, ready to enjoy the ride.

Shocks and struts are not the same, and are not interchangeable components of your vehicle. Whether they are structurally integrated together or are separate parts, it’s important to have both in good working condition to have a safe ride.

Are your shocks and struts in good condition?

How To Make Any Car Greener

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Ready to do your part for the environment this year? Looking for a way to make driving more eco-friendly, yet not in the market to buy a new electric car?

Don’t worry. There are lots of ways to make any car greener. It doesn’t take buying something new, or spending thousands of dollars converting your current car over. Instead, it just takes a little TLC to cut down on your vehicle’s carbon footprint.

According to the EPA, 29 percent of greenhouse gases come from transportation. If we want a healthy future to live and breathe in, it’s important we all do our part to reduce emissions wherever possible. Reducing your car’s emissions makes your car run better, makes it more cost effective to drive, as well as better for the environment. That’s a win/win for everyone.How To Make Any Car Greener

How do you start?

Start with regular tune-ups

Think of these as check-ups for your car. It’s a simple way to ensure your car is running at its optimal level. When you make sure your car is running correctly, you’ll save more money in the long run by having a car that runs better, and gets the best gas mileage it possibly can.

What does a tune-up entail? It starts with a regular oil change. Check your owner’s manual for guidance; usually every 5,000 miles or so, to ensure your engine is running smoothly. Of course, if your weekly trips are shorter, and it takes you months to hit 5,000 miles, you may choose to change your oil based on the calendar instead of mileage; ask one of our mechanics for suggestions.

Full tune-up inspections should be performed every one to two years, depending on your driving schedule. A complete tune-up includes checking and/or replacing:

  • Spark plugs
  • Wires, belts, and lines
  • Fuel filters
  • Air filters
  • Ignition system
  • Emissions system
  • Brake system
  • Engine timing
  • Computer control system

Check the tires

When was the last time you checked the pressure of your tires? Under-inflated tires won’t connect with the road as efficiently, meaning your car has to work harder for the same functionality. That impacts your car’s fuel efficiency.

Correct tire pressure depends on the make and model of your vehicle. The suggested range is generally included in your owner’s manual, or check for a sticker inside the driver’s door. Most gas stations have an air compressor allowing you to check and fill your tires. Unscrew the cap on your tire, then use the gauge on the filler to ensure you put in the right amount of air.

When your tires are properly filled, you’ll get the full lifespan. That means they won’t wear out early, causing you to replace them sooner. That means less waste in landfills.

Get in the habit of checking your tires at least once per month.

Have the fuel system checked

Your car’s fuel system ensures fuel is distributed optimally for high performance and low emissions. The fuel system contains several components, including the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, and fuel injectors. If any of these parts are worn or defective, it’s going to result in reduced fuel efficiency.

On average, the fuel filter should be changed and fuel injectors flushed every 30,000 miles or so. By having this regularly checked, it will ensure your fuel system is in good working condition, and your car is greener and saves you money every time you fill up.

Of course, if you smell fuel in or near your car at any time, have the fuel system checked immediately. It could be a line or seal that is leaking, allowing fuel to drip from your car.

Fill your car up the right way

Your vehicle is designed with a fuel tank that will stop filling up and shut off the nozzle automatically. Yet many car owners “top off” the tank by squeezing a little bit more into the tank. This does two things:

First, it can allow harmful gas vapors to be released into the atmosphere. Today’s cars are built with an emissions canister that prevents vapors from being released. But when you “top off” the tank, you risk pushing liquid fuel into this canister, reducing the effectiveness. If you continually force fuel into this canister, it can eventually render it useless.

Second, it increases the likelihood of spilling gas. Spilled fuel is flammable, creating a dangerous environment. It also releases toxic vapors back into the atmosphere. It enough fuel is spilled, it can also leak into the groundwater.

Remove excess weight

In simplest terms, the more your car weighs, the more fuel it uses. That’s not saying you should strip down your current vehicle to take away more weight. Instead, it should be a goal to keep your car as clean as possible.

Take a look in your back seat and the trunk; how much stuff do you have stored? How often do you use it? Find a place in your garage you can store the “extras” and only take what’s absolutely necessary for the trip you’re planning. This gives you better gas mileage, and a greener driving experience.

Drive smarter

When was the last time you thought about how well you drive? For most of us, we simply get behind the wheel and drive. But there are many things you can do to make your car operate better and increase fuel economy.

If you’re an aggressive driver, find ways to back off. Some of it involves timing; leave a few minutes earlier, and you’ll have more time to get where you’re going. Also, avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and other aggressive behavior. This produces less wear and tear on the major systems and parts of your vehicle, as well as puts your car at less risk of being in an accident.

If you drive on the highway a lot, try to use your vehicle’s cruise control whenever possible. This allows your car to keep a steady pace without the need to slow down and speed up.

Avoid excessive idling. While this isn’t always possible if you drive in rush hour traffic each day, you can do things like control how much you drive, or consolidate errands so you’re not using your vehicle as much during the day. If you’re waiting for someone to run into a store, or picking up kids from school, turn your vehicle off instead of allowing it to run. You’re just sitting there and allowing fuel to burn up.

And if you notice a problem with your car, get it checked right away. The most eco-friendly cars are the ones that operate at peak performance. You can make your car greener simply by caring for your car, and working with one of our mechanics to keep it in good working condition throughout the year.

How To Ensure Your Car’s Brake System Is Working The Way It Should

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Winter in Colorado means snow. A lot of snow. Historically, Denver will receive around 55 inches of snow each winter season. And if you’re not prepared for it, you will pay the price.

For drivers, that means having a car that’s ready for anything. From icy roads to snowpack several inches deep, the last thing you need on your commute is to worry about your safety.

That’s why it’s the most important time of the year to ensure your brakes are properly maintained. Poor brake maintenance not only puts your safety at risk, but it also decreases performance and longevity of the system overall. Your car is an intricate series of parts that work together. When one part is off, it can throw everything else into chaos as well.

With your brake system, it’s important to be proactive with maintenance. Your car’s manufacturer should have a recommended brake maintenance schedule. It may even come with a dashboard warning signal, letting you know it’s time for brake servicing. A good rule of thumb is:

  • Check your brake pads at 12,000 miles
  • Replace brake fluid at 25,000 miles

These estimates depend both on what car you drive as well as your driving style. By letting experts look at your system, they can help you make an informed decision to keep you safe no matter what the weather is like outside.

What does brake system maintenance mean?

Check your brake pads and rotors

The brake pads and rotors are the two main parts of your braking system. They are also the two main points of contact between your braking system and your tires. Because of their action during braking and stopping, they will deteriorate faster than other parts of your brake system.How To Ensure Your Car’s Brake System Is Working The Way It Should

When you press down on the brake pedal, it’s connected mechanically to a metal rod that feeds into a device called the master cylinder. A master cylinder is filled with brake fluid, or hydraulic fluid. The master cylinder and your car’s calipers are connected by brake lines. This is how the brake fluid flows through your brake system.

Pressing down on the brake pedal starts the braking process. The metal rod acts as a piston inside the master cylinder, compressing brake fluid to build up pressure inside the braking system. This pressure is transferred into the brake lines, forcing the brakes to move into action.

Behind each wheel is a caliper. Think of it as a big clamp that pushes the brake pads against the rotor, causing friction as it slows down your car. Your brake pads are under a lot of pressure as they slow and stop your vehicle over and over again each time you drive. Eventually, that process wears down. If you notice your pedal moves closer to the floor as you apply pressure, or smell a burning odor, it’s time to check your brakes.

Flush your brake fluid

Every time you press your brake pedal down, brake fluid is released and transferred from the master cylinder to the brake lines, into the calipers, and finally to the brake pads and rotors. Without brake fluid, this process wouldn’t work the way it does.

However, because brake fluid is an integral part of the braking process, it’s important for it to be in good working condition. Over time, it can start to break down. It can attract moisture, which is destructive to your braking system. It can cause corrosion to all metal components, as well as reduce how well the brakes work.

A brake flush is a process of removing brake fluid from the vehicle and replacing it with clean fluid. This removes all of the old fluid and adds new in its place. This will improve the performance of your car, as new fluid will come with a chemical structure that improves the way your braking system will work.

Bleed the brakes

While flushing the brake fluid through the brake line will add new fluid to your car, you should also bleed the brake lines to remove excess air. Over time, small amounts of air can be trapped, causing brakes to feel spongy when pressure is applied to the brake pedal.

As brake pads wear down, their composition can allow small amounts of air inside the braking system. It’s also possible for the brake lines to let in air. If you are an aggressive driver always slamming on the brakes, this can lead to air penetrating the brake lines.

Bleeding the brakes is the process of removing air from the brake line. This ensures the brakes are in good working condition and will work every time you press down on the brake pedal.

Upgrade as necessary

Over time, your brake system will continue to wear. Likewise, technology continues to increase the quality of brake parts, improving both performance and safety factors. This is a constant give and take process, one that should be adhered to on a regular schedule.

When you take the “wait and see” approach, you’re more likely to face expensive repair bills, have your car break down when you least expect it, and put you at more risk for accidents. Scheduling is the key to ensuring your vehicle always runs at its very best.

Become a better driver

One of the best ways to ensure your braking system is always in good condition is to pay more attention to how you drive. Brakes tend to fail more when you exceed what your vehicle is capable of. Things like:

  • Carrying large or heavy loads
  • Heavy braking
  • Aggressive driving
  • Driving in poor weather

Any of these can degrade your brakes to the point of having them fail on you when you least expect it. And that puts you and those around you at greater risk.

Your brakes are your safety net on the road. When in doubt, have them checked. It’s the best way to keep them in good working condition all year long. 

Spring Cleaning Repair and Maintenance Tips For Your Car

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Springtime in the Rockies means the days start getting longer, and we find more things to do outdoors.

Of course, the weather is more unpredictable than ever. March is traditionally the snowiest month of the year, with wild temperature swings that can make it feel like summer and winter all on the same day.

But on one of those warm afternoons, it’s a good idea to give your car a little TLC. It can ensure it drives well throughout the year, cleaning it up from all that winter dumped on it, and getting it ready for the sunnier days that will soon be upon us.

There’s another good reason to spend a little time with your car – the investment. Car’s today are one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make. A recent study by AAA found that the average person now spends $773.50 a month on their vehicles, the highest amount since AAA began tracking car expenses.Spring Cleaning Repair and Maintenance Tips For Your Car

A lot of that comes from the leasing or payment costs, as well as insurance. But the report also states that the average maintenance and repair costs climbed to 8.94 cents per mile, a figure that is up almost 9 percent over last year. This is due to caring for vehicles that are growing in complexity, having systems that require a lot of care to keep them functioning correctly.

One of the best things about newer vehicles, however, is they warn you of potential problems long before they occur. If you see a light turn on your dashboard, hear a funny noise, smell something unusual, or feel your car pulling or bouncing, it’s your car’s way of telling you it needs a little TLC.

Basic maintenance goes beyond filling up the car with gas, and scheduling an oil change on a regular basis. It also means taking care of every system in your car, replacing parts as necessary to avoid bigger problems down the road. If you build a routine into your schedule, checking fluids and maintaining parts regularly, you’re less likely to be caught off guard with problems. It’s the best way to avoid extensive repairs and a loss of value over time.

And the best part about it, it doesn’t take much to keep your vehicle well maintained. If you work with a trustworthy mechanic (like Express Car Care), you’ll ensure your car is ready for every season of the year, no matter what Denver’s weather looks like each day.

Our regular repair and maintenance tips include:

Check all nine fluids and use exceptional products

What’s the difference between McDonalds and Morton’s steakhouse? Both provide food. Both are places you can bring the family. Yet they both offer distinctly different products and experiences.

The same concept applies to the fluids you put into your vehicle. You can go with the lowest grade, least expensive products available, cutting corners where you can. But what will that do to your driving experience?

It starts with fluids you use every day, like gas, motor oil, and windshield washer fluid. It also includes fluids you don’t change out regularly, but still need to monitor throughout the life of your vehicle:

  • Coolant/antifreeze
  • Transmission fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Differential fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Air conditioning refrigerant

Be sure each is replaced in a timely manner using high quality products.

Check and replace filters

Depending on your car’s make and model, you can have as many as four filters in your car: the cabin filter, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter.

The cabin filter, also known as the air conditioning intake filter, keeps your inside air compartment clean whether you use your air conditioner or not. It helps filter out things like dust, pollen, and other pollutants in the air you breathe.

The oil filter will help keep debris out of the oil supply while the engine is running.

The fuel filter works to keep dirt, grime, and water out of your engine.

The air filter is designed to clean the air that is filtered into your car’s engine. Dirty air means an engine that won’t be able to operate a peak performance.

These are all easy to find and easy to replace. Some will even come with a full service oil change if you use the right mechanic.

Check belts and hoses

Over time, hoses need to be checked for leaks, brittleness, or cracks. Belts can stretch and loosen with use. They can also crack and break, damaging other parts and systems around them. This should be a simple process, one your mechanic can check in moments. It’s much more efficient (and cost effective) to replace small parts as they wear out rather than waiting for the damage they can produce.

Check the brake system each year

One of your most important systems is your brake system. It consists of several different parts including brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid, and your wheels. If something happens to any one part, it can impact your car’s ability to stop. A mechanic will start with the brake pads and ensure they still have enough wear on them to keep you safe. They will also evaluate the entire braking system, repairing and maintaining any part that could be a potential hazard.

Your tires are a part of your braking system. Be sure to check the pressure on all of your tires, including your spare, at least once per month. Extreme weather conditions can impact air; check tire pressure to ensure they are properly filled to avoid blowouts and other potential problems. Check with your owner’s manual to find the proper pressure levels for your vehicle.

You should also check the tread for uneven wear, cuts or bruises along the tires and sidewalls, and potential hazards stuck into the tread. If you have a question, most reputable mechanics will take a look at your tires to ensure they are safe to drive on. Replace with the proper size and type when they show wear

You should also have your car aligned every year, to improve tire performance and handling as well as increase fuel efficiency.

Do you schedule repair and maintenance for your vehicles?

Your car goes through a lot each day. Reliability isn’t something you should take for granted; by scheduling regular repair and maintenance visits with a reliable mechanic, you’re ensuring your vehicle will be there when you need it.

Check with your manufacturer’s guidelines, and talk with one of our mechanics. Together, we’ll ensure your car is at peak performance level and ready to go whenever you are.

Making Your Vehicle Last

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A lot of people have older vehicles.  They’re good commuters, grocery store runners, or toy-haulers.  Their owners enjoy the fact that they’re paid off, or will be soon.  They would gladly like to make their vehicles last for 200,000 miles or more…as long as it’s economical for them to do so.

There are plenty of people whose vehicles are running after 150,000 or 200,000 miles.  We can learn from what they do to make their vehicles last, so we can keep our own cars on the road longer.

A common denominator is that they never skip an oil change.  That may sound a bit unsophisticated, but it’s really not.  First off, the oil is the life blood of your engine and needs to be clean to properly lubricate.  Skipping oil changes leads to clogged oil filters and sludge that can damage your engine.  Enough said.

There’s another reason the scheduled oil change is so important.  It’s simple – an Express Car Care technician is going to be looking at your car.  All of your fluid levels will be inspected and topped off so they won’t get so low that damage can be done.  If there is significant fluid loss – let’s use brake fluid as an example – your technician can look for the cause of the loss and find the problem before it leads to an accident or costly repair.

Your service technician will also visually inspect the vehicle for worn belts and hoses, uneven tire wear, leaking shock absorbers and more.  Problems get addressed before they lead to repairs that cost more than the car’s worth.  Your service adviser will also be able to remind you of other services that the factory recommends you get done.

Just think of an oil change in the same way you view a six month cleaning and checkup at the dentist – you shouldn’t skip it.

Of course, good maintenance costs money, but it’s far cheaper than new car payments.

Give us a call and schedule your next oil change today, or just bring it in –  you don’t need an appointment.

How Often Should Your Brakes Be Replaced?

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Your vehicle’s entire brake system will wear out over time. That includes brake pads, brake rotors, and brake calipers. It also depends on your driving patterns.

Every part of your brake system will have to be replaced at some point. The key is in doing so before it puts you in danger.

Understanding brake wear

Stop to think for a moment how many times your brakes are used in any given year. According to one study, the average driver uses their brakes around 75,000 times in a year! That’s a lot of braking.

Vehicular accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Brake failure is cause for only about 5 percent of total accidents per year. But considering there were 6.5 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes, that still equates to around 325,000 accidents due to problems with the braking system.How Often Should Your Brakes Be Replaced?

All parts of the braking system wear out over time, but brake wear depends on a variety of factors, including:

Brake pad hardness – brake pads come in several varieties made up of several different compounds. They are created and installed, depending on a car’s needs. For most urban driving, brake pads are made from a softer compound that does well driving around town, but does begin to break down in more performance-like settings. If you go with performance brake pads, the material is harder and made to last longer, but they don’t perform as well under most urban driving conditions.

Materials – because brake pads are made up of different compounds, they wear differently over time. The same applies to the brake rotor. Carbon-ceramic brakes, for example, will last longer than a standard metal brake, but they need to be warmer to be more effective. That can be a problem here in Colorado.  Steel or metal brakes are better for our Front Range driving conditions, and handle well throughout the year.

Driving conditions – even here in the Denver metro area, we all drive differently. Some people rarely drive more than a ten mile radius, staying close to home almost all the time for work and play. Others travel up into the mountains many weekends a year. Some people are defensive drivers, braking abruptly throughout their commutes, while others prefer smooth, gradual braking and allow plenty of room between them and the car in front of them. Some spend their days driving from stoplight to stoplight, while others drive mostly on the highway. All of this impacts how your brakes wear and how long they will last.

How do you know when to replace your brakes?

Brakes aren’t something you’ll regularly replace like motor oil or even your tires. The best way rule of thumb is to pay attention to your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines. Most mechanics will tell you that brake pads, in general, will last around 50,000 miles. Of course, all of the wearability factors from above go into that. It’s not unusual for cars to come in and need a brake job at 25,000, while others can push the envelope and wait until closer to 75,000 miles. It depends on a variety of things.

Luckily, it’s not all based on mileage. There isn’t a magical number in which you have to show up and have your brakes replaced. You can watch for warning signs.

Brake pad thickness – brake pad thickness will wear down over time. Inspect them regularly. If you have your tires rotated (and you should), or go in for an oil change, the mechanic can  take a look and tell you the condition of your brake pads.

Squealing noise – you can’t miss the sound of a brake pad that’s reaching end of life. It makes a metallic squealing noise to let you know the end is near. Brake pads have small metal pieces built into the bottom of the brake pad for that very reason. When those surface, it’s basically metal against metal, grinding away to tell you something is wrong.

Pulling and vibration – does it feel like your car pulls to one side while braking? Do you feel a vibration when you step on the brake pedal? All can be feedback from your braking system. In some cases, it might be the rotors are warped. It can also be a vehicle that’s out of alignment. When you feel either of these, your safest bet is to have a mechanic check out your brake system and fix the problem.

Whenever your brakes are worn out or lose performance, it’s time to replace them. Good, functional brakes are the key to keeping you and your family safe.

What to do when brake failure happens

While it’s important to keep your brakes in good working condition, occasionally brakes fail. As a driver, you should understand what to do if that happens.

Your first step is to determine if you have standard brakes or antilock brakes. The easiest way to tell is to watch your dashboard when you start the car. An ABS will light up if you have antilock brakes.

If standard brakes go out, you’ll come to a stop doing three things.

First, downshift to a lower gear. Next, pump the brakes fast and hard to create a buildup of brake fluid. If you haven’t noticed a change after four or five pumps, locate the parking brake and pull up. Do it gradually and be prepared for the car to skid.

If you still can’t stop the car, put the car into a low gear and steer it towards safety. It will eventually roll to a stop. Of course, living here in the Rocky Mountains, that can also be a problem coming down large hills. In that case, if you’re traveling at highway speeds, you might have to use the guard rail as a buffer. Steer so you scrape gently against it to slow your speed. Honk and flash your lights to alert other drivers to your problem.

If you have antilock brakes, you’ll push the pedal all the way to the floor and allow the ABS to do the pulsing for you. If none of it works, you’ll perform the same steps as above.

This doesn’t happen that often, but it’s still a good idea to practice skid situations in a safe environment. Use your parking brake to get a good feel for how your car handles in a variety of situations.

When was the last time your brakes were replaced?

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks