Brake Service

Making Your Brakes Last

October 14, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

As a driver, you know some parts wear out sooner than others. You have to get an oil change every few thousand miles. Tires need to be replaced when they start to wear down. And brakes, they’re important too.

Yet things are expensive these days. Money only stretches so far. If you’ve ever put off a maintenance item because something else takes precedence, you’ve pushed the limits of stretching the workability of a part.

Brakes are an integral part of every car. Imagine sailing down I-70 without brakes. That would be more than a thrill ride as you try to keep control around every corner. But it doesn’t take a steep hill to throw you into a dangerous situation. Even approaching a stoplight in town can be a scary situation if you tap on the brake pedal and nothing happens.

Having an efficient braking system will ensure your safety in every situation. How do you balance that with the desire to make your brakes last as long as possible?

First, realize your braking system is only designed to last for so long. It will wear out over time. While you often hear brake pads are the first to go, it isn’t always the case. The brake system is made up of many different parts, and depending on how it wears down, a variety of things can go wrong over time.

Overall, brakes will start to lose their effectiveness around 25,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for more information, as your manufacturer has guidelines for every system they build.

You can’t make your brakes last forever, but there are things you can do to extend their life. Here’s what you can do.

Smart driving

There are two types of drivers: offensive and defensive. When you slow down, stop being in a rush to get from place to place, you tend not to put as much stress on your vehicle. You can watch the traffic around you and assess what’s happening before you get into situations that require quick decisions. You can drive without putting excessive strain on your brake system.

Stomping on the brakes is never a good thing. It requires reflexive decisions, and makes you more likely to spin out of control. Leave space between you and the car in front of you no matter if you’re on a drive into the mountains, or are heading to the grocery store in your own neighborhood. This allows you to brake softly, putting less strain on your entire braking system.

It’s also important to use your brakes fully engaged. Have you ever stopped at a light, and pulled up on the brakes allowing the wheels to inch forward? That’s known as wheel creep, which also increases wear on the braking system. Are you a two-footed driver? Do you keep one actively on the gas pedal while the other is on the brakes? That also puts excessive wear on the brake system. Use the brakes as intended, and they will last longer and provide more service for as long as you own your vehicle.

Keeping your vehicle well maintained

When was the last time you washed your car? When was the last time you cleaned it thoroughly, inside and out? Are there boxes and bags of things in your trunk? Do you carry around excess weight that’s only adding to the heaviness of your car? Take out the sports equipment, the home maintenance projects, and the boxes left over from school. If it doesn’t belong in your vehicle for day to day travel, take it out.

That’s because a heavier vehicle takes more braking power to control. Every vehicle was designed with specific guidelines in place. Manufacturers created the brake system to fully control the vehicle and the passengers it carries. When you start adding in ski equipment, a toolbox, parts from the hardware store – items that can add tens, if not hundreds of pounds of extra weight – it adds strain on the movement of the vehicle.

It’s not just your brakes that will thank you. Excessive weight also strains tires and gas mileage too, making you spend more every day you drive your car.

Brake system flush

When you press down on the brake pedal, it’s the job of brake fluid to allow your braking system to fully function. Brake fluid moves through the braking line, which causes the brake pads to compress against the rotors, which slows and stops your car.

Like other fluids that flow through your car to make it operate efficiently, brake fluid will only last for so long. Eventually, it wears down, dirt, air, particles, and other contaminants infiltrate the fluid, and make it sluggish as it moves through the system. Ever tap on the brake pedal and have it feel spongy, non-responsive? That could be contaminated brake fluid in the line.

A brake system flush rids the line of fluid and moisture and replaces it with clean brake fluid. A flush ensures you’ll have optimal performance from your braking system overall. It keeps all components of the brake system working their best. While the industry average is right around 25,000 miles, it’s dependent on the make and model of your vehicle. Not sure? We have access to all vehicle guidelines and can help determine the right maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

Regular maintenance

As a car owner, you know certain aspects of car maintenance are important. You fill it up with gas regularly. You replace the tires. You get an oil change every 3,000 miles.

While it might seem like a good way to save money, coupon shopping will not help you properly maintain your car. When you find coupons for every maintenance item you need completed, chances are you’re stretching out the timeframe of when it’s best to make changes to your vehicle. You notice a problem, and look for the best way to save money. You ignore the problem until it’s too big to ignore.

By using a service station regularly for all of your vehicle’s needs, it’s similar to going to the same doctor for your wellness checkups, so they understand what to watch for and what to suggest. A mechanic gets to know your vehicle, makes notes of what to watch for, and can make suggestions to increase the longevity of each system within your vehicle.

There are often problems only a practiced eye will notice. We work with different vehicles every day, and have the knowledge and skill to help you make the most of every part, every system within your car.

If You Drive On Worn Brakes …

August 28, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Imagine coming home after a day of skiing. You’re tired. Traffic is heavy. You’re doing your best to keep your eyes on the road. Suddenly, someone cuts in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Nothing happens …

Or maybe you’re driving through the neighborhood. Your mind is on a problem at work, stopping by the grocery store on the way home, your plans for the weekend. A ball rolls in front of you. A child runs out from behind a car. You stomp on the brake pedal. Nothing happens …

Wild stories? Not in the least. As you read each of them, you probably felt just how real each of them could be.

At the bottom of each is a problem with the car. When you drive on worn brakes, you might lose control. You might not be able to control your vehicle as intended. And in each of the cases mentioned above, it can lead to scary, disastrous results.

Driving on worn brakes will lead to expensive repair bills and replacement of other car components. Brake pads are crucial to the brake system, but they aren’t the only part. When you allow one part to deteriorate, it leads to damage in other parts of the car. Brake pads may not be the only part that can impact your drive, but they are the most noticeable as they begin to wear down.

How can you tell if your brake pads are worn?

With all major components and systems of your car, there are built in warning systems to alert you to potential problems before they occur. Watch for these things, sure signs your brakes are worn down.

what-if-youre-stressed-about-car-repairs

Noise – Brake pads have a built in noise indicator to alert you to when the pad is wearing down. You can’t ignore the screeching sound worn brake pads make. This isn’t something that’ll go away. It continues to get worse the more worn the brake pads become. It does give you ample time to connect with your mechanic and get your car in for servicing.

Vibrations – Sometimes you can feel the problem. If damage to the brake pads has impacted the rotors, you’ll feel a slight vibration every time you press down on the brake pedal. Full connection between the various components isn’t taking place, and you’re at risk of not being able to stop effectively when pressing down on the brakes.

Soft pedal – Instead of feeling a vibration when you press down on the brake pedal, it might take more pressure to accomplish the same brake function. People often define worn down brakes as acting like a sponge – there’s little resistance as you apply pressure to the brake pedal. That lack of tension is a sign your brakes need replacing.

Slow response – Over time, your brake system might not respond in the same manner as it did when you first purchased your vehicle. Pay attention to the changes. If you notice you’re having to push down farther on the brake pedal, it takes you longer to come to a complete stop at a traffic light, or you have narrow misses because of a longer stopping range, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for inspection.

What happens when you drive on worn brakes

You’ve determined your brake pads are worn. You know you have a problem that needs to be fixed. But you have places to go, things to do. Maybe next week …

What can happen if you continue to drive on worn brakes?

You might damage the brake rotors and calipers

While brake pads might be the most common repair item on a vehicle’s brake system, there are many other components that make it function. If your brake pads continue to wear down, they will eventually impact other components of your vehicle.

As the brake pads wear past the wear mark, they may not have enough material left to get the job done. That can impact the brake rotors, damaging them as well. As you brake, the brake pads press against the brake rotors to slow and stop your car. If the pads are excessively worn, this produces a metal on metal grind, which damages the rotors.

This can also cause excessive heat, especially if you’re driving long distances or applying your brakes more than usual, such as coming down from the mountains. Worn pads squeezing the rotor can also warp and crack it. Brake rotors are designed to last longer than brake pads, but not if they are damaged in the process.

It can wear down your tires

Another component that can be impacted by worn down brakes are your tires.

As you drive on worn out brake pads, it takes more energy to bring your vehicle to a stop. That means you’re more likely to slam on the brakes more frequently as you avoid potentially harmful situations.

Excessive braking will cause your tires to wear out faster due to the higher impact of jolting to a stop. They may need more balancing, or possibly have uneven tire wear.

Don’t ignore potential brake problems

Having your brakes checked regularly should be considered routine maintenance. Don’t ignore them. If you put off a warning sign today, it will lead to further damage and higher repair bills in the near future.

Your brakes are one of the most important safety components of your vehicle. Have a professional check it out and repair it as quickly as possible at the first sign of a brake issue.

With today’s vehicles, technology can alert you to problems long before they grow. If you notice the brake light on your dashboard illuminate, use that as an indicator it’s time to make an appointment.

You should also pay attention to your drive. Even if you don’t notice a vibration in your brake pedal, or a noise when you step on the brake pedal, as a regular driver, you can feel when something is wrong.

If your car pulls to one side or the other as you brake, it’s an indication of a problem. If you hear a strange sound, smell an out of the ordinary odor, or see fluid underneath your vehicle as you pull away, those are all good indicators of an issue with your car.

Let one of our trained mechanics inspect it and find out what’s wrong.

We’ll have you on the road again in no time, safely.

Are You Properly Towing Your Trailer? If Not, It Might Be Impacting Your Brakes and Suspension

August 25, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

You don’t have to look any further than your local highway to know Coloradans love taking vacations. Trucks and SUVs are towing trailers, heading out into the high country to take advantage of all Colorado has to offer.

But did you know that towing a trailer has a huge impact on your brakes and suspension? If you aren’t aware of proper towing know-how, you could be putting a lot at risk. Improper towing could damage your car’s brakes, suspension, tires, transmission, and even impact your alignment. Your fun trip to the middle of nowhere could turn into one giant headache if you’re not adequately prepared.

Are you properly towing your trailer? Are your brakes and suspension at risk? Here are a few questions to keep in mind.

How much can your vehicle really tow?

You have a truck. You just bought a trailer. What could go wrong?

Quite a lot if the two aren’t properly paired. It’s important to understand how much your vehicle can tow before you purchase a trailer. If the trailer is too large for your vehicle, it can damage the suspension, transmission, even your engine.

Your vehicle comes with a towing capacity. The conventional towing capacity is regarded as how much it can pull with a frame-mounted hitch. Fifth wheel towing capacity would be mounted directly in the bed of your truck. Check with the owner’s manual to find out how much weight your vehicle can handle. This is the maximum weight it can pull without damaging the vehicle. Keep in mind that if you add other items to the trailer after you purchase it, it will add to the weight capacity. Make sure you stay within limits to ensure safety precautions.

Do you have the proper equipment?

Have you changed vehicles? Upgraded the trailer? Have a different combination than what you started with years before?

Not all equipment works in every situation. Towing requires four main pieces of equipment: a hitch, a receiver, a drawbar, and a hitch ball. Each of these parts work together to keep your vehicle and your trailer properly connected.

The hitch attaches directly to your vehicle and provides the connection between the vehicle and the trailer. A hitch class 1 tows up to 2,000 pounds, class 2 up to 3,500 pounds, class 3 up to 8,000 pounds, and class ⅘ up to 18,000 pounds. Hitches must be married up to the right vehicle to ensure proper towing capacity.

The receiver is the base for all other elements, and is appropriately sized depending on the different load sizes.

The drawbar is a tube that threads between the receiver and the hitch ball. You can buy an adjustable height to ensure you create a level plane no matter what load you’re towing.

The hitch ball comes in multiple sizes and is designed for varying amounts of weight.

These items are not interchangeable. You have to have the proper equipment as you move from towing your boat, to your trailer, to a mini-camper. Always ensure you have the proper equipment to remain safe at all times.

Have you thought about all of the details?

You have a truck or an SUV. You’ve purchased a new trailer. You’re about to head out on the open road. What could go wrong?

A lot if you’re not diligent about the details. Safety checks are mandatory to ensure your vehicle stays safe.

When you’re towing, you should ensure you have trailer lights to assure other drivers know what you’re doing. Do they operate correctly? Do they mimic your taillights and respond correctly to what you signal from your vehicle?

Have you used extra support chains to provide additional support connecting your vehicle to the trailer? This can prevent your trailer from careening into another vehicle if something should go wrong with the hitch.

Have you secured your load? Are all doors shut and properly locked? Is everything secured so it won’t fly out when you hit highway speeds?

Have you checked the laws for where you’re going? Different states have different rules. If you are spending time in a location, you may be required to match those laws with your own setup. Paying attention before you leave can prevent headaches down the road.

Check your tires regularly – all of them. If they aren’t properly inflated and in good working condition, they can become a danger out on the open road. This includes the trailer tires. A check up before you leave will ensure you don’t have tire troubles later. Look for worn spots, improper wheel alignment, or tires that simply aren’t up for the job you’re about to undertake.

Is it time to invest in additional performance options?

Chances are if you’re investing in a vehicle and trailer, this will be more than a one-time event. Think clearly about your long-term expectations, and find performance options that can help you stay safer.

For example, you can find a lot of additional parts that can make a difference in the way your vehicle moves and operates. How about a set of helper springs that help absorb the shock as your vehicle moves. They can assist with adding extra support to the springs and shocks, cushioning the action with every bump you hit in the road.

Or maybe an enhanced exhaust system to help release back pressure from the engine. This can help the engine breathe easier, which can be important especially if you’re heading into the Rocky Mountains.

No matter what you decide, the key to staying safe is to ensure they are all properly maintained for as long as they are in use.

Are you ready to go?

Before you head out on your next great adventure, ensure both your vehicle and trailer are in excellent shape.

Existing brake problems will only be exacerbated by towing a heavy load.

Worn tires or improper wheel alignment can spell disaster as you weave around curvy roads.

And the added weight can quickly impact your suspension, putting you more at risk of collision.

The best way to prevent all that is through regular maintenance. If you’ll be towing a trailer in the near future, let us know. We’ll check your vehicle out thoroughly to ensure it’s ready for the job.

And have fun on your next vacation!

Think Twice Before Changing Brake Pads At Home

August 11, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

We’re all looking for easy ways to save money these days. Everywhere you look, prices seem to be rising.

If you can take on a few DIY projects at home, why not?

But some jobs are better left to the experts. Your car’s brake pads may be one of them. If you do a quick search online, you’ll find a ton of sites telling you it’s an easy job. They even provide step by step instructions to help you along.

Before tackling this project, ask yourself a question: Is saving a few bucks worth it if it adds risk every time I drive my car?

Changing brake pads at home may be an option if you’re well equipped with the needed tools, and have the knowledge to complete the job safely and risk-free. If not, it might be better left to the experts. Here are a few things to think about before you tackle this job.

Do I have the right tools for the job?

This may seem like an obvious question. You wouldn’t take on a job if you didn’t have the right tools. But it’s easy to start a project without realizing all of the tools you’ll need. Typically, you’ll need:

Floor jack
Jack stands
Brake tools
Replacement brake pads
Replacement rotors if necessary
Brake grease
Socket wrench
Tire iron
Specific instructions for your vehicle make and model

Whew! That’s a lot of tools for this one job.

This isn’t something you want to sidestep in any way. Today’s vehicles weigh anywhere from 1 to 2 tons. One mistake can cost you everything, so it’s a good thing to put safety at the top of your list.

Think Twice Before Changing Brake Pads At Home

How complicated can changing the brake pads be?

A lot of savvy drivers have thought this project is easier than it is. But unless you have auto repair experience, it can be a lot more difficult than you think.

Today’s vehicles aren’t simple; they are sophisticated technology with every piece intricately designed to work together with the parts around them. Not only can a lot of things go wrong if you aren’t familiar with the process, but you can skip over glaring problems that are causing other issues without realizing it.

If you hear a grinding noise while pressing on the brake pedal, you might assume it’s your brake pads. Yet after analysis, it might be a problem with your rotors. Are you prepared to notice the difference as you pull the brake system apart?

Depending on the vehicle you drive, you might also have to understand two separate systems. Cars with rear drum brakes maybe a little more complicated due to the additional parts and connections.

How safe do I want my vehicle to be?

Kind of a trick question, right? Of course, we all want our vehicles to be as safe as possible. It only takes one glance at a crushed vehicle to understand how important safety features are.

You wouldn’t put your child into the car without a car seat. You wouldn’t want a loved one to ride along without being properly buckled in.

Do you really want to take the chance that you might not be able to brake properly as you head onto the highway, possibly for a road trip?

Next to seatbelts and airbags, your brakes are one of the most important mechanisms on your vehicle that help protect you in times of need. If your brake pads aren’t installed properly, they won’t be there to do the job they’re meant to do.

That means they may compromise the safety of your vehicle, putting you and those around you at greater risk.

What is my time worth?

We all lead busy lives. We all have more on our plates than we can possibly accomplish each day. That’s human nature.

So why take on jobs that aren’t your specialty?

Consider this: a highly trained auto technician can easily replace brake pads in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the make and model. They have a trained eye to watch out for little nuances that add to the safety factor as they are working through the process. If they notice an additional problem, no matter how small it is, they can make adjustments to make your car safer.

How long would it take you to do the same job?

Would you recognize other problems?

What if you finished the job, only to realize the brakes still don’t “feel” right? Maybe the brake pedal still goes to the floor when you apply the brakes. Maybe they feel a bit squishy as you apply the brakes. Something is wrong. And now your investment went way up as a technician will have to correct the job you took on.

What a brake inspection looks like

When it’s time to replace the brake pads on your vehicle, it’s more complicated than pulling the old part off, and putting the new part on. With today’s technology, it involves ensuring the entire system is working well to keep you safe.

A trained mechanic will provide a thorough, comprehensive inspection of every vehicle that comes in for servicing. They are trained to spot a problem based on a few tell-tale signs, as well as have the know-how for what to look for as they complete the job. It’s a mechanic’s job to ensure that you’ll have total confidence in knowing it was a job well done when you drive away.

Brake inspection includes checking:

Brake pads
Calipers
Rotors
Drums
Wheel cylinders
Springs
Hoses
Parking brake cables
Fluid
Wheel bearings
Grease seals
Master cylinder fluid

Can you do all that?

Is it worth your time, knowing a trained mechanic can do the job the right way the first time?

When it comes to your safety, your car’s brake system is vitally important. Rather than changing your brake pads at home, where you might miss important factors, why not consider relying on a trained mechanic instead.

Your safety might just depend on it.

Mountain Driving – Why There’s a Burning Smell Coming From Your Brakes

July 17, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Colorado driving brings all kinds of challenges to drivers. Here in Denver, you’ll deal with ice, snow, heatwaves, flooded roads, and sudden drops in temperatures that can have you turning on your air conditioner and heater all in one day.

One of the greatest challenges comes from mountain driving. You may start out at home in a relatively flat location. Hop on the highway, and in just a couple of hours, you can be climbing thousands of feet, change from dry roads to snow-packed highways, and you’re left navigating it all.

Whether you’re new to Colorado driving, or have been here for decades, it takes some getting used to.

A big challenge comes from navigating up and down the mountain. It takes a lot of power getting up some of those hills. It also takes a lot of power to keep your car under control as you drive down. If you’re driving and you suddenly notice a burning smell from your brakes, what does it mean? You know it’s not good,

Anytime you smell a burning smell while you’re driving, it’s not good. Of course, it can mean different things. Any change in your vehicle should be brought to a mechanic’s attention as soon as possible to ensure it’s not a serious problem.

What could a burning smell from the brakes mean?

When you smell a burning smell coming from your brakes, it can mean a variety of things, depending on what you’re doing at the time you notice it.

Mountain Driving - Why There’s a Burning Smell Coming From Your Brakes

New brakes

If you’ve just picked up your car where new brakes have been installed, it can be a little disheartening when you notice a burning smell as you tap on the brakes just a few miles from the shop. In this case, the burning smell isn’t a bad thing at all. A slight burning smell coming from new brakes is harmless, meaning the resin coating built into the brake pad is coming off, and the brakes are settling into use. Consider this the break-in period to allow your brake pads to adjust to your vehicle.

Different brands and types will have a different break-in period. Some might not smell at all, while others have a noticeable odor for an extended period of time. If you’re not sure, give us a call. We can assure you everything will be alright, or if we feel there may be a problem, we’ll recommend you return so we can check everything out.

Your parking brake may be engaged

We’ve been taught that the parking brake is just for parking, but it actually has a lot more uses than that. The parking brake is part of your overall braking system. When engaged, it presses against the rear brakes with less force than the regular braking pads. It’s a secondary system that was designed as a safety feature in case the braking system failed, yet today it’s primarily used to keep a vehicle in place while parked, especially if you’re on a steep incline.

To engage a parking brake, you usually have one of four types of parking brakes.

Stick lever – this can be located on the steering column of older models
Center lever – located between the two front seats
Foot pedal – located to the left of the other pedals
Push button – located on the console on newer vehicles

Manufacturers suggest using the parking brake as a safety precaution every time you stop. If you follow these guidelines, sometimes the parking brake feature might not disengage all the way when you release it before you start driving again. If so, this brake function is pressing against the rear brakes, and can cause a slight burning smell.

Do you notice other problems? Do you hear a squealing or grinding noise? Are you having trouble accelerating? All can point to a problem with the parking brake releasing.

Brakes are overheating

When you press down on your brake pedal, it engages the brake pads against the rotors, working hard to bring your wheels to a stop. This friction can produce a lot of heat in a short period of time. Aggressive or frequent braking can continually build heat rather than giving the braking system a chance to cool and dissipate some of the heat it’s generated as you drive. Eventually, this can cause the entire system to overheat.

Now think about what happens when coming home from a day in the mountains. It’s miles of road at steep grades bringing you safely down thousands of feet at a rapid pace. Tapping the brakes to slow, over and over again, continues the process of allowing the brakes to generate heat. Especially as you’re navigating a long line of traffic heading in the same direction.

In today’s world, most of us no longer use manual transmissions to get where we’re going. We rely on automatic transmissions to do the work for us. Yet even if you drive an automatic, have you noticed a “2” and “1” on your automatic gear shift? It’s built for these conditions.

Instead of leaving your gears engaged for everyday forward driving, by shifting down to a lower gear, it will take the effort of slowing your vehicle off your braking system, and put it on the power of the engine instead.

If you’re traveling under 50 mph, you can shift into 2nd gear on the fly, meaning you don’t have to pull over. You’ll hear the engine downshift, and the vehicle will begin to safely slow on its own. You need to use the brakes should be significantly reduced.

For an exceptionally steep hill, you can further reduce your speed by moving it into 1st gear – as long as you’re traveling 30 mph or less.

Then eventually move it back into automatic when the steep incline is gone.

Do you notice a burning smell coming from your brakes? Try one of these three techniques and keep a watchful eye out to see if further problems develop. If they do, we’re only a phone call away. Schedule your appointment today, and we’ll ensure your brakes will keep you safe for as long as you own your vehicle.

Here’s What Can Happen If You Drive With Worn Brakes

July 10, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

What’s one of the most important systems on your vehicle? While it’s easy to make a case for several, moving the brake system towards the top of the list is apparent. Imagine sailing down the highway after a day of skiing, only to find your brakes no longer work. That would be a scary experience at best.

Yet a lot can happen to the brake system between being brand new and complete failure. Worn brakes occur after a lot of miles put on your car. It happens over time. And as the miles add up, your brakes deteriorate, they don’t work quite the way they do when they were new.

They also start providing telltale signs they are wearing down. Notice the warning signs and you can fix your brakes long before they present you with a problem.

Understanding the brake system

Before we get into the many ways you’ll start to notice worn brakes, it’s important to understand how a car’s brake system works.

If you’ve ever ridden a bicycle, you have a basic understanding of how a brake system works. A bike has two wheels, with a brake attached to both. To control the speed, you press down on a hand brake, which applies pressure to each wheel and slows it down. The harder you push, the more force is used until eventually, the bike comes to a complete stop.

The same applies to a vehicle, using four wheels instead. Cars have brakes on all four wheels, which is operated through a hydraulic system to make it easy to stop without a lot of work on your part.

Here’s What Can Happen If You Drive With Worn Brakes

When your foot pushes down on the brake pedal, hydraulic force is sent into the system to start the braking process. A piston moves into a cylinder and squeezes hydraulic fluid into the braking system. It moves through a series of brake lines and hoses to lubricate and produce a reaction. Pressure is transmitted to all four brake lines, which forces friction between the brake rotors and brake pads. As this pressure continues, it slows the vehicle until it eventually comes to a full stop.

If any piece of this process starts to wear, it impacts the drive of your car.

Of course, some are more noticeable than others. What can happen if you continue to drive with worn brakes?

You can experience unpleasant sounds and smells

There’s no ignoring worn brakes. That’s by design. One of the most common repairs within the brake system is to replace worn out brake pads. Manufacturers design brake pads with a warning signal built in. As you get towards the end of the brake pad, metal is revealed which, when it connects with the brake rotor, will create a loud squealing sound.

You might also notice a burning smell. If your brakes are new, that burning smell might simply be the resin used in production burning away as the brakes settle in. But if you’ve been driving for a while and you start to notice a burning smell, it can be from other complications. Brake fluid leaking can settle onto the brake pads, and when it’s heated from the friction of stopping, it can produce a burning smell. This is where it pays to know your car well.

You can feel your car vibrate as you brake

When your vehicle is working properly, every process works smoothly. When you tap on the brakes, your vehicle slows until eventually coming to a stop.

But when your brake pads have excessive wear or are damaged in any way, they don’t make a solid connection with the rotors. And without a solid connection, it can trigger an on-off connection, meaning you’ll feel a vibration as it works its way up through the system.

If the car shakes or you feel vibrations through the steering wheel as you apply the brakes, and it stops as you take your foot back off the brake pedal, there’s a good chance it’s time to have your brakes serviced.

You notice it takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop

Remember when your brakes were new? You tapped on the brake pedal and it felt like your car could stop on a dime?

Over the years, you have to apply more pressure to get the same reaction. It’s essential to pay attention to response time. How much give is there as you press on the brake pedal? Do you feel your vehicle slowing with a tap, or are you having to press it all the way down?

If you don’t have as much control through pushing on the brake pedal, it can slow your reaction time, putting you in more danger. If they don’t engage or disengage, the pads aren’t gripping properly or uniformly, which impacts how well you control your car. This can put you in a variety of dangerous positions, especially if you add inclement weather into the mix too.

You notice your tires wearing down

Your tires are one of the most important parts of the brake system. They are what connects your vehicle to the road. Without the proper tire pressure and tread levels, they won’t have gripping power. And that can mean putting you at risk as you drive.

You can do a few things to check your tires. Check the tire pressure at least once a month, more as we move through heatwaves and cold spells. If your car doesn’t have a tire pressure gauge built in, you can check it regularly at your local service station.

You should also do a visual test regularly. Before getting in and driving away, walk around your vehicle and inspect your tires. Is one flatter than the others? Do you see any signs of damage? The faster you take action on potential problems, the better chance you have of fixing it before it needs full replacement.

Keep an eye on tread levels as well. You can do this easily with a penny test. Place a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you into the tread of the shallowest part of the tire. If you can see the top of his head, your tires have worn down and need to be replaced.

Can you drive on worn brakes? You do so every day. But when they reach a point of putting you, your passengers, and others around you at risk, it’s time to take action.

Drum Brakes

June 21, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Brakes that work properly are essential to your safety. You want to carefully maintain your brakes. In vehicles that are equipped with drum brakes, the brake components are housed inside a drum that rotates with the wheel. When you step on the brake pedal, brake shoes push out against the inside of the drum, slowing the wheel.

Brake shoes will wear away with use from rubbing on the drum as you brake. When it’s time to replace brake shoes, it’s a straight-forward repair.

If you hear squealing or grinding when you are braking, have your service adviser check them out. He’ll have a technician perform a thorough brake inspection to see what needs to be done. He’ll check for signs of brake problems and go over other brake components to see that they’re working properly.

He can tell you it it’s time to replace the shoes or if there are other issues with your drum brakes that should be addressed. Some people ignore the warning signs and keep on driving long after the shoes are completely worn out. When this happens, metal brake components will grind against the drum, damaging it enough that it must be resurfaced or replaced.

When you push on your brake pedal, the wheel cylinder is activated, and it pushes the shoes against the drum to slow the vehicle. This cylinder, and various springs within the brake, can wear out affecting your ability to stop. The worn components can be easily replaced.

The new shoes we put on your vehicle will restore your brakes to manufacturers’ specifications. Or, we can install upgraded parts to increase your stopping power and reduce brake noise and brake dust. We have several options to meet your braking requirements as well as your budget.

Taking care of your brakes keeps them working safely – and you can also prevent premature brake repairs from happening down the road.

Give us a call or come in and see us and let us know how we can help you.

Brake Check Checklist To Ensure Your Passengers Safety

April 25, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

When it comes to vehicle safety, there are many tasks you shouldn’t ignore. Motor oil is important; experts suggest replacing it about every 3,000 miles. If your tires wear out, not only will they provide a very bumpy ride, but they may also suffer a blowout, putting you and your passengers at risk.

But few would argue at the top of the safety list is your car braking system. The head of the Car Care Council said it best when he stated, “If brake service is neglected, you’re gambling with your safety, and the safety of your passengers and other drivers.”

For all those reasons and more, it’s important to keep a brake check checklist handy, and refer to it from time to time to ensure your car’s braking system is operating the way it should. It’s the best way to keep you and those around you safe and secure.

A good brake check inspection will allow you to recognize when things go wrong, as well as allow you to take action before bigger problems arise. If you have an older car and you haven’t paid much attention to the brakes lately, do this now.

Step 1: Schedule a brake inspection

A car’s brake system is made up of a variety of different components.

The brake master cylinder pushes hydraulic fluid into the brake lines. Most master cylinders have two components for safety reasons, one section to control the front brakes, the other for the rear brake. It works by controlling the amount of hydraulic fluid released in order to maintain the pressure used to slow down the vehicle.

The brake rotor (or brake drum on older cars) spins while the car is operating. The brake pad and caliper push against the brake rotor to cause friction necessary to slow down and stop the vehicle.

In a disc brake system, the brake pad and caliper are used to control the speed by pressing up against a spinning brake disc. Brake calipers provide a clamping force that pushes the brake pad against the rotor.

The alternative to this is a brake shoe that is used for slowing and stopping drum brakes. The brake shoe rubs against the interior of the drum brake to control speed.

The brake pedal is the connector to give you control of how much pressure is applied within the braking system.

Many vehicles today are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Each wheel has a sensor that detects how fast each wheel is spinning. If your wheels lock and one or more wheel spins at different speeds, the ABS module turns on to help you safely control and stop your car. This is run by an ABS module that programs the speeds and keeps the system working.
Brakes lines move brake fluid throughout the system to allow ease when you tap on the brakes.

While these are the main components of the braking system, there are many more parts that go into making up each individual component. If any of these parts wear down, break, or leak, it can put your braking system in jeopardy.

When you schedule a brake inspection, a mechanic will look at the entire braking system thoroughly. They move through the entire process, ensuring parts are in good condition, fluid is at the right levels, and every piece is working as it should. If you’re heading out on a road trip, this is an important step before you leave to give you added insurance your car is safe for the road.

Step 2: Never ignore warning signs

As a part of your brake check checklist, you should become aware of how your vehicle runs when it’s working at its best. How does it act? How does it sound?

Being aware of what your car sounds like in good working condition will help you pick up on the signs when something goes bad.

Do you hear a squealing, squeaking, or grinding noise? The brake pads are built with an internal indicator to create sound when they reach the end of their lifespan. They provide you with plenty of warnings to schedule an appointment and get your car in for servicing. A grinding noise might also mean dirt or debris has made its way into the brake line, and is causing havoc somewhere within the system. Bringing it in for servicing will allow a mechanic to thoroughly inspect the brakes and make corrections as needed.

Do you feel a vibration in the steering wheel? It could be uneven rotors. As the brake pads apply pressure to each of the four rotors, unevenness will send shockwaves through the system, and present itself as wobbling or a vibration.

Do you notice a spongy or soft brake? Over time, it can take more pressure applied to the brake pedal to slow and stop your vehicle. This could be a leak in the brake lines, or a problem with the master cylinder. This is also a sign you should schedule servicing as quickly as possible.

Do you smell something burning? If your brakes overheat as you use them, they have a sharp chemical smell you can’t miss. If your brakes get too hot, it can cause brake failure, meaning you’ll be driving without braking assistance. It’s important to pull over to safety immediately, and get your brake system checked out.

Step 3: Use your brakes correctly

This sounds almost obvious, but some drivers consistently put too much pressure on their vehicle’s braking system.

Speed is the enemy. If you drive too fast, follow too closely, and often find yourself slamming on the brakes, you’re putting too much pressure on the brake system. You’ll replace brake pads and other parts more frequently than if you slow down and drive less aggressively.

Coast when you can. Don’t hurry up just to stop again. And avoid being a two-footed driver. Having constant pressure on the brake pedal means your brake pads wear out that much faster.

If the brake warning light illuminates, don’t ignore it. Schedule your appointment with a mechanic today.

Step 4: Find a mechanic you can trust

While a trip to the service station often ends with you spending money on car repair, if you get to know your local mechanic, you can work in partnership to keep your vehicle safe.

If you have any questions about how to extend the life of your brake system, and how to get the most out of the parts you install, we’re here to provide the answers. Just call.

When Should You Use Your Parking Brake

April 10, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Your car’s braking system is one of the most essential mechanisms built in for safety. Imagine driving down the mountain after a day of skiing without it. Even coming to a stop for a stoplight would be a harrowing experience if something were to go wrong.

While your front and rear brakes make up the most important part of the braking system, there’s a third brake that doesn’t get as much attention yet is equally important: the parking brake. The parking brake is connected to the rear brake system, and is used mainly as a failsafe if something were to happen to your brakes during your normal drive.

The parking brake is a secondary brake system that is designed to be independent of the front and rear brakes. This is your safety feature. You’ll find the control for your parking brake in one of four places:

Center console – it’s a lever located between the two front seats
Foot pedal – it’s a pedal located on the floor on the far left of all other pedals
Stick – in older vehicles, you may find the emergency parking brake lever located on the instrument panel
Push button – on newer vehicles, a push button exists on the console with other components

The mechanism is available for easy access.

If you drive a manual transmission, you may be used to using a parking brake to keep your car from rolling. But that doesn’t make a parking brake on an automatic transmission any less important. In truth, everyone should be familiar with the uses of a parking brake, and utilize it to make your driving experience safer.

How a parking brake works

Your vehicle’s brakes are designed to bring your car to a stop. The more pressure you apply to the brake pedal, the more tension is transferred from the brake pad to the wheel, slowing your car until it eventually stops.

When you engage the parking brake, discs inside your rear wheel squeeze up against the inner part of the wheel in much the same way. This action slows the wheel, eventually stopping it and keeping it from rolling away.

While parking brakes work in a slightly different manner from vehicle to vehicle, to engage the parking brake, fully engage the rear brake system by pressing down on the brake pedal. Only then should you pull the lever or press the button for the parking brake system. Once the parking brake is in place, shift your car into park. Then release the brake pedal. This allows the hydraulic system to activate and do its work without putting added stress on the transmission.

Why your vehicle has a parking brake

In everyday situations, you might be tempted to only utilize your vehicle’s braking system. When you place your vehicle in park, a parking pawl is pushed into one of the grooves of the transmission gear to keep it from moving. A parking pawl is nothing more than a hammer-shaped pin that drops into place. While it might be enough force in everyday situations, it can weaken over time, especially if you’re on steep inclines or hills. One small pin stopping a several ton vehicle will only work for so long.

If you don’t use your parking brake regularly, this parking pawl weakens over time. That can impact your transmission system, or cause accidents as your vehicle rolls away. That can lead to expensive repairs.

Get in the practice of using your parking brake

Even if you infrequently drive, even if you park in relatively flat areas across the Front Range, your vehicle can still be at risk. If you’re putting your car in park, it’s a good idea to engage the parking brake too.

We advise using a parking brake no matter where you park your vehicle, but especially as your risk level increases.

Are you parallel parking on a hill? Engage your parking brake.

Are you filling up your vehicle at a gas station? Engage your parking brake.

Will you be leaving your car in a parking garage for hours at a time while you head into the office? Engage your parking brake.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. And a parking brake gives you added insurance to ensure your vehicle stays safe.

In many cases, people refer to a parking brake as an emergency brake. That title may be a bit misleading, making you think you only need it in emergency situations. The parking brake not only keeps your vehicle from moving, but it also saves your transmission from wear and tear. And that can save on repair bills down the road.

Using a parking brake in an emergency

Your car’s braking system is a complex mechanical system. Over time, it can fail, and that could be catastrophic depending on where it happens. That’s where the emergency brake comes into play. If you’ve ever referred to the parking brake as an emergency brake, this is why.

In the case of brake failure, you have seconds to react. A natural reaction is to stomp on the parking brake pedal, or pull up on the parking brake lever as hard as possible. Resist that urge. That will send your car into a tailspin, and possibly put you in even more danger.

Instead, slowly engage the emergency brake as your car comes to a stop. The parking brake is designed to hold your car in place, not stop it. As it engages, it slows your vehicle down until the point you can gain control.

Get a full brake inspection

If the concept of using your parking brake regularly is still new to you, put it into practice today. It can help your vehicle have a longer lifespan, as well as keep it safer over time.

Have a question about how well your brakes work? It’s time for a complete brake inspection. It’s the easiest way to determine how safe your entire braking system really is. By bringing it in, we can tell you how much wear is left on your brake pads, and give you tips on better driving and maintenance. If you pinpoint issues early, you’ll stay safer in the long run.

When was the last time you had a full brake inspection?

Is It Time To Replace The Brake Fluid?

March 28, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

As drivers, we put a lot of trust in our brakes. We assume they’ll work in every road condition. We trust in their abilities as we pull up to a stoplight, and think nothing about the process as we slow down for traffic.

But when you experience brake failure, fear runs through your veins. You apply pressure to the brake pedal and nothing is there. Ever had that happen when you hit a patch of ice?

As Coloradoans, we’ve learned to pay attention to driving conditions, especially in the winter. We slow down on icy roads, and become more cautious as the snowpack builds.

What about brake failure? Under the best of conditions, your brakes will only last so long. Over time, parts wear down, fluids leak, and defects become more prominent, until you reach a point where they aren’t performing the job as best as they can.

That’s when you face more risk, and potential failure.

What is brake fluid?

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluids are designed to provide energy transmission, which permits work and motion throughout the system. Hydraulic fluid is responsible for lubrication as well as heat transfer, and will prevent contaminants from entering inside the system.

Today’s modern vehicles wouldn’t work without the use of hydraulic fluids. In the brake system, it transfers force into the system, and amplifies the braking force.

Brake fluid operates under high temperatures and high pressure. It’s what gives you ease when you press down on your brake pedal, yet adds power to the process and brings your vehicle to a stop. That makes brake fluid one of the most important fluids you’ll find inside your vehicle. Without the right amount, the right kinds, and in the right condition, your vehicle would cease to run.

How do you know if your brake fluid isn’t operating well?

Like every system inside your vehicle, the brake system is designed with safeguards to warn you of potential problems. Pay attention to these signs. They will tell you when it’s time to replace your brake fluid.

ABS icon lights up

Luckily, today’s vehicles come with a computerized system that senses when changes occur within. When a problem is detected, the sensor triggers a light to the icons on your dashboard.

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. This light is designed to trigger when brake fluid is low or contaminated. When you see it, it’s a sign you need to bring your vehicle in for an inspection, and have a mechanic either top off your brake fluid, or replace it altogether.

Brake pedal operation

The brake system is designed to slow down and come to a complete stop with little pressure from you. As you tap the brake pedal, the action takes place quickly as hydraulic fluid transfers and adds power to the system.

When you press down and notice the action takes more effort, it’s a clear indication the brake fluid isn’t fully operational. It may be contaminated. It may be leaking somewhere in the system. That loss means you need to apply more pressure to get the job done.

If you notice a softer touch, you push down with little action at all, it’s essential to bring your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. This is a clear indication of a leak within the system.

Noises

When systems aren’t fully operational, you’ll find they make strange noises. They do so because parts don’t operate correctly, and action starts to shut down.

If contaminants are in the system, they can do a lot of damage to the system. Clogged lines, frozen caliper pistons, leaks in the seals, and master cylinder failure all create unique noises as they degrade due to lack of lubrication.

If your brakes make any noise at all, don’t take chances. Schedule an inspection as soon as possible to ensure they remain operational.

Problems with the brake pads

When was the last time you replaced your brake pads? Have you checked them and discovered they still have wear left on them, but your car is still making noises when you apply the brake pedal? It might be the brake fluid instead.

If the brake fluid is low, or if it’s contaminated with dirt and debris, it can impact the connection the brake pads make with the wheel, causing a squealing, grinding, or squeaking noise.

A burning smell

Have you ever slammed on the brakes and noticed a burning smell? Or if you ride your brakes coming down the mountain, is a chemical odor noticeable? It’s associated with hard braking, and is a sign of overheating with the brake system.

When you notice this, pull over immediately to allow your brakes to cool. If they continue operating at high temperature levels, you risk overheating the brake fluid. That’s one of the most common reasons for brake failure.

If you smell anything or see smoke, it’s a sign you might need new brake fluid. And there’s a potential for other damage in the braking system too.

How long does brake fluid last in a car?

When is the last time you read your owner’s manual? It’s not something most of us read on a regular basis. Yet it gives you guidelines for how best to operate your vehicle, including when to change your brake fluid.

There is no set time to change brake fluid. It doesn’t operate in the same manner as motor oil. It’s based on how the car was manufactured, as well as how you operate your vehicle.

A good rule of thumb is to check it regularly, even have it checked at the time you’re having your motor oil replaced. It often can last at least four to five years, or even longer. There is a benefit to using a local mechanic who gets to know you and your car well. You can establish a maintenance routine that both you and your car depend on to keep your vehicle in good operating condition.

When was the last time you had your brake fluid checked, topped off, or replaced?