Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Smart Car Care for Denver Drivers: Anti-lock Brakes

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Smart Car Care for Denver Drivers: Antilock BrakesDenver drivers count on their brakes to safely slow down and stop their vehicles.  You’ve probably had the experience where you’ve slammed on your brakes and started to skid.  When your wheels are locked up, you are just sliding all over the road.  And if the road is wet, slick or covered with gravel–you can really get out of control.  Steering is next to impossible.  That is why anti-lock brake systems (ABS) were invented: to help you maintain important control in extreme stopping conditions on Colorado roads.

As mentioned, when wheels lock up, this diminishes your control.  Anti-lock brake systems keep your brakes from locking – helping you stop while still maintaining your ability to steer.  Each wheel equipped with ABS, have sensors on them that monitor wheel spin and compare it with vehicle speed sensors.  When Denver drivers are pressing on the brakes, still traveling forward, but the wheels are not turning….the anti-lock brake system quickly steps in and modulates the brakes.

The ABS quickly “pumps” the brakes, not allowing the wheels to lock-up while still applying braking pressure.  This is all done automatically without any intervention on your part.  You will feel a pulsation through the brake pedal and will hear a clunking as the brakes are rapidly being applied and let off over and over again.  The first time this happens to you, you may be surprised and think something is wrong.  There isn’t, so just keep your foot on the brake and allow the ABS to do its thing.  In fact, remember the essential three S’s of anti-lock brakes:  Stomp, Stay and Steer.  Stomp on the brakes, keep the pedal down, and steer as required.

When you first start your vehicle, the ABS does a quick self-check to make sure everything is OK.  The ABS warning light will briefly illuminate with all of the other warning lights on your dashboard and then go out.  If the system detects a fault, the ABS light will come on and stay on.  Denver auto owners should definitely take their vehicle in to Express Care Care for a check if the critical ABS warning light is on.

Proper brake system service is the best way to protect your anti-lock brake system.  Replacing brake fluid that is depleted and/or contaminated will help preserve proper ABS operation and protect it against detrimental corrosion.  Denver motorists can communicate with their helpful Express Car Care service specialist to see if it’s time for an automotive analysis of their essential braking system.

Give us a call of come in and see us.

Vehicle Maintenance Tips: Disc Brakes

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Disc Brake MaintenanceQuestion:  What are the signs that I need a brake job?

Express Car Care Answer:  Signs of brake problems often fall into one of two categories for Denver motorist:  making noise or a pulsation in the brake pedal.  Let’s start with the noise.  Most brake pads have an audible brake wear indicator.  This is a small piece of metal that rubs on your brake rotor when the brake pads are worn to the point they should be replaced.  The noise is a chirp or soft squeal.  This noise gives Denver drivers enough essential warning to get their brakes serviced while there is still enough brake pad left to enable you to stop safely.

Motorists who ignore the chirp commonly find that the sound changes to a grinding noise.  That is more serious.  It means that the friction material on your brake pad is worn away and metal parts of the brake are grinding against the rotor when you press on the brakes.  Obviously, this harmful metal-on-metal means that your brakes aren’t stopping very well.  It also means that your rotor is being damaged.  It may need to be resurfaced or even replaced.

Pedal pulsation is another noticeable problem.  When your rotor is not in perfect alignment, it pushes against the brake pads unevenly as you apply the brakes.  There could be a number of reasons for this.  The rotor and wheel hub may not be mating well, causing the rotor to be spinning out of vertical alignment.  This harmful misalignment can be caused by either the rotor or the hub, or a combination of the two.  If this issue persists, the rotor may even start to wear unevenly to the point that its thickness varies, causing an even more noticeable pulsation.  This uneven mating of the brake pad and the rotor when braking means less contact and it will curtail braking power.

Your service center or the team at Express Car Care in Denver can determine the cause of the harmful misalignment and remedy the trouble.

Either unusual brake noise or pedal pulsation are signs for Denver car owners that there are brake problems.  Motorists should have a tech at Express Car Care survey their brakes thoroughly and recommend any critical steps necessary to correct the issue.  A regular brake inspection is on every vehicle’s recommended list.  Ask your helpful service professional if it’s time for an important brake inspection.

 

 

 

Burning Brakes

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Burning BrakesSummer driving in Colorado can be very challenging at times.  It is so important that we don’t forget what we learned about driving downhill on our steep mountain roads.  Heavy commercial trucks aren’t the only drivers that will experience burning brakes if they’re not careful.  We all need to drive in such a way that we aren’t relying on our brakes too much.  I see it all the time coming home from a mountain trip.  Drivers with their brakes lights flashing on and off all the way down the mountain.  Whether you are a long-time mountain driver or have recently moved to Colorado, it’s important to know how to drive safely in the mountains.  Two things are especially critical:  brakes and tires.

The brakes on automatic transmission, late-models sedans weren’t built to handle the constant braking required on the 7 to 8 percent grades of mountain passes.  This is the time to use your car’s transmission to keep your speed low enough to maneuver the hairpin curves that you’ll encounter during mountain driving and prevent those burning brakes.  Before heading downhill, shift into second gear.  Don’t shift into neutral.

Using your transmission to avoid overheating your brakes on  winding mountain roads is smart, but also has its challenges.  In summer, driving in second gear, will cause your car’s engine to reach higher RPMs and hotter temperatures.  So if you haven’t checked your coolant level, or changed it since winter, you should do it now or you might overheat.

Another thing to consider is under-inflated tires.   This will give you less control on the road, and that is never a good idea, especially on a road with no guardrail and a thousand foot drop below.  So check your tire pressure before you leave home.  Also tires without tread can cause problems, especially if you’re towing a load.  The tread helps your tires grab the road and turn rather than spin.

Be aware of gravel and rocks on the road.  Gravel will cause you to slide and perhaps lose control.  Rocks large enough to cripple your car can roll onto the road, so stay alert and free from distractions while you’re driving.  Wildlife is also a concern when you’re driving in the Colorado mountains.  They can dart into traffic in a moments notice.  So have your brakes and tires checked out before you hit the road.

Drum Brakes

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Drum BrakesBrakes that work properly are essential to your safety as you drive and stop on our Denver streets.  You want to carefully maintain your brakes.  In vehicles equipped with drum brakes, (usually older model cars and trucks) 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.

Now brake shoes just 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 braking, have your Denver 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 if it’s time to replace the brake shoes or if there are other issues with your brakes that should be addressed.  Some people in our Denver community ignore the warning signs and keep driving long after the shoes are completely worn out.  When that happens, metal brake components will grind against the drum, damaging it enough that it has to 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 easily be replaced.

The new brake shoes we put on your truck or other 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 both your braking needs and your budget.

Taking care of your brakes keeps them working safely and can prevent premature brake repairs down the road.

Disc Brake Maintenance

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Disc Brake MaintenanceYour brakes are extremely important as you drive around Denver.  Having good brakes just keeps you out of trouble.  You’ll want to carefully maintain your brakes.  With disc brakes, brake pads rub on a disc – or rotor – to slow the wheels.  The brake pads are attached to a caliper that squeezes the pads against the rotor.  It’s kind of like how squeezing the handbrake on a bicycle pushes the brake pads against the wheel of the bike.

Now brake pads just wear away with use – like a pencil eraser wears out.  The good news is that replacing brake pads is a straight-forward repair.

If you hear squealing or grinding when you use the brakes, have your Express Car Care 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 if it’s time to replace the pads or if there are other issues with your brakes that should be addressed.  Some people make the mistake of ignoring the warning signs and keep on driving long after the pads are completely worn out.  When that happens, metal brake components will grind on the rotor, damaging it enough that it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.

Rotors can also warp or crack, in which case they’ll need to be replaced.  Brake calipers also wear out over time.  They can develop leaks or the caliper pistons can freeze open or closed – either way it’s not good.  When this happens it’s time to replace the calipers.  A thorough brake inspection will reveal worn bearings or seals as well.

The new brake pads 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 and your budget.

Taking care of your brakes keeps them working safely – and you could prevent premature brake repairs down the road.  At Express Car Care in Denver, we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

Disc Brake Maintenance at Express Car Care in Denver

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Disc Brake MaintenanceHello Denver auto owners.  Today, we’re talking about disc brakes.  Your vehicle weighs several thousand pounds and it takes a lot of force to bring it and your passengers to a safe stop – so everything needs to be in good working order.

The wheel hub keeps your wheel attached to the vehicle.  The brake disc – or rotor – is attached to the hub and spins with the wheel as you drive.  Your brake pads clamp onto the rotor to slow the wheel.  The brake caliper straddles the rotor and squeezes the rotor to slow it down.  The calipers contain brake pads which rub on the rotor when you step on the brakes.  The brake piston causes the calipers to squeeze and release as you use your brakes.

Your brake pads start to wear the first time you step on the brakes.  Eventually the pads are worn out and need to be replaced.  If you don’t replace brake pads when they’re worn out, the metal parts of the brake will grind against the rotor and carve grooves into the surface.

If a scored rotor isn’t too bad, your friendly Denver technician can put the rotor on a lathe and smooth it out.  If the grooves are too deep, or if the rotor is warped or cracked, you will need to replace it.  At Express Car Care, we have been servicing disc brakes for Denver auto owners for years and we can help you.

Servicing disc brakes at Express Car Care requires special attention to the mechanical sliding and mounting portions of the system.  Your Express Car Care service supplier knows the special needs.  Sometimes the brake pistons can stick and must be replaced.  Typically it’s cheaper to replace the entire caliper at Denver auto repair centers than to rebuild the piston.

So there you have it – a brief Express Car Care guide to how your disc brakes work.  Denver auto owners who replace their brake pads on time will not only keep their vehicle stopping safely, but could save money on unnecessary brake repair down the road.

Give us a call or come in and see us.

 

Keeping Brakes in Good Repair for Winter Driving

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Keeping Brakes in Good Repair for Winter DrivingDuring the winter months here in Denver, the weather is always changing and we never know just what conditions we will be driving in each day.  That is why it is so important to keep brakes in good repair for winter driving.  Existing brake problems can become worse during the winter, because we are driving in conditions that can cause traction to be reduced, like driving on snow and ice.  Bringing your vehicle in for a brake inspection so you can be sure your brakes will perform correctly when you need them to and keep you and your passengers safe is an excellent idea during the winter months.

The easiest way to keep your brakes in good repair is to have them and the rest of your vehicle maintained regularly.  It also helps to listen carefully to your car.  Brakes will squeak, click or grind when there is a problem, it’s just a matter of listening and discovering when the noises change.  As well as hearing squeaking or grinding noises when you apply the brakes, you might feel a pulse in your brake pedal, or a grabbing or pulling to one side or the other.  These are all indications that it might be time to stop in and see your auto repair shop and have the brakes inspected.

Having the brakes inspected goes a long way in preventing brake failure, but sometimes even with our best efforts, the brakes still fail.  If this happens to you, here are a few things to remember.

  • Don’t panic.  By remaining calm you are more likely to be able to steer your vehicle to a safe stop.
  • Turn on your turn signal and carefully try to get your vehicle to the right lane.  Watch your mirrors to avoid hitting another car.
  • When you reach the right lane, put on your hazard lights.  This will let other drivers know that you are having a problem and allow them to steer away from your car.
  • Take your foot off the gas pedal, downshift to a lower gear and allow the car to slow down.  You can downshift even if you don’t have a manual transmission, move the shifter from “Drive” or “D” to “Low” or “L”.
  • Steer your car onto the right shoulder of the road, and then shift your vehicle into neutral.  Gradually apply the hand brake (emergency brake) until the vehicle comes to a stop.  Pull the hand brake slowly to keep control over the vehicle.

At Express Car Care we have been providing quality brake services in Denver for over ten years.  So come in and see us or give us a call @ 303-691-2760.

 

What Is Regenerative Braking?

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Every once in a while, new technology is introduced into the automotive world, meaning new concepts are added to the world of purchasing cars and maintaining them over a lifetime.

Regenerative braking systems is one of those concepts. Regenerative braking was introduced when hybrid technology was introduced to the world of cars.

On a normal car, when you apply the brakes, the energy and heat of the action of braking dissipates and is wasted away. Not so with regenerative braking. Instead, when you apply the brakes, regenerative braking uses a mechanism that allows the vehicle to slow down while converting the resulting kinetic energy that is normally wasted into a useful form of energy. The energy and heat that is dissipated is instead converted and returned to the battery and reused in other systems throughout the vehicle. Because of this action, the battery is constantly being recharged, meaning the hybrid vehicle can go further on a charge without having to be returned to its outlet.

The concept of regenerative braking is still new and confusing to many. Imagine your car and what happens to it once you apply the brakes. The brake pads slowly apply pressure, creating heat from the friction of the pads and the tires slowing down. Energy is accumulated as the brake pads wear against the rotors. This energy is transferred to the vehicles electric motor, charging the battery in the process.

What Is Regenerative Braking?Regenerative braking does however have its limitations. Typically this system is only available on the wheels that drive the vehicle – so for a front wheel driven vehicle, it only applies to the two front wheels. This means your vehicle is only generating power on these two wheels. Because more action and power is associated with these wheels, they will have more wear and tear on both the wheels and tires, and on the brakes and brake pads. Which means you may be replacing tires, brakes and brake pads on a more frequent basis than those on the rear of the vehicle.

Regenerative braking works best at greater speeds. The more friction needed to stop the vehicle, the more energy is created. So to get the most benefit from this system, a person should be more apt to driving at high speeds on an ongoing basis than slower, city driving.

Have any questions about your regenerative braking system? Stop by or give us a call. We can make sure your car is in top condition, no matter how old or new, green or otherwise.

Automotive Brakes

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One of the questions we hear in our shop is “how often do I need to change my automotive brakes?”  If you are asking the same question, here are a few things to consider.

It is very important to determine the condition of your brake pads.  Brake pads typically come with a warranty, sometimes a lifetime warranty, but more commonly, it will be a warranty based on mileage, such as a 10,000 mile warranty.  A lifetime warranty isn’t meant to last a car’s lifetime.  Automotive part manufacturers use this terminology because brake pads do last a long time, but most car owners will trade in a car and purchase a new one long before their brake pads need to be replaced.  Regardless of how you say it, it’s important to listen to your car instead.  When you apply the brakes, you can hear the sounds of a worn brake pad.  If you hear a grinding noise or a squeak, it is time to replace the brake pads, regardless of the mileage.

The condition of the brake rotors also needs to be determined.  Automotive brake rotors, or brake discs, are what your vehicle’s brake pads clamp down on and stop the wheels from spinning.  Similar to brake pads, there are different types of rotors.  The type of rotor used depends on your car and your driving needs.

Unlike brake pads, rotors do not need to be changed on a regular basis, and should last indefinitely,  if you provide regular maintenance routines on your automobile.  Rotors will be damaged if you allow your brake pads to wear down and drive without the use of pads for an extended period of time.  The grinding noise you begin to hear from the brake pads is a sign that the screws in the base of the brake pads are grinding into the groove of your rotor.  The longer you allow it to continue to grind, the greater your chance of having to replace your rotors.

If you want to keep your automotive brakes in top condition, have them checked and replaced on a regular basis.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Car.  Come in and see us or give us a call at (303) 691-2760.

5 Signs You Need New Brake Pads

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Since as a rule, we don’t normally think about the brakes on our cars until they don’t work, we thought we would share with you five signs you need new brake pads.       

  1. High- pitched squealing or screeching sound.  If you hear a high-pitched squealing, this sound is coming from a small piece of metal called an indicator.  The indicator rubs up against the brake rotor creating the squeal to alert you to the fact that you need new brake pads.  If you hear this sound regularly you should have your car inspected as soon as possible.  Your brakes can also squeal if your car has been exposed to water and then left sitting.  This squealing should clear up after a few stops and isn’t anything serious.
  2. Pulling.  If your car pulls to one side or another when you press the brake, that can be a sign that the brake pads are wearing unevenly and need to be replaced.
  3. Lack of Response.  If your brakes don’t respond like they should when you step on the brake pedal or if the brake pedal feels soft, it might be a sign of a leak in the braking system.  You could have an air leak in the brake hose or a brake fluid leak.  If you see a small puddle under your car when it is parked, it could be leaking brake fluid and you should have a mechanic look it over.
  4. Grinding.  This is one of the signs that the brake pads have very serious wear and are in danger of damaging the brake rotors.  The grinding sound is caused by the disc and the caliper rubbing together.  New brake pads sit between the disc and the caliper and keep them from rubbing together.  When you allow your brake pads to wear down completely then they don’t “cushion” the metal parts as they should.
  5. Grabbing or vibrating.  If your brake pedal grabs or vibrates, this is often a sign of warped rotors, but it can also mean that your car is out of alignment.  If it’s a sign of warped rotors, the grabbing or vibration happens when the anti-lock brakes aren’t engaged.  Rotors can be warped by severe driving conditions where you are using your brakes for longs periods of time, like steep mountain driving or towing.  This type of driving causes huge amounts of friction which heats up the rotors and causes them to warp.  If you drive in these conditions, stop periodically and let the brakes cool off.

As you can see, properly maintaining brake pads happens progressively.  Be aware to the early signs of brake pad wear.  It can save you time and money.

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