Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

And The Most Important Car Maintenance Items Are …

by

As summer turns into fall, we pull out our favorite sweaters and watch as pumpkin flavors just about everything. While you might be finishing up home maintenance projects before winter weather sets in, don’t forget about your vehicle too. 

The most important car maintenance items are the ones that keep your car in tip-top shape, no matter what it faces while out on the road. The Car Care Council recommends that everyone follow the ABCs of basic car care, which includes:

  • A – Always follow a vehicle service schedule 
  • B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect you have a problem
  • C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down

These are good rules to follow. 

The Car Care Council also found that a random check on cars on the roadway today would see a significant number of them have:

  • Low or dirty engine oil
  • Insufficient or contaminated brake fluid
  • Dirty air filters
  • Low coolant levels
  • Bad windshield wipers
  • Low washer fluid
  • Damaged or worn-down belts

In fact, close to 90 percent of all vehicles on the road today require at least one repair. 

And The Most Important Car Maintenance Items Are …

How would your vehicle rank in this study?

Where to start – let’s fix the most important car maintenance items now

The best place to start is with what you know. Right now, if you take a close look at your car, you can probably find several issues you’ve been ignoring. When was the last time you washed your vehicle? How about changing the oil? Have your tires been rotated and balanced? 

If you’re scratching your head, trying to remember the last time those items were completed, it’s time. 

Car fluids

Most drivers know just how crucial motor oil is to keep the engine healthy. It’s the one maintenance item preached enough that most drivers follow the rules. Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, have the motor oil replaced with a high-quality oil. Your owner’s manual will tell you what your engine needs; stick with their recommendations and never cut corners. Your engine was designed with a specific motor oil in mind. 

Yet motor oil isn’t the only fluid your car uses. Coolant protects the various parts inside the engine compartment from corrosion. Brake fluid helps keep the brake system fluid and in motion. Transmission fluid ensures the gears are well lubricated. Power steering fluid ensures the steering wheel remains easy to turn. 

While motor oil should be changed every few thousand miles, some fluids can last tens of thousands of miles and still run strong. A quick inspection ensures the systems haven’t been compromised, putting your vehicle at risk of damage. If any lights pop on the dashboard indicating low fluids, top them off as soon as possible. 

Checking your battery

The battery is responsible for many things in your car, including the ignition. Batteries often die when you least expect it, such as when it’s been sitting in extreme cold or heat for a few hours. It can leave you stranded in a difficult situation. 

Car batteries generally have a two to three-year shelf life. As your battery nears end-of-life, inspect it regularly to ensure it’s working correctly. We’re happy to test it at the same time you bring it in for an oil change. 

A voltmeter or a power probe will determine how much voltage is left in the battery. If it’s between 12.4 to 12.7 volts, it’s still in good operating condition. A little lower, and you can monitor it, trickle charging it to see if you can get it back up to working condition.  

This impacts your car’s accessories too. Have you noticed your lights seem a bit duller? Or your heated seats aren’t quite as hot? It’s a sign of a weak battery. Deciding to replace it before it leaves you stranded is always a good option. 

Checking your tires

Tires are the one piece of equipment that maintains contact with the road every time you drive it. If they aren’t in top shape, they risk impacting every other system in your car. 

The most common check is proper inflation. Newer cars have sensors that will alert you when inflation exceeds or falls short of the recommended levels for your make and model. You should also check it regularly, every other time you stop to fill up your car with fuel. Under or overinflation can be impacted by driving conditions or the environment; slight changes may not be a sign of a problem. But if you continually have inflation issues, it’s something to get checked out with one of our mechanics. 

Wheel balancing and tire rotation should also be a part of your regular maintenance schedule. Rotating the tires frequently allows each of your tires to get maximum wear. Balancing them ensures they connect with the road properly as you drive each day. 

Depending on which make and model of tire you select, you can expect up to 50,000 miles of wear. This is suggested; it depends on your driving conditions. You should still monitor the tread yourself periodically. Walk around and inspect the tread across all four tires. Does it look even? Do you notice wear marks? 

Tires have indicator bars built into the tread grooves. If they become level with the adjacent ribs, it’s time for replacing. You can also use a penny as an indicator. Place a penny with Lincoln’s face upside down and facing you. If his entire head is visible, it’s time for a new set of tires. 

Need to know more about the most important car maintenance items?

If you have questions, we have answers. 

Today’s vehicles are sophisticated pieces of machinery. Whether you’re looking for a routine oil change, or have complicated questions about the behavior of your car, we’re here to answer them, find the problem, fix your vehicle and bring it back to optimal condition. 

How can we help you keep your car safely on the road? 

Car Maintenance Tips Before You Sell Your Car

by

You’ve had your eye on a new car for a while now. And now that you’ve finalized the purchase, it’s time to think about selling your old car. 

Of course, you can trade it in. It’s fast and convenient. But you’ll get fewer dollars, and you know your car is worth a lot more. 

Why not sell it yourself? Yet before you list it for sale, we have a few car maintenance tips for you to follow to ensure you get top dollar. 

Why car maintenance is important before you sell your car

People sell cars for all kinds of reasons:

  • High mileage
  • Want the latest tech gadgets and features
  • Need another car in the family
  • Want better safety features 
  • Tired of making repairs

For whatever reason you’re purchasing a new car, the buyer who settles on your car will have similar motivations. 

You may be tired of your car, but to the purchaser, your vehicle will be new to them. Which means they will be looking at it through the eyes of a new car owner. 

They want a reliable car. They want one that will serve them well in the months to come. 

And if glaring car maintenance items are visible while they are considering a purchase, they will be reasons to turn away from your vehicle. 

If you want to sell your car quickly, a little car maintenance first will allow you to present it in its best light. 

How to prepare your car to sell

Start by taking a good look at your car, inside and out. Look at it through the eyes of a buyer. What would you be looking for if you were purchasing this car? 

Car Maintenance Tips Before You Sell Your Car

This is the time for a bit of detail work. Remove everything from the inside. Don’t forget to look underneath the seats, in the glove box, and in any middle compartments between the seats. 

Vacuum out the crumbs and dust bunnies. You can spot clean seats if you can easily remove stains and other marks. 

Take a minute to wash the windows inside, removing any film. This will leave them sparkling and easy to see out of. 

They pay equal attention to the outside of the car. A thorough washing means ensuring tires and wheels are clean, and headlamps and tail lights shine. 

As you move through your car front to back, note any noticeable repairs. While you might not want to put more money into the vehicle, a potential buyer will notice it too. It’ll impact the asking price, and how many offers you receive for purchase.  

Some of the top car maintenance items you should focus on to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition include:

Oil change

Before you place a “for sale” sign in your car’s window, bring it in for an oil change first. Save the receipt, which can be a bonus for the new owner. They will appreciate that it’s one less maintenance item they’ll have to perform as they drive it for the first few weeks, and it’s a relatively inexpensive way to show potential buyers that you’ve cared for your vehicle as long as you’ve owned it. Have a logbook of previous oil changes? All the better. It’s a great sign of caring for your vehicle. 

Tires 

Tires are one of the most visible parts. Tires are also one of the easiest to spot check, noticing if they aren’t in good shape. If you notice bald spots and uneven wear marks, your potential buyer will too. While the thought of purchasing new tires may seem counterintuitive, it will be reflected in how much you can price your vehicle at, as well as how easy it will be to sell. 

Accessories

While safety is key to driving any vehicle, it’s often the little details that sell a car. That’s why people often turn to “color” as the deciding factor. Accessories are no different. When a potential buyer slides behind the wheel, they naturally tend to turn up the radio and push a few buttons, tap the power windows and watch them go up and down, and even flip the windshield wipers on to ensure they work. If you’ve put off fixing little problems that have been more of an annoyance than about vehicle safety, now is the time to get the items fixed. 

Lights

Turn your lights on and notice how bright or dim they are. Tap on the brake pedal and ensure your tail lights are working. How about the turn signals? Do the lights blink on and off? These safety items are easy to check and even easier to fix. You can do it with just a few lightbulbs. Have a few extras? Tuck them into the glove compartment. Simple little “extras” can go a long way in the mind of a buyer. 

Brakes

Worn brake pads are never a good idea, especially if you’re trying to sell a car. When you tap on the brake pedal, do the brakes let out a high-pitched screech? That’s a sign your car needs new brake pads. You can’t hide the sound. It only gets worse over time. If you hear it now and you plan on selling your car in the future, get the brake pads replaced sooner rather than later. 

Consider a pre-sale inspection

Any time you purchase a used vehicle, it can be a bit unnerving to wonder about the quality of the car. Will there be hidden issues that only materialize after the sale is completed? 

One way to give a new buyer more assurance is to perform a pre-sale inspection. Instead of waiting for a potential buyer to ask about having a mechanic check out the car, take the initiative and do it yourself. 

This allows a qualified mechanic to inspect the vehicle and provide notes as to what may potentially need replacing in the near future. 

This gives you a chance to make the repairs first, and present the receipts to the buyer for added assurance. 

Planning on selling a car soon?

Before you stick the “for sale” sign in the window, using these car maintenance tips as a checklist will ensure your car looks and runs its best before the first potential buyer takes a look. 

How can we help you get your used car ready for sale?

High Temperatures Affect Car Performance – Here’s What You Should Do

by

The temperatures continue to rise. You know how it impacts your body – you’re more tired, sluggish, and need more hydration to thrive. 

Your car performs in much the same way. Heat is a residual form of energy created as your vehicle operates. Too much heat can affect car and truck performance. 

While vehicles are designed to dissipate heat energy, environmental heat can have a negative impact on the engine, radiator, air conditioner, tires, and other components. Certain parts are more susceptible to heat. With a little knowledge, you can watch for problems early, and prevent damage before it occurs.

How high temperatures affect car performance

A vehicle is filled with parts that all take on a lot of heat as they perform. It’s built to withstand intense heat. That said, the components can only take so much. When a car moves beyond what it can take, that’s when parts start to break down. Performance is impacted, and that’s where damage can quickly occur. What may start out as a small problem with a part can quickly escalate to full-blown engine damage. 

Cars regulate using a mixture of fuel and air. Too much or too little of either can be a big problem. It’s up to the engine control unit to monitor the amount and quality of the air coming in and adjust the fuel accordingly.  

High Temperatures Affect Car Performance - Here’s What You Should Do

Where it changes is in extreme temperatures. Cold air is denser than hot air. In the summer, that means it brings in less concentrated levels of oxygen, which can cause the engine to lose horsepower as it makes up the difference. 

All of this can severely affect the performance of your vehicle. 

Warm air also holds more water, which further overrides the oxygen. To prevent too much fuel from entering into the system, less fuel is sent into the combustion chamber, and the engine control unit adjusts the timing.  

What components are impacted the most?

When the summer months bring high temperatures for days – weeks on end, you may notice your car doesn’t act like it does when days are cooler. While it impacts overall performance, you may also notice problems with particular components. These can include:

Motor oil

Motor oil is used to keep every part in the engine block running well and thoroughly lubricated. One of the most common effects of higher temperatures is on the viscosity of the motor oil. 

When temperatures climb, it causes motor oil to reduce viscosity, thinning down. Excess heat from the car’s combustion process and the emissions around the environment can also reduce viscosity. This reduction can cause an increase in friction, which adds even more heat to the process. 

One of the best times to get an oil change is early in the summer months as the temperatures start to climb. You can move to a more viscous alternative, and ensure the oil tank is topped off for best results all summer long. 

Tires

There’s a reason you see blown tire residuals frequently on the highway on a hot summer day. Tires deal with heat expansion on a hot summer day. As they heat, they expand, which in turn increases the tire pressure. 

For cars or trucks that have ever-changing loads, especially when pulling RVs, trailers, etc, the tire can bulge to the point of a blowout. This can lead to losing control of the vehicle, car damage, and severe injury. 

Before you head out on the open road, check your tire pressure to ensure it’s within the guideline established by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Check it frequently on your drive. 

Batteries

We’re all aware that batteries have a hard time cranking over on the coldest days of the year, but did you know the same is true on the hottest days? Extreme heat can affect batteries by stopping the ionic reaction inside the battery. This means the battery no longer has the proper levels of crank power to turn the engine over as you’re attempting to start it up. It may be from trying to run too many accessories at once, such as fans and air conditioners. It could also be a permanent loss of power, meaning you’ll need to replace the car battery. 

Prepare for summertime heat by having the battery tested and checked at the beginning of the season. This will give you a rough idea of how much life is left in the battery, and when you can expect to replace it. If your car battery is old, this gives you a chance to fix it on your terms, rather than face the consequences out on the open road. 

Cooling systems

People often confuse a car’s cooling system with the air conditioner. They are, in fact, two separate systems. 

The cooling system maintains the temperature of the engine, while the air conditioner keeps the passenger cabin of the car comfortable for the occupants. 

To keep the car’s engine compartment running well, it depends on coolant flowing through the system to keep parts operating and in good working condition. Extreme temperatures can slow or stop the process, allowing the engine to overheat, and components to stall or fail. 

Overheating often occurs with slow driving conditions, since the air flowing in isn’t strong enough to keep the internal environment cooled. To prevent overheating, ensure coolant is in good working condition, and the reservoir is topped off with high quality fluids. 

How your car acts when performance is at stake

Chances are if your car is experiencing problems from high temperatures, you’ll notice it in the performance. You may experience:

  • Loud noises coming from the exhaust system
  • Difficulty accelerating 
  • Unable to start the car
  • A reduction in fuel efficiency
  • A burning smell from the exhaust pipe

If you think you might have performance issues caused by high temperatures, your best course of action is to schedule an inspection, and get to the root cause before more damage occurs. 

Are summertime temperatures keeping your car from performing well? 

Help! I Mixed Antifreeze. Now What?

by

Antifreeze is also known as engine coolant. It’s a colored liquid that is mixed with water and added to your car’s engine to help regulate the temperature under extreme heat. As the temperature outside changes between hot and cold, antifreeze is pumped throughout the engine block to help maintain an even temperature. 

Antifreeze does more than regular temperature. It’s also designed to keep the engine block safe and operating well. By maintaining it properly, you’ll prevent corrosion from occurring within the system itself. 

Yet don’t be fooled into thinking antifreeze is antifreeze. Pick up a bottle and they all are the same. There are different types of antifreeze, and mixing them could be dangerous for your car. 

Have you mixed antifreeze? Now what? There are a few things to know if you’ve grabbed the wrong bottle and filled up the reserve with the wrong substance. 

How antifreeze works

Some substances, like motor oil, can be added directly into the reservoir as is. Antifreeze needs to be mixed with water, usually in a 50/50 ratio, before being added to the reservoir inside the engine. 

Antifreeze is made up of a base chemical called ethylene glycol. It has a much lower freezing point than water. When the antifreeze mixture is added into the engine block, it is pumped around the engine by the water pump. As it passes through hot components of the engine, it absorbs the heat as the liquid is transferred into the radiator. The temperature of the antifreeze is then cooled by the cold air supply that rushes through the radiator as the car drives along. If it has trouble keeping up, an internal fan turns on to control the air movement. After passing through the radiator, antifreeze moves back into the engine where the process begins once again. 

Help! I Mixed Antifreeze. Now What?
a

Types of antifreeze

There are two major types of antifreeze. One is a green coolant, the other is an orange color. You can find less common types that may be blue, pink, or gold. To ensure you add what’s best for your car’s engine, ready your owner’s manual and follow manufacturer’s guidelines. The easiest way to identify your car’s antifreeze is by color. Yet checking with specifications ensures you purchase what’s best for your vehicle. 

Green antifreeze uses an inorganic additive technology, also known as IAT. Phosphates and silicates are mixed in with the ethylene glycol to help protect the metals that exist within the vehicle’s cooling system from being corroded. 

Orange antifreeze uses an organic acid technology, or OAT. They are created for today’s newer models that have more nylon and aluminum parts in them.  The organic acids are designed to prevent corrosion. OAT antifreeze promises full cooling coverage up to 150,000 miles or so, but it doesn’t consistently deliver. It’s best to keep an eye on it and have it inspected from time to time to ensure it’s operating well. 

While less common, other colors of antifreeze such as blue, pink, or gold exist and deliver cooling qualities to other types of cars and trucks. The difference is in the additives they use within the antifreeze mixture itself. 

Antifreeze is antifreeze … Or is it?

If you search online, you’ll find people on both sides of the issue. Some say you can mix antifreeze without an issue. Others tell you it’s a big problem. Which is true?

Mixing antifreeze is a bad idea and can cause serious damage to the engine block. What can happen depends on what types you mix together, as each mixture provides different qualities to your vehicle. If the chemical composition is the same but the brand is different, no harm will come to your vehicle. 

The most common mixup is with the green and orange antifreeze. When green and orange mix, they form a thick coagulant that gums up and sticks inside the system. The damage can happen swiftly. It shortens the lifespan of the coolant and starts impacting the engine block almost immediately. If it continues to operate, it risks damaging the entire cooling system. It can cause problems with the radiator, water jackets, heater core, and in severe cases, the head gasket. 

How often does a car need new antifreeze?

Antifreeze isn’t a fluid you add and change out frequently, like you do motor oil. It’s a good idea to have antifreeze levels checked periodically. You can do so at the start of summer and winter, when antifreeze will be put under more extreme stress. You can also do so if you’re heading out for a road trip, to ensure everything in your vehicle is working well. 

Your car’s owner manual will provide precise information on when and where to have antifreeze levels checked and changed. 

It’s usually when you’re on a road trip or outside of your normal routine where you might be tempted to use whatever you can find. If your car is overheating and you’re tempted to add more antifreeze, before risking adding the wrong liquid, you can add distilled water instead. The most common composition of coolant is made from 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. A car will never run with 100 percent antifreeze. Adding water will reduce the freezing point, but it can get you safely to a mechanic where the entire system can be evaluated. 

A coolant flush 

Coolant flushes are necessary when you start noticing an issue with your vehicle’s function, status, and performance. You may notice you car is in need of a flush if it:

  • Overheats – this is a sign of excessive heat in the engine. The engine doesn’t have the proper heat balance that coolant provides. 
  • Ages – if you’ve been driving for more than five years without an issue, it may be time to check the condition of the coolant and flush it out to remove debris and other contaminants. 
  • Warning signals – the check engine light is a clear indicator that something is wrong internally. 

Mixed antifreeze is a problem

If you’ve accidentally mixed antifreeze types, your best course of action is to bring it in and assess the damage. A coolant flush can remove the current mixture and allow you to start fresh with a clean mixture recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. 

It allows your car to continue operating well. 

Have you ever mixed antifreeze before?

What It Costs If You Neglect Car Maintenance

by

What are the most neglected car maintenance items? According to one survey, they include:

  • Wheels out of alignment
  • Skipping out on regular oil changes
  • Letting tires wear out and going bald
  • Missing the check engine light
  • Ignoring sluggish brakes that just don’t feel right

Of course, as busy people, we have our reasons:

  • We’re too busy to take the car in … maybe later
  • Money is a problem … waiting until next payday looks better
  • The repair isn’t that urgent … What’re a few more weeks going to do?
  • The repair will take how long … I can’t live without a car for that long!

Do you see yourself in any of the situations above? We’ve all been there a time or two. 

But waiting to fix a car maintenance item is never good for your vehicle. It turns a simple, inexpensive issue into a full-blown problem. What started out as low-key – scheduling an oil change – turns into an expensive endeavor – a blown head gasket. 

If you thought an oil change was expensive, wait until you deal with a head gasket replacement. 

Oil changes, by far, are the most neglected car maintenance item for car owners. A few thousand miles can slip by quickly when you’re busy and have a lot on your plate. Manufacturers give a window of several thousand miles for scheduling an oil change, and many people press the limits. 

Yet neglecting an oil change can increase buildup and friction within the engine compartment. Over time, that wastes gasoline, decreases fuel efficiency, and risks blockage deep in the system. When that happens, friction builds, heat accumulates, and various engine components break down. 

What It Costs If You Neglect Car Maintenance

You may think you’re saving money by pushing the timeframe between oil changes, but what you’re really doing is increasing the likelihood of a bigger problem down the road. 

Ignoring car maintenance comes at a price. Let’s look at the costs of not taking care of your vehicle:

It impacts the life of your vehicle

Today’s vehicles are made up of more than 10,000 components, all acting together to create an efficient machine that gets you to where you’re going. Fluids, filters, belts, hoses, parts, systems, and individual components all will wear down over time. Some need replacing frequently. Others may last the life of your vehicle. Yet each part is dependent on the quality of another. If one isn’t feeding the systems correctly, it puts added stress onto that part. 

The standard vehicle today has an average life of about 12 years, and is expected to keep running up to 200,000 miles. On average, a car will start costing you more money the older it gets and the more mileage you put on. One of the ways to counter that is through regular inspections, ensuring individual parts are in good working condition before they have a chance to impact others within the system. 

It increases the cost of future repairs

Studies consistently show that cars on the road today operate with 

  • Low or dirty engine oil
  • Low or contaminated brake fluid
  • Dirty air filters
  • Low coolant
  • Old windshield wipers and low washer fluid
  • Old  

These basic items might not seem like a big deal, but simple, low cost items can quickly add up. 

Oil changes – if you go months without changing the oil, you may end up by the side of the road, having to tow your vehicle in because it no longer runs. Upon further inspection, the mechanic discovers the engine has seized. Your options are replacing the engine, or buying a new car. That’s a big deal considering today’s average new car price is $47,148. Compare that to an oil change every 5,000 miles or so at a fraction of the cost. 

Brake maintenance – brake pads have a built in mechanism to warn you of potential problems. When they start squealing, it’s an indicator that the brake pad is nearing its end-life, and needs changing soon. If you ignore the problem, the metal from the brake pad wears into the metal of the brake rotor. It continues to burn through the rotor and down into the ventilating fins. Instead of a simple brake pad replacement, you’ll be looking at thousands of dollars to fix multiple problems within the brake system. 

Belts and hoses – these components can last a long time. But when they do start wearing out, you’ll hear squealing noises indicating a potential problem. If belts don’t have proper tension, it’s like having no belt at all. Many cars operate with a single serpentine belt. If it quits working correctly, it impacts the water pump, which quits circulating coolant throughout the engine, which stops the alternator, shuts down power steering, and shuts down your air conditioner. Fixing the belt is easy and a fairly straightforward process, depending on your vehicle. Replacing multiple systems is a costly experience that can quickly run into thousands of dollars. Timing belts can also be expensive if they slip or break, sending a piston into an open valve. If this happens, it can cause the engine to self-destruct. The cost of a timing belt is far less than dealing with a non-operational vehicle that needs a new engine. 

Fluids and filters – these are simple routine maintenance items that are often spotted during regular inspections. When you schedule visits with a mechanic you can trust, they will help you keep your car in good physical condition, replacing parts and filling up fluids before further damage can be done.  

It reduces risk 

If you’ve ever been stranded on the side of the road, you understand risk. 

Where were you heading? You might be late for a meeting at work. You might miss a flight if you were heading to the airport. 

Now what? You may be facing towing expenses. You may have to deal with a mechanic who doesn’t have your best interests at heart. 

Nobody likes facing repair bills. But neglecting car maintenance items only puts off the inevitable. 

If you’ve been neglecting scheduling a visit, wait no more. 

Call us today, and we’ll inspect your vehicle. We’ll help you make the best decisions for the future of your vehicle. And help you bring it back to the best condition possible. 

How To Keep Your Car’s Air Conditioner In Top Shape As The Heat Climbs

by

Summertime here in the Rockies has started to feel like endless days in the 90s and 100s, as heat settles across the land with little relief. You’re using your air conditioner like never before …

But what about inside your car? There are rumors out there that running the air conditioner makes your gas mileage fall. If you use your AC frequently, it will impact the overall health of your car. 

Are those myths? How do you keep your car’s air conditioner in top shape even as the heat continues to climb?

Using your air conditioner when you first get in the car

Getting into a hot vehicle is never fun. It’s hot, stifling and can take a lot out of you. Yet pre-cooling your vehicle isn’t the answer. Instead of turning on the AC and letting it idle until cool, put the fan on high and open the back windows for 20 seconds allowing the hot air to flow out the back. The air conditioner is powered by an engine in operation. It puts added stress on the system when you idle, trying to get the car cooled before you move. Give your AC unit the support it needs and start driving before you turn it to full speed. 

How To Keep Your Car’s Air Conditioner In Top Shape As The Heat Climbs

Schedule regular maintenance at the start of each season

When you establish a relationship with a reputable mechanic, you can feel comfortable bringing the car in for sound advice. We recommend scheduling seasonal visits twice a year to get your car ready for summer and winter driving. This will allow us to ensure every component and system is in optimal condition, ready to work hard for you as we have record-breaking events. For the air conditioner, it ensures your antifreeze is topped off, and that the appropriate coolant is being used within the system. 

Change the AC filter as needed

Your owner’s manual is filled with important facts and information about how best to operate your vehicle. The more familiar you are with it, the more you can use it to schedule regular maintenance items and stay ahead of your car failing at inopportune times. Most AC filters last around 30,000 miles. The AC filter is typically located behind the glove box, and is something easy to change. If it’s been a while, changing it out will help increase airflow, reduce unpleasant odors, as well as reduce dust from settling into the interior of your car. 

What to do when you notice odors

Any sign of odor or a strange smell is reason to be concerned. It can be annoying at best, dangerous at worst, and something you should act on immediately. There are a few odors that might suggest urgent issues:

  • A must smell could mean mold entering the cooling system’s evaporator. Try running the heater for a while to dry out the evaporator core and see if it disappears. 
  • A sweet smell may signal an antifreeze leak. It’s time to bring it in for professional evaluation. 
  • A gas smell coming from the AC unit could be an indicator of a gas leak. It could be something as simple as an unsecured gas cap, or a sign of a bigger hazard. 

Keep inducts clean

There’s a reason it’s a good idea to keep your car clean during the summer and winter. If you allow buildup of water, snow, and dirt at the base of the windshield, it can impact the inducts. Moisture can sit there and build, blocking airflow and possibly causing mold or other pollutants to settle in. As these contaminants continue to grow, it enters through the air conditioner every time you use it. Keep this area clean by washing it regularly. 

Run your AC periodically on defrost mode

When you turn the defrost mode on in the winter, have you noticed it kicks the air conditioner into gear? That’s because when the system is in defrost position, the AC compressor turns on. This draws outside air in and sends it through the AC evaporator to remove moisture from the air supply before sending it back to the heater core. By turning the defrost system on periodically throughout the summer, you’re allowing the system to run at maximum fan speed and coolness setting, helping clean out moisture and preventing mildew. What works to remove moisture from your windows during cold winter months also works well keeping your inside air supply cool, dry, and comfortable in the summer months. 

Don’t leave the air conditioner on recirculation

While the most common AC buttons are to adjust temperature and fan speed, you’ll also see switches to move from fresh air to recirculation. Fresh air allows outside air to flow in. Recirculation continuously recirculates air throughout the inside cabin. While you may wish to recirculate when you’re behind a smelly diesel truck, move back to fresh air when you can as it provides more circulation throughout the inner cabin. Recirculation pulls air from the front and re-cools it. That makes the air flowing towards the back warmer as it’s recirculated back up front. With a full car and passengers in the back as well as the front, a constant input of fresh air will give you the best results. 

What are the most common air conditioner issues?

Like many other systems in your car, the air conditioner components wear down over time. Common issues can be:

  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Cracked or broken cooling fans
  • Condenser and compressor malfunctions 

A refrigerant leak is easy to spot. It’s a fluorescent yellow-green color that’s easy to detect as it leaves traces underneath your car. 

Cooling fans can slow down or stop altogether for a variety of reasons. It can blow a fuse, have an electrical short, or be cracked by hitting debris on the road. 

A broken condenser can be caused by a damaged part, component failure, or debris moving in through the grill and damaging the part. 

In all cases, the faster you act, the less damage may occur. 

Whether you’re performing preventative maintenance, ensuring your air conditioner is running well, or you have a problem with your system and it’s not keeping you cool, schedule an appointment today to get your AC system back in good working condition. 

And stay cool no matter how long this current heat wave lasts this summer. 

Does Your Car Still Use a Muffler?

by

I was surprised by the question: Does a car still use a muffler?

And yet it makes sense. Years ago, it was common to see commercials on television touting muffler repair and replacement. Cars weren’t as sturdy. Owners anticipated having to replace parts of the exhaust system every few years. 

Today, however, that has changed. Most modern vehicles have a stainless-steel or aluminized-steel exhaust system designed to last for a lifetime. 

What is a muffler?

A muffler is designed to muffle the sound created by a rumbling engine. Engines operate with a lot of power. That energy creates continuous pulsating sounds that reverberate through the exhaust valves. It creates thousands of pulses per minute, which could create a very noisy environment without the muffler in place. 

A muffler is designed as a noise canceler. If you were to open a muffler up, you would see a series of tubes, baffles, and chambers all working to reflect the sound waves as they move in from the engine. They are reflected back and forth in such a way to decrease and cancel each other out. 

Mufflers are created differently. Some are designed for quiet, reducing the noise to a minimum. Others are created with lower tones and different zounds. If you hear a growling noise from some vehicles, it’s the way the muffler was designed. 

Does Your Car Still Use a Muffler?

Why mufflers grow noisier with age

When you drive a vehicle off the showroom lot, it’s a solid machine that works at optimal performance. From there, every bump in the road or slamming on the brakes starts wearing on the various components. This doesn’t happen all at once. Unless you’re in an accident, it happens slowly over time. 

This is normal. 

Over time, the engine starts to wear down. Even if you bring your car in regularly, various parts continue to wear down. Belts can wear and extend. Joints can wiggle loose. Efficiency can degrade. 

As the pieces no longer fit together quite as tightly, you’ll notice it in performance. You may hear noises you’ve never heard before. 

Every noise you hear is an indicator of something not working quite the way it was designed. It might not impact your car … at first. But over time, it can start causing damage within the system. 

Oil is one of the most important foundations for an engine’s good health. While there may be some debate on whether to change it out every 3,000, 5,000, or even 7,000 miles or more, err on the side of changing it more. Oil is a lubricator that keeps your engine cool and working well. As oil degrades, it won’t perform well, which causes the engine to have to work harder for performance. 

This is where problems begin. 

A muffler takes that noise and muffles the sound. More sound means more work. And because a muffler degrades over time too, you get the two components countering each other. 

Common muffler problems 

 The most common muffler problem is rust. As water trickles through the exhaust system, it causes condensation to build within the system. As some of it accumulates, it causes rust over time. 

Moisture can accumulate from other resources too. During our snowy winter months, ice and snow can build up underneath your vehicle. Rain can splash up during the rainy summer months. This can also build up over time and cause rust, especially along joint and connection lines. 

Another common problem exists when holes or loose parts exist within the exhaust system. This happens over time. Hitting a bump or a pothole causes friction in connections. Every rock kicked up as you drive can ping the muffler. While you might not see damage the first month after you purchase a vehicle, or even after the first year, damage accumulates over time. It’s the constant wear and tear that eventually causes a problem. And if a crack exists in the muffler or tailpipe, it needs to be replaced. 

How to know your muffler needs replacing

Like other parts on your vehicle, there are telltale signs a muffler gives you, signaling it isn’t working properly. 

The easiest is by producing more noise. Since a muffler’s main objective is to remove noise, you’ll notice if it’s no longer performing optimally. When a muffler is damaged, it can’t provide noise reduction. You’ll hear it every time you start your car and drive. It won’t be something you can ignore, as it will only worsen over time. 

The engine can also misfire. A misfire shows up as a sudden loss of speed, yet the engine recovers quickly and moves on. It feels like it stumbles, catches, and recovers. This happens as exhaust moves through the system, it catches in the muffler without moving smoothly through the system. This catch causes it to hesitate, showing up as a misfire. 

You can also notice it in your fuel economy. And with prices rising as high as they are today, you’ll feel it in your wallet. A good exhaust system is essential to a vehicle’s performance level. The muffler can easily be the starting point to losing efficiency. A crack or leak in the muffler allows exhaust to flow where it shouldn’t be. This cuts back on performance, requiring more fuel to get the job done. This means the fuel you put in will have to work harder for the same results. You’ll be filling up more often as you move through your weeks.

You might also hear a rattle if the problem stems from loose parts. A loose connection, a damaged part, or a small crack can allow different pieces to rub together, bang together as you hit a bump, or rattle as the car vibrates and moves. 

How to fix a bad car muffler

Unfortunately, the only way to fix a bad car muffler is replacement. If it has a minor hole, a mechanic may be able to use adhesive material to patch and bond to the muffler’s surface. But beyond that, it’s better to replace the entire muffler. It’s the best way to ensure it works correctly with your system, providing both safety and fuel efficiency. 

When was the last time you had your car’s muffler inspected? 

Gas Saving Tips For Your Summer Travels

by

How fuel efficient your car was even a few short months ago wasn’t that big of a deal. When gas prices were low, a swing of 5 to 10 miles per gallon barely registered in your mind. 

Yet now, gas prices are rising … drastically. You notice it every time you pull into a gas station and fill up your tank. It’s difficult watching your final cost rise significantly upward, knowing there isn’t much you can do. Gas saving tips you read online never really amount to much … Do companies really think trading your car in for an electric car will save you money? Not when the average price of a car just rose beyond $47,000?

If your summer plans include road tripping, you want real gas saving tips you can use right now, with the car sitting in your driveway. Luckily, there are many things you can do that won’t break the bank. 

Let’s start with the reasons why your car’s losing fuel efficiency

Sure, you can save a little bit of money by tracking gas prices with your favorite app, but that amounts to a few cents each fill up. The same applies to paying with cash. 

Gas is an important part of keeping your vehicle fully operational. Have you ever purchased cheap gas and noticed your car ran rougher as it moved through the system?

The quality of gas is equally important. We suggest finding a reliable source that’s convenient for your lifestyle. Then use that source every time you fuel up. Do they have a loyalty program? This is the time to use it. 

Depending on where you go on your summer road trip, you can sometimes find the same source along your drive. Many consumers use Costco for gas as well as other lifestyle choices. You can map out the best places to stop based on where a servicing station is convenient. It also works well if you need to pick up a few food items when arriving at your final destination. 

Gas Saving Tips For Your Summer Travels

While you can save some cash this way, it won’t make a huge dent in your fuel bill. This is when it comes time to ensure your car is in top condition, to ensure it’s using fuel as efficiently as possible. 

Air filter

An engine needs both fuel and air to power the engine. Without the proper air supply, it won’t operate correctly. If the engine isn’t taking in enough air, it compensates for it by adding more fuel to the mixture. It will take more fuel to travel at the same speed. 

This is why it’s vital to ensure the air filter is clean and capable of allowing a proper air stream into the engine. Clogged air filters are especially common in older cars that still rely on carburetors. While most manufacturers recommend replacing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, it’s a good idea to check it regularly and replace it as you notice changes. 

Fuel filter

A fuel filter blocks contaminants in the fuel supply, preventing them from traveling throughout the engine where they can cause harm. One of the biggest places contaminants can hamper fuel efficiency is by damaging fuel injectors. It can also lower fuel pressure, which further compromises your engine. 

As your car ages, manufacturers suggest replacing a fuel filter every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Check with your owner’s manual to follow recommendations. If you suspect a dirty fuel filter, bringing it in and letting a mechanic inspect it will ensure all parts of your fuel system are working as designed. 

Fuel injectors

One of the most common reasons for a drop in fuel efficiency is a dirty fuel injector. Fuel injectors are tiny nozzles that spray fuel into the engine cylinder. This spray system must work precisely to mix with the air supply at the right time. Without it firing properly, it disrupts the fueling process. 

When fuel injectors become dirty or clogged, the fuel spray is anything but precise. In some cases, the fuel injectors can be cleaned. Other times they may need replacing to ensure a proper spray pattern. Fixing the problem early will prevent it from escalating and damaging other parts of your vehicle.  

Oxygen sensors

Today’s modern cars use an oxygen sensor to measure how lean or rich the exhaust gasses are as they exit the engine. These sensors register the results, then send a message to the computer system to adjust the amount of fuel that enters the engine. 

When an oxygen sensor is dirty, it can lead to an inefficient amount of fuel entering the engine. Some estimate that fuel economy can be lowered by as much as 40 percent. 

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the more common reasons the check engine light will illuminate on your dashboard. It’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in anytime a light illuminates. A faulty oxygen sensor is an easy, affordable fix, and will help keep your fuel economy in check. 

Tires

Low tire pressure can be a common occurrence as you drive on scorching hot roads. It’s also a common cause of lowering your fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires have more roll resistance with the road. It creates drag as you drive and lower the fuel economy over time. 

 Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to fix. Pay attention to the dashboard. If it illuminates low tire pressure, inspect your tires for any signs of weakness. You should also check your tire pressure and fill it up with air as needed. Because tires can have a major impact on safety, especially as you road trip, it’s essential to pay attention to this throughout your trip. 

Alignment

No matter how well you drive, you can’t avoid potholes, bumps, and other road hazards all the time. Each bump impacts your wheel alignment, and if it no longer sits straight, it’s costing you money at the pump. 

Just like low tire pressure, a poorly aligned wheel creates resistance as it travels down the road. This continual pull hurts fuel economy too. 

Now’s the time for a little TLC – before your road trip

With both your safety and fuel efficiency at stake, scheduling a maintenance visit before your next road trip just makes sense. You’ll stop any potential repairs from escalating, and ensure your vehicle is as efficient as possible. 

It’s the best gas saving tips we can give. 

How Exhaust Leaks Are Impacting Your Gas Mileage

by

With gas prices climbing higher each day, it’s only natural to pay more attention to your gas mileage. When you watch your budget being eaten by trips to the gas station, fuel efficiency is of top concern. 

Will exhaust leaks impact gas mileage? Will exhaust leaks affect your vehicle’s performance?

While you may not have thought much about the process before, times are a-changing. Exhaust leaks can and will make you take more trips to the gas station. It impacts performance, and underscores your efficiency. 

What do you need to know?

Understanding your car’s exhaust system 

A car’s exhaust system is a variety of pipes, connectors, sensors, and mechanical devices designed to handle and dispose of exhaust fumes that are produced by the engine’s combustion process. The exhaust system is designed to:

  • Funnel potentially dangerous exhaust fumes away from the occupants of the vehicle
  • Reduce the noise levels of the internal combustion process
  • Reduce the toxicity levels of outgoing fumes that can be harmful to humans

Why exhaust leaks can be dangerous

The combustion process is a powerful force used to create energy, and make your car go. Car exhaust fumes can contain a variety of poisonous chemicals, including:

How Exhaust Leaks Are Impacting Your Gas Mileage
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Nitrogen oxides
  • Formaldehyde
  • Benzene
  • Soot

Each can be harmful to your health. 

A properly working exhaust system ensures your vehicle is operating safely for you and those around you. When an exhaust leak occurs, it can allow dangerous gases to enter the atmosphere around it. If that moves into your vehicle, it quickly creates a hazardous situation. Many of these harmful gases are odorless, which means you won’t even realize their impact as you ride in the passenger cabin. Prolonged impact can make you sick. 

You may have an exhaust leak if you notice …

For many drivers, an annual emissions test may be the first sign you receive that something is wrong. If you pull into your state’s testing center, it records an abnormal reading, alerting you to a potential problem. To continue legally driving, you’ll have to fix your exhaust system before getting your certification. 

But that’s not the only way your vehicle alerts you to a potential problem. Exhaust leaks can give you other warning signs that give you advanced warning. 

Engine noise – listen for a loud rumble that often occurs while accelerating. Depending on where the leak is, you may hear a variety of noises: popping, hissing, ticking, or buzzing. It usually sounds louder when you’re outside the vehicle, and it will get louder as you rev the engine. 

Loud exhaust – over time, you get to know the sounds of your vehicle well. If you have a leak in the exhaust, it will make driving and accelerating louder than normal. You will know if you have a leak. 

Loss of acceleration – anytime the system doesn’t work the way it should, it can impact performance. When you press down on the accelerator, you may notice your vehicle no longer accelerates the way it once did. It no longer has pick-up-and-go. This won’t go away. You’ll continue to lose power as the leak becomes more pronounced. 

Vibrations – don’t you just hate rattles and vibrations, and you can’t seem to find the cause? Exhaust leaks allow air to escape from cracks or holes in the system. Depending on where it is, it can cause a variety of vibrations. 

Noxious smells – some of the exhaust fumes are odorless. But that doesn’t mean you can’t smell it. One of the exhaust system’s functions is to give it an odor to make sure you smell it in the event something goes wrong. If you start to smell exhaust fumes moving towards the front of the cabin, you have a problem. You may notice it as a gas smell as well. 

Reduced fuel economy – with today’s gas prices soaring sky-high, this might be one of your first clues if you monitor your mileage. Are you returning to the gas station more frequently? An exhaust leak may be the culprit. Exhaust leaks cause an air-to-fuel ratio imbalance that makes the engine less efficient. That increases the amount of gas needed for processing. 

What’s causing exhaust leaks?

Just like exhaust leaks can spring to life for a variety of reasons, what causes them varies depending on your vehicle. It may be from:

Corrosion – the exhaust system rides close to the ground. It’s impacted by heat and cold, ice, rain, and snow. When you drive on a dirt road, rocks and gravel can pound against it. When you drive in the winter, salt, mag-chloride, and other chemicals can affect the metal. Heat can cause melted road tar onto the system. Go on a road trip? You may bring part of the experience home with you. Through all the miles your car drives, it can impact the system over time. 

Damage – the exhaust system resides underneath the car, close to the ground. Potholes, road hazards, unpaved roads, and even normal driving conditions can all cause damage to the low-lying equipment. If a rock bounces up, it can damage the metal. 

Failing joints, gaskets, and welds – every piece on your vehicle degrades over time. If it was installed correctly, it might last the manufacturer’s suggested time limits. If it was poorly repaired, it might show up sooner than expected. 

Time and age – everything wears down over time. The older your vehicle is, the more room for problem areas can arise. 

Fixing exhaust leaks

Exhaust leaks are a job best left to the professionals. That’s because it contains a variety of issues to ensure it’s brought back to good working condition. It may include part replacement, dealing with metal corrosion, or ensuring the system is functioning well. Everything from new parts to sealants may be used. 

The exhaust system isn’t something you want second-rate. Your life could hang in the balance if something isn’t right. 

Your best line of defense against exhaust leaks is to have your vehicle inspected on a regular basis. If you notice significant changes, schedule an inspection right away. 

It’s the best way to keep repair bills to a minimum, and ensure you’re vehicle is always running smoothly.

Should You Consider a Transmission Rebuild?

by

Your vehicle’s transmission is a vital part of operation. Without it, your car won’t go. 

If your transmission has problems, it can be a safety hazard. Imagine getting in a situation where your car won’t change gears, or suddenly does as you’re driving down the road. 

When you notice a transmission problem, a mechanic will inspect it and find what’s causing the issue. It might be a minor repair, or it could be more serious. That’s when you’re likely to have to make a decision: should you consider a transmission rebuild, or is it time for a new one. 

Understanding a transmission

Think of a transmission as a car’s gearbox. If you compare it to a bicycle, it would consist of a gear shifter and chain mechanism. 

The transmission components are mounted to the engine compartment so the gear and chain system can effectively convert combustion power from the engine into physical energy. 

Fuel is ignited in the combustion chamber. As fuel ignites, it uses the heat to push pistons up and down in the engine cylinder, spinning the crankshaft. This crankshaft is what’s used to move the wheels. 

Should You Consider a Transmission Rebuild?

It’s the transmission system’s job to ensure this energy force is kept under control. The transmission ensures energy is sent to the wheels at intermittent levels, depending on the speed you’re traveling at. Without it, it would be difficult to start and stop your car. 

A transmission changes gears as the vehicle moves through different speeds. As you push down on the accelerator, let up and apply the brake, the transmission adjusts so that the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPMs) are kept relatively low. This provides better fuel consumption, and ensures the energy process doesn’t overload the engine. Think of it as a harnesser of energy, making the entire process work safely and efficiently. 

Everything works well. Until it doesn’t. 

What is a rebuilt transmission?

Transmissions are one of the most complex systems that make your vehicle operate. When something goes wrong with the transmission system, the repair process can escalate fast.  

While mechanics will speak of a transmission as if it were one part, it’s actually a series of over 800 different components, each with its own unique make and model. Each part can be repaired or replaced. It’s a time-consuming and expensive process. Even for a highly trained mechanic, it takes time to ensure the right pieces are fixed, and the entire system is efficient once it’s put back together. 

Inside a transmission are several major components:

  • Gear set – this allows the forward and backward motion.
  • Hydraulic system – transmission fluid moves through the system to help control gear movement. It helps with lubrication, cooling, and shift control. 
  • Seals and gaskets – these components ensure lubricant stays where it’s supposed to be without leaking.
  • Pump and turbine – the engine and transmission work through a series of three fans, spinning as fluid is pushed through the system. 
  • Throttle cable – this monitors speed and throttle position of the transmission to help determine the proper time to shirt.
  • Computer – modern day vehicles use a computer to control the process through a series of sensors. 

A transmission rebuild would include working on any one or more of these components. If any part is damaged or worn out, the components would be in need of repair. It includes replacing a series of parts rather than replacing the entire transmission. 

Rebuilt transmissions can involve major overhauls. It can include replacing several parts or systems within the transmission rather than installing a brand new one. 

What happens during a transmission rebuild?

When a mechanic rebuilds a transmission, it involves removing the transmission and completely disassembling it. Each piece is inspected for damage or wear, and a decision is made on whether to keep it or replace it. If it’s kept, it’s cleaned and used as the system is being rebuilt. Clutches, seals, gaskets, and any other easily worn items will be evaluated during this process as well. 

Why are transmission rebuilds popular? Because a rebuilt transmission can be considerably less expensive than replacing the entire system. Even a rebuilt transmission can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the problems. It’s a way to keep the costs as low as possible while bringing your vehicle back to drivable condition. 

There is a break-even point where a transmission rebuilt and installing a new transmission meet. As parts and labor creep upward, there’s a point where it makes more sense just to replace it. A reputable mechanic can help determine that and make suggestions along the way. 

Research shows that transmissions tend to fail between 80,000 and 150,000 miles. As you approach that mileage, you can start asking yourself questions.

  • How often do I bring the vehicle in for routine maintenance?
  • What problems have I had in the past?
  • How long do I plan on keeping this vehicle? 

These questions can help you decide the best course of action. If your transmission has a history of problems, needing repair work frequently since you purchased it, it may point in the direction of replacement. If it’s never given you any problems before, rebuilding the transmission may be the solution. 

Some common indicators of needing a transmission rebuild

Problems with your vehicle rarely occur instantaneously. Instead, you’ll start noticing problems build over time. 

Transmission slipping – you’ll notice regular and sudden changes with gears shifting when it’s not expected. It might make a humming noise. It often happens with low transmission fluid levels, or lack of maintenance. The worse it gets, the more the gears are damaged. Too much damage would require a new transmission. 

Gear shifting problems – your car won’t go without the ability to shift gears. When this starts to fail, you’ll notice it in several ways:

  • A jerking sensation as it moves between gears
  • Shifting without reason
  • Falling out of gear while driving
  • Hesitation before engaging

Burning smell – any burning smell should be checked out right away. It’s a sign of a component failing. The sooner you find the problem and fix it, the less at risk you are of the entire system collapsing. 

Fluid leak – transmission fluid is a red color. If you notice it darkening, or leaking anywhere from the system, you’ll have cooling issues. Continuous leaks can result in low levels of transmission fluid, which means it’s not running through the system at optimal levels. It can damage a series of components. 

Do you have transmission problems? 

Whether a transmission rebuild is in your future, or a full replacement is necessary, it starts with a full inspection. Bring your vehicle in today, and we’ll help you make an informed decision. 

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks