Car Maintenance

Does Winter Weather Really Affect Gas Mileage?

October 10, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Here in Colorado, the temperatures can drop suddenly. It may be in the 70s in the middle of the day, but deep in the night, it can become quite frigid.

While that may cause you to turn on your indoor heating system to stay warm, it may also find you stopping at the gas station more often with your car. Is it your imagination, or does winter weather really affect gas mileage? According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency, it’s not all in your mind.

Using conventional gasoline, gas mileage will be approximately 15 percent lower at 20°F than it will be at 77°F. For your 3 to 4 mile trip running errands, it can lower as much as 24 percent in the heart of the winter.

Don’t think your hybrid is more efficient; winter weather is actually harder on efficiency. Fuel economy can drop 30 to 35 percent when the temperatures start falling.

What impacts your gas mileage in the winter months?

While you can’t pinpoint lower gas mileage to any one behavior, there are a variety of contributing factors that make your car less efficient. They include items both internal and external to your car.

Does Winter Weather Really Affect Gas Mileage?

Road conditions

Does it seem like it takes twice as long to get to work on bad weather roads? That contributes to more gas used as you make your way down the street. You’ll also be fighting sleet, slush, and snow, which can impact the friction in the way your car handles.

More idling

Those icy roads cause everyone on the road to slow down. Slower traffic means more idling, which reduces fuel economy. While you might not be able to avoid more idling on the highway, you can avoid idling in your driveway, and as you move throughout your errands. While it might be chilly, resist the urge to allow your car to idle your car to warm it up and keep it warm. An idling car does nothing to warm up the tires or the drivetrain – it’s for your personal satisfaction only. Even in the coldest temperatures, you can start out on your journey after turning the car on – just keep the speeds low to moderate, and don’t push the car until it warms up. Watch the temperature gauge for a good resource to know more about how well your car is handling.

Lower tire pressure

A 10 degree change in outside temperature will equate to a 1 psi change in tire pressure. If your dashboard icon goes off more frequently in the winter months, alerting you to a tire pressure problem, this is why. Fuel economy decreases about a half-percent for every 1 psi drop in tire pressure. Keep your eye on the pressure gauge, and get your tires tested and filled frequently in the winter.

More tire resistance

Even when your tires are properly filled, cold weather allows them to perform differently than in the heat of the summer. That’s because tires are flexible, changing shape as they perform while you drive. Sidewalls can bulge; the tread flattens as it connects with the road. But with ice and snow creating uneven patches, it impacts the shape and performance of the tires. This constant rotation combined with changing wear patterns impacts your drive … and your gas mileage. Cold, hard rubber will never perform in the same way as when it does at a more moderate temperature.

Lower engine temperature

When your car sits in the garage or in a parking spot, the engine settles in at “room” temperature. It adjusts to the airflow around it. As the temperatures dive, the “room” temperatures change, allowing all of the engine components to cool down. To warm it back up as you turn the key, the engine calls upon a richer fuel/air mixture to engage the various parts and start the entire system working.

Thicker motor oil

Engine oil is designed to operate no matter what temperature it is outside, but it will thicken as it cools. It takes significantly more energy to overcome the drag caused by warming up cold lubricants. Using a synthetic motor oil can help address this problem, since its viscosity is created to better handle extreme temperatures. It pays to have your motor oil changed as we move into autumn, to ensure your car is well prepared for the cooler driving conditions.

More electrical loads

In colder temperatures, you use more of your electrical accessories:

Lights as the daylight hours are at a minimum, and you illuminate the road in cloudy, snowy conditions.
Rear window defogger to help keep the back window clear.
Heater warming up the inside of your car.
Heated seats and mirrors make your drive safer and more comfortable.
Windshield washer pump keeps your windows clean as you combat winter driving conditions.

Winter grades of gasoline

Winter grades of gasoline have less energy when compared to the summer grades. Because gasoline doesn’t vaporize as easily at colder temperatures, gas manufacturers compensate for this by changing their formulas, creating one for cold-weather efficiency. While they may help gas evaporate easier, it reduces the combustion efficiency.

How can you improve gas mileage in winter months?

After reading what impacts your car’s gas mileage during the winter months, it’s easy to see and build a strategy that will improve efficiency during the coldest months of the year.

Combine your trips. Instead of running different errands each day of the week, create an “errand day” to get all of your running around completed at one time. This gives your engine a chance to warm up and stay warm as you run around town.

Keep an eye on your tire pressure, stopping to fill them whenever they drop.

Choose a warm place for your car. This may mean cleaning the garage, or pulling into a parking garage at night.

Reduce time spent idling. Can you avoid the busiest parts of the day? Be prepared to leave rather than allowing your car to idle for several minutes to warm up. Warming the car is for your comfort, not your car’s.

Clean out your car. While you should always have a winter emergency kit, leave excess personal items at home as increased weight causes further drag on the car. If you have bike racks and other accessories you won’t be using for several months, now is a good time to remove them.

Here in Colorado, winter weather is a part of our daily lives. When the worst weather impacts us, knowing these few gas mileage tips will help you make the most of your fuel economy.

Haven’t had your oil changed, or a winter weather inspection yet? Set up your appointment today, to ensure your vehicle is ready for the worst days.

What Car Maintenance Items Should You Do After Buying a Used Car

October 7, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

There are many reasons a used car is the perfect vehicle to suit your needs.

Maybe you’re finding a first car for your son or daughter.
Maybe you want a reliable second car for odd jobs you have around the house.
Maybe you’re looking for reliable transportation without the high cost of a new car.

Over 43 million used cars were sold in the US in 2021. Whether you buy it from a dealer, a used car lot, or a private seller in your own community, it’s good to get to know your used car before you rely on it to get you where you’re going.

It’s easy to assume that the previous owner cared for the car well. But in truth, you can never be sure they handled maintenance issues the way you would.

To give your new-to-you vehicle the best chance at a long life, why not give it a little car maintenance?

What Car Maintenance Items Should You Do After Buying a Used Car

Car maintenance after buying a new car is the perfect way to ensure everything works well and is in the best shape possible.

Where do you begin?

Start with your owner’s manual

Most drivers spend little time with their vehicle’s owner’s manual. That’s a mistake.

Not all cars are the same. They are created using different parts and systems, each requiring different levels of maintenance. By opening up your owner’s manual, you can start learning how the designers built your car, and what recommendations they make for regular maintenance. Manufacturers know best.

As you scan the manual, start making a list of areas you wish to check out. You can use your car’s mileage as a guide for follow-up on parts and systems. Here’s a list of potential maintenance items you may wish to consider:

Motor oil and oil filter replacement
Check and top off all fluids inside the vehicle
Replace spark plugs
Replace coolant
Check brake fluid
Rotate and balance tires
Check the tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips
Ensure the spare tire is in good shape

This is your starting point. If you have any other questions after reading your manual, be sure to bring them up with a mechanic on your next scheduled visit.

Get those fluids changed

Now that you know your vehicle a little better, your first step should be to replace as many serviceable fluids as possible. Because you don’t know how well the previous driver treated the vehicle, it’s best to start out with a car that’s as well cared for and up to date as possible.

If the previous owner gave you a maintenance log with receipts for fluid changes, you may choose to skip this step. Otherwise, this is an important step for after-purchase maintenance for all secondhand vehicles.

We listed many of the standard fluids to change out above: motor oil, coolant or antifreeze, and possibly a brake fluid flush.

Depending on what you intend to do with the vehicle, you might choose to replace the transmission fluid, or change out the differential gear oil if you’ll be hauling heavy loads.

This is about creating a vehicle you can trust for many years to come.

Replace filters

For most drivers, replacing filters means starting with the oil filter. Most likely, the mechanic will suggest that when they change out the motor oil.

It’s also a good idea to replace the engine’s air filter. The air filter helps keep harmful contaminants from entering the engine, and ensures only clean air, without debris, reaches the engine’s main components. If this becomes clogged, it can set off a host of problems throughout your car.

There’s one more filter that many people forget or ignore: the cabin air filter. This affects the air supply that enters the passenger compartment. This air filter is usually underneath the dashboard, and helps filter out pollen, dust, and debris, so it doesn’t build up in your vehicle’s heating and cooling system. A new air filter will give you cleaner air to breathe and better performance too.

Don’t forget to check the tires

There’s nothing a little elbow grease can’t hide. If the previous owner cleaned the tires well enough, you may overlook key problem areas that suggest your tires need replacing. Because a blow-out can impact your safety, it’s a good idea to have them thoroughly inspected before you start driving.

Where do you start? Check the tread wear; it’s easy to do. Most tires start with a tire tread of around 10/32”. The soft rubber starts to wear away as you add mileage to the vehicle. This is what gives your tires traction in all kinds of handling situations. Most states regulate tires unsafe to drive when they reach 2/32”, but is that really safe?

While a mechanic will use a gauge to check tread depth, you can do a simple test yourself. Take a penny and slip it into the tire tread as a depth gauge. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. The top of Lincoln’s head to the penny edge is roughly 2/32”.

You should also check sidewalls for cracks. If something appears to stand out, it’s better to get it inspected before heading out on the open road. Getting the wheels balanced and aligned will also ensure even wear on your tires in the coming weeks.

Finding a mechanic you can trust

Mechanics are a lot like doctors; if you can find one you can trust, you’ll be assured your car is in good condition throughout the year.

If you didn’t get an inspection before you finalized your used car purchase, it’s not too late now that you own it. In fact, it’s the perfect time to ensure it’s in great condition, so that it will be reliable and provide you with safety and security for as long as you drive the car.

Have a question about your new-to-you used car? We can help.

These Are The Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump

October 4, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Without fuel, your car won’t operate. That’s easy to understand.

Yet understanding how fuel helps cars operate is a bit more complicated. A fuel pump’s primary task is to move fuel from the gas tank to other parts of the fuel system. If any part of that system starts to fuel, it stops your car in its tracks.

But how do you diagnose it as a bad fuel pump and not some other problem within the car?

What is a fuel pump?

How does the fuel delivery system work inside your car? With a fuel tank, metal piping, and a variety of other components, gasoline moves from the tank to the engine, providing a source of energy.

A fuel pump is either a mechanical or electrical mechanism that moves fuel from the gas tank through a fuel filter to a fuel rail. From there, fuel is distributed to fuel injectors and sprayed into each engine cylinder’s combustion chamber. If you have an older car with a carburetor, the fuel is pumped there.

An electric fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, which clicks into action when you start the car. By turning the key, you instruct the pump to pressurize the fuel and push it through the piping. A second electrical or engine-driven pump is designed to boost fuel pressure. This high pressure releases fuel to the fuel injectors.

This system is very reliable. When it works well, your car will start easily every time. Fuel pumps aren’t part of a regular routine maintenance schedule like changing out motor oil or air filters. Most fuel pumps should last 100,000 miles or more.

Bad fuel pump symptoms

Like most parts built into modern cars, it rarely dies without warning signs. If you pay attention to sounds, noises, and actions, you’ll pick up on the fact that a part is wearing down. Bad fuel pump symptoms include:

Your car won’t stay running

You start your car up like normal, but it dies shortly after. You try it again, and it operates properly. While you might forget about it if it happens once, if it is a bad fuel pump, this will start occurring with more frequency.

Your car sputters as you step on the gas

If you’ve ever felt your car hesitate when you step on the gas pedal, you know the feeling I’m referring to. You expect your car to move forward like it always does. But it hesitates, sputters, as if the gas isn’t making its way into the system. It may only be a few seconds before it returns to normal. If you start feeling this with frequency, it might be a bad fuel pump.

Your car dies for no reason at all

This often occurs at inopportune times. Maybe you’re pulling a heavy load up the mountains. Or cruising up a hill on your way home from work. Suddenly, your car goes from on to off, without energy keeping your car operational. If the fuel pump can’t keep an appropriate level of fuel running through the engine, it won’t have the energy necessary to stay operational. You’ve probably got a bad fuel pump.

Your car simply won’t start

Depending on what happens to the fuel pump as it’s failing, it may stop working altogether. When this happens, you’re stuck.

You notice decreased fuel efficiency

If you notice you’re filling up more at the gas station, it can be one of many issues. If your car suddenly requires more fuel to operate effectively, it may be a sign of a bad fuel pump. It’s best to get your car checked out by a mechanic to find the problem before it grows into a bigger issue.

Your check engine light comes on

This is a fail-safe for many parts within the engine compartment. If the sensor senses something isn’t working right, it illuminates on the dashboard to alert you to a potential problem. It’s time to bring your car in for a diagnostics test to pinpoint where the problem is.

Why fuel pumps fail

Your car has over 10,000 parts that make it run efficiently as you drive it down the road. When even one part is off its game, it can impact dozens more down the line. Because fuel pumps are designed to last 100,000 miles or more, a problem is usually reactionary to something else failing. It can be:

Pump issues – the pump itself contains multiple parts that allow it to pressurize as it operates. It has a series of pressure and relief valves to ensure fuel is moved efficiently throughout the system. If any one of these parts fails, it can reduce output pressure, stopping or recirculating fuel back into the tank, leaving the engine without proper levels.

Fuel problems – your car requires a certain quality level of fuel to make it operate well. Paying attention to the octane level is the first step. Also pay attention to where you fuel up. Poor quality service stations can give you less than stellar fuel sources that allow sludge to build up in your tank.

https://denverexpresscare.com/understanding-your-cars-fuel-system

Clogged fuel filter

When was the last time you changed the fuel filter? If not replaced at regular intervals, it can restrict fuel flow and cause the fuel pump to fail. Reduced fuel flow can put pressure on other areas of the system, which can result in a variety of deficiencies, including overheating.

Damaged fuel line

How many rough roads are on your way to and from work? That pothole may have done more damage than you thought. If a fuel line has a dent or pinches the fuel source, it can lead to reduced fuel supply circulating throughout the system. If the fuel pump doesn’t receive a steady stream of fuel, it can cause fuel pump failure.

Age

As you move closer to the 100,000 mark, it’s a cumulative effect for every part of your car. While you may not be able to pinpoint any one potential problem, at some point, your fuel pump may just wear out.

Your fuel pump is sending you a warning sign. Are you listening?

A bad fuel pump can wreak havoc in many ways. Get your fuel pump fixed today.

When Your Car’s Heater Isn’t Working Right

September 28, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Cold, winter mornings have a way of creeping up on you each year. The days grow shorter. You wake up and start your day before the sun rises. As you rush to your car, your thoughts drift over your day ahead: meetings, a deadline for a project, a few phone calls you need to make. You don’t think much about how cold your car is; it’ll warm up quickly.

But it doesn’t. A few miles down the road, you start noticing how cold it is. Your car’s heater isn’t working right, and it’s blowing cold air all around you. You notice a few snowflakes starting to fall, and you shiver in response.

Now what?

How a car’s heating system works

Your car’s heating system includes a few basic components: heater core, blower fan, heater control valve, heater hoses, the ventilation system, and control panel located inside the car.

Heat is created by the engine, and needs someplace to go. Most of that is filtered out through the exhaust system, with the rest remaining in the engine, transferred to the coolant.

When your vehicle reaches operating temperature, the thermostat opens up and allows coolant to circulate throughout the system. It removes any heat from the engine, sending it into the radiator and the heater core. From there, it distributes the heat into your cabin. You control the temperature, ensuring the passenger section is as warm or cool as you desire.

When Your Car’s Heater Isn’t Working Right

For the heater to work properly, the cooling system needs to be in good working condition. That means the correct mix of coolant and water, with proper coolant levels and no leaks in the system. The thermostat should open and close at the proper temperature levels, with the water pump circulating coolant through the engine, radiator, and heating core as needed. If this system works well, your heater will be there to provide conditioned air at the levels you desire.

When your car heater isn’t working, there’s something wrong in the system.

Low coolant levels

One of the first things to check is also one of the most common reasons for a heater to stop working. If the coolant levels are low within the system, it can’t circulate properly through the system. In optimal working conditions, coolant levels won’t change. If there is a leak, it can occur anywhere within the system: cracked coolant tank, broken gasket, faulty hose, etc.

If the heater doesn’t warm up and start blowing heated air within ten minutes, the coolant might be too low to circulate through the heater core. While you may feel it inside the cabin with little to no heat, your car’s engine feels it in different ways. Without proper coolant levels, the engine might overheat, which is an expensive repair to fix.

Coolant isn’t like other fluids. It won’t evaporate, and adding more into the system won’t fix the problem. You’ll have to find the root cause and fix the problem at the source.

Malfunctioning thermostat

Your car’s thermostat is a valve that opens and closes to regulate coolant flow into the engine and radiator. While it’s a simplistic device, it’s vital to keeping your engine running at the proper temperature.

A malfunctioning thermostat is often stuck in the open or closed position. If it’s stuck in the open position, it allows too much coolant to flow, preventing the car from reaching optimal operating temperature. A thermostat stuck in the closed position won’t allow coolant to circulate, which stops the heat from flowing properly throughout the system. Both will be noticeable by decreased performance.

Faulty heater core

The heater core works similarly to the radiator. While the radiator dissipates heat to the surrounding air, the heater core sends heat into the passenger cabin by a blower fan.

The heater core uses a maze of narrow tubes and fins for proper circulation. If any one of these is blocked or damaged, it reduces the coolant level or flow through the engine’s cooling system. A faulty heater core and low coolant levels often are interchangeable, with one impacting the other. Two easy ways to tell if your heater core has been compromised include windows that easily fog up, or a sweet-smelling scent lingering inside your car. Both are signs you should schedule a maintenance visit soon.

Faulty blower fan

When you turn up the heat on the dashboard panel inside your car, the heater core captures warm air from the coolant and transfers it into the cabin as a warm air supply. The blower fan makes it possible for ventilation of the warm air from the heater core, pushing it out through the vents. If the blower fan isn’t working, there will be no way to transfer the warmed air supply out through the vents.

The blower fan can malfunction for a variety of reasons. It could be a blown fuse, or damage to the internal components of the blower fan. If you barely feel a breeze no matter how high you turn up the heat, chances are it’s a problem with the blower fan.

Other problems

Of course, the above are some of the most popular reasons why your car’s heating system might not be working. But cars today are built with more than 10,000 parts. If a wire frays, a hose cracks, a part breaks, or fluid stops flowing, it will cause problems throughout the system.

The only way to get to the root of the problem is with a thorough diagnostics test.

Get cozy once again – schedule a maintenance visit today

Colorado weather is unpredictable at best. While it might be sunny and warm enough for the windows to be rolled down today, the snow could be flying by the time you rise for work tomorrow.

It’s hard to enjoy the ride in, or be stuck in traffic if you’re shivering inside a cold car. A heating system not operating correctly is a sign of a bigger problem.

An inspection will help locate the problem, allowing mechanics to get to the broken or faulty piece quickly, and have you back on the road in no time.

Have you ever experienced a car heater not operating correctly?

After Buying a Used Car – Fix These Used Car Problems

September 24, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

So you’ve bought a new-to-you car. You’re happy with your purchase. You researched the make and model, and scoured over the “for sale” section for weeks. After hours of searching and negotiating, the used car is yours. Now what?

The price of used cars is skyrocketing all across America. A recent study found that the average used car price was $29,011, up 39 percent from just a year before.

With prices rising, you may bid quickly on a used car, trying to secure its purchase. That also puts you at a greater risk of investing in a used car that may have problems.

With a fast purchase process, how do you know? After buying a used car, your best course of action is to take it in for a thorough inspection. It’s a great way to get to know your used car a little better, and have a better understanding of its condition.

Taking your car in for a maintenance inspection

When you purchase a used car, your first thought might be to take it out on the open road and see how it drives. It’s new to you, appears to run well, and you’re excited about having reliable transportation.

Yet before you park it in the garage and return to daily living, take some time to ensure you made a sound purchase. Schedule a maintenance inspection with one of our mechanics.

A good place to start is with an oil change. This will help you develop a pattern with your car, and start you on the road to success. Vehicles need fresh oil every 5,000 miles or so to ensure they operate well. This will also put you in charge of what type of oil your car uses, and ensure quality throughout.

After Buying a Used Car - Fix These Used Car Problems

From there, by alerting a mechanic that you’re the new owner, they will be able to move through the car carefully, evaluating different systems for safety and security.

A diagnostic test will ensure the technology is working well. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure every system operates at its best levels.

Fluid checks are a great place to start

A mechanic may also test each fluid level to ensure they are in good condition. If you don’t know when they were last changed, it’s a good way to move forward. Other fluids to check include:

Coolant – coolant (also known as antifreeze) plays an important role in keeping your engine at operating temperature. Check with your owner’s manual for more details, but in general, manufacturers recommend flushing and replacing your coolant every one to two years. Some models use extended life antifreeze, which may last up to five years.

Brake fluid – brake fluid is important to the overall health of your brake system. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked fluids for replacement. Over time, brake fluid becomes contaminated with particles that compromise the fluid. This reduces the stopping power of the car, which puts you and your passengers at risk. A mechanic can evaluate the risk inside your brake system, and help you make the right call. It is typically replaced every two years or so, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transmission fluid – does your car’s make or model have a history of transmission problems? Why not start it out right and replace the transmission fluid now. Fluid replacement is necessary around 60,000 miles for most vehicles. But if you aren’t sure of how the car was handled by the previous owner, it’s a good idea to replace it now. A higher mileage used car is the perfect candidate for a transmission fluid replacement. It prevents future breakdowns on the road.

Used car problems – fix them early

When you invest in a used car, you hope to have a reliable car for years to come. Initial maintenance checks are a great way to ensure it doesn’t leave you stranded by the side of the road.

What’s the most critical system on a vehicle? Arguably, many would state the braking system ranks high on the list. Imagine coming home from a day of skiing and the braking system stops working. Yep, it’s easy to see how vital brakes can be.

That’s reason enough to let a professional mechanic look at the braking system of your new used car.

Start with the obvious – the tires. If the seller shined them up, defects may be a bit hidden. A mechanic knows what to look for, and will spot potential problems. They will check the date the tires were manufactured, and inspect them for signs of damage. If they’ve been sitting for a while without moving, they may have cracks on the sidewalls. A mechanic can pick up on these nuances and give you a better idea of what to watch for.

From there, they will test brake pads, brake rotors, and ensure the hydraulics are working well. They can alert you to how much brake pad is left, to give you a better idea of when they’ll need replacing in the future.

Mileage – it tells a lot

Every part of your car has a lifespan. The more mileage on your vehicle, the more parts will need replacing.

With a new car, every part starts at the beginning. They wear down as you operate under normal driving conditions.

But with a used car, you have no idea how the previous owner maintained the vehicle. Were they proactive? Or did they wait for maintenance problems to surface?

When you invest in a used car, you’re choosing your starting point. You receive the vehicle as is, but you’re in control of how well it operates in the future.

If you want your used car to last for years to come, the best course of action is to err on the side of maintenance, and choose to invest in repair work now.

A full inspection will help you determine what parts to replace now, and give you a schedule of what to replace in the future. Having a professional mechanic on your side will create a routine that allows your used car to be in the best shape possible, now and well into the future.

Did you recently buy a used car? Congratulations!

Let us help you get the longest life possible from your purchase. Schedule your used car inspection today.

Why a Car Overheats When The AC Is On

September 21, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

If you had to choose one accessory on your vehicle that you simply couldn’t live without, what would it be? The radio? Heated seats? Air conditioning?

On a 95-degree day, no matter where it fell on your list before, chances are the AC moved quickly to the top.

You’re stuck in traffic. You have a meeting to get to. The temperature keeps climbing up, up, up!

You turn up the AC unit one more notch. The cool air feels great.

And then suddenly, everything changes. You feel it in your car’s behavior. The cool air isn’t so cool. The temperature gauge starts to climb. You hear noises that weren’t there before. You play around with buttons and dials, trying to find the cause.

You’ve determined the car overheats when the AC is on.

Why is your car overheating when the AC is on?

There are several reasons why a car might overheat when the AC is on and running full blast trying to keep you cool. The likely causes include:

It could be an AC compressor overload. When you turn the AC on, the compressor starts to work with the engine to move and compress the refrigerant cylinders, which builds pressure inside the engine. A car’s air conditioner draws significant power from the engine. If you’re putting a high load on the compressor and it isn’t in top shape to perform the task, eventually, it will make the car overheat. A high load will damage the AC compressor over time, preventing it from blowing cold air out into the passenger compartment. If this continues to fester, the car engine can overheat, causing more problems within the engine compartment over time.

It could be a malfunctioning cooling system. It’s one of the most common reasons for an overheating car. Problems often start small, such as a leak in the radiator. It’s running out of water and needs refilling to keep it operational. It might be a buildup of dirt or debris in the radiator, preventing fluids from moving smoothly throughout the system. Take a look at the radiator; do you notice corrosion or other buildup on the surface? While the radiator can be washed off with a low stream of water, it might also be a sign of a bigger problem. Bringing it in for a full inspection will help pinpoint the situation to determine what repairs will get it back to working condition.

It could be a problem with the fan. A lot of city driving is based on sitting in traffic, waiting at stop lights, and idling. If the air isn’t flowing correctly into the radiator, it can overheat. It can be caused by several things, including a blockage in the fins, a faulty electric fan, fan clutch, or fan switch. If you notice the car overheating more during idle situations, the engine fan probably is clogged or dirty, with lowered levels of airflow throughout the system.

It could be the radiator. The radiator is designed to pass coolant into the engine. That’s why the radiator plays an important role in your car’s overall functionality. If the radiator works correctly, it passes coolant over metallic fins into the engine, which helps the vehicle operate properly. If this process has any faults in the system, the coolant is disrupted, which leads to problems within the cooling system. Suppose you start to see the engine temperature climbing after you turn on the AC. In that case, it’s a good idea to check the radiator and ensure the various components operate as designed.

It could be a problem with the coolant temperature sensor. Today’s modern cars are built with multiple sensors to help alert you to potential problems before they impact the functionality of the vehicle. While it’s rare that a coolant temperature sensor would go out and allow the car to overheat, if you’ve considered other possibilities and still can’t find the problem, this is worth checking out. The coolant temperature is measured by the sensor and compared to the temperature within the dashboard system. If there is a discrepancy in the readings, it could cause the dashboard light to illuminate, signaling a problem. If it reads normal, but the temperature still continues to climb, it could also be a malfunction in the thermostat. To fix the thermostat or the coolant temperature sensor, bring your vehicle to a professional mechanic for replacement.

It could be a fault in other components. Every time you drive your vehicle, it can be impacted by many different things:

The environment
The weather
Potholes
Bumps
Extreme heat
Extreme cold
Sudden stops
Urban driving conditions

The list is never-ending. Parts wear out, sometimes in a manner you might not expect. You can be diligent with your routine maintenance, carefully watch manufacturer’s suggestions to replace parts at peak times, and still experience sudden problems with different components in your car.

If the compressor, condenser, evaporator, or refrigerant aren’t in proper working condition, they will impact the way your AC unit functions. And when the temperatures start to climb, it leads to the engine overheating.

What to do if the car overheats

Sometimes you can do everything right and the engine still overheats. The first thing you should do is turn the AC system off, and pull over to a safe spot off of the road.

Do not try to open the hood of the car, especially if you see smoke coming from around. Steam is scorching, and can severely damage your hands, eyes, and face.

If it’s a one-time problem, solutions can include:

Cleaning the radiator – it’s one of the most common reasons for overheating, especially if it’s clogged and antifreeze and water can’t pass through to the engine.
Checking the compressor – if you hear any noise coming from the compressor, bringing it in for inspection will ensure it’s operating properly.
Flushing the cooling system – if coolant is low or is compromised, it isn’t working as it should. A coolant flush will ensure proper antifreeze levels are topped off inside the system.
Check the refrigerant – this is an essential ingredient to help keep your AC unit functional. If refrigerant levels haven’t been checked in a while, a visit to a professional mechanic will ensure its functioning.

Final words

With over 10,000 parts, every component works together to perform well under all the driving conditions you incur each day. When you notice a change in the way your vehicle drives, it’s a sign it’s time for an inspection.

Finding the solution early can fix the problem before it escalates into something bigger and more expensive. If you notice an issue with your AC unit, bring it in today so we can check it out.

We’ll have you back on the road in no time.

How Heat Impacts Your Transmission

September 14, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Living in Colorado means you’ll never have a dull moment when it comes to the weather. One day may see snow and cold, followed by record-breaking heat that leaves you sweltering under the sun.

Imagine how your car feels as it hits the hot pavement, sitting in traffic, heat moving all around it. Heat impacts a lot of things: the tires, the engine, gas mileage. But it also impacts something you might not think much about: your transmission.

What is a transmission?

Your car’s transmission is one of the most critical components. It’s what moves power from the engine to the wheels. It’s what makes your car go.

Most modern vehicles today use an automatic transmission. If you drive a high-performance vehicle, you may still have a manual transmission in place – a stick-shift requiring you as the driver to take the necessary steps to move the gears into place.

With a manual transmission, the driver pushes in a clutch and selects the proper gear. It uses a flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch to disengage the transmission from the engine. This flywheel and pressure plate are connected to the engine, with the clutch between to connect the transmission. Every time you shift, you push the clutch to disengage the clutch from the engine, before moving into proper gear.

Automatic transmissions don’t use clutches to change gears. Instead, they rely on a torque converter to move to the appropriate gear as you pick up speed and slow down.

Is the transmission overheating?

One of the most common reasons for transmission failure is overheating. Luckily, transmissions give tell-tale signs of overheating before catastrophic failure occurs. If you notice the symptoms and take quick action, it can be the difference between a quick fix and total transmission failure.

For an overheating transmission, you might notice:

A hesitation or delayed gear shift as you are driving
A grinding or shaking sensation that occurs while idling or accelerating
The gears “slipping” when accelerating or slowing down
A sudden burning odor inside and outside the vehicle

Any one of these signs is a warning to bring your car in for inspection quickly to avoid bigger problems.

How higher heat impacts our vehicle’s transmission

If you notice more vehicles by the side of the road during high heat, there’s a reason for that.

Even the most powerful cooling system in the world has a hard time standing up to high heat. You see it in your home with your air conditioner. You see it in your car with the way it operates. If the weather is hot and dry, it creates more heat in and around the engine compartment. It works hard to try and stay cool. The added stress of city driving can do more harm, especially if the transmission is under pressure.

Low or bad transmission fluid – transmission fluid is one of those additives that you don’t think much about because it isn’t like motor oil where you change it regularly. Most vehicles on the road today require transmission fluid changes every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on if you drive a manual or automatic vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for more details. Transmission fluid keeps the transmission lubricated and ensures the components operate at an optimal rate and temperature. If the transmission fluid is running low, or has been compromised, it will cause the transmission to overheat.

Radiator or cooling system problems – the radiator and cooling system are responsible for keeping the vehicle cool regardless of what the outside temperature is, the driving distance, or how much pressure is placed on the vehicle. If the radiator or cooling system have issues, it leads to problems in other areas of your vehicle, including the transmission.

Solenoid issues – a failing transmission may also be caused by a problematic solenoid. A solenoid is an electro-hydraulic valve that helps regulate fluid flowing in and out of the transmission. If the solenoid goes bad, it prevents the transmission fluid from flowing freely through the system. This leads to a transmission possibly overheating, and eventually, total failure.

Transmission sensor problems – today’s modern cars have sensors throughout the vehicle regulating action and inaction. The transmission uses multiple electric sensors to help it run smoothly and regulate the entire system’s operations. If any one of these sensors goes bad, it can be enough to allow issues to start building within the transmission. If not caught and replaced early, it can lead to overheating.

How to keep transmission from overheating

Like other systems within your vehicle, maintenance is key to avoiding catastrophic problems. To keep the transmission healthy, be proactive with maintenance and instill preventative actions into your schedule.

Schedule regular maintenance

Cars need more than oil and gasoline to stay operational. Parts will wear out over time. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule regular maintenance visits with a mechanic you can trust to ensure every system remains in good working condition. For your transmission, this means scheduling maintenance based on guidelines around age and mileage. An inspection can help you determine the best time for replacing fluids and parts.

Watch for warning signs

When you drive your car every day, you get used to the touch and feel of every system. You can tell when something isn’t right. Don’t ignore these signs. Even the little ones are warning you of potentially bigger problems. This is when you should schedule an inspection to ensure everything is working correctly. This can make the difference between a small part and a significant repair.

Treat your transmission with care

This is another reason to back off aggressive driving. Avoid idling for extended periods. Come to a complete stop to allow the shifting mechanism to complete its cycle. Avoid aggressive acceleration and deceleration. Pay attention to how you drive when you head up into the mountains.

If you continue treating your car with kindness, it will give you a long life virtually trouble-free. Maintenance is always a better, safer, and less expensive route than to take the attitude of “wait and see.”

When was the last time you had your transmission expected? Don’t wait until the heat impacts your vehicle. Schedule your appointment today.

And The Most Important Car Maintenance Items Are …

August 28, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

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

August 21, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

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

August 18, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

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?