Car Maintenance

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?

Help! I Mixed Antifreeze. Now What?

August 14, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

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.

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

August 10, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

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

July 24, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

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?

July 14, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

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.

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?