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This Is How To Ensure Your Car Sees 200,000 Miles

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Cars are expensive. When you buy one and drive it off the lot, you hope it will last for years to come. 

But what does that mean? Will you drive it for a few years and trade it in? Will you put on 50,000 miles? 100,000? More?

What would it take to ensure your car sees 200,000 miles? With today’s automobiles, it’s not as uncommon as you might think. According to a study by iSeeCars, they identified 16 models that each has over 2.5 percent of their vehicles reach 200,000 miles or more. 

That’s good news if you drive a lot. But even if you buy a car with a predisposition for longevity, it doesn’t just happen on its own. To ensure your car sees 200,000, it’s going to take a little work on your part. The good news is it won’t take a lot of your time. It’s more about regular maintenance and sticking with a schedule since you’ve already done the hardest part: buy a reliable vehicle.

Here’s what to do next:

Be diligent with your maintenance checks

While today’s cars come complete with diagnostics and have dashboard lights to warn you when something is wrong, this should be considered your backup, not your maintenance plan. When you purchase your car, spend some time getting to know the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance items. You can find this in the owner’s manual, or simply do a search online. Then stick with it. Calendar the items if you have to. Don’t skip the important things like oil changes and brake jobs. Error on the side of replacing it before you’re scheduled to. This alone will ensure your car is always in the best shape possible, and keep your car on the road for many years to come.  Maintenance checks include:

This Is How To Ensure Your Car Sees 200,000 Miles

Changing the oil religiously

This is something you should do like clockwork, almost as natural as pulling into the gas station to fill up the tank. Newer cars are more efficient than ever, but you still should replace the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. You should also pay attention to your driving habits. In extreme situations, error on the lower side. When we hit record-breaking heat or cold waves here across the Front Range, change it more frequently. You should also speak with one of our mechanics about the type of oil you use, so it matches your driving conditions. 

Keep your tires in good working order

Your tires are what keep you safe and on the road. Like every other auto part, they come with a suggested timeline for replacement. This can change depending on driving conditions. If your tires aren’t properly maintained, they can reduce your gas mileage. If they are too worn, you risk blowouts. Your maintenance check involves checking to ensure your tires are properly inflated at least once a month, rotating them and checking their condition frequently as well. 

Never ignore warning lights

Today’s vehicles are designed to alert you to potential problems with extreme precision, to ensure you are alerted before larger threats develop. If you see an alert icon illuminating or flashing, schedule a maintenance visit to determine what’s wrong. 

For example, your car’s oil pressure light indicates an issue with the oil pressure system. The oil might be running low, or your oil pump isn’t circulating enough fluid through the system to fully lubricate all surface areas inside your vehicle. The longer you drive with one of these potential problems, the more damage can be done throughout your car. Quick maintenance ensures all of your systems stay running smooth. 

Never ignore noises

When you drive your car the first time, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the little details. The way your car starts. The noises it makes as you drive. How it acts on a cold winter day, and how it operates in the heat of the summer. 

As your car ages, pay attention to those same processes. Does it sound the same way as it did when you first purchased it? Do you hear tiny squeaks or squeals? Do you hear clunking or banging? Is there an annoying ping you can’t figure out where it is? 

As parts wear down, they don’t work together like they did when they were new. Gaps may form. Leaks develop. Joints wear out. All of that creates friction that can change the way your car sounds. Don’t hope it will go away; it won’t. Instead, have it checked out as soon as possible. Track when the noise appears, how long it lasts, and how often you hear it. That will help a mechanic pinpoint the problem. 

Get to know a mechanic you can trust

One of the easiest ways to ensure your car sees 200,000 miles is to have a mechanic get to know your car. To find a good mechanic you can trust. 

Instead of looking for coupons and good deals, you’ll have access to a mechanic who provides you with feedback on how to properly care for your car. They will have a file on hand, watch different systems, and tell you what you can expect. They’ll be a part of your team to ensure your car stays operating as well as possible. 

Have you ever been a coupon shopper, where you take your vehicle in based on price? These shops may offer one service or solution, and push you to do everything they have on the menu. They look for the quick sale, and hope to get hundreds of takers in based on their specials. They know full well most of these people shop based on price alone. They work to increase volume. 

But when you find a seasoned mechanic who deals with customer care, you’ll find a different kind of service. 

Want your car to see 200,000 miles or more? Your best first step is to find a mechanic who cares. 

How can we help you? 

Tire Alignments – The Price You’ll Pay If You Don’t Do It Often

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Have you noticed a change in the way your car handles while you drive?

Does your vehicle drift to the right or left while driving straight ahead?

They may be a sign of trouble with tire alignments. 

What causes misaligned wheels? 

When you drive your vehicle, it can undergo a lot of stress, even under normal driving conditions. Potholes, curbs, even dips in the road can all cause damage to the way your wheels operate. 

Overall, there are three causes of wheel misalignment:

  • Sudden impact – this is caused by hitting something in the road, such as a pothole. 
  • Worn parts – over time, parts start wearing down and can cause a problem with the way your tires connect with the road. 
  • Height adjustments – all vehicles are designed with specific guidelines in place. If you make modifications to the parts on your car, it can impact the way it performs. This includes adjusting the height of the suspension system, without adjusting for the way the wheels connect with the road. 

How do you know if the wheels are misaligned?

Like other parts on your vehicle, if tires are in need of alignment, it gives warning signals to let you know. Pay attention, and you can catch minor problems before they escalate into bigger ones. 

Gas efficiency – have you noticed your fuel costs are rising? If you’re spending more at the pump without any other explanation, it could be a sign of wheel misalignment. If a vehicle doesn’t drive straight, and you’re constantly adjusting the wheel to keep the car in its lane, it increases fuel consumption for this trigger effect. 

Tire wear – when tires are correctly aligned, they move in a straight line. They connect perfectly with the road, and all parts of the tire wear evenly. If tires are in need of alignment, you’ll start noticing uneven tread. That’s because you’re consistently adjusting the car to keep it on track, and various parts of the wheel are connecting with the road differently than the rest of it. This extra pressure on the tires is caused by back and forth movement, which causes premature wear and tear. 

Tire Alignments - The Price You’ll Pay If You Don’t Do It Often

Drifting side to side – if you’re driving on a straight road, the steering wheel should sit straight, and your car should move forward effortlessly without adjustment. If you start feeling it drift side to side, needing more control from you to keep it within the lane, it’s a sign the wheels are misaligned. 

Flats and blowouts – notice your tires are flat more often? Need to adjust the air pressure regularly? Misalignment causes tire tread to wear faster due to unequal pressure on each of the tires. That means as you drive, the tire becomes more susceptible to punctures, loss of air pressure, and eventually control over the vehicle. If the problem is allowed to persist, it puts you at more risk of a blowout, which can lead to total loss of control and cause accidents. 

Unusual noises – as with other systems on your vehicle, always pay attention to the noises it makes as you drive. For example, if you hear a squeal coming from the tires as you move, it’s a sign to schedule an inspection to ensure the safety of your vehicle. 

What problems can wheel misalignment cause?

Today’s vehicles have around 30,000 parts. They are all intricately designed to work together to keep you safe while you drive. 

As one part wears out, it can quickly impact other parts within the system. That one part can escalate and impact a variety of components if you don’t act quickly. That also escalates the dollars you’ll spend repairing your car. 

One of the most common problems with wheel misalignment is causing uneven wear on the tires. This wears out the tires faster, affects performance, and will eventually create unsafe situations, possibly from a blowout. 

Misaligned wheels also show up as lower fuel economy. Because it takes more energy to keep your car under control, it shows up in the form of lowering your gas mileage. While you might not notice this right away, if you consistently track your gas mileage, you can be alerted to this potential problem quicker. 

How do you fix tire alignment?

Luckily, fixing a problem with tire alignment is relatively easy to fix when you bring it into an experienced mechanic. They will use a wheel alignment machine to check the alignment and adjust the various components of your vehicle, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines of your car. They will potentially make adjustments in three different ways:

Camber – adjusting the camber means adjusting the tilt of the tire relative to the way it sits on the road. A positive camber is when the top of the tire leans away from the car, while negative camber leans towards the car. 

Caster – caster involves the angle of the steering wheel pivot point as it sits according to the front and back of the vehicle. A positive caster is angled forward, while a negative caster is angled backward. 

Toe – toe settings impact the vehicle’s handling related to the way the tire sits on the line of the vehicle. 

Mechanics continue to refine the adjustment of the wheel until the tire alignment is straight. 

How do you prevent wheel misalignment?

The best way to prevent wheel misalignment is to stick with a regular maintenance schedule. If you or a mechanic catches a problem before it escalates, you reduce the risk of potentially costly repairs, as well as accidents that can form from a damaged vehicle. 

Avoid curbs and potholes – be aware of the way you drive. Avoid severe shock of the suspension system by moving slowly through dips and bumps, avoiding connection with curbs, and avoiding potholes whenever possible. If you hit a particular severe bump, it pays to schedule a maintenance visit and have your car checked out. 

Avoid accidents – accidents are called accidents for a reason, yet many drivers receive minor damage regularly. If you bump a curb, back into a pole, or sideswipe a rail, it can cause extensive damage, some of it might not be immediately visible. While you might not choose to bring in your vehicle after every situation, scheduling regular checkups throughout the years can alert you to minor problems before they escalate out of control. 

If you suspect your tires are out of alignment, schedule a maintenance visit soon. 

Early Warning Signs of Transmission Failure

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The transmission is one of the most important components of today’s vehicles. Without it, there would be no way to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. 

Like other parts of a vehicle, when something goes wrong, your car won’t operate as it should. In some cases, it can stop you in your tracks. 

Luckily, there are early warning signs of transmission failure. Catch it early and it will be an easy repair. Put off the repair, and you risk expensive repairs or complete failure. 

How a transmission works

A transmission ensures that power moves from the engine to the wheels. 

There are a variety of car transmissions available, some are automatic while others are manual. While it once was common to control the transmission by using a stick-shift inside the car, more cars today operate with an automatic. Select which gear you want, and the transition occurs automatically for you. 

A transmission enables the gear ratio between the drive wheel and the engine to adjust and help the car speed up or slow down. When the car comes to a complete stop, the transmission disconnects the engine from the drive wheels so that the engine can idle without powering the wheels. Depending on which gear you’re in determines the direction: park, forward, or reverse. 

For a manual transmission, a clutch pedal and a shifter are used to change gears. The driver has to select the proper gears by engaging or disengaging the clutch. Automatic transmissions power this process to occur automatically within the transmission. 

What are the early warning signs of transmission failure?

While a vehicle’s transmission is designed to operate smoothly throughout the process, as parts wear out, you’ll start to notice small changes in the way the system handles. 

Early Warning Signs of Transmission Failure

Noises

When you first buy your car, spend some time getting used to the way it performs. It’s important to engage all your senses through this process, including what you hear, what you smell, and what you see. 

Often, noises are your first warning sign. Depending on the problem, you’ll start to hear things that weren’t there before. A click. A scrape. A squeak. It also can change depending on the function – moving into reverse may provide a different noise than picking up speed. 

A transmission consists of multiple components, of which any of them can fail and cause a disruption in the system. Transmission problems are most likely associated with a clunking, buzzing, or whining sound due to the nature of the parts. 

Burning smell

In order for the transmission to operate properly, it has transmission fluid that keeps it lubricated and in motion. Fresh transmission fluid has a sweet or tart smell. But if it overheats, leaks, and runs low, it takes on an entirely different smell. 

If you notice a burning smell as you operate your vehicle, it could be low transmission fluid. Something within the system is burning too hot, which increases the friction, and leads to corrosive activity inside the engine. 

The moment you notice this smell, schedule an appointment right away. 

Refusal to switch gears

With a manual transmission, this is easily noticed when you press down on the clutch, and the shifter won’t budge. You push, and yet it simply won’t allow you to move between gears. 

An automatic might be a little less noticeable, but listen closely. You’ll hear it as you drive. You might also notice it as you try to move from park to drive. 

The key is not to force the gears into place. This can come from a variety of problems, including electronics that have gone bad to low or dirty transmission fluid. Rather than take a chance on further damaging parts, it’s best to let a mechanic look at it and determine where the problem lies. 

Slipping gears

Like refusal to switch gears, slipping gears can cause scary situations. Imagine being on the highway, and your transmission suddenly alters what gear you’re in. It can lead to dangerous situations. 

Over time, gears simply wear out. Slipping gears often stems from normal wear and tear, which causes them to no longer engage properly, and slip in and out of sync. 

Jerking, grinding, or shaking sensation

When gears don’t operate as designed, you’ll notice it in the way your vehicle performs. 

You’ll hear the gears grind on a manual transmission as you try to change gears. 

You’ll experience hesitation with an automatic as it attempts to engage, yet fails. 

You may feel your vehicle jerk or shake as you speed up and slow down, depending on how the gears connect. 

Once you notice this, pay attention to the sensation. Then share it with your mechanic, who will better understand where to start the evaluation process for your vehicle. 

Leaking fluid

Pay attention to what occurs underneath your vehicle. Leaking transmission fluid is quite recognizable. 

When your transmission fluid is fresh and new, it has a relatively clear pink color. As your transmission fluid ages, becomes dirty with contaminants, it changes to a deep red or brown. A dark brown color signifies it’s been overheated. 

Transmission fluid is what lubricates the gears and keeps the components working well, and stops them from overheating. It also acts as a hydraulic fluid for creating gear engagement. A leak lessens the amount of fluid in the system and will cause overheating, and eventually, a total breakdown. 

Check engine light

Dashboard lights are a modern day convenience to give you plenty of warning when something is wrong. It’s the best and earliest indicator that your engine isn’t operating the way it should. 

Every system in your car has triggers and sensors that are tripped when your vehicle isn’t operating the way it should. If a problem is detected, the sensor is notified, and a light goes off on your dashboard. 

Pay attention to any and all of these warning signs. They are your best indicator for a potential problem. 

Catching it early can help ensure your safety, as well as prevent future problems with other systems in your car. Catch it early enough and you can also pay less in repair bills – replacing transmission fluid is much less expensive than replacing the entire transmission. 

How can we help you keep your vehicle working as it should? 

Maintenance Tips For a Diesel Engine

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Diesel engines have one advantage over other engines: it converts fuel to power in a more efficient way. Yet here in the US, if you want a diesel engine, you’ll have to shop for either a pickup or SUV; recent scandals involving emissions tampering stopped sales of diesel cars here in the US in favor of hybrids and electrics.  

Still, if you are in the market for a pickup or SUV, diesels offer advantages. According to the EPA, diesel fuel contains up to 15 percent more energy per gallon than gasoline. That makes it more efficient, meaning you go farther on a gallon of gas, and save money doing so overall. 

If you’ve ever driven a car or truck with a diesel engine, you might have fallen in love with the way it drives. There are many reasons for drivers to prefer diesel, including:

  • Lower emissions
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Less maintenance when compared to gas powered engines

However, fewer trips to a mechanic doesn’t mean you should ignore maintenance altogether. Driving a diesel powered truck means you might push it more for both work and personal use. It still needs regular maintenance to continue operating as efficiently as possible. 

With these diesel engine maintenance tips in place, you can keep your vehicle running for years – decades – and have this vehicle be one of the best you’ve ever owned. 

The difference between diesel fuel and gasoline

Before we get into the difference in how the two engines work, let’s start with the fuel used to keep your vehicle in operation. 

Both gasoline and diesel engines use an internal combustion engine to convert fuel into energy. The difference between the two is when the combustion occurs. 

If you drive a car powered by gasoline, fuel combines with oxygen, which is compressed by pistons and ignited by sparks created by the spark plugs. 

If you drive a vehicle powered by diesel fuel, air is compressed first to a very high temperature, and then fuel is injected and ignites with the hot air. 

Maintenance Tips For a Diesel Engine

Diesel engines don’t require spark plugs for this process to occur. Without these inside the engine compartment, it’s one less system you’ll have to maintain and eventually replace over time. 

Can you use gasoline and diesel fuel interchangeably?

Instinctively drivers know that you can’t mix the two types of fuel. You can’t put diesel fuel into a gasoline tank, and vice versa. 

Diesel fuel is heavier than gasoline. It has different density and viscosity levels. Its flash point and ignition temperatures are also significantly higher. That also makes the opposite true: gasoline is lighter than diesel fuel, and ignites at a lower temperature. This is what causes problems if you intermix the two. 

Let’s start with putting gasoline in a diesel engine. Even a small drop can be dangerous because of the flashpoint. Gasoline lowers the flash temperature significantly, which means diesel fuel can prematurely ignite, leading to engine damage. It can damage the fuel pump, and impact the diesel injectors, all because of an incomplete combustion process. Because of today’s technology, the computer will try and adjust based on readings, which can cut power and cause further damage inside the system. 

The reverse can also be damaging. If you add diesel fuel into a gasoline tank, it becomes more volatile and burns at a much lower flash temperature. The gasoline will ignite before the pistons complete their action. At best, you’ll get a knocking sound. At worst, it’ll quickly damage the piston and rod. Diesel fuel is heavier than gasoline, meaning it quickly sinks to the bottom of the tank. That can create problems throughout the system, including damage to the intake manifold, master cylinder, and eventually into the exhaust system. 

If you mix the two, your best course of action is to have it towed and remedy the problem before you drive it again. 

Keeping your diesel engine healthy with these maintenance tips

While your diesel engine truck or SUV won’t require exactly the same maintenance routine as your gasoline powered luxury sedan, it still requires TLC to keep it operational and running smoothly throughout its life. 

Start with regular oil changes. Oil is a critical component in every vehicle to ensure it’s fully operational. Like any vehicle, an oil change should be scheduled regularly according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Check to ensure your oil is at appropriate levels, watch for buildup of sludge under the cap, or for changes in viscosity. 

Replace fuel and air filters regularly. Diesel engines have two fuel filters in place, which should be replaced regularly to ensure your engine operates efficiently. If you push your vehicle for either business or personal use, it might benefit you to replace them more often. With the air filter, you can monitor it and replace it as soon as you see dirt accumulating. This helps your engine take in clean air to help it run smoothly. 

Check coolant levels. Because diesel engines operate at higher temperatures, they rely more heavily on the cooling system for performance. This puts more heat and pressure on the radiator, which can increase the likelihood of overheating. An easy way to avoid serious damage is to check your coolant regularly, and add as necessary. 

Keep your engine compartment clean. For some, a dirty truck is a happy truck. But buildup underneath the hood can damage critical components of your vehicle. Dirt, grime, debris, and other contaminants can impact the engine’s ability to perform efficiently. The more you use dirt roads, drive on rough terrain, or even navigate the Colorado roads sprayed with chemicals in the wintertime, it’s important to ensure you spray away the damaging particles regularly.  

Use these maintenance tips regularly to keep your diesel engine operating at its best

Whether you’re driving a brand new SUV or truck, or you have a favorite vehicle you’ve been driving for years, the best way to keep it operating at its best is with regular maintenance. 

We can help with that. For regular maintenance, or a significant repair, our team of mechanics is ready to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly for many years to come. Give us a call today. 

How Does Mountain Driving Impact Your Car?

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Welcome to Denver, Colorado, the city otherwise known as Mile High.

Of course, many of us here living along the Front Range take our sports just as seriously as we do day to day living. Skiing, hiking, mountain biking – it’s all a big part of our lives. 

Whether you’re driving to work, or heading up into the hills for a weekend getaway, we use our cars to tow the fun along. Throw the skis on a rack on top. Place the bikes on the back. And why not tow a trailer while you’re at it? 

All of that adds weight to your vehicle … and can impact how well your car operates. 

When you’re already operating a mile above sea level, what effect does that have? As you head up into the hills, how does mountain driving impact your car?  

What high altitude does to a car

Today’s cars are built to handle the normal wear and tear of day to day driving. While we’re already a mile up, your car will adjust and run well as you navigate throughout the city. As you start to climb and move up in altitude, it puts stress on the engine. If your engine was already compromised in any way, it can make minor issues grow exponentially quickly as you drive. 

Do this every day, or every weekend as you head up to play, it can cause a lot of damage underneath the hood. 

How mountain driving impacts a car

Cars are designed to work hard in all kinds of driving conditions. When well maintained, they won’t break down as you travel along different roads, or in different operating conditions. 

Higher altitude means less power. Your car’s engine is like a big air pump, where it draws air in through the intake system, combines it with fuel, combusts the air/fuel combination, then pumps it back out via the exhaust system. The higher you move up the mountain, the less oxygen there is. That can lead to sluggish engine performance as there isn’t enough air to feed the system effectively. In general, an engine will lose 3 percent of its power for every 1,000 feet it climbs. That means your vehicle can lose 20 percent of its horsepower or more by driving from Denver to your favorite ski resort. If you push your car at the same levels you do when you’re zipping around town, it could spell trouble for your engine. 

How Does Mountain Driving Impact Your Car?

That much pressure on your engine will also impact your fuel system. When your car operates at higher altitudes, it needs less octane in the fuel to start up. Here in Colorado, we make adjustments for that. You’ll find octane ratings lower than you’ll find if you head to cities located at sea level. This also changes the higher you drive. If you track your fuel economy regularly, you’ll notice a difference depending on where you drive. 

Your braking system is another potential problem area that can be impacted by mountain driving. Steep roads, sharp turns, and constant navigation as you descend into the city can add pressure to your brakes. Instead of gently applying the brakes, you might find yourself punching them often as you try to navigate traffic. This puts pressure on all brake system components, from the brake pads to the rotors, to the brake fluid within the system. If you’re tracking your brake system and basing your maintenance schedule on manufacturer’s guidelines, be aware that mountain driving will require more frequent inspections and replacements. Notice any differences in the way your car handles, especially if you spend a lot of time going to your favorite ski resorts on the weekends. 

Climbing in altitude can also affect tire pressure. As you climb in elevation, tire pressure will decrease. This can impact your tires in many ways, including:

  • Lower your fuel economy
  • Reduce the handling power of your vehicle
  • Cause uneven tire tread wear
  • Increase the chances of a blowout

If you head into the mountains frequently, be prepared to replace your tires more often. The wear on the tread can quickly degrade the rubber, and cause the tires to wear down faster than guidelines suggest. 

If you use mountain roads frequently, you might consider a turbocharged car as a way for minimizing power loss. Turbochargers compress more air into a vehicle’s cylinders, making up for the lower air density while climbing in altitude. It’s an efficient way of giving you more power when you need it most. 

Precautions when driving at higher altitudes

It doesn’t take much to keep your vehicle in good working condition no matter where you drive your car. 

Check the weather forecast before you take to the roads. If you can avoid climbing in altitude during the worst road conditions, it will help you prevent damage to your car. 

Check your tires regularly, including rotating and keeping them balanced. This gives one of our mechanics a chance to thoroughly inspect the tires, and warn you of any potential problems. 

Avoid your engine overheating. Climbing steep mountain roads can create problems with your car’s engine, especially if it was showing signs of a problem before you started out on your journey. If it’s struggling, don’t push it. Shift into a lower gear and maintain a consistent speed. Turn off the AC, which puts even more strain on the engine. When it’s safe to pull over when you get the chance, turn it off and let the engine cool down. Assess whether you can drive it to a mechanic, or you need to have the vehicle towed. 

Don’t abuse your brake system. Stop aggressive driving behavior. Avoid pouncing on the brake pedal whenever you can, and learn to downshift as you’re coming back down the mountain into Denver. 

Scheduling maintenance visits with one of our mechanics regularly will ensure your vehicle stays in good working condition throughout the year. It’ll ensure your car is there for you wherever the road may take you.  

Why Wheel Alignment Will Save You Money In The Long Run

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As you drive, your wheels take the brunt of the ride. Every dip you move across, every bump you hit, every turn you make, your tires are there to keep your car balanced and you safe inside. 

Glance at your wheels the next time you get into your car. The tires connect with the road, absorbing the shock of every pothole you hit. But the tires are just one part of your entire steering and handling system designed to help keep you on the road. 

What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is a simple repair designed to keep your car safe as you navigate the roads. It’s the process of positioning a wheel relative to how it sits compared to the other three wheels. It ensures proper balance when compared to the suspension and the tires. The entire surface area of each tire should conform to the road. That only happens when all four wheels are properly aligned. 

When a mechanic performs a wheel alignment, they align the angle of the tires. This affects how each tire will make contact with the road. The mechanic will inspect and adjust three separate angles, including:

Toe – if you look down on your vehicle, the toe angle defines how much each tire turns inward or outward. When properly balanced, all four wheels should be perfectly parallel to one another. 

Camber – when you stand in front of your car and look straight at the tires, camber would refer to the inward or outward angle. Camber angle is measured by the difference between the wheels’ vertical alignment perpendicular to the surface of the road. Camber is used to ensure full distribution of the load across the tread of the tires. 

Why Wheel Alignment Will Save You Money In The Long Run

Caster – this refers to the angle of the steering axis when you view it from the side of your car. This axis should point up and down. Caster alignment will not impact tire wear, but it does affect the directional control of the steering function. 

Wheel alignment is important to the life of a tire

Because driving involves regularly hitting bumps, dips, and potholes, wheel alignment seems like one of those maintenance items you don’t have to think much about. After all, you could hit a pothole leaving the service station. 

Yet without proper wheel alignment, it can compromise the performance of your vehicle. This can influence everything from your car’s ability to brake properly to how much you spend filling up the tank. 

It gives you a smooth ride – when your wheels are in alignment, you’ll experience a smooth ride. No shaking or vibrating. The wheels will operate perfectly parallel to one another, ensuring they stay well connected to the road. 

It gives you better handling – when the tires are perfectly connected to the road, you’ll have better traction. Ever felt your car slip and slide in rainy or wet conditions? That increases without proper alignment. Traction allows you to be able to stop your car faster and in less distance. It gives you better control as you navigate the streets. 

It increases tire life – when the wheels are out of alignment, they don’t make full contact with the road. That means your tire tread will wear out unevenly, increasing the chances they’ll need replacing. 

It increases gas mileage – when your car runs smoothly, it operates as the manufacturer intended. When wheels are out of alignment, it can cause your car to pull to one side or the other while you drive. That makes your car harder to control, and can add up to increased fuel consumption as you fight to keep your vehicle moving down the road. 

It’s necessary when switching tires – do you switch to snow tires or all-terrain tires to move through Colorado winters? Wheel alignment is necessary every time you switch out your tires to ensure proper contact with the road. Different tires, sizes, and treads all require their own unique calibration to keep them safely on the road. 

What if you don’t get wheel alignment?

While you might not consider wheel alignment an important to-do item on your car maintenance list, think again. There are a number of reasons why wheel alignment keeps you safe and saves you money. 

It keeps you safe – safety is everything when driving a car. And if your wheels aren’t properly aligned, it can put you in a dangerous situation. Over time, your tires will wear unevenly, which means they won’t connect properly with the road. That can put you at greater risk when it rains or snows. 

It increases damage – wheel alignment is an easy, cost effective way to keep your vehicle running smoothly. If left unchecked, it can cause further destruction to your steering system. Occasional wheel alignments are much less expensive than replacing your tires before their intended lifespan. 

It increases repairs – with over 10,000 parts on the average car, it can impact many more down the line when one part isn’t working well. That can cause your repair bills to escalate as one thing leads to another. If left unchecked, a faulty wheel alignment can lead to extensive tire damage, which can cause a blowout while you’re driving. At a minimum that might mean tow truck costs, or possibly the costs associated with an accident. 

How many miles will a wheel alignment last?

Like other systems on your vehicle, wheel alignment should be a regular part of your maintenance routine. Most car manufacturers recommend getting an alignment every other oil change, which equates to about every 6,000 miles. 

Of course, this varies depending on your vehicle and the way you drive. The rougher your road conditions, the more likely your vehicle will need aligning sooner rather than later. You can talk with a mechanic to find out what’s best for your vehicle. 

When was the last time you scheduled a wheel alignment? Do it today. 

Should You Shop For a New Mechanic With Every Car Repair?

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As a car owner, taking care of your vehicle is an important part of ownership. When you buy it new, it works great for a while. But as a driver, you also understand it’s going to take a little TLC along the way to keep it in good working condition. New motor oil every few thousand miles. New tires when they start wearing down. 

How you approach your car’s maintenance routine will set the stage for how well it operates throughout the years. 

Should you trust your car to just anyone? Is there a difference from one mechanic to another? Should you shop around for a new mechanic with every car repair? Or should you trust one for the life of your car? 

Let’s look at it from a few different angles. 

Trust

Most people have daily routines. You drive to and from work. You drop the kids off at school. You stop at your favorite grocery store for dinner supplies. You have your favorite shops for clothes and other personal items. 

Chances are you trust each of those shops for a reason. You like their products. You enjoy the staff. You feel good about the purchases you make. 

That’s what trust is all about. 

Why should it be any different with who services your vehicle? By looking for a new mechanic with each service you require, you’re trusting your car’s mechanics to someone you have no experience with. Will they provide you with the best parts? Will they perform high-quality service? Are they reputable? Or will you pay the price down the road? 

Let’s say you take your car to a new mechanic. It’s a service station you’ve passed on your way to work. You received a coupon; why not give them a try? You receive a call shortly after you drop off your vehicle. While you only wanted new brake pads, they tell you there’s a lot more wrong with the braking system. And the price goes up, up, up. They even add a few scare tactics in for good measure: “I wouldn’t drive it under these conditions.” Now what do you do? 

By finding a mechanic you can trust, you won’t have to rely on coupons and scare tactics. You’ll work together to ensure your vehicle is always working well. 

Reputation

Let’s talk a little more about reputation. We’ve all heard the horror stories from friends and family who feel they’ve been ripped off by going to a less than reputable mechanic. What started out as a simple routine maintenance item turned into an expensive several day event. And even driving away, you were left wondering if your car was really okay. 

Close-up hands of auto mechanic are using the wrench to repair a car engine in auto car garage. Concepts of car care fixed repair and services.

That won’t happen if you pay attention to reputation first. Reputable mechanics care about their customers. They start a business to help people, and do what it takes to stay in business for the long term. 

They join local organizations to be a part of the community. They get to know their customers, and care about what’s going on in their lives. They work hard to build a business that thrives, and aren’t interested in making quick bucks right off the top. 

How can you test potential mechanics? Give them a try with something small. Find out what they say about the condition of your car. Do you agree? 

Trust and reputation go hand in hand; you can’t have one without the other. The more customers who put their trust in a mechanic, the more their reputation will grow. 

Attitude

Most people don’t have a deep understanding of auto mechanics. Nor do they have a desire to learn. 

Modern day cars have over 10,000 parts all connected together to get you where you want to go. They also have complex technology that fine tunes the various systems. 

It takes a lot of experience to understand what to look for when you bring your car in. You may tell us your car shakes and shimmies, or makes a loud honking noise, but what does that really mean? It can take a while to get to the root cause. 

While you might not be interested in the nitty-gritty details, it’s also important to understand what happened? If a mechanic takes the time to sit down with you and explains what happened, you will feel better about the solution. 

A good mechanic may also give you several options. They can help you choose what’s right for you, then help you keep your car in good working condition. They can watch a problem, nurse it along, and continue to make suggestions as time goes by. 

But it all starts with a good explanation. A reputable mechanic knows this, and will take the time to sit down with you. They won’t rush the job, push you towards spending more. They will help you make the right choice for your situation. And keep you safe in the process. 

Notice how the three work together: trust, reputation, and attitude? The more you pay attention to one, the more you’ll discover all three. 

There’s one final way you can work with a reputable business and avoid looking for a new mechanic every time you have a problem. Ask about their guarantees. 

Some parts have warranties. Some processes have guarantees. Most good mechanics will be upfront about both, and tell you what you can expect right along with their estimates. 

With guarantees and warranties in place, you’ll know you’re covered in the future. Be sure to ask what keeps the warranty good, and what will null and void it. In some cases, you may have to make certain maintenance schedules to ensure the warranty stays valid. A reputable mechanic will give you all the information you need before you drive away. 

Do you have a repair you’re in need of? Are you shopping for a new mechanic? 

A better approach might be to find a reputable service shop, one you can trust and talk with. 

Stop by today, we’d be happy to discuss your service needs with you. We’re here for the long term, and look forward to serving you. 

Is Your Car’s Electrical System Working?

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Electricity and cars. When you hear these two words put together, it’s natural to think about the electric cars being sold by multiple manufacturers. It’s hard not to notice the infrastructure being built to allow more electric cars on the road. 

But traditional vehicles that operate on gasoline have an electrical system too. Without the electrical system, your car would malfunction. It helps start the engine, without it, you would never be able to drive. 

The electrical system consists of the battery, starter, and alternator. When you turn the key or press the button, the battery provides energy to the starter. This action gives power to the alternator, which in turn recharges the battery. If one of these parts isn’t working properly, your car won’t start or operate. 

Car electrical issues will cause many problems that prevent you from driving your car. If you recognize these issues early, you can fix the problem before it leaves you stranded by the side of the road. 

How do you recognize potential electrical system problems? 

Like other systems, your electrical system will provide early warning signs that a potential issue is building. Notice the warning signs early, and you can bring your vehicle in for repair before the problem grows in severity. Have you noticed:

Car lights dimming – the electrical system powers the accessories you use each time you drive your vehicle. If you notice it’s harder to see while driving at night, it could be a sign of a failing battery. 

Clicking sound when you turn the key – you can hear the starter trying to engage, but your vehicle has difficulty performing the function. There is insufficient power from the battery to start the vehicle.

Is Your Car’s Electrical System Working?

Slow engine crank – you turn the key, and the engine is sluggish as it tries to engage. 

Backfiring – when a battery is failing, it can send intermittent sparks out that can lead to excess fuel in the cylinders. This built-up fuel is ignited when it experiences increased force, which sends out a sound you can’t miss. 

Burning smells – this is a sign of a short circuit. If the electrical system isn’t working properly, or has become disconnected in any way, it can cause heat to build and short out a circuit. Stop driving and bring it in for repairs. 

A deeper understanding of electrical system components

The electrical system is made up of three components: the battery, starter, and alternator. Each performs a specific function in assuring your vehicle stays operational. 

Battery

The power supply starts with the battery. Until your vehicle starts and is running, your battery provides all electrical current. That includes power to the ignition and fuel system, which create the combustion process necessary for the engine to start and operate. 

Starter

While the battery supplies power, it’s the starter that gets the engine running. The battery is there to provide the necessary power to give the starter what it needs to turn over the motor. The starter is nothing more than an electric motor that engages when you turn the ignition from off to run. On the engine, a flywheel is attached to the end of the crankshaft. On the starter, a gear mechanism is designed to fit into grooves on a pinion gear. When the ignition is turned on, the starter is energized, it pushes a rod to engage with the pinion gear that connects with the flywheel. This turns the engine over, which adds air into the system to connect with the fuel supply. At the same time, electricity is pushed through the spark plugs, igniting the fuel in the chamber. When the engine turns over and moves into operational mode, the starter disengages, the rod retracts, and the gear moves away from the flywheel to avoid damage from the internal movement. 

The starter can be difficult to detect when a problem arises. But if you have any trouble with the starting process, one of our mechanics can use any number of detection techniques to determine if the starter is drawing enough electricity. 

Alternator

It’s the alternator’s job to keep the car running once the engine has been turned on. The alternator powers most of the car’s electronic components, including headlights, power windows, windshield wipers, heated seats, dashboard illumination, and the radio. The alternator supplies them with direct current power as well as keeps the battery charged while driving. 

When the engine is operating, it powers a drive belt attached to a pulley. It’s the pulley system’s job to turn the alternator’s rotor shaft, which spins a set of magnets around a coil. This is what generates alternating current and channels it into the alternator’s rectifier. The rectifier converts alternating current into direct current, and controls the car’s electrical system. It’s rare that an alternator wears out, but it can from overuse, exposure to water, heat damage, or other wear and tear. 

If you notice electrical issues, don’t delay getting mechanical advice. A thorough examination can get to the root of the problem, and ensure your vehicle is working well once again. Some of the common issues you’ll notice include:

  • A dead battery 
  • Corroded battery cables
  • Blown fuses
  • Damaged or worn spark plugs
  • A battery that no longer charges
  • A worn starter
  • A malfunctioning alternator 

You can ignore the problem, but it won’t go away. Any symptoms you notice are a warning sign that something is wrong with the system. Fix it quickly, and you can stop the problem before it escalates. 

Contact us if you’re having issues with your car’s electrical system. One of our mechanics will inspect the system and determine where the problem lies. We’ll offer you solutions and help you make the right choice to get you back on the road in no time. 

3 Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Car at Top Value

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We live in a disposable world. If something breaks, we throw it away. 

With modern electronics like cellphones, computers, and entertainment consoles, technology is almost out-of-date when we purchase the device. After a year or two, we start to look at the next release, finding all the bells and whistles too tempting to ignore. 

As much as modern day vehicles use technology to their advantage, it’s more difficult to think of your vehicle as a disposable item. When it costs tens of thousands of dollars, it’s more important to care for your vehicle rather than letting it run down. You can’t run and pick up the latest release from the store with the same ease as a smartphone. 

Today’s cars are expensive. Learning the most important maintenance tips will keep your vehicle running well for as long as you own it. Doing so will ensure you have reliable transportation, no matter what the weather is outside, no matter where your travels will take you each day. 

And when it’s time to trade in your vehicle for something new, you know it will hold its value. 

What is car value?

Value can take on a variety of meanings. But when most people think about car value, they think in monetary terms. Value becomes the estimate of how much the vehicle is worth. 

3 Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Car at Top Value

When a car is brand new, being sold from the dealer, it has a price tag that goes along with it. You may have a little wiggle room, but in most cases, you’ll pay somewhere around the sticker price. 

The value of the vehicle changes the moment you drive the car off the lot. If you do a search online, you’ll find a variety of resources that can help you determine how much your car is currently worth. Things to consider include:

  • Make and model
  • Year of production
  • Mileage
  • Condition
  • Where you live
  • Demand

It also depends on what type of transaction will occur. 

  • A trade-in value is what you can expect if you bring it to the dealer and hand over your current vehicle in order to make an offer on a different car. 
  • A private party value would be the amount an individual would be willing to pay for the car if you handle the transaction yourself. 
  • A BlueBook value would be the suggested retail price based on make, model, and year alone. 

Maintenance tips to ensure top dollar when you sell

If you want the highest trade-in value, or have a desire to sell your car for the highest possible price, maintenance will play a key role in helping you achieve your goal. With common sense maintenance tips, you’ll create an easy plan to ensure you achieve top dollar when it comes time to sell. 

Be kind to the engine

A car’s engine is arguably one of the most important components of today’s modern cars. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to go. Keeping it in good shape means it’s reliable and ready to move whenever you sit behind the wheel. 

Regular maintenance starts with motor oil changes. Most manufacturers suggest bringing your vehicle in for servicing every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This ensures your engine is operating with clean oil, and gives mechanics a chance to check and determine if other components are in good working condition too. 

In between oil changes, don’t ignore other messages your vehicle might be sending you. Is your heater working in the winter, and your air conditioner operating well in the summer? If your car is struggling to produce proper temperatures, it could be a sign of deeper problems. 

Pay attention to what’s happening around your car. As you leave your parking space or garage, take a quick glance underneath as you drive away. Are there any leaks? Note the size of the puddle, the color, and if there are any unusual smells. An antifreeze leak will take on a lime-green, orange, pink, or blue-green color, and may have a sweet aroma after you’ve driven it. 

You should also refer to your owner manual frequently, and bring your car in for regular checkups to ensure all systems are working properly. Brakes, belts, spark plugs, and more can all last thousands of miles, but may eventually wear down to the point of causing problems with the way your vehicle drives and handles. Through regular inspections, you can catch potential issues before they escalate, leaving your car in better working condition throughout its life. Which in turn extends its life as well. 

Maintain the interior too

If you spend a lot of time in your vehicle driving around town, you might think of it as a second home. There’s a pile of papers on the floor, leftover food bags behind the seat. Gym bags in the trunk, and extra grocery bags piling up in the back. Over time, these things accumulate, attract dirt and dust, and can eventually impact the air you breathe. 

As this settles into the seats, dashboard, and floorboards, it can dull the interior of your car. If you ever hope to sell it, this will be difficult to correct, and lower the amount you can ask for the car. To keep your value high, take a few minutes each week to ensure the interior shines. 

Replace early

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Most of us take that approach to maintenance in every situation in our lives. 

Yet to keep your car running well and free from potential problems, staying ahead of maintenance items will ensure the best condition for your vehicle. Read your owner’s manual thoroughly. Pay attention to maintenance checks to perform at different mileage markers. And consider working with our service station on a regular basis. This will allow our mechanics to understand your car, make suggestions about routine maintenance items, and help you make the best decisions for keeping your car on the road in the best condition. You’ll save money by replacing things before they can escalate into larger issues. 

Keep your car in good working condition. Maintain the value of your car simply by staying ahead of maintenance items, ensuring your vehicle is always running at peak performance. 

What can we help you with today? 

Regular Maintenance For Your Diesel Car or Truck Can Increase Longevity

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Diesel cars and trucks might not be as popular in the US market as they are overseas, but they still make up over 7 million vehicles on the road. Diesel registrations account for 2.8 percent of all passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans. If you look at pickup trucks alone, they currently hold just over 10 percent of the market share. 

There’s a reason for that. Many consider diesel to be a dirty fuel. So instead, US buyers are flocking towards hybrids and electric cars, which may be a bigger part of our future. But diesel does have a place as a clean, green option for those wanting a high-powered engine without limiting efficiency. Even today, there are still new diesel vehicles entering the market.  

Both diesel and gasoline engines use internal combustion. Air enters the engine and creates power by combining with fuel. The engine’s cylinders compress the mixture, which ignites. This causes movement of the piston and crankshaft, which activates the transmission to set the car into motion. The piston then moves back into position to expel the used gas out as exhaust. 

The difference between gas and diesel engines involves the compression process. With gas, a spark plug ignites the fuel. Diesel uses extreme compression. That causes diesel engines to have more power, but pays the price as they are louder. 

Yet, for many drivers, if they’ve had diesel-fueled vehicles in the past, they love them for the many benefits they offer: better fuel economy, lower emissions, cheaper and less frequent maintenance visits to the service station. 

Regular Maintenance For Your Diesel Car or Truck Can Increase Longevity

Diesel engines may require fewer maintenance visits, but it doesn’t stop the need for regular maintenance to keep your vehicle operational. If you want your diesel car or truck to last for years, there are a few things you should schedule regularly. 

Keep your car or truck’s engine clean

Since diesel engines can last longer than their gas counterparts, it pays to spend a little more attention on the engine compartment to ensure it’s clean. If you’re navigating over more challenging terrain, dusty, bumpy roads are a part of your daily routine, dirt may accumulate faster on the engine. If it accumulates, it can shorten the lifespan of the various components, which in turn will decrease your fuel efficiency. 

Colorado winters can also wreak havoc on the various engine components. Salt, mag chloride, sand, and other winter hazards can stick inside the engine compartment, and cause corrosion. 

Proper cleaning can start as a part of your regular car or truck washes. Use a moist sponge to wipe down the engine compartment. An old toothbrush can help remove debris from nooks and crannies. Just be sure the engine compartment is cool before you begin any maintenance work, and always wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves before touching and potentially hazardous materials. Check with your owner’s manual to determine appropriate action, as not all parts should be subjected to large amounts of water. 

Don’t forget the oil change

It’s equally important for regular oil changes for your diesel engine compared with a gas engine. Check with your owner’s manual for ballpark timing for changing out your motor oil. A good rule of thumb is around every 5,000 miles, but adjust that based on the kind of driving you do. 

If you regularly use dirt roads, pull heavy equipment, or move up and down the mountain, your car or truck may benefit from oil changes more frequently. This is one of the easiest yet important maintenance tasks you can perform on your vehicle. 

Air filters and fuel filters

Almost all vehicles, including diesels, use an air filter to help keep the engine working at its best. You’ll find it under the hood inside the cold air collector box located near the front of the engine compartment. 

A dirty air filter can choke the engine, meaning it will need more fuel to create the same amount of power you’re used to. Manufacturers recommend changing the air filter every 12,000 miles or so, and having it checked if you notice problems with engine power or acceleration. 

Gas-powered engines use a single fuel filter, but most diesel engines use a primary filter between the engine and gas tank, and another between the transfer pump and injectors. Diesel fuel doesn’t go through the same refining process as gasoline, allowing more condensation in the tank. The two fuel filters help absorb this condensation. If water builds, you may notice a decrease in horsepower, the engine may stall out more frequently, and it could cause problems with your fuel injectors. 

Most diesel fuel filters need replacing every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Check with your manufacturer for guidelines for your make and model. It’s advisable to replace both fuel filters at the same time. 

Proper cooling maintenance

In order to keep the engine cool, vehicles use coolant, or antifreeze, to transfer heat from the engine back to the air. As coolant moves through the engine compartment, it picks up heat. Hot coolant cycles back into the radiator, which turns the heat back into air. Then the cooled coolant travels back into the engine compartment, and starts the process all over again. 

Because diesel engines run hotter than gas motors, the radiator is at more risk. Higher temperatures mean a greater chance of overheating, which can lead to failure in many of the various components, including cylinders and gasket seals. If you let it go on too long, you risk complete engine failure. 

Proper cooling maintenance includes regular changing of coolant. This involves pumping specialized cleaning fluid through the cooling system and radiator to remove rust and any impurities left in the system by dirty or compromised coolant. The system is then topped off with fresh coolant to help with efficiency. 

Once again, check with your owner’s manual for radiator flush recommendations. A good rule of thumb is around every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. If you notice orange or green fluid leaks under your car, a sweet smell coming from the engine, or steam coming up from underneath the hood, it may be an indicator of a problem with your cooling system. 

Partner with someone for the best regular diesel maintenance for your vehicle

Whether you use your diesel car or truck for work or play, it’s important to know you can rely on it to get you where you’re going. Maintenance for your diesel car or truck is imperative to keep your vehicle running well for years. Stop by today and learn how we can help you keep your car or truck working at its best now and for years to come. 

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