Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Is Your Car’s Electrical System Working?

by

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

by

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

by

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. 

Your Suspension Is Important – Here’s Why

by

We’ve all seen the aftermath of a car out of control. The sides are crushed. The windows are broken. If it rolls, the roof may be caved in. 

It’s your car’s suspension system that keeps it safely on the road. 

A car can flip for a number of reasons. But if it isn’t well maintained, it increases the chance of problems occurring while driving out on the open road. Have you noticed:

  • Bouncing more than usual when you ride on a bumpy road
  • More pull in the steering wheel as you drive
  • It’s harder to keep control on wet roads
  • Traction issues as you move through curves and take turns

All of these are signs you may be experiencing problems with your suspension system. 

What is a suspension system?

Your car’s suspension system is a protective layer of shock-absorbing components designed to keep your drive safe and smooth as you move down the road. It includes a variety of parts, including tires, struts, shock absorbers, steering, springs, sway bars, and axles. 

The front suspension system is in charge of steering and traction functions, while the rear suspension helps keep your car stable, ensuring it doesn’t hit the ground. The two work together to keep distance between the car’s frame and the road for optimal comfort and control. The passenger cabin is designed for comfort because it’s sitting on top of the suspension connected to the wheels. It’s insulated to keep passengers from feeling every impact as it maneuvers over bumps in the road. 

Your Suspension Is Important - Here’s Why

When you talk with a mechanic about your suspension system, in general, it includes:

  • Springs, which control the height and load
  • Shocks, which absorb and dampen the energy your tires transmit as they contact the road

Your car may also have an anti-sway bar to help shift the movement of your wheels as you turn the steering wheel. It stabilizes the car as you turn the steering wheel to move directions. 

Why the suspension system is important

If you were to separate the suspension system from the cabin for a moment, and see the wheels in action as they move down the road, you would see the tires take the brunt of every bump in the road. Small bumps may move the tires vertically. Holes may cause the tires to move and sway. Depending on the size of the imperfection in the road will determine just how much your vehicle’s tires move and sway. 

Without a suspension system, you would feel every one of these imperfections every time you hit one. Your drive would be uncomfortable at best. 

The suspension system works to absorb the energy transferred through the wheels to help your car’s inside cabin stay comfortable as it rides along imperfect roads. Both the shocks and springs play a vital role in this process. The shocks absorb the energy from impact as you travel down the road, while the springs expand to dissipate the energy to prevent your car from bouncing out of control. 

Combined, you get a car that stays safe and remains comfortable no matter where you drive.  

You have more control through steering, and can do so with ease. The tires remain connected with the road for a safer and more stable drive.  With a properly working suspension system, each part will do its job effectively without putting the other components at risk. Meaning a longer life span for your vehicle. 

Signs your shocks and struts need replacing

The words “shocks and struts” are often used reciprocally, but they are two different things. Each wheel has either a shock or a strut, though many vehicles use struts on the front wheels and shocks on the rear. You can consult your owner’s manual for more information on which your vehicle uses. Or look under your car. They are easy to distinguish as long as you know what you’re looking for. 

In general, shocks and struts will need replacing every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. This will change depending on your driving habits. If you frequently drive over rough roads, you will be replacing the parts on your suspension system more frequently. 

Like other parts of your car, shocks and struts don’t fade all at once. Instead, they deteriorate slowly over time. You’ll start noticing signs long before your safety is put at risk. 

There are four main ways your shocks and struts signal it’s time for replacement. 

A bumpy ride

If you’ve started noticing your ride is rougher, it could be time to replace the parts on your suspension system. We’ve often heard drivers say, “it feels like I’m driving a truck.” Even the slightest bump in the road will cause you to sway inside your vehicle. 

Leaking fluid

Shocks and struts use hydraulic fluid to complete the action. If the seal is broken and fluid leaks on the exterior of the shock or strut, it’s a sign of a problem with the suspension system. If a shock doesn’t have enough hydraulic fluid, it won’t be able to absorb impact while you drive. 

Difficulty while driving

Do you notice your vehicle swaying as you take turns? Or nose diving when you hit the brakes? This is a clue the shocks and struts aren’t doing their job efficiently. They aren’t handling the weight distribution as you move through normal driving conditions. And if your car can’t stop as it’s supposed to, it’s never a good sign. 

Tire tread

You can also take a look at the tire tread to determine if your suspension system is off. If you see wavy dips, also known as cupping, in the tire tread, it’s a telltale sign of the tires not completely connecting with the road as you drive. Without the shocks and struts performing their jobs, your wheels might not fully connect with the road, leaving uneven wear marks on the tires. Without proper tread, your tires may not provide thorough handling and stopping power when you need it most. 

Is it time to get your suspension system checked out? 

If you suspect any of these signs are causing a less than stellar drive, it’s time to let a mechanic take a look at the suspension system and ensure it’s in good working condition. It’s what keeps you and your family safe no matter what the road conditions are like on your daily drive. 

When was the last time you scheduled a regular maintenance visit to determine if your car is in good working condition? Do it today. 

What Fluid Stains On Your Driveway Tell You About Your Car

by

One of the benefits of continually parking in the same parking spot is you can keep an eye on your car’s performance. 

Notice fluid stains on your driveway? They’re trying to tell you something about your car. 

Today’s modern cars are filled with various fluids to keep it operating well. Even if your car is brand new, you should monitor these fluids regularly to ensure your car remains operational and in good running condition. Noticing a small spot on your driveway early could help you save thousands of dollars on car repair bills down the road. 

When you look at the stains on your driveway, you may notice different colors and textures. There might even be different smells associated with each one. How do you know what fluid is leaking? Is there a way to tell which you should take immediate action with? Read on. 

Motor oil

Motor oil is one of the most common fluids you’ll see on your driveway. It’s also one of the most frequently serviced and replaced fluids you’ll change regularly. When you first notice a fresh oil leak on your driveway, you’ll know it by its reddish-brown color. If you’re not sure if it’s motor oil, touching it with your fingers will reveal a tacky, sticky consistency. Pinpointing where the leak is coming from can be difficult. It may be a worn out gasket, seal, or valve cover. Once you have an oil leak, it’s important to have your car serviced, find the root cause, and fix it before it has more impact on your engine. 

Coolant or antifreeze

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, circulates throughout the system to ensure your engine stays cool as it operates. Coolant comes in a variety of colors; most are pinkish or greenish tints. You can also recognize coolant by its sweet smell, and its thin consistency. Coolant leaks are one of the most common leaks on a car. While most leaks aren’t serious if caught early, ignoring this telltale sign can run the risk of lowering the coolant in the system, which can lead to your car’s engine overheating. Leaks can come from the radiator, reservoir, or the head gasket; it’s important to let a trained professional follow the signs and make adjustments accordingly. Be aware that because of its sweet smell, it can attract kids and animals to it. It’s deadly if ingested. 

What Fluid Stains On Your Driveway Tell You About Your Car

Brake fluid

It’s safe to say that a leak in your brake system isn’t something to ignore. If you notice brake fluid on your driveway, have your car towed and fix it without climbing behind the wheel. Brake fluid is clear or has a yellowish tint. It will feel oily, slicker than motor oil, with a medium thickness if you touch it. You can check the brake fluid reservoir, usually found on the driver’s side underneath the hood, but this is something you should leave to the professionals. Brake fluid controls hydraulic pressure within the brake system. Leaking brake fluid can cause a pressure drop, which could ultimately lead to brake failure. 

Power steering fluid

Power steering fluid has a medium viscosity, and will appear yellowish in color. You may also notice it takes on a mechanical smell. Power steering systems also use hydraulics, to make it easy to turn and control the way your car moves. As you turn the wheel, power steering fluid fills a cylinder in the system, which allows pressure to control the wheel. Leaks can cause power steering fluid to lower the pressure, making your steering wheel harder to turn. 

Transmission fluid

Power steering fluid and transmission fluid are essentially the same things. Both are hydraulic fluids, and in some cases, car manufacturers will use them interchangeably. It’s always best to consult your owner’s manual first before repairs. The biggest difference is transmission fluid contains detergents for cleaning, and friction modifiers to reduce friction. If you have a transmission fluid leak, it will have a reddish color, and be a slippery substance. The problem can arise from several different areas, including a broken seal, a cracked fluid line, or a pan gasket failure. Bringing your vehicle in will allow one of our mechanics to find and fix the problem. 

Windshield washer fluid

Windshield washer fluid might not impact the way your car operates, but not having it can be a hindrance to the way you drive. Try moving down a messy highway after a snowstorm without it. A leak could leave you finding windshield washer fluid on your driveway, sporting a blue, green, or orange color. It’s very thin, feeling almost like water, but has a distinct slightly sweet smell. It can soak into the concrete and disappear quickly because of its consistency, which makes it important to pay attention to what happens underneath your vehicle no matter how long you’re parked. 

How to track fluid levels before you notice them on your driveway

Most drivers are familiar with the 3,000 rule for motor oil. As a rule of thumb, have your vehicle’s oil changed every 3,000 miles to ensure it’s clean and provide optimal coverage for your engine. As long as you keep oil changes on your calendar, and have your car serviced regularly, your chances of seeing oil on the driveway are low. 

You can do so with the other fluids too. 

If you haven’t spent time reading your car’s owner’s manual, now is the time. Take some time to understand the fluids mentioned above, how they impact your vehicle, and when they should be checked to ensure they are still in good working condition. Even lifetime fluids can be compromised; when should you have your car inspected to ensure it’s still operating efficiently? 

The best way to keep your car operating well is to pay attention to what’s happening underneath your vehicle. Check out the driveway from time to time. It’s the best indicator of what’s happening on the inside. It allows you to make repairs quickly, avoiding damage and higher repair bills in the weeks and months to come. 

The Temperatures Are Falling! Is Your Car’s Heater Ready?

by

Here in Colorado, summer seems to stick around a little longer in the year. September is beautiful. We can stay outside doing what we love longer, hiking, walking, or biking to enjoy the color all around us. 

Yet there’s a hint of coolness in the air. The temperatures are falling. Is your car’s heater ready for winter? 

The heater isn’t something most of us test until we need it. We get up one morning to find cold temperatures, possibly snow on the ground. Then we turn the heat on and expect it to work, providing us with the heat we need to keep the inside passenger compartment comfortable. 

Where does the warm air come from?

As your car’s engine heats up, it warms up the antifreeze that circulates from the radiator to the engine. Two rubber heater hoses also circulate from the engine to the heater core, which is a small box that sits behind the dashboard. Heated antifreeze moves through one hose into the box, while another takes it back to the engine compartment. 

When you turn the heater on, air blows through this heater core. It’s warmed up, and moves through the vents and into the passenger cabin. Some vehicles work by having a heater valve that controls the flow of antifreeze through the heater core, turning it on or off based on your selection. Other vehicles control the amount of air that flows into the air blend box, and how much is passed directly over the heater core. 

Once you understand how heat moves from the engine compartment into your passenger area, it’s easier to understand how the amount of heat you have is a telltale sign of potential problems underneath the hood. If a problem exists with the radiator, for instance, it can also impact the way the heater core works. If you have an antifreeze leak, it can lower the quality of coolant in the system, which can clog up the flow from the radiator and thermostat, which causes the thermostat to fail, and so on. 

The problem may be with your cooling system

Think of antifreeze (coolant) as the lifeblood of your car’s engine. If it’s not in optimal condition, it can’t perform its job. Antifreeze is designed to regulate the temperature inside the engine compartment, as well as keep it safe from freezing-cold temperatures. If antifreeze is in good condition, it circulates properly, the engine functions, and you can control the inside cabin to your liking. The heater relies on the circulation of antifreeze to ensure proper temperatures, and to be able to release as much heat as you desire into the cabin. If the cooling system isn’t working well, then your vents won’t blow warm air. 

The Temperatures Are Falling! Is Your Car’s Heater Ready?

A leaking heater core can start small and grow exponentially in short order. You may first notice an antifreeze leak by a sweet smell coming from your vents. You can’t miss the sweetness. It may also be combined with vapor coming out the vents, causing a buildup of film on the inside of the windows. This is a hazardous material, so it’s important to get it fixed immediately. Another sign may be a leak on your driveway. Depending on which antifreeze you use, it could have a pinkish or greenish tint. A leak is a clear indicator your car doesn’t have the proper amount of coolant inside the system. Without fixing it, your vehicle is in danger of overheating, which almost always means your car will break down. 

Listen for the blower

When you turn on the heating system, you have the ability to set it at different levels, depending on how warm you choose to make the inside air. The blower is designed to pump conditioned air through the vents at varying speeds. Over time, this electric blower motor can wear out, which weakens its ability to send air flow into the interior cabin. As temperatures start to dip, it’s a good idea to test out the blower motor before you need heat. As you drive around, test out the varying levels, from low to high. Listen for unusual noises that could indicate something is wrong with the blower. Clunking, grinding, squealing, or metal-on-metal sounds are all indicators of a problem with the blower motor. This gives you ample time to get it fixed before the first snowstorm of the season arrives. 

Your air conditioner is also an indicator

If you’ve ever thought your heating and cooling system were two separate entities, think again. Your car’s heating system actually uses the air conditioner to help dry out moist air, which is needed to help you defrost your windshield and side windows before and as you drive. You might not think to turn on your air conditioning system when it’s already below freezing outside, but a functioning air conditioning unit is integral for driving in Colorado weather. 

Have you noticed problems with the way your air conditioner kept you cool in this unusually good fall weather? Has it been more difficult keeping the interior cabin properly conditioned as the temperatures continue to climb outside? That’s your car’s way of telling you to pull in for a little maintenance before the winter begins. A functioning air conditioner is the only way to survive the winter drive. 

Are you ready for another Colorado winter? 

The good news is that it’s easy to ensure your car heater is in good working condition and ready for another Colorado winter. Periodic maintenance of your cooling system will ensure you can keep the interior of your car at whatever temperature you desire, while knowing at the same time your engine is running optimally too. 

Auto manufacturers recommend changing your coolant after 4 years or 60,000 miles, and every 2 years or 30,000 miles after that. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for complete advice based on your make and model. 

This ensures your coolant is powerful enough to keep your engine system working as designed, and gives mechanics a chance to repair any leaks and inspect the various components for signs of breakdown. 

Is your car heater ready for winter? 

Transmissions Need Repair Too

by

When a car is new, everything works perfectly. You start the car, and the sound can be magical. It purrs as you put the car in gear and head off down the highway. 

Over time, starting the car becomes an automatic process. Get in. Turn the key. Think about your day ahead. Ignore the little changes going on underneath the hood. 

And that works well … for a while. 

Eventually, you can no longer ignore the noise. Something’s wrong. 

The question then becomes: What are you going to do about it?

Today’s modern combustion engine is a complex array of components. One of the most critical parts is the transmission. 

In short, a transmission is a vehicle’s gearbox. It’s what allows the car to move through the various gears as you drive. Without it, you could never move away from a stop sign, accelerate on the highway, or climb the hill near your home. 

The typical car transmission has between five and six gear sets and trains (the belts and chains that connect the gears together.) The transmission’s job is to ensure that your engine runs at the proper rate without moving too fast or too slow for the road conditions. It ensures the right amount of power moves from the engine down into your wheels, so your vehicle can move safely down the road as you move through your days. 

Today’s vehicles have two types of transmissions: manual and automatic. Manual transmissions are fading from most car lines as automatics are more precise in their movement, and have a lower error rate. By having an automatic transmission, a driver can focus on the act of driving, rather than worrying about when is the right time to change gears. 

Regardless of whether your vehicle is manual or automatic, the transmission works in the same way. As the driver accelerates, a gear lever moves from one gear to another as the road conditions require. While manual transmissions require the driver to push and hold a clutch control while moving the gear shift, an automatic transmission does it automatically. When engaged, a clutch maneuvers the clutch plates into place to connect with larger gears. As the gear lever moves, different gears shift and connect, which in turn controls the amount of power delivered to the engine and wheels. 

There’s a lot of power behind this movement. Over time, these connections can start to fail, putting you and your vehicle at risk. 

Transmissions Need Repair Too

Luckily, total transmission failure doesn’t happen without warning signals. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to bring your car in for maintenance to stop the problem before it worsens. 

Odor

As you drive along, you can take in a variety of smells. If you pass a restaurant, it might remind you it’s time for dinner. But if you notice a strong odor that doesn’t dissipate as you drive, it might be time for a visit with one of our mechanics. If the smell seems to be coming from the engine compartment, if it has a strong burning smell, it’s a sure sign there’s a problem with one or more of the parts. 

As transmission fluid runs low or degrades, it overheats and can create a burning smell. This allows your engine to run hot, which can allow other engine components to wear down as well. Burning smells are never good for your vehicle; have them checked out, especially if they continue over time. 

Sounds

Remember that purr from when you first bought your vehicle? If you pay attention to the sounds your car makes over time, you can easily notice problems by the different sounds it makes. 

Clunking, humming, whining, rattling, or grinding is never good for your vehicle. Your first step is to determine where the noise is coming from, and when you most often hear it. A clunking noise when your car changes gear is a telltale sign that your transmission is experiencing problems. 

Check engine light

Today’s vehicles are a complex array of technological parts, all coming together to create the modern day car. If any one component isn’t operating correctly, it can have adverse effects on other parts. 

Most cars today have a variety of dashboard lights designed to signal when something is wrong. These lights illuminate the moment the ratios fall beyond manufacturer’s suggested guidelines. They light up in plenty of time for you to bring your vehicle in and get it inspected. Don’t ignore the little light on your dashboard. If you pay attention and take action quickly, you’ll save money on larger, more detailed repairs. 

Leaks

There are several main fluids in your vehicle, each designed to lubricate, cool, and help you maintain your car. 

If any of these fluids break down or leak, they can alter the way your vehicle operates. 

A transmission fluid leak is easy to spot because it shows up as a red color with a sweet smell. It can darken over time if it’s compromised and has dirt particles in it. It can also take on a burnt smell when it has broken down. 

Shaking

An automatic transmission should provide you with a smooth ride. Have you started to notice your car shaking as it changes gear? It’s a sign one or more of your gears may be wearing down, or one of the chains or belts needs replacing. 

Don’t ignore the shaking. It will only get worse over time. 

Won’t move into gear

Sometimes your car gets stuck in one gear and refuses to move to another. This is often a fluid issue. 

When transmission fluid is clean and topped off, the gears move freely as you drive. But as the fluid becomes compromised, it might affect the way the gears move. It might also be a problem with the computer system, not instructing your vehicle to move properly. 

Slipping gears

Instead of having a vehicle that won’t change gears, you might notice the gears occasionally slip between gears without any instruction from you. This is dangerous for your car and can put you in a dangerous situation. This can be caused from a variety of things, including a worn transmission, or low fluid levels. 

Are you experiencing any of these transmission symptoms? 

If your vehicle is experiencing any of these transmission symptoms, it’s time to bring your car in for repair. Don’t ignore unusual smells, noises, or a car that doesn’t drive as usual. It’s a sign your car has a problem, and the sooner you fix it, the quicker you’ll be back on the road without worry. Small problems can escalate into expensive repair bills if not acted on quickly. 

How Potholes Damage Your Car’s Wheel Alignment and Suspension

by

For many Colorado drivers, they don’t think about the weather. They look at the roads based on how bad the drive will be. 

Winter brings ice and snow. As it melts in the spring, potholes form all over the Front Range. Then we move into construction season, before it starts all over again. 

Navigating any of them could be treacherous at best. Yet in many cases, potholes can cause the most damage. How do potholes damage wheel alignment and suspension? Read on. 

What are potholes?

You can’t miss a pothole if you navigate the Colorado roads. You’ll find potholes in various sizes and shapes, yet no matter how large or small they are, they have the potential to damage your car. 

They form through expansion and contraction of groundwater after the water has moved past the pavement and into the ground. When temperatures fall, the water freezes and expands. This works similarly to an ice cube tray you pop into your freezer. The water may be level as you fill up the tray, but once it freezes, the ice cube may reach beyond the limits of the tray, taking up more space. This happens underground too. Water seeps in wherever there’s room. Then when it has a chance to freeze, it takes up more space, expanding, bending, and cracking the pavement wherever it lies. 

How Potholes Damage Your Car’s Wheel Alignment and Suspension

When the ice melts, the pavement contracts, leaving gaps and voids underneath the pavement. This allows more water to seep in, and the process starts all over again, expanding as it goes. This leaves weak spots underneath the pavement. 

As cars and trucks pass over weak spots in the road, the pavement starts to weaken. This causes the material to shift and be displaced until a pothole forms. 

When CDoT adds chemicals and salt to help keep Colorado roads clear, it lowers the temperature that water will freeze. This creates and expands the cycle that allows freezing and thawing to occur, which can cause more damage to the roads. 

If you’ve ever hit a pothole and immediately thought your car may have been damaged, you may be right. 

What damage can be caused by potholes? 

When you hit a pothole full-on, you can feel it jarring your car. The bigger the pothole, the greater risk it has of damaging your vehicle. No matter what size it is, it can be a nightmare for your wheels and suspension. 

In most cases, drivers hit potholes of various sizes every day. We tend to ignore the effects because it’s a common part of our drive. It may even seem like potholes don’t impact your car. Yet the more you hit them, the more potential damage may occur. It can alter the angles of your wheels, which impacts the way it connects with the road. That can result in a safety issue over time. 

Damage often starts with the wheel. If tires make direct contact, it could cause rim damage or even lead to a blowout. But it often starts in more subtle ways.

Wheel alignment is essential for the integrity of your car. When your tires are aligned, rotation follows a straight course. That means it’s easy to steer the car, and you have little resistance to keep your car on course. 

A misalignment means the drive moves off-center. It becomes increasingly difficult to keep it moving in a straight line. You may feel a vibration, or feel the car pull to one side. 

Misaligned wheels put undue stress on the suspension system, will decrease your fuel economy, and may impact the lifespan of your tires too. Misalignment is easy to fix; stop by for an alignment and we can have you back on the road in no time. 

The longer you drive a vehicle with misaligned wheels, the more issues you’ll find throughout your car. 

Tires may start to show uneven wear. This can cause them to become ineffective and unsafe if not corrected. 

A bad alignment can also put more stress on the vehicle’s suspension system. Think of your car’s suspension system as a series of components that help ensure your vehicle drives safely and smoothly. It’s a kind of carriage on which the cabin of your vehicle rests. It’s comfortable because of the various working parts designed to keep your car working well. It’s an insulator to protect the passengers on the inside. 

A car’s suspension includes:

  • Springs to help control height and load of the suspension and interior cabin
  • Shocks to help absorb and dampen energy as it moves from the road, through the tires, and into your vehicle

The suspension also has an anti-sway bar to help with movement from your wheels to the steering wheel. This is what stabilizes your vehicle as it travels across the road. 

How you hit potholes matters

When you come to a speed bump or dip in the road, it’s only natural to slow down to create less impact on your vehicle. Hitting a pothole doesn’t work in the same manner. 

If you can’t steer around it, it’s better to hit it without applying the brakes. Your natural reaction might be to press down on the brake pedal to lessen the impact. That can actually cause more damage. When you apply the brakes, your car’s front end dips down as the suspension slows the front wheels. This compression causes the wheels not to absorb as much of the road impact. Which ultimately can lead to more serious damage throughout your vehicle. 

Braking for potholes can be especially damaging to shocks and struts. Because shocks and struts affect alignment, if they are damaged, chances are your alignment is thrown off too. 

Have potholes impacted your vehicle? 

How many potholes have you hit this season? Lost count? 

While your vehicle can navigate the roadway without issue in most cases, over time potholes can impact the performance of your vehicle. 

Noticed it’s harder to control the car? Does it sway to the right or left? Do you feel a vibration as you drive? All could be problems with your wheel alignment. And if not corrected, it could do more damage to your suspension. 

Stop by today, and we’ll have you back on the road safely in no time. 

Short Trip Driving: How It Impacts Your Car

by

Most of us don’t think twice about driving. Your car is there, waiting in your driveway or parking spot; why not take it every time you have to run an errand? 

We’ve become a nation obsessed with short trip driving. 

  • We take the car to the grocery store … three blocks away. 
  • We drive to a friend’s house … just down the street. 
  • We need to get to class at the local gym. We’re late. We drive. 

According to the EPA, car trips under a mile add up to about 10 billion miles per year. 

From an economic standpoint, walking or taking a bike for these short trips could save over a half-billion in fuel costs alone, while saving around 2 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year. 

It would be better for your health, better for the climate. But what about your car?

Short trips within the community

When we move into a home, we want to be part of the community. We work there. Send the kids to school there. Join the local recreation center, and eat at local restaurants. 

That automatically shortens the drive time and shortens how far you drive each day. 

We like being close by. You can be at your favorite store, run in, and be back home in minutes. It’s perfect. 

While it works for your lifestyle, your vehicle may be more impacted by those quick trips than you realize. If you see yourself in this article, it’s time to pay attention to your car and give it a little TLC to ensure it’s there and waiting for you whenever you need it. 

Short trips may impact your motor oil

Most drivers are aware that motor oil plays a big part in keeping your car running smoothly. We’re conditioned to change it every 3,000 miles or so. 

Short Trip Driving: How It Impacts Your Car

Motor oil is a thick, slow moving fluid. But when you start your engine, motor oil heats up, becomes less dense, and starts flowing freely through the various internal engine components. This process can take anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, depending on the outside ambient temperatures. 

If you run to the store five minutes away, the motor may not reach its optimal operating temperature before you turn the engine off once again. This lack of heat prevents the motor oil from reaching the ideal viscosity level, meaning it won’t properly lubricate the internal engine parts as designed. 

That can add to the wear and tear of all internal parts, speeding up the process, and requiring more repair work for you down the road. 

In addition, when motor oil heats to the proper temperature, the heat helps remove contaminants such as moisture and other combustion byproducts. Without proper heating, these contaminants won’t effectively evaporate, remaining in the motor oil and continuing to impact both the integrity of the engine, and performance of the vehicle.  

Changing out your motor oil regularly is important no matter how much you drive your car. That’s why many experts suggest changing your oil based on manufacturer’s guidelines, and doing so either based on mileage or time. If it takes you a year to drive a few thousand miles, you should still be changing your motor oil regularly. 

Short trips may impact your battery 

One of the biggest power surges comes when you start your car. When you turn the key or press the button, a lot of demand is placed on your battery to ensure your car starts and runs properly. 

Once running, the battery goes into recovery mode. The alternator recharges the battery as you drive, so it’s ready the next time you start your car. 

With short trips, you may be starting your car more than driving it. This gives your vehicle’s battery very little chance of recovery. 

Today’s batteries give you anywhere from three to seven years of battery life. That’s under normal use. 

When the battery is subjected to quick turnaround, it shortens the battery life. In the same way it takes up to fifteen minutes for your engine to warm up, the battery needs time to fully recharge to maintain its operational levels. Without this, it may face rapid depletion of battery power. 

If short trip driving is a way of life for you, count on the fact that you’ll be replacing your battery more often. You’ll notice it weakens – it’ll take longer for your engine to crank, your headlights will be duller, and you might notice other accessories not working well. 

Short trips may impact your battery

Starting up your engine when it’s cold makes it work at its hardest. That’s because the oil hasn’t circulated yet, and the engine hasn’t warmed up to working at its optimal rate. Other parts are cold, and aren’t contributing to a well running car. 

When you first start your car, it’s important to give it a chance to warm up and be fully functioning before you add stress. This can take a few miles to break everything in. Your car may be under strain until it reaches that point. With short distance driving, it never has a chance to get to that point. If you accelerate quickly, or push your car to the limits, over time, it will impact the engine’s condition. 

Any stress on the engine will start to show by an increase in emissions, and possibly impact your gas mileage. Long term, it may show up as repair bills as you wind up taking your car into the shop more often. 

How long are your daily drives? 

Your car is meant to give you reliable service every day you own your car. 

Be aware of how you drive each day. The first few miles, be easy on how much you push your vehicle. Drive it further occasionally to give the systems a chance to operate fully. And be aware of your maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes will ensure the motor oil stays fresh and working well, and it gives your mechanic a chance to inspect each system and ensure they’re working well. 

Are you a short trip driver? 

Are You Properly Towing Your Trailer? If Not, It Might Be Impacting Your Brakes and Suspension

by

You don’t have to look any further than your local highway to know Coloradans love taking vacations. Trucks and SUVs are towing trailers, heading out into the high country to take advantage of all Colorado has to offer. 

But did you know that towing a trailer has a huge impact on your brakes and suspension? If you aren’t aware of proper towing know-how, you could be putting a lot at risk. Improper towing could damage your car’s brakes, suspension, tires, transmission, and even impact your alignment. Your fun trip to the middle of nowhere could turn into one giant headache if you’re not adequately prepared. 

Are you properly towing your trailer? Are your brakes and suspension at risk? Here are a few questions to keep in mind. 

How much can your vehicle really tow?

You have a truck. You just bought a trailer. What could go wrong?

Quite a lot if the two aren’t properly paired. It’s important to understand how much your vehicle can tow before you purchase a trailer. If the trailer is too large for your vehicle, it can damage the suspension, transmission, even your engine. 

Your vehicle comes with a towing capacity. The conventional towing capacity is regarded as how much it can pull with a frame-mounted hitch. Fifth wheel towing capacity would be mounted directly in the bed of your truck. Check with the owner’s manual to find out how much weight your vehicle can handle. This is the maximum weight it can pull without damaging the vehicle. Keep in mind that if you add other items to the trailer after you purchase it, it will add to the weight capacity. Make sure you stay within limits to ensure safety precautions. 

Do you have the proper equipment?

Have you changed vehicles? Upgraded the trailer? Have a different combination than what you started with years before? 

Are You Properly Towing Your Trailer

Not all equipment works in every situation. Towing requires four main pieces of equipment: a hitch, a receiver, a drawbar, and a hitch ball. Each of these parts work together to keep your vehicle and your trailer properly connected. 

The hitch attaches directly to your vehicle and provides the connection between the vehicle and the trailer. A hitch class 1 tows up to 2,000 pounds, class 2 up to 3,500 pounds, class 3 up to 8,000 pounds, and class ⅘ up to 18,000 pounds. Hitches must be married up to the right vehicle to ensure proper towing capacity. 

The receiver is the base for all other elements, and is appropriately sized depending on the different load sizes. 

The drawbar is a tube that threads between the receiver and the hitch ball. You can buy an adjustable height to ensure you create a level plane no matter what load you’re towing. 

The hitch ball comes in multiple sizes and is designed for varying amounts of weight. 

These items are not interchangeable. You have to have the proper equipment as you move from towing your boat, to your trailer, to a mini-camper. Always ensure you have the proper equipment to remain safe at all times. 

Have you thought about all of the details? 

You have a truck or an SUV. You’ve purchased a new trailer. You’re about to head out on the open road. What could go wrong? 

A lot if you’re not diligent about the details. Safety checks are mandatory to ensure your vehicle stays safe. 

When you’re towing, you should ensure you have trailer lights to assure other drivers know what you’re doing. Do they operate correctly? Do they mimic your taillights and respond correctly to what you signal from your vehicle? 

Have you used extra support chains to provide additional support connecting your vehicle to the trailer? This can prevent your trailer from careening into another vehicle if something should go wrong with the hitch. 

Have you secured your load? Are all doors shut and properly locked? Is everything secured so it won’t fly out when you hit highway speeds? 

Have you checked the laws for where you’re going? Different states have different rules. If you are spending time in a location, you may be required to match those laws with your own setup. Paying attention before you leave can prevent headaches down the road. 

Check your tires regularly – all of them. If they aren’t properly inflated and in good working condition, they can become a danger out on the open road. This includes the trailer tires. A check up before you leave will ensure you don’t have tire troubles later. Look for worn spots, improper wheel alignment, or tires that simply aren’t up for the job you’re about to undertake. 

Is it time to invest in additional performance options? 

Chances are if you’re investing in a vehicle and trailer, this will be more than a one-time event. Think clearly about your long-term expectations, and find performance options that can help you stay safer. 

For example, you can find a lot of additional parts that can make a difference in the way your vehicle moves and operates. How about a set of helper springs that help absorb the shock as your vehicle moves. They can assist with adding extra support to the springs and shocks, cushioning the action with every bump you hit in the road. 

Or maybe an enhanced exhaust system to help release back pressure from the engine. This can help the engine breathe easier, which can be important especially if you’re heading into the Rocky Mountains. 

No matter what you decide, the key to staying safe is to ensure they are all properly maintained for as long as they are in use. 

Are you ready to go? 

Before you head out on your next great adventure, ensure both your vehicle and trailer are in excellent shape. 

Existing brake problems will only be exacerbated by towing a heavy load. 

Worn tires or improper wheel alignment can spell disaster as you weave around curvy roads. 

And the added weight can quickly impact your suspension, putting you more at risk of collision. 

The best way to prevent all that is through regular maintenance. If you’ll be towing a trailer in the near future, let us know. We’ll check your vehicle out thoroughly to ensure it’s ready for the job. 

And have fun on your next vacation!

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks