Express Car Care of Denver

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Your Suspension Is Important – Here’s Why

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

You Can’t Drive Without Your Car’s Serpentine Belt

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Driving your car is something most of us take for granted. When we head out of the house in the morning, we have meetings and appointments on our minds, not car maintenance. 

Your car may create alternative plans. If the heater isn’t producing hot air, or your brakes are squeaking as you apply pressure, you might be able to drive for a bit, enough to allow you to make an appointment and bring your car in. But a serpentine belt is a vital component of your vehicle. If it breaks, it can leave you stuck away from home. 

What is a serpentine belt?

The serpentine belt is a rubber belt that circulates and brings power to various components of your vehicle. You might also hear it referred to as a fan belt or an accessory belt. That’s because the serpentine belt is designed to bring power to the engine accessories – the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and in some cases, the water pump. 

While using one long belt is both an efficient and reliable way of powering the various components underneath the hood, relying on your car’s serpentine belt for a variety of tasks can also put you at greater risk. If the serpentine belt breaks, everything stops working. 

If your water pump no longer works, the air conditioning quits blowing, it impacts what’s happening underneath the hood. The battery eventually dies, and the engine will overheat. It can damage all of the major components controlled by the parts connected to the belt. 

You Can’t Drive Without Your Car’s Serpentine Belt

If it breaks, your risk quickly grows. But if you have it checked periodically and have it replaced before it has a chance to break, you’ll thwart potential problems before they occur. 

What happens when the serpentine belt breaks?

The serpentine belt doesn’t just break without warning. Instead, it slowly wears out over time. It can be contaminated or damaged through normal wear and tear. This can slow down the movement, which means the belt is no longer spinning at proper speed. That decreases power to the electrical system, which can impact a variety of accessories, from a loss in power steering, to a decrease in cooled air flowing through the system. 

A broken serpentine can stop the water pump, which circulates coolant through the cooling system, which in turn keeps the engine from overheating. While this may not cause an immediate problem, the more you drive it, the more damage done internally to your engine compartment. 

A broken belt also may prevent power from moving the alternator, decreasing the power to the vehicle’s eclectic system. If the battery can’t recharge, the headlights will dim, the radio won’t work, until eventually, the battery dies too. 

Luckily, a serpentine belt doesn’t give out without a few warning signs. Like other parts on your vehicle, if you notice it’s not working well, bringing it in for an inspection is your best way of preventing larger problems down the road. 

Watch for:

Lack of cooled air from the air conditioner – lack of cooled air can be attributed to various problems. Since the serpentine belt controls the functions of the air conditioner, a lack of cool air may be a sign it’s broken. 

Squealing sounds – as the rubber belt slips and loosens from the various components, it can make a distinct squealing sound. This can also happen if it misaligns, requiring a simple adjustment to get it back on track. 

Whining sounds – the serpentine belt moves and angles in many different directions as it wraps around the various components. As the belt wears, the tension can change, which changes the speed of the belt. That can cause it to rub up against components it’s not meant to connect with, creating a whining sound. If you ignore the sound, it can continue to wear down the various parts, causing you more repair bills in the long run. 

No power steering – if you suddenly have trouble steering, with turns and adjustments needing considerable arm strength, it could be a sign of a bad serpentine belt. This could also be a sign of low power steering fluid, so it’s important to bring your car in quickly to ensure it’s in proper working condition. 

Overheating engine – if the serpentine belt is broken, it won’t activate the water pump, which helps keep the engine cool. The longer you drive without proper cooling function, the greater damage your engine will experience. 

Visible cracks in the serpentine belt – the serpentine belt is easy to see if you pop the hood and glance into the engine compartment. If you notice visible cracks anywhere on the belt, it’s time to schedule an appointment to have it replaced. 

Dead battery – a dead battery can be caused by many issues, including a serpentine belt that is no longer driving power. If your battery suddenly dies, ensure the serpentine belt is still attached. Without the alternator’s charge, the battery eventually stops working, which will impact the various accessories throughout your vehicle. 

How much will it cost to replace a serpentine belt?

Cost is almost always one of the first questions a car owner asks. When budgets are tight, it’s easy to push maintenance visits as far apart as possible, hoping to push repair bills to the next paycheck. 

The serpentine belt is one of the less expensive replacements you can make. If it just needs readjustment, you’ll pay for labor costs. The belt itself won’t break the bank. 

Compare that to allowing your car to operate with a broken serpentine belt, where damage starts occurring with various components underneath the hood. If the water pump isn’t working, and allows the engine to overheat, your repair bills will rise exponentially. 

To keep your vehicle in good repair, schedule maintenance visits periodically for a mechanic to inspect underneath the hood, and make suggestions for keeping it performing well. 

Is your serpentine belt working well?

Radiator Problems Your Car May Face 

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What does your car’s radiator do? If you’re like most drivers, you may have a vague idea, but you could never point it out if you looked underneath the hood. 

A car radiator is a heat exchanger used to lower the antifreeze temperature as it circulates in your engine. A radiator contains a series of narrow tubes that are designed to disperse heat rapidly, which helps keep the operating temperature of your engine in check. 

In addition to the narrow tubes that allow antifreeze to flow, it also has a cooling fan that draws in cool air at the front of the vehicle. This is what helps prevent the engine from overheating. 

A radiator is considered to be one of the main pieces of equipment in your vehicle’s cooling system. It’s placed at the front of the engine, where it can take in airflow, which allows circulation for the cooling process. It received a continuous supply of antifreeze, which flows through the engine to keep all parts moving and at the right temperature. 

Hot antifreeze moves in while cooled antifreeze moves out. It uses a pump to ensure the proper flow through the system, and is designed to discharge at the appropriate speed. That sums up the entire movement of coolant … as long as the radiator is doing its job. 

If any piece of the coolant system isn’t working, it can cause problems. 

Common car radiator problems 

Just like other parts of your car, the radiator can experience problems if any one piece isn’t working at its optimal level. A regular maintenance schedule is key to keeping it performing at its best. While radiators don’t fail often, the results can be extreme. If the engine overheats, you may well be looking at an entire engine replacement. 

Radiator Problems Your Car May Face 

How do you know if you have a problem? Like other systems on your car, before radiator problems escalate, it will give off warning signs. 

Leaking coolant – While a radiator leak can be caused by several issues, corrosion surrounding the radiator, hoses, and other components is one of the most common. It can be caused by rust, holes or cracks in the hoses, general deterioration, excessive pressure on the system, and more. Luckily, antifreeze/coolant has a distinctive fluid that’s easy to notice if it leaks. Watch for a sticky, bright-colored liquid. Coolant is usually thought of as a green color, but in the past, manufacturers have made it yellow, pink, red, blue, and green. It depends on the brand you use. Without proper levels of coolant, your engine will run hot, until it eventually fails. Getting it checked and fixed is vital to keep your car running. 

Malfunctioning thermostat and water pump – A radiator works hand in hand with the thermostat and water pump. If any one of these components stops working, your engine is at risk of running hot. When the water pump malfunctions, the coolant won’t circulate as it should. And if the thermostat goes bad, the system won’t know when to release proper flow of coolant, which can quickly cause the vehicle to overheat. It may stick closed and not release enough, or stick open and not allow your vehicle to reach proper temperature. Bot of these items can put your radiator at risk. 

Rust in the radiator – In order for a radiator to operate, it sees a constant flow of liquids and electricity through the system’s metal components. This continuous flow creates the perfect environment for oxidation, rust, and other corrosion to build. When voltage clears a path through the coolant, damage can cause internal rusting, pitting, or flaking inside the cooling system. Rusting eventually leads to cracks and holes, which allow leaking to occur. While rusting in the radiator is common, rusting on the outside can also occur in colder climates where road salt and other winter agents make their way inside your engine compartment. It’s best to inspect underneath the hood regularly to ensure you don’t have a problem. If you notice your antifreeze has turned a brown or reddish color, it’s an indicator it’s been contaminated with rust. 

Sludge build-up – Like other fluids inside your vehicle, as coolant ages, it can see a build-up of mineral deposits and other debris. As it accumulates and thickens, it can clog up the radiator, making it difficult to distribute coolant properly throughout the system. Sometimes you can notice this by seeing a reduction in heat into the interior cabin. 

Overheating – The radiator, water pump, and thermostat all work together to keep your cooling system running. If one component fails, it can cause problems with your cooling system. You may also find yourself in a situation where you’re sitting in traffic or idling, and the temperature spikes. This could be a result of a failing radiator fan. Modern cars also have an electric fan that draws air into the radiator to ensure it stays cool while you’re idling or moving at a low speed. If this fan breaks, overheating can occur, especially if idling for a while. 

Air in the cooling system – A radiator is sealed to ensure maximum flow throughout the cooling system. If air suddenly gets into the system, it can create pockets that will ultimately restrict proper flow of fluid. In most cases, air gets into the system during the radiator flushing process. 

Can you repair a radiator, or do you have to replace it?

The cooling system accounts for a large amount of the breakdowns on the road, with overheating one of the most common. Luckily, many of the problems associated with the cooling system can be fixed if caught early enough. The key is in detecting the problem early before it destroys the engine. 

When you notice your vehicle in the first stages of overheating, it’s important to bring it to a mechanic quickly for a thorough inspection. If they diagnose the problem early, they can tell you exactly where the problem lies. It may be something as simple as fixing a leaky hose. 

Some parts of the cooling system will cost more to repair than others. But if you fix the problem component, it won’t have a chance to escalate to other areas, causing more components to break during the process. A leaky radiator hose will cost less than replacing a water pump. 

By allowing a mechanic to check the system early, you’ll save more in potential repair bills, and be back on the road without worries. 

What Causes Low Oil Pressure?

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When you own a car, regular routine maintenance is part of ownership. Most drivers understand that to keep a car running, you have to fill the tank with gas as the gauge moves towards empty, replace the tires when they wear out, and change the motor oil regularly. 

The engine is one of the main components inside your car. Without it, your car wouldn’t run. 

To keep the engine operating smoothly, it needs gasoline to convert to energy to put the vehicle into motion. Gas gives it the power to go. 

Engines also need motor oil for lubrication. Motor oil reduces friction and wear on moving parts to help keep the engine clean from sludge as it moves through the process. 

Both gas and motor oil are an integral part of keeping your car working well. But while gasoline is something we’re aware of daily, watching the gas gauge as it moves as we drive along, motor oil tends to be a little more “out of sight, out of mind.” You may have a little sticker on your windshield reminding you of when it needs to be changed. But it’s not something you think about regularly. 

Yet your engine can’t survive without it. The lower the level of motor oil, the more likely it is to cause problems. Let the levels get too low, and it can do irreversible damage to your car’s engine, increasing your financial commitment too. 

What causes low oil pressure? What should you do at the first indication something is wrong? With today’s technology, most cars are built with warning lights that trigger early to help avoid bigger problems. A low oil pressure warning light on your dashboard isn’t something you should see very often. When it illuminates, you should stop driving immediately. This is an indication that there isn’t enough oil left to do its job effectively.  

What Causes Low Oil Pressure?

A dashboard light is only one symptom of low oil pressure. It’s a good indicator, and one of the first you may notice. But there are other signs. 

  • A burning smell – if it smells like burning oil, it could mean there’s an oil leak due to a failed gasket. 
  • A clunking sound – if your engine is making a clunking sound, it may be an indicator of low oil pressure. Low oil prevents the engine from receiving the lubrication it needs. 
  • An overheating engine – without the proper motor oil, the engine isn’t lubricated. That means it’s working harder than necessary, and has a good chance of allowing heat to build. 

Notice one or more of these problems? It’s best to bring your car in right away. 

When the low oil pressure light illuminates on your dashboard, it can be caused by one of several things:

Not enough oil – most manufacturers recommend that car owners change their vehicle’s motor oil between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. This keeps fresh motor oil in the system, and ensures it’s always circulating through your engine, keeping it working its best. 

Wrong oil viscosity – did you change the oil yourself and use the wrong motor oil? Oil that is too thick may not flow quickly enough, and won’t transfer heat as well as thinner oils. That allows operating temperatures to increase, which can break down the chemical components of the motor oil faster, allowing sludge and other deposits to form. 

Clogged or dirty oil filter – oil filters play an important role in helping maintain oil pressure. When the filter becomes dirty or clogged, it reduces flow. An oil filter is built with a pressure relief valve that prevents the pressure from getting too high. It can no longer do its job if it’s damaged. 

Oil pressure gauge – your engine may have plenty of oil, but the problem lies with the oil pressure gauge. If electrical issues prevent the indicator from reflecting what’s happening, it can give a false reading. The fix may be as simple as replacing the gauge. 

Engine wear – oil continually moves through the engine as it operates. If it’s not working properly, it can constantly impact other working parts. Oil moves from the engine through the crankshaft and camshaft bearings. If this area is worn and allows too much oil to flow, it can reduce oil pressure. The oil pump will work harder to move oil through bearings and other pathways. This can be a continual source of pressure until something breaks down. 

Overheating engine – if the engine experiences too much heat, eventually it will stop working. Overheating causes the oil to thin, trying to prevent pressure build up.  

Faulty oil pump – while this isn’t as common as other potential problems, a defective oil pump can drop the flow rate. 

Worn out parts and components – with over 10,000 parts on a car, any one of them within the engine compartment can impact the combustion process in different ways, and lead to general wear and tear on the vehicle. A problem with the engine oil is often recognized by a blue smoke as it exits the tailpipe. 

Many times, your oil pressure warning light will start to illuminate as it detects a problem. Instead of coming on and staying on, it might start to flicker on occasion as it notices a problem. The oil pressure warning light is designed to come on if oil pressure falls below 5-10 pounds per square inch (psi) at idle, depending on the vehicle you drive. At the very least, it should be at 5 psi when not in motion, or the oil light will flicker or stay on. 

Continue to monitor this light. Check the oil level as soon as it’s safe. If you’re comfortable adding a little more oil, do so while continuing to monitor your car’s actions. This could be a sign of something larger. In that case, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for an inspection to determine where the problem lies. 

The best way to prevent your oil pressure light from coming on, and avoid low oil pressure altogether is to schedule regular oil changes. This is the best way to allow a certified mechanic to evaluate your car regularly, and ensure it’s always working at its best. 

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

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