Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Radiator Fans

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Radiator FansSome of you are maybe old enough to have heard the term “fan belt”.  Back in the day, the radiator fan in your vehicle was turned by a belt that was driven by the engine.  There are still belt driven fans, although most radiator fans are now driven by the serpentine belt.  But most of the new vehicles now also have electric fans that draw fresh air across the radiator to cool it.

As coolant/antifreeze circulates in the cooling system, it captures heat from the engine and flows into the radiator.  Air cools the radiator and the coolant in it  before it sends it back into the engine to pick up some more heat.  Now your engine has an ideal temperature range in which it is most efficient:  it shouldn’t be too hot or too cool.  The electric radiator fans help maintain the ideal temperature.

A switch mounted in a cooling system passage checks the temperature of the coolant.  If the coolant is at the low end of the range, the switch turns off the fan motor.  When the coolant rises to certain temperature, the switch turns on the fan.  When you are running the air conditioning, the radiator fan will likely be turned on as well to help reduce the extra engine heat created by the load placed on it by the air conditioner.

A lot of Denver residents vehicles will actually have two radiator fans.  One, both, or neither may be running at any given time depending on the conditions.  When you are cruising at highways speeds, the air rushing over the radiator and around the engine will help control the heat.  By contrast, stop and go driving around Denver doesn’t generate much natural air flow so the radiator fans will be working harder.

Some drivers may hear the sound of the radiator fan running after turning the vehicle off.  This keeps the engine from heating excessively after it has been run and shut off.

Now the radiator fan motors and the switch are wear items that will eventually fail.  If your temperature light comes on while driving, you have a cooling system problem.  Your friendly and knowledgeable Express Car Care service adviser can test your entire cooling system, including the radiator fans, to determine what is causing the indicator light.  Of course, serving the cooling system as recommended will help extend the life of all the components.  Ask your Express Car Care service adviser if you are due for a cooling system service.

Avoiding The Top 5 Car Repairs

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Your vehicle is one of the most expensive items you own. It’s a complex system with over 30,000 parts that, when operating correctly, gives you the ability to move around freely.

With that many parts, however, if one thing goes wrong, it can quickly escalate, causing problems with the way you drive. It might start as a noise or a funny smell, but if left unchecked, can turn into a major car repair.

Luckily, you can avoid costly car repairs by adhering to a regular car maintenance schedule. Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps parts well lubricated, the system running smoothly, and your vehicle on the road.

Let’s start by looking at five of the most common and most expensive car repairs we see coming into our shop.

Brake pad and rotor replacement

A car’s brake system is one of the most important systems on your vehicle. Imagine flying down the mountain after a day of skiing, and you discover your brakes don’t work. Even in town, as you move closer to a red light, without brakes, it can be a harrowing experience.

Over the life of your vehicle, you will have to replace your brake pads about every 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Of course, that changes based on the make and model of your car, as well as your driving experience. Someone with all city driving will replace brakes more often than someone with all highway driving.

Avoiding The Top 5 Car RepairsBrake pads are the least expensive part of this process. Brake pads are designed to provide you with warning signs as they start to wear down. They are built with a metal bar just shy of the recommended thickness level. When this is reached, it will produce a metal on metal grinding sound that warns you it’s time to replace the brake pads. This gives you plenty of warning to schedule a visit with one of our mechanics, and replace the brake pads before they impact performance or safety.

Ignore this sound, and the brake pads can start wreaking havoc on other parts of the braking system. Poor quality brake pads can impact rotors. If they are damaged or warped past the point of repair, these will also have to be replaced. And that can escalate your repair bill exponentially.

Tire replacement

A good set of tires can last you anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 miles or more. But you can’t replace a set of tires, have them installed, and leave them unchecked for all those miles. Because they are your one connection to the road as you drive, more can go wrong with a set of tires than most drivers realize.

How often do you test the air pressure in your tires? If you say every fill-up, you’re on the right track. Tire pressure can change rapidly depending on driving conditions. Both cold and heat change the way they perform, as well as how and where you drive your vehicle each day.

Pay attention to the tread as well. Do you see uneven wear marks? That’s a sign of a deeper problem in the performance of your vehicle. Rotate your tires regularly. You might consider having it done each time you change the oil. This ensures your tires wear evenly, and will prevent damage based on the way you drive. This can also alert you to bigger problems you can fix before they escalate.

Fuel injector cleaning

Think about all your vehicle goes through as you drive the Colorado roads. Ice and snow build up in the winter, with chemicals, rocks, and sand impacting many parts underneath the hood. Freezing temperatures can also impact the functionality of individual parts. Then in the summer months, heat can impact the way your car moves.

Fuel injectors spray gas into the combustion chamber to allow the correct amount of gasoline to enter into the engine. Each cylinder has a corresponding fuel injector – a four cylinder engine will have four fuel injectors.

Fuel injectors do wear out over time. But with the proper cleaning and service schedule, you can extend their life. Most manufacturers state fuel injectors will last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on care, gasoline used within the system, and how often fuel filters are changed.

Timing belt

The timing belt connects the engine with the vehicle’s crankshaft to ensure the valves open and close properly. The timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft to ensure the valves open and close, allowing the pistons to move up and down. Without a timing belt, your car’s engine wouldn’t operate.

A timing belt goes through a lot of wear and tear. The timing belt breaking is a big problem, and can lead to extensive damage to the engine. Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to determine how often it should be replaced; it’s typically around 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Warning signs can include missing teeth from the belt itself, a ticking noise from the engine compartment, or visible signs of cracking or damage. Simple maintenance checks periodically can warn you of potential problems, giving you the chance to replace it before it can break and cause extensive damage.

Transmission

It’s a problem with the transmission. Those are words no vehicle owner wants to hear because it’s one of the most expensive car repairs you’ll make.

 

Without a transmission, your car won’t move. It helps the engine run smoothly, and moves power from the engine through the wheels.

A transmission isn’t just one simple block. Instead, it’s made up of over 800 parts that are unique to each make and model on the road today. When they all work together, your car will operate seamlessly. To ensure that happens, it’s important to keep transmission fluid fresh and operational. Ensure it’s at the right level, and avoid aggressive driving or riding the brakes.

How a mechanic can keep your car running

These are just a few of the major car repairs that can impact your vehicle and your wallet. Owning a car doesn’t mean expensive repair bills. If you schedule your maintenance visits with a mechanic you can trust, you’ll ensure your car stays healthy and operating well for as long as you own it.

Scheduled checkups will always ensure your car stays operating and in peak performance. Don’t ignore mileage or date reminders; they are there for a reason. If you work together with a reputable mechanic, you can drive with peace of mind.

Should High Altitude Change Your Car Maintenance Routine?

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Living here in Colorado, you’re probably aware of altitude sickness, or what is sometimes referred to as mountain sickness.

Many people come into our state from sea level, grab a car, and start climbing deep into the hills. They settle into a resort, and start playing. Shortly after, they experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and more.

High altitude sickness is real, and it’s something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. But that’s with people. Can the same thing happen with a car? Can high altitude impact your car maintenance routine? Do cars driven here in the Rocky Mountains need more TLC than cars at sea level?

How high altitude impacts your car

Cars are manufactured in different parts of the world, and are brought into different regions based on needs and desires. The car you recently purchased here in Denver may have spent all of its life at sea level before being brought here. It may have been calibrated differently to accept conditions for where it was created.

For used cars, the vehicle adjusted to the conditions where it operated. At sea level, that means plenty of oxygen, possibly greater humidity levels, maybe even salty sea air speeding up the rusting process. Its condition is determined by the conditions in which it operates each day.

Then the car migrated here, to Colorado. The most noticeable condition is less air density. Every time your car is turned on, lower air density means less compression, which in turn impacts the way fuel components are triggered and used in the combustion process. Less density means the engine pulls less oxygen, nitrogen and argon as it moves through the process, which equates to less power used in operating your car.

In the industry, guidelines state that for every thousand feet of altitude gained, you’ll lose 3 percent power. That means here in Denver, you might feel your engine performance is a bit sluggish, especially if you’re used to driving your car at lower altitudes. Now bring it up into the mountains. You will notice the difference.

Should High Altitude Change Your Car Maintenance Routine?Reduced oxygen intake means the engine struggles to bring in enough air to feed into the system. This can lead to poor performance as well as inefficiencies. It can impact everything from acceleration to towing capabilities.

It’s not just the engine. You may also notice a change in the fuel system. Cars driven here require lower fuel octane than in other areas to start and keep the engine running. However, as you drive down to lower elevations, that can quickly change. If your check engine light comes on, this could be the cause.

It can also impact tire pressure. If you’ve ever driven from the hot plains to a cold mountain top, you know what that temperature difference can do to your body. Now think about your tires. It can rapidly change the performance of your tires, and decrease tire pressure. If you don’t check it, it can impact your steering precision, allowing for uneven tire wear, and impacting the fuel economy as you drive. If you drive into the mountains regularly, checking your tire pressure should be a normal part of your routine.

Car maintenance requirements for high altitude cars

If you’ve never considered what high altitude is doing to your vehicle before, it’s time to consider the changes your car goes through as you drive from location to location. If you’re planning a trip, it’s wise to have a tune-up before you leave to ensure your safety, and when you return to get your vehicle back in good working condition for the Colorado roads.

Things that should be checked include:

Air filters – your vehicle takes in less oxygen here in a high altitude environment. That means it pulls air harder to make the system work correctly. Maximizing airflow means keeping the system clean and working at its best. It can’t do that if the air filter is dirty or clogged.

Tire pressure – newer cars may have a sensor that tells you tire pressure. If not, it’s important to check it regularly, especially as you move in and out of the mountains. Get into the habit of checking tire pressure as you fill up with gas, or on a regular basis – monthly, perhaps. It takes a few seconds of your time, and could create a safer environment for your drive.

Brake pads – driving up and down steep mountain roads require more brake action. This can put more wear and tear on your braking systems over time. Pay attention to dashboard lights, opting to check out potential problems before they escalate.

Power steering – have you ever felt the wind on an open road push against your car, moving it slightly if you weren’t aware of the power? You’ll find that happens with more intensity here along the Front Range. You’ll also have the ability to move from the open plains to mountainous roads, all within a few hours of time. High winds can sneak up at any time, and it can impact your ability to keep your car under control, especially if your power steering system isn’t fully operational.

Fuel injectors – because your vehicle will be operating at a reduced pressure level, it’s important to keep fuel injectors clean and able to deliver fuel into the system without blockage. Depending on where you’re operating your vehicle, it may be operating at 20 percent or more reduced performance. Corroded or dirty fuel injectors will reduce that performance even more.

Do you have car maintenance in your schedule?

Regular car maintenance is always an important part of owning a car. When you live in the Mile High city, it’s even more essential.

With just a few simple checks each month, and by bringing your vehicle in for tune-ups regularly, you can ensure your car is operating at peak performance, and that your car is in the best condition possible.

Isn’t it nice to have peace of mind when you sit behind the wheel?

Replace Your Air Filter

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In order to run effectively, your engine needs clean air to burn fuel – and it needs a lot.  In fact, a typical vehicle needs about 216,000 gallons of air for every tank of gas.

All that air passes through a filter that catches the dust and dirt.  Eventually the air filter gets completely full of dirt because it can only hold so much.  Then the dirt and dust start getting through the air filter and it needs to be replaced.  This dirty air  passes through the mass airflow sensor and starts to accumulate on the delicate sensor element.  The mass air flow sensor measures how much air is getting into your engine.  When the airflow reading is incorrect, your engine doesn’t get the proper amount of fuel.  It runs rough and doesn’t perform as well as it should.

Eventually, if you don’t replace your air filter, the sensor is so damaged it needs to be replaced – which is pricey.  Truth is, you could buy a case or two of air filters for the cost of one sensor replacement.

Of course, that dirty air keeps on going through to your engine where it’s burned along with the fuel, which dirties up your combustion chamber and increases harmful exhaust emissions.

The next time your service adviser brings out your dirty air filter and recommends a replacement, remember the cost and poor performance that can be waiting for you around the corner if you don’t replace your air filter.  This is a simple service that shouldn’t be neglected if you want to keep your engine running properly.

Give us a call or come in and see us, we’re here to help.

Regular vs Synthetic Motor Oil – What You Should Know

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When you own a car, regular maintenance is a part of ownership. You fill the tank up with gas because without it, your car wouldn’t go. You change out the motor oil every 3,000 miles or so because if you don’t, you’ll eventually be stranded by the side of the road.

But have you ever thought about what motor oil is? Or how it works? Or if you’re using the right type of motor oil for your vehicle?

What is regular motor oil?

If you drive a car with an internal combustion engine, it requires motor oil to operate. It’s one of the most critical components to keep the engine running well.

Inside the engine are a variety of parts that work together, create friction, and convert that to energy using a tremendous amount of heat. If the parts don’t stay lubricated and operating well, fuel consumption is diminished, the vehicle won’t operate as designed, parts will wear down and break, with engine failure not far behind.

While there is a debate about oil changing frequency, there isn’t a fight over the necessity to change it regularly. It’s better to err on the side of frequency and keep all parts lubricated and working well.

In the past, regular motor oil was the only choice. It worked well, and drivers never gave it much thought. Manufacturer’s often had several motor oil viscosities for drivers to choose from based on the type of driving they did. Viscosity determines the fluid’s resistance to flow; in a hot climate, a higher density would better serve the engine. Checking with your vehicle’s operational guidelines will explain the type of oil best suited for your car’s engine and why it’s recommended.

In general, traditional motor oil is still used in many vehicles because it’s cost effective, it’s easy to find, and it works well, especially in older cars in excess of 75,000 miles on the odometer.

What is synthetic motor oil?

Regular vs Synthetic Motor Oil - What You Should KnowSynthetic motor oil is a human-made lubricant created by artificial chemical compounds as a substitute for petroleum-based oils.

Synthetic oil was first developed back in 1929 as a response to needs during World War II. In the 1970s, better artificial oils were produced to give engines better fuel economy during a time when petroleum-based products were skyrocketing in price.

The process of producing synthetic motor oils has been perfected to where today, some engines perform better with these new lubricants than with more traditional oils. Although synthetic oils were once created to benefit high-performance vehicles, today’s technological advances have made automotive manufacturers rely on them for better fuel efficiency.

Visually, regular and synthetic motor oils may look the same, but fundamentally they perform differently. Petroleum-based products are thicker at lower temperatures and thinner as things heat up. To change the viscosity, manufacturers add different additives to make traditional motor oil perform better under different circumstances.

Synthetic motor oils are designed to behave in certain ways right from the start. That means they don’t degrade or change viscosity over time, other than degrade as it circulates through the engine and picks up contaminants over time.

Synthetic oil will provide better engine protection, will last longer, and comes in advanced formulas that might be specifically made for your vehicle’s engine. This is where it’s important to understand what your vehicle’s manufacturer suggests, and stick with the recommended schedule.

Is synthetic motor oil better for your engine than regular motor oil?

In a word, yes. Although a traditional petroleum-based lubricant will do the job well, it can’t compete with the lab-created motor oil created specifically for engine performance.

Synthetic based motor oils use higher quality oils than traditional products. That makes them more chemically stable, less likely to oxidize and acidify, and slower to break down and lose their protective qualities.

That gives your engine better protection while allowing better performance at the same time. You’ll find synthetic motor oils can combat sludge and deposit buildup, reduce wear and tear on your engine, as well as control breakdown no matter what your driving conditions are like.

Chemistry makes the difference, especially in today’s technology-driven performance vehicles.

Does synthetic motor oil have more advantages over regular motor oil?

Synthetic motor oils were created with a specific purpose in mind: to protect the engine and make it perform as well as possible. That’s something crude oil can never do, because manufacturers simply adapt to the qualities of the oil already in place. Synthetic motor oils:

Protect the engine better – as the engine operates, parts are in constant motion and connection with each other. If they do so with a protective barrier between them, the engine will perform better and stay operational longer.

Keep the engine cleaner – when oil circulates through the system, it can pick up particles and contaminants that break down the functionality of the oil. These can damage your engine over time. Synthetic oils are created with this process specifically in mind, meaning they’ll stay cleaner longer in everyday driving situations.

Flow better in low temperatures – when your car is at rest, motor oil stops along with it. It takes time when the engine starts to circulate the oil back into the system, and start protecting various parts. In cold temperatures, that process can slow down, putting the system at risk.

Protect better in high temperatures – an engine in operation runs hot. When you add in heat from the environment, it gives more risk to the parts underneath the hood. This increases as you navigate the Rocky Mountains, especially if you pull a boat or trailer. Synthetic oils are made for that type of driving.

My owner’s manual states regular motor oil is fine. Should I upgrade?

Switching from regular motor oil to synthetic is perfectly acceptable and can help your engine in many ways. You’ll find synthetic motor oils built for different situations – just ask one of our mechanics which would be best for your vehicle.

However, if your older car has high mileage, it may still be beneficial for you to use traditional oils. If an engine has never used synthetic oils, has been poorly maintained, with infrequent oil changes, we would recommend sticking with conventional oil.

The key is always to provide the proper maintenance based on what your vehicle needs most.

Need help deciding which motor oil is best for your vehicle? We can help with that.

Your Coolant Is Low – Should You Keep Driving?

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What happens if your vehicle runs out of gas? It comes to a stop.

What happens if your car runs out of motor oil? It comes to a stop.

What happens if it runs out of coolant?

Not quite sure?

Coolant is an important fluid to help your car run efficiently. But is it as important as gas or motor oil? Do you need it in the same way as other fluids? Can you keep driving with low coolant?

What is coolant?

Coolant is also known as antifreeze. It’s made from a heat-absorbing ethylene glycol or propylene glycol to help collect heat from the engine components. It’s designed to expand as it increases in temperature, and helps protect the engine from wear and tear.

Because of this expansion, coolant is placed into your vehicle using a 50/50 ratio with distilled water. It should be installed following manufacturers’ guidelines, and flushed on a recommended basis to ensure it’s working as designed.

How coolant works in an engine

Without an engine, your car wouldn’t go. A combustion engine works by burning fuel and oxygen at temperatures well over 200 degrees. The metal shell contains pistons that move up and down containing thousands of tiny explosions every minute. This is what creates the heat necessary to keep your car operating.

While the exhaust system is designed to expel hot gases from the engine after they burn, metal still absorbs some heat throughout the process. Coolant helps keep these parts cool, especially as it continues to build underneath the hood.

Your Coolant Is Low - Should You Keep Driving?Enter your vehicle’s cooling system. It is designed to dispel heat no matter what the temperature is like outside. Winter or summer, cold or hot, engines can overheat if they aren’t running properly. It’s as important to ensure proper coolant levels in the winter months as it is in the summer.

During extreme cold spells, for example, your cooling system has to work even harder. Combustion engines produce two things: heat and friction. Friction forms when internal components of the engine move very quickly against each other. In cold weather, the thermostat or a coolant leak can block a portion of the system, limiting the friction necessary for normal operation. This allows the entire system to overheat.

What happens if your car runs out of coolant?

Coolant circulates through the entire engine as it’s operating to prevent it from overheating. This isn’t an all-or-nothing system. It begins to damage the engine the lower it gets.

When your car notices a problem, it alerts you to the danger by signaling through a dashboard warning light. It might be a temperature gauge warning your vehicle is running hot. Temperatures are rising, and there’s a reason.

Some cars today are built with an automatic engine cut-off. This is an automatic way of preventing further damage to your vehicle. When the system detects low coolant and a potentially hazardous situation for your car, it cuts the engine and won’t start until it’s corrected.

But before this is done, it can start damaging auto parts. Depending on your vehicle, if it doesn’t have the automatic kill feature, damage begins the lower the coolant becomes. While there are many parts that can be impacted, they include:

  • Water pump
  • Head gasket
  • Cylinder head
  • Pistons
  • Connector rods

The longer you drive, the more damage is done. The more money you’ll spend on the repair bill getting it fixed. Not only will you need extensive repair work, if the damage is too comprehensive, you may need a new engine altogether.

That makes your coolant a pretty important fluid inside your vehicle!

What are the warning signs of low coolant?

Luckily, your car is programmed to give you warning signs before real damage is done. Don’t ignore these warning signs. The faster you act, the more you can prevent dangerous and expensive repair problems.

A rising temperature gauge

Every dashboard has a temperature gauge to tell you how hot your engine is running. Become familiar with the settings and keep an eye on it from time to time. If it moves, signaling your car is hotter than average, pay attention to it. If it moves towards red, this is one of the key indicators there is something wrong with your cooling system. If you notice it changing as you’re driving, pull over and turn off the engine. You can open the hood to help it cool. Then as soon as you can, schedule a maintenance appointment to fix the problem before it can escalate.

Heater not working or a hot air supply

A car’s heater utilizes the hot air formed by your engine to help warm the passenger compartment. If it malfunctions, you may have problems keeping your interior cabin the temperature you prefer. If you notice a constant supply of hot air, or a complete lack of heat, it’s telling you there is a problem with your cooling system.

Poor fuel economy

Here’s another reason to keep an eye on your gas mileage each fill up. If there isn’t another reason for decreasing gas mileage, it might have something to do with the way your engine is operating. If it’s running at optimal performance, fuel will burn effectively, and your fuel economy will be maximized. As temperatures increase, it takes more power to complete the same results, which may materialize as fuel inefficiency. This also produces more emissions.

A sweet smell

Coolant is designed to have a distinct sweet smell. It can attract both kids and animals, which is why you should always keep it out of reach, as well as clean up any leaks or spills immediately. Coolant can leak at high temperatures, which can often be found by following your nose. This can help you pinpoint where leaks or damage has occurred.

Do you have a coolant leak? Should you keep driving with low coolant? Not if you want to prevent repair work down the road.

The moment you detect a problem with the way your vehicle operates, schedule a maintenance visit as soon as possible. It can be the difference between a minor repair with an equally low cost, or one that escalates and turns into a full-blown problem.

Road Trip! Car Maintenance Tips To Ensure You’re Ready

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Summer’s coming. And that means it’s vacation season once again.

Here in Colorado, the term “road trip” can mean many different things.

Why not visit the Rocky Mountains? A day trip to any of the ski resorts can yield a great time. Hike. Bike. Shop. Or simply hang out in a hot springs pool all day. There’s something to keep everyone’s interest all day long.

Or maybe you have the desire to go further. A long weekend to a place you’ve never been before. Mesa Verde is always a great stop. Or check out the tallest sand dunes in North America – just a short drive away and a true wonder to behold.

And that’s just the start. With so many things to do in Colorado, you can stay quite busy year-round. But if you want to see even more, pack up the family and head out for a week or two. The open road is waiting for you.

Of course, the last thing on your list is to be stranded along the side of the road. If your car stops working in the “middle of nowhere,” you’ll pay a pretty hefty price. You’ll lose valuable time with the family. You may not see what you wanted to see. Stress? Yep, there’ll be plenty of that. And can you really trust the only service station within a hundred miles to do the right thing?

Road Trip! Car Maintenance Tips To Ensure You’re ReadyThere is another solution. Before you set out on your road trip, take action on a few car maintenance tips first. By doing a few little TLC tasks, you’ll ensure your car is in top shape when you hit the open road. You’ll decrease the chances of having an emergency stop. And you’ll keep your family safe and secure in the process.

Here are the car maintenance tips we suggest.

Change the oil

This should already be on your list or regular maintenance. But if you’ll be putting a couple thousand miles on your vehicle, it’s important to start out with a fresh oil change. This will allow your engine to operate at its peak condition, and give mechanics a chance to ensure everything is working well. Then it won’t matter if you drive out in the open on one of the hottest days of the year. Your car will operate without worry.

Check your car’s battery

How old is the battery? On average, car batteries last from three to five years. If you drive daily and the battery is kept at full charge, you may get even more years from your battery. But if you’re about to hit the open road, do you want to chance it? Pop the hood and take a look. Do you see corrosion? Batteries contain corrosive acid that may leak as they age or if something happens to the connections. Manufacturers recommend having your battery checked and tested annually as your battery ages, and especially before you take a long road trip.

Double check your tires

Or maybe we should say triple check them. Tires will top the list on keeping you safe and secure on your trip, as well as making it an enjoyable experience. Have you ever felt a car shake and shudder? If the tires aren’t properly filled, it impacts the way it handles. It can even cause the tread to wear unevenly, which can damage the tire. Uneven wear can be exacerbated by certain road conditions, especially if you’re driving hundreds of miles in excessive heat. Bring them in for one of our mechanics to check tire inflation, as well as get them rotated too. Then check tire pressure right before you head out of town, and periodically on your trip.

Top off fluids

A vehicle operates using a variety of different fluids. Windshield washer fluid is important for those rainy, dusty areas. Don’t forget the many other fluids used to keep your car running smoothly. Transmission fluid, power steering fluid, engine coolant – while these aren’t fluids you replace regularly, they can leak or fail over time. Have you noticed a difference in the way your car performs? Do you notice small puddles when your car sits for a bit?  All of that can be a sign one or more systems may need repair. By bringing your car in for a diagnostic test, we can ensure your vehicle is running at its best before you leave town.

Verify lights and electrical

Make sure all internal and external lights are working well. Replace any burnt bulbs to ensure each light is bright and fully illuminated. You may even wish to consider adding an extra bulb in your glove compartment, just in case. You should also test other pieces of equipment to ensure they are working well. Turn on your windshield wipers – do they leave streaks? Is your horn working well? If you’ve noticed any dashboard light flickering, this is also the time to discover why.

Check the brakes

What’s that squealing noise? Or maybe you’ve noticed the brakes don’t engage with a simple tap of the brake pedal; it takes more pressure. That may be a sign your brakes aren’t in top condition. That can be a big deal as you go in and out of the mountains. Checking the brakes is easy for one of our mechanics. We’ll ensure you have enough brake pads left to engage as you head out on your trip. We’ll also ensure the entire brake system is working at its best, so you can start out with peace of mind.

Safety kit

You’ve packed clothes, toys, and snacks for the car. Did you remember to pack an emergency kit? Be prepared and include a few emergency items just to be safe. A basic tool kit may be just what you need in certain situations. Be sure to have enough food and water to hold you until you find help. Do a little research depending on where you’re going – camping is different than visiting urban locations.

Have fun on your road trip this year. With these car maintenance tips, you’ll ensure your car is safe and well cared for, and will be something you don’t have to worry about during your trip.

Get Your Car’s Air Conditioner Ready For Summer

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The temperatures are starting to climb. Fifties. Sixties. Seventies. Before we know it, we’ll be breaking records once again.

Here across the Front Range, those lazy summer afternoons are often a little difficult to enjoy outside. The intense sun beating down makes you hot just thinking about it.

Now think about your car. It’s there, sitting out in the blazing sun for hours at a time.

According to a San Jose University study, the temperature in the interior of your car can rapidly increase. On a one-hundred-degree day, the temperatures can climb to one-hundred-forty-five or more in just over an hour.

Cracking a window does little good. That same study shows it only allows a little air to circulate, but does almost nothing to bring down the temperatures on the inside.

Now imagine climbing in.

Hot!

As you turn on your engine, you want your air conditioner to work as quickly as possible. Will it? Or will it sputter and stop, barely providing you with any relief?

Before this scenario becomes a daily occurrence, take control now and get your car’s air conditioner ready for summer.

Get Your Car’s Air Conditioner Ready For SummerA car’s cooling system is an intricate part within your vehicle. Without it, your car wouldn’t operate as it should.

The cooling system includes many different parts, including the radiator, coolant, hoses, heater core, and water pump. With just a few simple steps now, you can ensure the entire system is working well, and will keep you cool all summer long.

Where do you start?

Listen

If you’re familiar with the way your car sounds, you’ll be more aware when a system starts acting up. Now, before the heat hits us with full force, turn your air conditioner on and listen. Does it make a sound as it turns on, or begins to operate? It should never be a loud process. It should be a hum in the background. If you hear banging, rattling, or anything else out of the ordinary, there may be something wrong somewhere in the air conditioning system.

Sniff

Air conditioned air always has a slightly different smell than the great outdoors. But it should never be overwhelming and distinctly noticeable. Turn the air conditioner on and sniff. Do you notice a strong, musty, or unpleasant smell? If dust, residue, or even mold or mildew built up inside the system, it can produce a scent reminiscent of a dusty attic. This not only is an indication of something wrong with your air conditioner, but it can also trigger allergies and asthma symptoms.

Look

When was the last time you popped the hood? Refrigerant sits in a container inside the engine compartment. A sight glass is fitted in the liquid line for quick reference. You can observe the refrigerant running through the system, which should look clear. If it’s milky or bubbly, it means water or air has penetrated the system and it’s time for a mechanic to replace it.

Feel

If an air conditioner is operating correctly, it should be able to bring the inside temperature down fifty degrees from the outside temperature. Of course, rarely will you have a desire for this extreme swing – moving from 100 to 50 isn’t what most of us consider comfortable. Still, your air conditioner should be powerful enough to handle the process. You can check it by turning your air conditioner on full blast, and leaving a thermometer inside the vehicle compartment. If there’s any problem with this test – especially if it’s not even close – it could be a sign something is wrong with the air conditioner.

What could be the problem?

If you’ve worked your way through the senses tests from above, and have a feeling something might be wrong with your vehicle’s air conditioner, it might be one of several things.

Radiator – when it comes to the health of your vehicle, the radiator plays an important part. The radiator’s job is to ensure car coolant (also known as antifreeze) passes through the engine to cool the system down. If it’s not working correctly, it can allow the engine to overheat, and the entire system to fail.

Water pump – it’s the water pump’s job to ensure coolant moves freely from the radiator to the engine. If the water pump slows or comes to a stop, this process will slow or cease, allowing the engine to overheat. When the water pump is working correctly, it’s designed to keep the cooling system at the proper temperature, no matter how much demand is placed on the system. If you notice coolant leads, or if rust starts forming around the engine compartment, it may be a sign of a faulty water pump.

Belts and hoses – while a lot of talk is about the main parts of the coolant system – radiator, water pump – there are a lot of pieces in the system to ensure it works properly. If one belt comes loose, if a hose cracks, the entire system starts to fail. The serpentine belt is the main belt that drives the cooling system. It circulates the water pump to keep your car cool and operating well. Even a tiny crack can throw this process off, and start degrading the system.

Heater core – the cooling system actually operates using the heater core within the vehicle. Signs your heater core may be the source of the problem include coolant leaks under the dashboard, an engine that runs hot, or you can smell coolant while sitting inside your car.

Coolant – while you don’t have to top off coolant in the same manner as motor oil or windshield washer fluid, it can decrease over time. You can check the antifreeze holding tank and ensure it’s filled to the full line. If not, it’s time to top it off. Be aware that coolant comes in different formulas, and some need to be mixed with water before adding to your vehicle. Get this wrong, and your problems will quickly escalate. That’s why it’s better to allow a mechanic to fully check your system, and repair only when problems are discovered.

Is your vehicle’s air conditioner ready for summer driving? Before the temperature climbs and stays high for the summer, bring your car in for a full maintenance visit today. We’ll ensure your cooling system is ready for no matter what the Colorado summer will dish out.

Simple Answers: Improve Fuel Economy

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Question:  What can I do to improve my fuel economy?

Simple Answer:  There are a few things that you can do – some of them are easy and some take a little more effort.  One of the first things you should do is make sure your tires are properly inflated.  On the inside of the driver’s door or door jamb is a plate that says the correct tire pressure.  Careful – there might be a different pressure recommendation for the front tires and rear tires.  Check them at least once a month.

Carrying extra weight in the vehicle will hurt your fuel economy.  Leave any unnecessary stuff at home.  Do we even need to mention driving fast and jackrabbit starts?  When you gently accelerate and plan your stops so that you can ease into them a bit, this way of driving will make a big difference in improving your fuel economy.

Now there are several maintenance items that improve fuel economy.  Lubricants should be replaced on schedule – dirty oil, transmission fluid and differential fluid cause more friction and drag which hurt fuel economy.  A big one is having a fuel system cleaning done if needed.  A dirty fuel system can really reduce engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption.

And if your check engine light is on, take your vehicle in for a diagnosis.  Some conditions that trigger the light can really hurt your fuel economy.  Getting the necessary work done to correct the fault will help your engine run better and may bump up your mileage.

Also be on the alert for so called miracle cures.  There are a lot of products out there that claim to increase fuel economy.  Research them before you spend your money.  And as always your service adviser can give you more ideas on how to improve your fuel economy.  At this time when fuel prices are high and getting higher daily, we need to do all we can to improve fuel economy.

9 Car Noises You Should Never Ignore

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What’s that sound?

Is that normal?

Before you ignore it altogether, turn up the radio as you drive, take a moment to figure out exactly where the noise is coming from. The difference could be a simple fix versus a major auto repair.

The average vehicle on the road today has around 30,000 parts. If a screw falls out, if a belt loosens, if a part wears out, it’s going to create an odd sound. The only question for you is: does it matter? Should you disregard the sound? Or are there car noises you should never ignore?

To help you distinguish between the two, we’ve put together a list of the most common sounds, what they mean, and give you a better understanding of which noises you should pay attention to.

Squeaking

When you get into your vehicle, you expect certain things to happen. Step on the brake pedal and you assume you’ll slow down without a hitch. When you tap, do you hear a squeaking sound? That’s the first indicator there’s a problem with your brakes. Brake pads are designed in such a way that they provide warning sounds long before they’ve reached their lifespan. As the brake material wears, it gets closer to the wear line built in. When this touches the brake rotor, it makes a squeaking noise. You can’t miss it. You should never ignore it. While you do have some time before the brake pad completely wears down, the noise will be annoying enough to make you bring it in and repair it.

Knocking

9 Car Noises You Should Never IgnoreIf you hear a knocking noise from the engine, it could mean your engine is low on oil. Low oil isn’t something to avoid as it can cause serious issues with your entire engine compartment. As an engine operates without proper fluid levels, the various components start failing. If the rod bearings fail, for instance, you might be replacing your engine soon. When you hear the noise, take note of where it’s coming from and how frequently you hear it. Bring it in as soon as possible to stop the problem from increasing.

Rattling

Rattling noises can drive you crazy. You press on various parts of your car, trying to figure out where it’s coming from. If you’ve pinpointed it’s coming from the front wheels, and you drive a front-wheel drive car, does it happen when you accelerate or make a hard turn? If water seeps into the joints that allow your tires to turn, they can rot. It makes a distinctive sound under certain circumstances. Of course, that’s not the only part that can rattle. With 30,000 parts, if any one of them comes loose, it can allow two or more components to come together and create an annoying sound. Maybe your muffler is loose. Or you have a problem with brake connections. Regular maintenance on your vehicle will ensure everything is properly connected and working as designed.

Howling

Does a howling noise seem to come from the back of your vehicle as you drive? Do you operate a rear-wheel drive car? It may be a problem with your read differential. Worn parts may include bad bearings, worn gears, or a pinion problem that causes a distinctive sound as you drive under different conditions. Accelerating and decelerating may exacerbate the noise.

Clicking

Some noises are more noticeable at certain speeds. At lower speeds, as your wheels turn and move, you may hear a clicking sound that sounds similar to when you drive over train tracks. This could be a problem with your drive axles. Velocity joints control the vertical movement of your car, send power into the wheels, and control your ability to steer. If the sound worsens, it may impact your ability to control your vehicle.

Hissing

You can’t miss a hissing sound. It sounds like air is being released somewhere underneath the hood. If it’s coming from your engine, you may have a leak in one of the many connective parts, such as a vacuum line, or a tube in the cooling system. If any of these parts aren’t working properly, quick repair is necessary to keep your engine working well. Leaks may start out small, impacting something as small as the way your dashboard works. But it can quickly escalate to your engine’s performance. If you have a question about something within the engine compartment, act quickly to avoid larger repair bills.

Grinding

When you hear a grinding noise, that usually indicates metal on metal, rubbing against one another. That means joints and lubrication have deteriorated enough for the parts to be connecting and wearing away. Notice where the noise is coming from for a better indication of what system it’s impacting. Under the hood, for example, could indicate a problem with the water pump, or a drive belt that’s failing.

Tire noise

One of the most difficult noises to recognize are the noises that change over time. You get used to the way they sound because the change is gradual. Tires will last thousands of miles. But if you have a problem with the way a tire connects with the road, one tire may wear out faster than the rest. That can also cause varying noises to come from different wheels. Pay attention to how they sound. Changes in noise level could mean a problem with alignment or suspension, which can impact the smoothness of your drive. It can also impact gas mileage over time, and eventually wear down different systems in your vehicle.

Whining

Most of us drive with an automatic transmission these days. As you move it into gear, it should operate smoothly with little noise. If you hear a clunking or banging as you move gears, that’s an indicator of a problem within the transmission system. As you’re driving, it shouldn’t produce a whining noise.

Have you started to hear strange noises as your car ages? Have some of them gone from bad to worse? Don’t wait. Waiting can also cause your repair bill to escalate. There are certain car noises you should never ignore. If you hear any of the above, schedule an appointment with our mechanics today.

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