Car Maintenance

Battery Cable Maintenance

April 12, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Chances are you’ve had the power go out in your neighborhood at some time, and you know how helpless that can make you feel. No lights, no microwave oven, no cold refrigerator, it’s like living in another century!

Well, your vehicle is also highly dependent on having power for it to run properly. This is why battery cable maintenance is so important. When your battery cables are failing, the power that needs to be transferred for your vehicle to run properly, isn’t being transferred.

Battery cables are essentially the wires that connect your vehicle to its battery. The positive cable supplies the power to the various components that use them and the negative grounds the system to the vehicle chassis. This setup allows you to have power throughout your vehicle.

When a battery cable fails, your vehicle may not start, your starter may turn over very slowly, or you may hear a clicking noise. And you may see your battery warning light go on. Just like a house with no power, a vehicle with no power needs to get reconnected to its power source in order to work the way it should.

It’s important to keep your battery cables clean and maintained. You may have noticed a greenish white substance building up on the battery terminals. This corrosion can start to move inside the battery cables. Corroded cables don’t conduct electricity well. Your Express Car Care technician can disconnect the cables, check them and clean the cable ends and the battery terminals. This preventative battery cable maintenance will help extend the life of your battery and your battery cables.

If you are noticing any signs that the power in your vehicle isn’t acting the way it usually does, head on over to Express Car Care and have one of our technicians check it out. More power to you!

Is That a Radiator Leak?

April 7, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

If you’re a careful driver, and do what you can to ensure your car has a long life, you may notice when liquid appears underneath your vehicle and wonder if everything is alright. Is it oil? Is it water? Is it something else?

It’s good to be aware every time you get into your car. Awareness can help you drive safely without having to worry about being stranded by the side of the road. But it still takes a careful eye to notice all the potential warning signs your car sends out.

What is a radiator?

A car’s engine produces a lot of heat during operation. To prevent the engine from overheating, your car pumps coolant through the engine to take in the heat and move it away from the engine block. Coolant takes heat into the radiator, which blows air across the liquid to cool it down, before exchanging the heat with the air outside your car. It’s like a mini air conditioner built exclusively to keep your engine cool and running at its best.

If the radiator doesn’t work at its best, it can cause your engine to overheat, impacting the drivability of your car.

If your vehicle overheats, a lot can go wrong internally. Various parts can be impacted, including the engine, thermostat, gaskets, and other components connected to the engine block. That’s why it’s important to recognize potential problems, and fix them before they allow bigger problems to occur.

Leading warning signs of radiator leaks

Radiator leaks rarely happen overnight. Instead, minor problems slowly develop as your car ages. Here’s what to watch for.

Drop in coolant levels, rise in temperature – do you keep an eye on your temperature gauge? You should. You’ll notice it remains relatively static as you drive. Coolant levels rise and fall based on engine temperature. It adjusts to keep your engine at a constant level. A quick drop in coolant levels can be a good indicator there is a leak somewhere in the system. If you think there may be a leak, fill the reservoir back up with coolant, and recheck it after a few days of normal driving. Watch the temperature gauge during this time. Does it lose fluid? If so, bring your car in for inspection as quickly as you can.

Visible fluid leaks – if you’ve ever experienced an engine misfire, it’s easily recognizable. When you turn the key or press the button, the engine fumbles for a bit as it struggles to catch and stay running. The more frequent this is, the bigger the problem. A spark plug misfiring releases a variety of problems into the overall process of starting and operating your vehicle. It can release too much raw fuel into the exhaust, which can cause internal temperatures to rise. This restriction can lead to problems throughout the system, including the converter substrate, which may further restrict the exhaust. Never ignore the warning sign of an engine that doesn’t turn over quickly every time you turn the key.

Visible damage to hoses and parts – when is the last time you popped the hood and took a look underneath? You don’t need a class in auto mechanics to notice when something is wrong. Rust or discoloration around your radiator or surrounding the engine block may be a sign of a coolant leak. Radiator hoses and clamps will also wear down over time. They should be washed and checked regularly to ensure they are running smoothly without leaks.

Regular inspections – when you work with an auto mechanic regularly, they can notice items that may otherwise go undetected until bigger problems arise. Think of an auto inspection as your vehicle’s yearly checkup. It’s a way to test each system, look at the major parts, and determine how much life is left in each system. A mechanic will notice what systems have potential problems, and what parts should be replaced to avoid problems on the road. They can also give you a clear indication of how much time you have left in different systems. This can allow you to plan for further repair work when you have the time. This is especially important if you’re planning a road trip in the near future.

Is a radiator flush necessary?

Coolant’s job is to push fluid through the system, keeping your engine cool and running properly. Over time, that coolant can begin to break down. That’s when it no longer can serve its purpose.

Over time, dirt and debris can build up inside. That’s when a coolant flush is necessary, to flush out any corrosive debris, rust, or other contaminants that have built up inside.

A technician will take several gallons of radiator cleaner and water, and flush it through the cooling system. This gets both old antifreeze and other contaminants out of the system. If this isn’t done the right way, it can break loose debris and leave it in the system, which can quickly damage major other components and lead to problems with the engine overheating.

How do you know it’s time for a radiator flush? A technician will usually look for several things.

Orange or green fluid is leaking
The radiator is corroded, dirty, or rusty
You’ve noticed steam coming from underneath the hood
Your car smells like hot maple syrup under the hood

If you’re considering this as a DIY project, keep in mind that you have to clean the surrounding area thoroughly. Antifreeze is a sweet smelling liquid that attracts both animals and children. Your space should be cleaned entirely of both old and new coolant to ensure you don’t put anyone around you in danger. That’s the upside of having a mechanic perform this task for you. They know how to complete the job efficiently, as well as dispose of all fluids properly after the job is done.

You have a choice. If you pay attention to the way your car operates, you’ll notice slight changes that can have a big impact. You’ll check coolant levels, and fix leaks before they grow. You’ll flush your radiator to keep it operating at its best. This will allow you to stop problems before they arise; a radiator flush is much less costly than replacing the entire radiator. Or worse, the entire engine block.

Have you noticed a radiator leak?

What a Muffler Does and Why It May Be Rattling

April 3, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

The purpose of a muffler is revealed in its name. To muffle means to cover or wrap up to quiet or hide the sound. A muffler, therefore, is designed to reduce sound, and it does it quite well. But what is a muffler and why is it attached to your vehicle? Is it a required auto part? Can you get by without one? Let’s dive in and find out.

What is a muffler?

A muffler is responsible for muffling the sound created by the engine inside a vehicle. The process of starting and running an engine takes a lot of power. The result is a series of pulses and vibrations that reverberate throughout the exhaust system. These pulses continue over and over again for as long as your car is operating. Without a muffler in place, you’re going to hear it inside and out of your vehicle. In fact, if you feel like your car is getting noisier the more you drive it, it could be a sign your muffler is no longer doing its job.

How does a muffler work?

As a car’s engine turns over and continues to run, it releases harmful emissions into the combustion chamber. These contain things like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

As a safety factor, cars are built with exhaust systems to disperse these dangerous gases away from the vehicle. One of the key components of the exhaust system is the muffler.

A muffler contains various tubes, channels, and holes that direct gases and exhaust where it’s supposed to go.

As exhaust gases are created, they feed into an inlet area to capture both the gases and noise. It moves to a resonator that acts as an echo chamber to reduce the overall noise volume. This then feeds into a series of metal tubes, also known as the perforated tubes, which are responsible for the output noise. How loud or quiet your car is will be determined by these perforated tubes. Finally, the remaining exhaust gas and noise are released from the outlet.

A muffler isn’t designed to reduce the noise. Instead, it combines the sound waves inside a closed chamber, and makes them cancel one another out.

It also has the task of releasing toxic gases a safe distance from the vehicle. Without a muffler, you risk these noxious gases moving easily into the passenger cabin where they could hurt anyone inside the car.

A muffler can also improve the overall performance of your vehicle. A car’s engine can generate more power if it can quickly move exhaust gases away from the system. The faster the process, the better your car will operate.

Does every car have a muffler? In short, yes. It’s designed for safety and performance, which creates a better performing car.

What happens if you remove the muffler?

Have you ever heard a car rumbling as it drives by? Have you sat at a stoplight near a car that was so loud, you wonder how it’s operating? The owner may have removed the muffler.

Car owners remove the muffler to give it a louder sound. Instead of a quiet drive, you’ll be noticed as you move into view. And for some drivers, that’s what they are looking for.

When you remove the muffler, you’re also taking away performance. Without the muffler, the exhaust system no longer has a place to reduce the vibrating sound waves. Instead of dissipating it within the system, it releases it out into the environment, along with some of the noxious gasses produced internally.

Is it illegal? In many cases, yes. It depends on your local community. Many cities, counties, and states have created noise laws. If caught, the driver might face a penalty.

Driving without a muffler won’t damage the engine or other internal parts. The exhaust system still works, it just doesn’t dissipate it out in a controlled way. But you will have to be careful. Depending on how your exhaust system works, it can leak exhaust fumes up and into the passenger cabin. Keeping your windows closed may put you at risk of inhaling the fumes.

Your muffler may need replacing

While a muffler isn’t a part that needs replacing regularly, there are still signs to watch for that may indicate yours is failing.

Noise is your first indicator of a potential problem. Is your car louder when you start it up? Does the engine seem to have more noise while operating? A loud rattle or rumbling sound is the most common sign of a muffler problem.

You should also check underneath your car periodically and inspect the exhaust system. Do you see any damage to the system itself? Is rust present? Pay particular attention to the muffler itself, as well as the heat shield.

Because of its location, the exhaust system will wear down over time. Heat, debris, chemicals from winter driving, moisture, and more will all impact how well the system handles. When you notice a problem, it could be an indicator to even more damage inside. What’s visible is almost always an indication of further damage within the system.

How well is your muffler working?

While a muffler’s primary role is to reduce sound, it also plays an important part in the overall operation of your exhaust system. If it isn’t working at its best, you’ll notice a decrease in how well your car performs.

An engine generates maximum performance when all systems work well. It will go faster, be more efficient, and be a safer car to drive. If exhaust gases have no place to go, it can slow down your engine. It can make your car noisier, and make you the talk of your neighborhood.

While you may be more susceptible to ticketing from your local police force, an even bigger concern is safety. While a car technically doesn’t need a muffler, it depends on how well your exhaust system is operating. Where are those noxious gases going? If they are entering the inside of your vehicle in any way, you’re putting your passengers at risk.

How safe is your vehicle?

Growling that Grates

March 29, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

A driver who uses his or her ears has a leg up on those who don’t. Noises, in addition to helping us to be aware of traffic, can also give us clues to potential problems in our vehicles. One noise to pay special attention to is growling.

Growling is a universally recognizable noise; you know it when you hear it. In a vehicle, it’s usually the sound of metal contacting metal, and not in a good way. So, what is your vehicle telling you if you hear growling when you are turning your steering wheel?

There are a few possibilities. One is the mechanical linkage that helps your steering wheel turn your wheels and tires. This system frequently has a hydraulic system that makes turning the steering wheel easier for you. This can be one source of growling sounds you might hear. An auto technician can check your power steering fluid to see if it’s at the correct level and still has a good consistency.

There are a few things that can go wrong with your power steering. If your fluid is low, that might be a sign of a leak in the pump, hose, or somewhere else in the system. It’s important to have your power steering working properly since losing the ability to turn precisely can sharply reduce the safety of your vehicle.

If that growling sound is coming from around the wheel area, it could be a suspension issue. That growling is giving you a warning that a component such as a constant velocity (CV) joint or a wheel hub may be on the verge of failing, so it’s a good idea to get it checked right away. Another reason you may be hearing growling when you turn your steering wheel is that your brakes are engaging when they shouldn’t.

Growling noises are trying to tell you something, and they can tell a trained technician a great deal. Inform your service adviser about the symptoms you’re hearing or seeing. Your Express Car Care service provider can put that growling to a an end. Your ears will thank you.

What If A Car Repair Shop Doesn’t Fix The Problem?

March 24, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Car repair is one of those businesses where we’ve learned to be leery. We’ve all heard stories about a “friend of a friend” who took their vehicle in for service, only to find the car in worse shape than when they brought it in. The car wasn’t fixed. Poor quality parts were used. And the problems surmounted as they drove.

How do you know who to trust?

Do you trust the big names, the car repair shops with a station in every city? Or do you trust small businesses, car repair shops that are owned by individuals – families – who you regularly see as you drive to work each day?

Keep in mind that most mechanics are honest, hardworking people that try their best to point out potential problems, and give you information you can use to make an informed decision about the work that needs to be done to your car.

Yet occasionally, you may find one that is less than trustworthy. You can feel it in your gut just by the way they talk. What can you do?

Start with good communication

Remember playing the game telephone you played as a child? As you sat in a circle, the first person would come up with a phrase and whisper it into the ear of the person sitting next to them. You’d have one chance to hear it, before you’d pass it to the person next to you. It moved on from person to person, until the last person had to say it out loud. Rarely was that phrase anywhere near what the original phrase was.

That holds true in other areas of life. You might think one thing, but the person in front of you might hear something else.

If you brought your car in because it made a noise, could the mechanic recreate it? Did they truly understand where you experienced the noise? Were you hearing the same thing?

This is just one of the many reasons why it’s important to develop a relationship with a local mechanic. If you bring your car in regularly, the people on staff get to know your vehicle. They make suggestions to keep it running well, they keep notes on items to watch for, and understand the history of a problem just by seeing it over time. You can also develop a rapport with the staff, learning ways to communicate potential problems, in a language you both understand.

This works in both directions. Let’s say you bring your car in for a potential problem with the braking system. You feel something at times when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. It might not be a problem with the brakes; it may be your ABS at work. But if a mechanic doesn’t relay this to you effectively, you may feel miscommunicated to, that there’s a problem with trust.

Listen to the way they speak to you

There’s more to good communication than just listening to what each other has to say. It also has to do with trust. Can you trust the car repair shop to tell the truth?

That’s why we suggest starting with simple tasks to get a feel for how the staff treats you.

Bring your car in for an oil change. It’s one of the simplest car maintenance items your vehicle needs. How does the staff treat you in this simple process? Do you hear things like:

You can use any kind of motor oil, it doesn’t matter.
We recommend you do these other things too while you’re here.
I’ve found a huge problem, I wouldn’t drive it very far.
You can’t fix it, you’ll need to replace the entire thing.
The part or repair cost more than we originally quoted.
It’s complicated.

All of these are warning signs the car repair shop may be holding something back.

If a repair shop tries to get you to do any other maintenance item upfront, before they even take a look under the hood, it may be an indication of unscrupulous behavior.

Every car manufacturer creates a product that requires certain parts, components, and fluids to run at its best. Using generic parts, components not specifically built for your vehicle, or “any kind of motor oil” isn’t someone that truly understands your vehicle. The reason there are different products on the market is that every vehicle has different needs. It’s about learning how you drive as well as the vehicle you do it in.

Sometimes the problem is difficult to find

Let’s say you have a check engine light that keeps turning on. You bring your vehicle in, they fix it, and the light is off when you pick it up.

A few days later, the check engine light returns. Why didn’t they fix the problem?

The answer might be more difficult than what it appears on the surface. Give the service manager a call back. Talk about what measures were used to solve the problem. Car repair shops thrive on good customer service skills – reviews are everything online. In most cases, the manager will jump in and help you, bringing your vehicle back in for further investigation. If not, this is your sign or a less than reputable place.

Problems seldom need to move beyond a service manager. When people at the top understand there is a problem, they usually work hard to solve it. They may also be more transparent about where the problem lies. It truly might be one small part that rarely goes bad – and only shows up as a “check engine light” once in a while.

Stop thinking about car repair shops as the bad guys

In truth, if you pass by an auto repair shop continually, they care about their business and reputation. They work hard to build up trust in the community.

Look beyond the one bad review. It’s most likely bad communication.

Instead, pay attention to the masses. Out of 500 reviews, if 496 are 5-star, you’ve found yourself a winner.

Take control over your car’s maintenance schedule. Don’t shop around for the best price on everything; develop a relationship with a car repair shop in your local community. When you have trust built between the two of you, you’ll know your vehicle is in the best shape possible. You’ll drive with confidence.

Radiator Hoses

March 15, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Your radiator hoses carry coolant between your engine and radiator. It’s an important job. If a radiator hose fails, you could lose your engine coolant which might lead to overheating and very expensive engine damage, so you always want to make sure you have good hoses.

Radiator hoses are very resilient, but they are subjected to very harsh conditions. Think about this, the temperature might be below freezing when you start your engine and the coolant could be up over 100 degrees Fahrenheit within a mile. These extreme internal temperature fluctuations contribute to the hose degrading from the inside. Oil splashing on the outside of a radiator hose will cause the hose material to soften over time. Ozone can also eat away at the hose. The bottom line is that radiator hoses don’t last forever and will need to be replaced.

If you see steam coming from under your hood, you probably have a cooling system leak somewhere. Other signs to look for are puddles of coolant under the vehicle, and bulges, cracks, or a spongy feel in the radiator hose. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, have your cooling system inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

If you have any cooling system repairs, like a water pump replacement, hose replacement or radiator repair, it is also a good idea to have your hoses replaced at the same time, along with the radiator pressure cap. It is very important that the coolant be serviced when you replace a radiator or water pump so that there are plenty of anti-corrosion additives in the coolant to coat and protect the new parts that have been installed. Simply reusing the old coolant can lead to rapid corrosion of the newly installed parts.

The most common reason for engine failure is a failed cooling system. Ask your service adviser if it’s time for a cooling system inspection or service. You can eliminate potentially disastrous damage with proper cooling system maintenance.

Give us a call and let us know how we can help.

Is a Manual Transmission Easier To Maintain Than an Automatic?

March 14, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Once upon a time, every car on the road operated with a manual transmission.

A manual transmission, or a standard transmission is a multi-speed vehicle where it requires the driver to manually perform the gear changes by operating a gear stick and a clutch.

Where manual transmissions were once the norm, as automation came into the industry, automation made the entire process easier for the driver. In 2020, only 41 out of the 327 – 13 percent – new car models sold in the US were manual transmission. Compare that to 2011 when 37 percent came with manual transmissions.

Manual transmission requires skill of the driver to create an effective driving environment. While diehards love the experience of being in control, many drivers, especially in urban areas, appreciate automation and not having to be as aware of the process as they are moving in and out of traffic.

With a manual transmission, they are usually cheaper to maintain than an automatic because they are far less complex in their innerworkings. Automatic transmissions have more parts, more technology built in, and more hydraulics and electronics to ensure the gear movement works smoothly as it’s supposed to.

A manual transmission relies on you to operate the clutch and shift as needed.

An automatic transmission relies on technology.

That gives the advantage to a manual transmission when comparing repair costs. Of course, there are other circumstances that impact longevity. Like everything in your vehicle, regular maintenance is everything.

Maintenance when driving a manual transmission

No matter what type of car you drive, regular maintenance is a part of your routine.

No matter what car you drive, it’s a good idea to refer to your owner’s manual to learn more about the maintenance process. The manufacturer created a guide to help you keep your car in good operating condition, making recommendations for repair work and replacement to add longevity.

While transmission fluid doesn’t need replacement as rapidly as motor oil, it’s still something that impacts the way your car moves and drives. Transmission fluid may need to be replaced every 15,000 miles or so – follow the guidelines for your make and model.

Scheduling transmission fluid changes will keep fresh transmission fluid in your vehicle, helping it run better. But don’t assume it stays fresh and without problems as you operate your vehicle. Transmission fluid can be checked similarly to motor oil. You’ll find a dipstick under the hood to perform periodic checks. Be sure levels remain constant, and look for any discoloration, which could mean there’s a leak and a seal needs replacing.

Be conscious of how you move through the gears. Be sure the clutch is all the way in before you move between gears. To prevent wear and tear, be sure you come to a complete stop before moving to reverse. If something feels like it’s sticking, don’t force the gears.

Maintenance when driving an automatic transmission

In many ways, properly maintaining an automatic transmission is similar to a manual.

Check the transmission fluid periodically to ensure it’s filled. If you notice it’s low, or a change in color has occurred, it’s time to bring it in for a mechanic to evaluate the system. Transmission fluid is naturally a clear, bright red color with a slightly sweet smell. If you notice the fluid is dark, murky, or loses its sweet smell, it’s time for replacement.

Don’t just throw any transmission fluid into your vehicle; every make and model comes with specific recommendations. This is also where it’s nice to have a trusted service station on your side, one you can trust to provide you with high quality fluids and parts.

Depending on your vehicle, you might also need occasional transmission fluid flush. This ensures fresh fluid stays within your vehicle, while older fluid is flushed from the system, no longer impacting your car.

While you might not have as much control over when the gears move as you’re driving, you should still pay attention to the shifting process. Never throw your vehicle into park while your car is still rolling to a stop. Never move to reverse unless your vehicle is at a complete stop.

When you drive down steep grades, you should also move the gears manually into a lower gear to help control your speed without relying on the braking system. Too much heat from constant pressure on the brake pads can cause the system to overheat, putting you and your vehicle at greater risk.

Where costs change

Whether you have a manual transmission or automatic, maintenance starts with transmission fluid. Over time, you may have to replace various parts, depending on your vehicle and the driving conditions.

How new is your vehicle? Some transmission parts may be covered by the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty. Depending on your vehicle, this might last 60,000, 80,000 miles, or more.

The clutch, however, for a manual transmission will not be a part of that warranty. It is considered a “wear” item, and will only fall under more generic warranty coverage, possibly with 12,000 miles or so of coverage.

If you drive your manual hard, you might go through clutches rapidly. This means more maintenance than you would experience with an automatic vehicle that handles shifting for you.

Automatic transmissions can also be abused. Hard drivers are always more susceptible to wear issues than drivers that learn to take things slow. Avoid quick stops and throwing your vehicle into gear. Never force movement when it’s not there. And pay attention to changes in the way your vehicle moves. Any sound, any smell, any difference could be a sign of failure. The sooner you bring it in for evaluation, the quicker the repair can be made, potentially saving you money in the process.

How can we help you keep your manual or automatic transmission in good working condition?

A Guide To Power Steering

March 10, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

If you were to jump behind the wheel of a car built in the 1950s or before, you’d notice a lot of changes from our modern technology. While you could quickly adjust to seat comfort, noise levels, or even the lack of accessories, the one thing you might have problems with is the way the car drives.

Power steering may just be one of the single most effective systems adding into the modern day driving experience.

Without power steering, steering wheels were much larger in size. That was to give the driver leverage when trying to turn the wheels. As power steering was added, it became easier than ever to control the wheels with just slight variations of the steering wheel. It shrunk in size to add more comfort to the passenger cabin.

The power steering wheel

The original power steering wheel was added to enhance the feel for the driver. When you have more control, it reduces risk.

To create movement in the steering system, it’s achieved with a gear system. If you’ve ever heard the term “rack and pinion”, it’s referring to the steering system.

The rack is linear rather than round. It’s long and flat with prongs on one side. The rack is attached to the steering column by a series of tie rods.

The pinion is a circular gear that connects the steering shaft to the steering wheel. As you turn the steering wheel, the pinion rotates, moving the rack back and forth to control the vehicle to turn left or right.

The difference between hydraulic and electric power steering

While power steering changed everything, since it was first introduced in the 1950s, it has seen its share of changes.

The rack and pinion gear is also referred to as hydraulic, or HPS (high pressure steering.) These are considered steering assistance programs. If something happens to the engine, these steering assistance systems will give the driver control to steer even if fluid isn’t being supplied to the steering gear. Hydraulic steering uses the power supplied from the engine uses a belt attached to a pump, which continues to circulate fluid throughout the system.

Power flows because of the fluid. The power steering pump circulates this fluid under intense pressure, moving the pistons that control gear shifting, requiring less effort from the movement of the steering wheel. Pressure builds, the piston moves, and you have the ability to shift the car left or right with gentle motions. With technology, this process has sensors which can also take into consideration the vehicle’s speed, which ensures all movement is appropriate for the rate at which you are traveling.

Electric power steering, or EPS, is a bit simpler thanks to technology. It’s the vehicle’s computer system that is in charge of the steering process. The vehicle is equipped with a small electric motor either on the steering column or on the steering rack. Because the EPS doesn’t rely on power from the engine, it can increase fuel efficiency as well.

As a driver turns the steering wheel, the computer translates the movement and sends the request to the electric motor. This moves the rack and pinion back and forth. It’s built similarly to the hydraulic system in that it increases sensitivity at higher speeds. Because the only fluid in the system is to move the rack and pinion, it does not require fluid flushes as the hydraulic system does.

Common power steering problems

Like every part of your vehicle, the car is designed to give small warning signs as to when your power steering is failing. Watch for:

Power steering fluid leaks – power steering fluid is used to transfer pressure within the system, and change the direction of your wheels. If this fluid system has been compromised and is leaking fluid, the ability to build up enough pressure to move the wheels will be harder to do. You’ll notice it in the turning radius of your steering wheel – what used to be simpler grows harder to process. You can easily spot a leak because you’ll notice fluid dripping from the vehicle. There is often a grinding noise that is heard as you attempt to turn. If you ignore the problem to the point the system runs out of fuel, it can burn out the power steering pump.

Worn out hose – all parts are submitted to extreme conditions as you drive throughout the year. Often, one of the first to go are hoses as they crack, peel, or break. If the rubber hardens, it suffers more under intense conditions. This can be one of the first sources of a power steering fluid leak.

Slipped belt – occasionally, the drive belt will slip off the power steering pump. You’ll notice this by a squealing sound as you move your wheel to the left. This will prevent your car from changing direction as the pump won’t be able to do its job because of a total loss of fluid pressure.

Worn out pump – as a car ages, it causes the power steering pump to wear down. The seals can fail, the pump can break down, all leading to a loss of fluid pressure. The squealing noise will increase as you use it, and you’ll eventually lose the ability to steer at all.

How do you prevent problems with your power steering?

Preventative maintenance is your best course of action. Through a routine inspection, one of our mechanics can test each system and determine where weaknesses lie. You’ll learn which parts should be replaced, what signs to watch for, and be able to make decisions about the risk levels of your auto.

Want to keep your family safe every time you get in behind the wheel?

Schedule a maintenance inspection today.

The Right Fluids For Your Vehicle

March 1, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Big advances in automotive technology have led to the development of high-tech fluids to keep pace. A simple example of this is the cooling system. For decades it was primarily made out of iron, steel and rubber hoses. There was one kind of coolant that protected these components from corrosion.

Today, cooling system components are made with various metal alloys and plastics. These materials require different additives to protect them from corrosion. Since the materials used vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, we now have a number of different kinds of coolant. So it’s very important that you choose the right one for your vehicle. If you pour in the wrong kind, it won’t protect the cooling system and may even void the warranty. Of course, your friendly and knowledgeable pros at Express Car Care will know the proper coolant to use. If you’re concerned you may have used the wrong fluid, be safe and have your service center flush your system and start fresh with the right fluid.

Brake fluid is confusing for some drivers. For a very long time, most vehicles used Dot 3 brake fluid. Now we have Dot 4 and Dot 5. Some people mistakenly think the higher numbers are an upgrade. The natural assumption is, if 3 is good than 4 must be better. That’s not how it works. They are different formulations to meet the requirements of differences in brake systems. Only one of them will be recommended for your vehicle.

Transmission fluid is done the same way. With the tremendous engineering advances in automatic transmissions, there have been several new types of fluids developed to protect and lubricate them and it’s important to choose the right fluid for your vehicle.

Nowhere are the advances in automotive fluids more evident than in motor oil. Many new weights and formulations have been created to meet the demands of today’s modern engine design.

Modern engines have more parts and much tighter tolerances. Every year, vehicle engines make more power and get better fuel economy. But with all the added sophistication and complexity, they still have to be durable.

That’s where the new grades of engine oil come in, they have to be formulated to lubricate, protect and clean all of those engine parts, big and small. The oil has to be thin enough to get into small passages, yet resistant to vaporization.

Your vehicle may have come from the factory with synthetic oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, etc. If so, your recommended service intervals will be based on synthetic-type fluids and you should use the same type when your vehicle is serviced at Express Car Care in Denver.

Because grades of oil and types of coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and every other fluid used in your vehicle are so carefully matched to the vehicle, take care to always use the right fluid if you are topping off at home. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or ask your helpful service advisor. Using the wrong fluid can cause costly damage.

Are Suspension Systems Different In Pickup Trucks Than In Cars?

February 18, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Since the very first horseless carriage was created, focus has been placed on creating a smooth ride. Imagine the first vehicle hitting a rock or a dip in the road – there wasn’t pavement back when the first vehicle was moving around.

Every bump moved from the wheels into the car, jostling the passengers around.

As more cars were built and sold, more time was spent on keeping the passengers safe, comfortable, and happy. Suspension systems are designed to provide each of these things and more.

What is a suspension system?

The suspension system includes all of the parts in the body of the car that allow it to connect with the road – wheels, tires, brakes – as well as the parts that help each of those systems operate – springs, shock absorbers, and other hardware. A suspension system is designed to support the weight of the vehicle, to absorb the shock that comes up into the vehicle with every bump and movement it makes, as well as provide a pivot point for the wheels. Its ultimate goal is to provide passengers with a smooth ride, while keeping you and the vehicle safe during the process.

A suspension system works to absorb the shock when you hit a bump, as well as to decrease the impact sent up through the axel and into the passenger section. The two are connected, yet through a variety of components, it’s designed to lessen the impact. How this occurs often determines the comfort level of the vehicle. This is where trucks and cars move apart.

Front end suspension systems

Most passenger cars and light trucks on the market today use a front suspension system. This includes a conventional coil spring, a Torsion Bar, and MacPherson Strut systems. You’ll find full-sized vehicles use a coil spring or the torsion bar systems frequently, while struts are more widely used on import vehicles and newer domestic vehicles.

No matter how it’s constructed, all suspension systems are designed for the same function – they support the vehicle to maintain proper wheel alignment, to connect with the road efficiently, and to absorb road shock as it moves up through the tires. How this is accomplished may change from system to system, but the final impact is always the same.

A coil spring system works by supporting the weight of the vehicle on coil springs and controlling impact by spring weight. The springs are mounted on either the upper or lower control arm, which also determines where the ball joint will be placed. The load-carrying ball joint is always on the same control arm with the spring.

With the torsion bar system, the vehicle’s weight is supported by the twisting of the bar. The torsion bar performs the same function from above as the coil spring in the vehicle.

With the MacPherson struts, the shock absorber, coil spring, and axis pivot have all been combined into one strut assembly. The weight of the vehicle is supported at the top of the spring plate, while the shock absorber dampens vibrations as the coil spring controls the ride.

Rear suspension systems

Most read wheel drive vehicles on the road today use a leaf spring and coil spring suspension.

They are designed with a solid axle that has some of the same characteristics as a solid axle front system. But the difference lies in movement – the rear wheels don’t pivot. Because more cars are coming with front wheel drive systems, you’ll also find more independent rear suspension systems. They offer improved performance and better control overall.

With a leaf spring system, the control arms are eliminated. A U-bolt connects the springs to the axle, which in turn connects the spring to the frame.

With a coil spring system, the coils sit on the axle housing on the underside of the vehicle. Movement is handled through control arms.

With an independent rear system, it’s used on a non-solid axle. This means that the vehicle will pivot independently based on suspension movement. This encourages better traction, since the wheels have flexibility in the angles they turn to as the wheels turn and move. This provides better acceleration and braking, and less resistance overall.

While independent systems provide better driving ability, it also adds more wearability to your vehicle. Because the wheels act independently of one another, each side must be aligned to the other, as well as to both front wheels. More parts, more servicing, which ultimately means more cost. But for increased safety, it’s worth the effort.

Car vs truck – what’s the difference?

Every car and truck is designed as the manufacturer chooses to produce it. Traditionally manufacturers used a leaf spring layout for the suspension system because they felt it was the safest for heavy loads. However, rules are always meant to be broken, and many have deviated and tried other things.

While most cars on the road today will use front and rear independent suspension systems for maximum control and comfort, many trucks also move to live axles placed at all four wheels.

It’s the shock absorbers’ job to control the axle’s motion as it takes in every bump in the road. For a truck, this task requires different degrees of control, which requires a heavier duty component the more weight you carry.

Trucks also have other considerations for the way they move. Many trucks need ground clearance and lift kits to ensure they navigate safely over rough roads. That means the suspension system must be longer to travel and up and down with every bump it takes in.

Off-road driving can also increase heat. The shock absorber must be able to dissipate that heat as it’s generated in each of the conditions you may put it through. From hauling to off-roading, the suspension system has to be ready for the job at hand.

When was the last time you had your suspension system thoroughly evaluated, to ensure your comfort and your safety? Suspension systems send out early warning signals about potential problems. Are you paying attention to what your vehicle is trying to tell you?