Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

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.

Battery Cable Maintenance

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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?

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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.

Is That a Radiator Leak?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

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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.

What a Muffler Does and Why It May Be RattlingA 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

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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?

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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?

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

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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.

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