Car Maintenance

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?

Your Nose Knows Gasoline

February 15, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Each time we fuel up our vehicles, we get a little whiff of gasoline, so your nose knows the smell. There shouldn’t be any gasoline smell in or around your vehicle when you are away from the gas station. When you do smell gasoline away from the gas pump, the causes can range from something simple to something that could be very dangerous.

Let’s begin with the simple causes. It could be a loose or faulty gas cap, or you might be missing one entirely. You may also have a leak in the fuel tank vent hose. These are relatively straightforward things to repair. By the way, because your vehicle has fans that draw in outside air, you may be able to smell these outside gasoline leaks inside the cabin.

Here are some other possible sources of a gasoline smell. You could have a leak in your fuel tank, and these are more common than you might think. Fuel tanks can rot or get punctures by road debris. The tank can be fixed or replaced.

The fuel lines can also deteriorate or be damaged by road debris. Vehicles with fuel injectors have high pressure in their fuel lines, so any small holes or leaks can allow vaporized gasoline to escape, sometimes near hot engine parts. Obviously, this is something that a technician should repair as soon as possible.

Another couple of causes of a gasoline smell? A leak near a fuel injector can also allow small amounts of gasoline to escape. A technician can replace the seals or O-rings if they have deteriorated. Also, you could have gasoline leaking out of your vehicle’s charcoal canister, which is a device that prevents evaporating gasoline vapors inside your fuel tank from venting out to the atmosphere. This will often cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate.

Gasoline fumes and leaks can be dangerous for a couple of reasons; they could be a fire hazard and inhaling fumes can cause health problems. It’s always wise to get fuel leaks checked out at your auto repair center as soon as possible.

Maintenance Tips Before You Tow a Camper Behind Your Pickup

February 3, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Planning your first camping trip of the season? Want to make sure your pickup is in great shape before you add the camper behind?

Towing that extra weight can be a big deal, especially if you are up and down the mountain regularly. Hauling is a big deal. Even newer pickups can have trouble if your vehicle isn’t prepared for the added stress.

Whether you’ve been towing for years, or you’ve just purchased a pickup and camper and are excited about your first trip, it’s important to ensure your safety before you go.

Start with your owner’s manual

It may sound like simplistic advice, but the best place to start is with your pickup owner’s manual. The owner’s manual can tell you things about hauling that you may not know, like the maximum load limit, and any special recommendations associated with towing.

Towing takes a new set of skills. There’s a process for hitching and unhitching a trailer, as well as know-how for how to drive in traffic with the added length and weight of your vehicle. Do you understand the process? If not, you could be putting yourself, your passengers, and everyone around you at risk.

Check your hitch

Whether your hitch is brand new, or you’ve been using it for years, this is something you don’t use on a daily basis. Are the parts still in good shape? Is the connection solid? Be sure to check all light connections, making sure they are visible when you use your controls.

Check your tires

Start with your pickup and ensure your tires have proper pressure, have ample tread, and are weighted and balanced correctly. A lot of drivers pay attention to their pickups, but forget their camper or trailers. It’s equally important to check all tires, as a blowout at any point can put you at risk.

Is your camper stored outside? If it hasn’t operated in a few months, especially sitting here in the Colorado cold, ice, and snow, dry rot and cracking is always a potential problem. Even if your tires appear to have plenty of tread, it’s still a good idea to give them a full inspection to ensure their safety and yours.

Think about potential problems

The good thing about hitting the open road and pulling a camper behind your pickup is you can go wherever the road takes you. The problem arises when you’re in the middle of nowhere and are stuck because you didn’t think ahead.

Do you have a spare tire just in case something happens to one of them? Consider your truck and your camper when you pack spares. Do you have the proper tools – a missing lug wrench could leave you walking for miles. While your extra planning might not be necessary, you’ll be thankful you spent the extra time if you need anything from your aid kit while out on the road.

Always get a maintenance check first

Towing puts added stress on a vehicle. Instead of hoping your pickup will do okay throughout the trip, bring it in for a thorough inspection to ensure your safety while you’re gone. Inspections should include an oil change, ensuring the brake pads have plenty of life remaining, and that all fluids are properly filled and operational. If there are any potential problems, one of our mechanics will bring it to your attention, giving you a chance to fix it before you hit the road.

Ensure hitch is properly supported

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 50,000 accidents occur each year because of problems with the hitch.

Some of the most common problems with hitches include:

Using the correct hitch – not only should you use the correct type of hitch for your pickup and camper, but you should also make sure that it works for your vehicles. Hitch balls typically come in three sizes: 1 ⅞ inch, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches. Do you have the proper connection between the two pieces? This will ensure you have a smooth drive as well as ensure that one of the pieces doesn’t sit lower to the ground, causing you problems when you hit bumps in the road.

Having a proper hitch attachment – with the correct hitch in place, ensure that the pickup and trailer are properly locked and secured and won’t be coming apart while you travel down the road. You should also ensure that proper connections are made all around, with lights functioning, brakes in place, and mirrors to allow you to see all the way around.

Weight awareness – both your pickup and camper come with weight ratings. You’ll find they list curb weight, gross vehicle weight ratings, gross combined weight ratings, gross trailer weight, and tongue weight, among others. Don’t look at one rating – curb weight, for example – and assume you’re ready to go. This can cause poor vehicle performance, give traction problems, and cause steering and braking difficulty.

Proper weight – just because your set to go with your pickup and camper weight, doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way if you load both vehicles down. A balanced load will also ensure you’re safety throughout your trip.

Change your mindset for pulling a camper

No matter how your pickup handles under normal driving conditions, that’ll change once you add a camper behind the bed. Connecting a camper behind your truck changes everything.

It’ll take more power to get the truck moving, more time to get it up to speed, and a greater distance to stop when you push on the brakes. If you don’t take each of these into account, you put everyone at greater risk.

Driving changes mean you’ll have to be more prepared for all conditions. If you brake quickly, you risk causing both steering and braking to skip, throwing off both pieces’ centers of gravity, and risk tipping your load over. Slow and steady wins every time. That means

Slowing down in congested areas.
Always leave space around you, but especially between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Be aware of what’s happening all around you.
Allow plenty of time for passing, especially as you’re moving through the mountains. Always give yourself plenty of time for the move, and ask yourself if changing positions is really necessary.

Before you head out on your first camping trip of the season, ensure your pickup is in good working condition. Schedule your maintenance visit today.

Ball Joint Boot Replacement

February 1, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s a little part on your vehicle you may not know about, but when it develops a problem, getting it fixed sooner rather than later can save you a lot of money in the long run. Have I got your attention now?

This part is called a ball joint boot. Ball joints are part of your suspension and allow your front wheels to move up and down and turn left and right. This boot covers and protects your ball joint.

Your suspension is, of course, exposed to nasty stuff getting kicked up from the road. Stuff like rocks, salt, water, dirt, and chunks of asphalt. If all that debris were constantly hitting your ball joints, they wouldn’t last very long. So someone had the bright idea to include protective “boots” that go over the ball joints. Great idea and they work…for a while. Just like every other part on our vehicles, they will need to be replaced eventually.

These boots not only protect against debris but they also protect against heat and friction. Because of this, they must be flexible. In addition to keeping contaminants out of your ball joints, they also keep lubricants in and allow the hot grease to expand. This is vital to make sure metal parts are moving smoothly.

Sometimes the ball joint boots get damaged after constant assault by road junk or temperature extremes. Other times they just get old. Rubber and other flexible materials can eventually just wear out (think of old rubber bands that break because they’re brittle from age). A regular suspension inspection will assess the condition of your ball joint boots. When your Express Car Care service adviser says there’s a problem with one of your ball joint boots, heed the warning. If they have a tear in them and aren’t replaced, lubricant can escape the ball joint and debris can get in and start creating a destructive mess.

Also keep in mind that if a ball joint is bad on one side, the other side might be on the verge of going too. Replacing both ball joints and ball joint boots at the same time saves time and money and just makes sense.