Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Simple Answers: Exhaust Service

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Question:  My car failed its emissions test -what do I need to do?

Express Car Care Answer:  Let’s get this out of the way…a leak in your exhaust system could be deadly.  If you smell exhaust in the passenger cabin or hear an unusual exhaust sound, get your exhaust system checked and repaired.  This is important:  Carbon monoxide in your exhaust is odorless, colorless and tasteless and can be fatal to you and your passengers, so don’t delay if you suspect an exhaust leak.

There could be several reasons for a failed emissions test, so some diagnostic work is in order.  A common reason is that the catalytic converter has failed.  The catalytic converter removes some of the harmful elements in exhaust.

When a catalytic converter fails it must be replaced, which isn’t cheap, so many people stop there…but the converter failed for a reason.  There may be any number of engine run conditions that led to the failure.  It would certainly be smart to have your technician diagnose the cause so that you don’t end up with another catalytic converter replacement down the road.

Oh, and that check engine light that so many people ignore…it might just be illuminated for a condition that could lead to catalytic converter damage.  Have your service professional get to the bottom of any check engine light situation.

Give us a call and let us help.

EVAP System Leak, Now What?

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When you buy an automobile, you quickly learn how it operates and functions. You adjust to the noises it makes. You become attuned to the way it performs. One tiny change – a noise or a smell – will alert you to a potential problem, and give you ample time to have it fixed before the issue escalates.

Luckily, with today’s modern vehicles, it’s not just about relying on your sense of smell or hearing to detect a potential problem. Technology is now integrated into every vehicle, being the internal sight and sound that watches over everything that happens every time you start your car. Every system is calibrated to acceptable levels, and if anything moves beyond those measures, it alerts you with a tiny dashboard light.

The check engine light is one that alerts you to a variety of potential problems. Some can involve minor fixes. Some can be massive system failures – especially if you don’t fix the situation quickly.

An EVAP leak is one of those potential problems that impacts your check engine light. What is it and how do you fix it?

What is an EVAP leak?

EVAP System Leak, Now What?An EVAP leak is a problem somewhere in the evaporative emission control system (EVAP). The EVAPs purpose is to contain any fumes released from gasoline, and prevent them from seeping out and impacting the environment.

The EVAP system is an important part of your vehicle’s pollution control feature, but it also serves another function: it keeps dangerous fumes from entering the cabin of your car.

How does the EVAP system work?

A vehicle’s EVAP system controls fuel vapors from escaping the fuel tank as your car sits and runs. These vapors are collected and condensed before being returned into the fuel tank. The fuel tank is a sealed system that is vacuum controlled and has purge control solenoids for the process.

As the engine runs, a vacuum is used to draw fumes into a charcoal canister where vapors are collected and condensed. As you turn the key, the engine activates a control valve which releases this vacuum into the system. The purge solenoid moves into operation and helps control the vapors, moving them back into the fuel tank.

The fuel tank has a pressure sensor to monitor this supply cycle and ensure it’s working correctly. It’s a continual process, keeping you safe while you drive, but also ensuring your car remains safe as it sits, unused.

What can go wrong with the EVAP system?

When any part of the EVAP system is compromised, it can cause a problem inside the vehicle. If a problem arises with the vacuum, solenoid, or sensor at any time, it will deliver a code to the main computer memory, alerting it to a problem within the system. It illuminates the check engine light to warn you of a potential problem.

Potential problems can include:

  • Gas cap failure – this is one of the most popular shortcomings, due to regular usage
  • Gas cap O ring is damaged
  • Gas tank filler tube is damaged
  • Vacuum feed line leaks
  • Vacuum control valve leaks
  • Vapor tube from the charcoal canister to the tank is damaged
  • The charcoal canister is leaking

Is it safe to drive with an EVAP leak?

While it isn’t dangerous to drive with an EVAP leak, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t.

First, it is potentially harmful to the environment. Every time you drive, your car emits exhaust fumes that contribute to the destruction of the ozone. Without the EVAP fully working, you’re emitting various levels of harmful chemicals into the world.

It also impacts your drive. While you might be able to drive your car with EVAP problems for a while, eventually, you’ll have to undergo an emissions test to update your vehicle registration. An EVAP leak will prevent you from passing this test. The longer you wait to fix the problem, the more potential damage may be done.

Finally, while the EVAP is a closed system, and won’t directly impact your health if there’s a leak in the system, it can impact other comforts of driving your car. A leak can impact the pressure in your gas tank, which can affect your mileage. It’s also something to pay attention to if you park in a closed environment.

Can you pass smog with an EVAP leak?

The short answer is: maybe. It depends on the source of the problem.

In some cases, this may be the first sign you have a problem. A negative test alerts you to the fact your car isn’t working properly.

If you do notice a check engine light before an emissions test, scheduling a maintenance visit to ensure every system on your vehicle is fully operational will help keep your car in good working condition all throughout the year.

Does EVAP system affect performance?

The EVAP charcoal canister valve – the purge solenoid – acts as a switch to move vapor into the engine. If this fails, one of the first symptoms you may notice is a rough ride. You will notice your car running inconsistently when you come to a stop, or while you’re driving at low speeds. If it sticks open, it can create a vacuum leak that impacts your idle speed. If damage to the solenoid continues, it can also lead to your engine stalling out completely.

The EVAP controls vapor. A leak within the system can impact how well your vehicle starts and stays running. Any issue with interrupted internal combustion may cause your engine to stall or refuse to start altogether.

How do you fix evaporative emission system leak detected?

One of the easiest fixes is simply to replace the gas cap. Since broken seals and a loose fit can impact how much emissions are escaping, Inspect the O ring. Because the gas cap is removed continuously when you fill up, it can stretch and loosen over time.

It may also be the vacuum feed line. This line feeds from the engine intake manifold to the EVAP system control valve. Engine heat and vibration can loosen connections or even deteriorate the rubber over time.

The main component is the charcoal canister. While it’s not something that deteriorates with regularity, it can need replacing if you’re having emissions problems.

Every system on your vehicle works to keep your car running smoothly.

Whether you have a check engine light that won’t turn off, or are noticing your car is running rougher than before, don’t wait for bigger problems to arise.

Drive in today and let us have a look.

It can be the difference between a minor repair and a major overhaul.

We’ll get you back on the road in no time.

How Much Do Today’s Cars Pollute? Reducing Pollution Through Better Car Maintenance

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Global warming. Climate change. Energy efficiency. Green technology.

Each of these concepts stirs up a lot of debate. But no matter how you feel about each subject, chances are you’re doing something to reduce your carbon footprint and make your world a better place.

Take car pollution, for example. According to the EPA, automobiles and other light vehicles are one of the leading causes of air pollution.

Think back to cars from the 40s, 60s, or 80s. What’s the one thing that continually changes over time? Efficiency. All you need to do is follow a car from the 60s for a few miles and you’ll realize just how much progress we’ve made with car pollution.

What causes air pollution?

The main cause of car emissions is gasoline. When you start your car, it requires gasoline to operate. (Electric cars are changing this, but for now, we’re talking about gasoline operated vehicles.) As gasoline burns, pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other hydrocarbons escape through the tailpipe. They also escape as the gas flows throughout the vehicle, operating the various systems that make your car run.

How Much Do Today’s Cars Pollute? Reducing Pollution Through Better Car MaintenanceThese pollutants escape and cause problems as they react with the environment. When exposed to sunlight, for example, hydrocarbons impact ozone. Nitrogen will linger in the atmosphere and add to acid rain. Carbon dioxide traps heat here in the earth’s atmosphere. And all of this has been building over time – for over a century as auto production has scaled over the years.

If you want to reduce car pollution, your first steps are to clean up your car and the way you drive.

Upgrading your vehicle is a step in the right direction – every new make and model adds more efficiency to the cause. But even models several years old can be maintained for maximum efficiency.

How do you reduce emissions, and reduce car pollution to the best of your ability?

These are the parts and systems that help reduce air pollution

Today’s vehicles come with an emission control system. Chances are you need an emissions test every so often in order to license your vehicle for the road. An emissions control system is specifically designed to reduce nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that impact the environment.

Your vehicle also has an onboard diagnostic monitoring system to monitor the inner-workings of your car. If it finds a problem somewhere within the engine compartment, for example, it will trigger the “check engine” light to come on. This often is a problem related to the transmission system, or to emissions feeding through your tailpipe. Acting quickly can fix the problem and eliminate costly repairs down the road. The most common auto parts that play a part in reducing car pollution include:

The air injection pump – pushes air into the exhaust manifold to allow fuel to burn more completely.

The catalytic converter – it oxidizes the volatile organic compounds and reduces nitrogen oxides.

The exhaust gas recirculation system – also known as EGR, this system returns exhaust back into the combustion chamber to aid in lowering emissions.

The misfire monitor – this turns on the check engine light whenever a misfire occurs in the engine compartment.

The oxygen sensor – monitors the best possible mix of fuel and oxygen. If this sensor isn’t working right, it can cause your car to waste more gasoline.

The positive crankcase ventilation valve – also known as PCV valve, it redirects vapor into the intake manifold. This helps prevent engine corrosion, and reduces emissions by increasing efficiency.

How to reduce car pollution and emissions

Colorado has rules in place that require your vehicle to meet certain guidelines to car emissions. Counties that require emissions tests include Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, and portions of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld. If you are unsure, you can contact your local county office for more information.

Your vehicle will need periodic testing in order to receive your updated vehicle registration and license. If your vehicle fails the test, you’ll need to repair your vehicle in order to gain a positive reading before you’ll be allowed to renew your registration.

To keep your car in good working condition and to avoid potential emissions related problems, a good maintenance schedule will benefit both your vehicle and the environment.

Get regular tuneups

If your car is running rough, it is more likely to be releasing higher emissions into the environment. It may be a clogged filter, poor oil quality, spark plugs that aren’t firing correctly, or a timing problem that’s preventing fas efficiency. Schedule regular tuneups to ensure your car is always working at its best.

Tire pressure

While many drivers associate efficiency with the engine, your tires play a big part as well. Proper tire pressure ensures your gas mileage is as high as possible, and that your vehicle is operating correctly. Every piece in your car plays an equal part to help in achieving efficiency.

Read your owner’s manual

We all lead busy lives, and have priorities weighing on us all the time. Sometimes it can be easier to push maintenance aside and focus on things that are more pressing. That creates a cycle of responding to emergencies rather than performing preventative maintenance. It also creates a pattern of paying more for repair work than is truly needed.

If you haven’t taken the time to become familiar with your vehicle’s owner’s manual, spend some time getting to know your car. Pay attention to service markers that can impact how your car operates:

  • How often you should change brake pads
  • How often you should replace the timing belt
  • How often you should service the transmission

Of course, these are just a few of the systems your car needs serviced throughout its lifetime. By being proactive, paying attention to mileage markers, and knowing how long individual parts should last, you’ll be able to replace parts before they turn into bigger problems.

Looking for a mechanic that can help you reduce car pollution, and create a maintenance program that keeps your car in great shape twelve months of the year?

Stop by today and see just how easy it is to keep your car in great shape.

What You Need To Know About Wheel Balance and Front End Alignment

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Have you ever let go of the steering wheel and had your vehicle veer to the right or left? While a little pull might not impact safety immediately, the more off-balance your vehicle, the more risk you’ll be on the road.

Your wheels have to point in the same direction, roll straight forward when driving on a flat surface, and be evenly balanced all the way around for your car to run smoothly. If a problem arises with any one of these points, it impacts your driving, and can influence safety during the drive.

Yet if you’ve done a search online, heard a mechanic talk about the steering system, and felt like you’re not quite sure what your car needs, we want to explain a few of the terms of the industry, and help you understand the mechanics of your vehicle.

When talking about your steering system, there are several things that can impact your drive.

What is wheel balance?

Think about your tires for a moment. Tires are made up of a variety of materials, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic polymer, metal, and other compounds. They may be tough to the touch, but as they connect to the road, they move and change shape as they move along.

What You Need To Know About Wheel Balance and Front End AlignmentEven with today’s technology and all the manufacturing upgrades we’ve made over the years, it’s still impossible to find a perfectly formed tire that will continue to be balanced all the way around as it ages. There will always be a part of the tire that ways a bit more, is a little thicker than other areas, or has imperfections that cause it to fall out of balance.

When one side of a wheel is out of balance with the other, it vibrates. Wheel balance fixes this issue.

What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment has little to do with the actual wheels. Instead, wheel alignment is all about working with your car’s suspension system to control what direction and angle your wheels are moving in.

There are three different ways your wheels are aligned in relation to your car’s steering system:

The first is toe – it’s the angle of all four tires to one another. This is one of the most common repair issues, when your four wheels are no longer working in conjunction with one another. If you’ve ever noticed your car veers to the right or left, and refuses to drive in a straight line without extra effort, it’s most likely a toe misalignment.

The second is camber – this refers to the angle of a wheel if you were to look at it from the front of the vehicle. If you notice a wheel leaning to one side or the other, it’s most likely a misaligned camber.

The third is caster – this is the angle of the steering pivot as you view it from one of the vehicle’s sides. This is the most difficult to see. Take a look at the way each wheel sits inside the wheel well. If one is more forward or backward, and doesn’t sit in the middle, it might be a problem with the caster. This could lead to rubbing the wheel along the well, especially if you hit a large bump. It can damage the tire over time.

What is front end alignment?

While you might see some mechanics or auto websites talking about wheel alignment, you’ll also find many articles referring to front end alignment. Is there a difference? Do you have to work with both to keep your car running smoothly?

Wheel alignment often refers to the alignment of all four wheels. This is especially important if you drive a four-wheel drive vehicle. A front end alignment relates only to the front two wheels.

Yet no matter how you refer to it, the ending result is the same. A wheel alignment – or a front end alignment – all work towards the common goal of ensuring your wheels are working optimally in providing you a safe, smooth ride.

How do I know if the wheels are out of balance?

Your wheels go through a lot as you drive around the city. They hit bumps, dive through dips, take corners quickly, keep you safe on slick or snowy roads, and protect you from debris covering the roads.

Even brand new tires are susceptible to problems and errors. Coming out of the factory doesn’t necessarily guarantee perfection.

Yet with the use of technology, your tires are installed on your vehicle and regulated to fit your car’s requirements. The moment you drive away, things begin to happen. Cold, heat, water, ice, debris in the road, age – all of it begins to wear on each tire, causing slight variations in their performance. It can impact one tire at a time, or all four equally. One can be slightly overfilled while another is underfilled.

Just a half an ounce difference in the amount of pressure in a tire can cause a vibration in handling. And that begins to wear on your vehicle.

Rebalancing puts the wheels back into adjustment.

Tires are attached to a tire balancing machine. The wheel is spun while taking various vibrational measurements. If an imbalance is found, the mechanic will add weights or move the tire on the wheel to bring it back into balance.

Wheel balancing should be done anytime you notice a vibration in the steering wheel. It’s automatically performed every time you get your tires rotated, or you buy and install new tires. If you notice the weights have fallen off, or you notice uneven wear on a tire, it’s also wise to bring it in for wheel balancing.

How do I know if a front end alignment is necessary? 

The more you know your vehicle, the more you’ll notice when changes occur, problems that might be causing wear and tear on various systems within your car. While wheel balancing and wheel alignment require different repairs, they are connected and sometimes start showing in a similar manner.

Have you noticed a vibration in your steering wheel? It’s time to bring your car in for an inspection. This is a prime symptom of a problem with your steering system.

Wheel alignment also shows up in performance and handling as you drive. Take a look at your steering wheel. Does it sit crooked as you drive in a straight line down the road? That is a symptom of an alignment problem.

You might also notice your car pulling to the right or left as you drive, needing even more of your attention to keep the vehicle in a straight line. That’s a sign you’re in need of a wheel alignment.

Front end alignments can also show up in the form of a strange noise. Do you hear abnormal sounds every time you move your steering wheel? Do the tires squeal? Don’t ignore unusual sounds. It could be a sign of a bigger problem.

To Turbo or Not to Turbo?

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Nobody likes wasting money.  Gasoline costs money, so using less gasoline saves money.  One of the ways vehicle manufacturers are helping you save gasoline (and money) is with smaller, turbocharged engines.

You might have heard of turbos associated with race cars, but more and more everyday street vehicles are getting into the turbo game.  The big advantage is that you can get the same horsepower out of an engine that uses less fuel.  Neat trick, huh?

Today, we see small turbocharged four-cylinder engines that make more power than large displacement V-8 engines of a decade ago.  Here’s how a turbo manages that trick.  A turbocharged vehicle uses a turbine that is turned by exhaust gas.  That compresses air that goes into the engine.  More air means more oxygen with which to burn fuel, which makes it more powerful.

Modern turbocharged engines are very reliable.  Turbos are offered in cars, trucks, and SUVs.  Keep in mind that because they are more complex, turbocharged engines can be more expensive to repair.  The good news is you will likely be saving fuel without sacrificing performance.

Turbos spin at very high speeds.  They require a constant supply of oil to lubricate their bearings.  For this reason, changing your oil on time is critical.  Just a small amount of oil sludge could block the turbo oil passage and lead to expensive damage.  Also, most turbocharged engines require the use of synthetic motor oil that meets or exceeds strict standards to withstand the stress and high heat.  Always use the type and specification of oil your vehicle manufacturer recommends.

The technicians at Express Car Care are trained to inspect all systems associated with a turbo engine.  If you are currently driving a turbocharged vehicle, make sure you keep all your maintenance up to date.

To turbo or not to turbo?  With the fuel economy advantages they offer, turbocharged vehicles are definitely here to stay.

Will Electric Cars Make Auto Mechanics Obsolete?

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As a society, we have a nostalgic vision of what auto mechanics is all about.

We picture a scene from a movie, where a person drives into an auto shop with their vehicle. A smiling face in a pair of coveralls meets them at the door. They bring the car in and get to work.

They have a toolbox nearby filled with screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers. You might see them slide under the vehicle, tapping and banging around as they get to the heart of the problem. Hours later, with grease smears everywhere, the happy mechanic waves as the customer drives away.

Those days are gone.

Instead, today’s auto mechanics deal with modern cars and high tech tools.

If you’ve purchased a vehicle recently, how many new “bells and whistles” are included on the car?

Like Automatic Parking Assistant. This modern technology makes parallel parking easy. Using ultrasonic sensors located at the front, rear, and sides of the car, it detects the parking spot, the vehicles around it, and guides it into place.

And that’s just the beginning. We’re already looking forward to a day where autonomous cars allow us to sit back and relax instead of keeping an eye on the road.

Or a day where electric cars are the norm.

What does all of this mean to auto mechanics? Is there a place for a vehicle servicing shop in the future?

Auto Mechanics – Past, Present, and Future

Will Electric Cars Make Auto Mechanics Obsolete?When you head back in time, fixing a car was a very hands-on job. The vehicle servicing station was a busy place, with lots of mechanics needed to work several hours on each job. Every turn of a wrench, every twist of a bolt was done by hand, and it could take a mechanic hours to complete one simple job. While hundreds – thousands – of little pieces fit together to build complex systems, it was necessary for a mechanic to check and service them all by hand.

This may sound like something right out of the 1950s, but it really wasn’t that long ago. Even cars built ten years ago required a lot more hands-on maintenance.

But with the advances in technology over the past few years, we’ve also seen changes in the way cars operate.

Remember when automatic locks on the doors was the latest technology? Now each system is interwoven together and controlled by a centralized motherboard. Instead of pulling things apart with a screwdriver or wrench, new cars are more likely to be connected to a laptop to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies. And only then is a fix attempted, often with newer, more high-pressured tools.

Yep, today’s cars are no longer a bunch of nuts and bolts, instead, they are computers on wheels.

Still, we are nowhere near where technology will take us next. Self-driving vehicles, electric cars, and more sophisticated technology will forever change the way we get around. While we may have a nostalgic view of what an auto mechanic has in their toolbox, in truth, the toolbox of the future will be little more than a series of computerized programs.

What Does That Mean for an Auto Mechanic?

With everything we’ve mentioned so far in this article, it’s natural to question the future of auto mechanics – will it disappear completely from view? The answer is: no, it’s not going to happen anytime soon.

Instead, like every industry, it will continue to evolve over time.

Cars will always need tires, and a way to connect to the road. They will always need a braking system, a way to safely control the vehicle and bring it to a stop. Who drives it and how it functions might change, but the basic requirements won’t – not for a very long time.

What will change is the way an auto mechanic approaches their job.

An auto mechanic may keep their screwdriver and wrenches in their toolbox on a shelf. But the toolbox itself may stay on the shelf, collecting dust, nothing more than memorabilia from a bygone era.

Instead, future toolboxes will include diagnostic tools that are run by technology. They’ll use things like code readers and laptops to tweak a computer’s settings.

And you as a driver will be part of the solution. Ever noticed all the codes that flash when you start your car, or numbers dancing across your dashboard as you drive? That’s due to the continual diagnostics going on underneath the hood, using sensors to tell what’s working and what’s not. When things vary even just a little, it alerts you to a potential problem.

It’s important to note that auto mechanics are not going to be a thing of the past. There will still be a need for a highly trained auto mechanic. But the way they approach analyzing a vehicle and making adjustments will.

A New Approach To Repair

Auto repair itself is getting more sophisticated all the time. As more things become automated, auto mechanics will find new ways of working for a new generation of vehicles.

They won’t approach a car in the same manner as before. Think of it more in terms of hiring an engineer, working with code, using programmed software to make a diagnosis, and utilizing various tools to get to the root of the problem.

While auto mechanics of yesteryear went to school to learn the nuts and bolts of how a car is put together, tomorrow’s technicians will work more with technology to tweak and get to the root of the problem. Popping the hood won’t mean pulling pieces apart to determine their condition. Instead, it’ll be about hooking up the main computerized dashboard and looking at reports online.

Instead of guessing at where a problem lies, diagnostics will show you exactly where it begins.

Things may change for all those who love tinkering with cars, and have always been mechanically inclined. But it can never stop the love for what a great car has to offer.

Technology has changed everything. That’s never going to stop. Peering under the hood may change in the coming years as we make significant progress in the way our automobiles operate, but keeping them safe will always be our number one priority.

Do you have a trusted auto mechanic who can help you stay safe no matter what kind of car you drive?

Timing Chain or Timing Belt – How Your Car Works

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The heart of your vehicle is the engine. Without an engine, your car simply won’t go.

Since the very first car, the engine has been vitally important to keeping your vehicle running. Over the years, the engine has been upgraded for precision to give you the smoothest ride possible in the most efficient way. To ensure this process, it requires timing, which uses a timing chain or timing belt to work with the camshaft and crankshaft to provide motion to the pistons and valves to produce synchronicity.

Both the timing chain and timing belt are used to produce the same result. Yet they are slightly different from one another.

What is timing?

Within the engine, you have a camshaft and a crankshaft. The camshaft controls the valves that let fuel and air in and out of the engine. The crankshaft moves the pistons up and down. This process involves mechanical timing, with the synchronicity of these two movements being imperative to the engine functioning. If the timing is off, it can damage any part within the two processes – the pistons, valves, or other components of the engine.

The purpose of the timing chain or timing belt is to make this process fluid. Either of these components is used to create harmonization at a precise rate.

Timing chain or timing belt – what’s the difference?

Timing Chain or Timing Belt - How Your Car WorksThe timing chain and timing belt function in the same way. The difference between the two is the material they are created from, and their location in the engine compartment.

Timing chains were introduced first in the production line. A timing chain is constructed of metal, and is housed within the engine compartment. It receives lubrication from engine oil, and with proper maintenance, can last for a lifetime.

Timing belts were introduced in the 1960s as we became more sophisticated with the materials we produced. Belts are made from a reinforced rubber, and are quieter and less expensive to produce. But because they are made from a softer, more flexible material, they do wear down over time, with manufacturers suggesting they be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Of course, modern technology keeps making improvements to the way we produce various components of a vehicle. Some manufacturers have returned to a timing chain because of the strength in metal, albeit more quiet and efficient than was used decades before.

There are strengths and weaknesses to both, so manufacturers select their final products based on the overall design of the vehicle.

The symptoms of a bad timing chain or timing belt

While a timing chain can last the lifetime of a vehicle, and a timing belt can last as long as 100,000 miles, it isn’t impossible for either component to fail. Before either completely fails, it will show warning signs along the way.

Engine misfire and poor performance

Over time, either the timing chain or timing belt can stretch, meaning it won’t be able to perform at its optimal level. As it tries to do its job, it can skip a gear on the camshaft or crankshaft as it moves as you drive. This causes the engine to fall out of calibration, and often results in an engine that misfire. You may also notice the engine jumps and runs poorly, or a lack of acceleration as you move forward down the road.

Ticking noise in the engine

The timing belt is attached by a series of pulleys that connect it to the camshaft and crankshaft. These pulleys are what help the camshaft and crankshaft function within the engine itself. As the timing belt wears down, it can produce a ticking noise in the motor due to the individual parts not being able to perform as designed.

An engine that won’t turn over

If the timing belt snaps, is broken, or no longer works, it also means your engine won’t have the neccesary power to turn over and run. When you turn the key or press the button, you’ll hear a clicking noise as the motor tries to engage. But since the timing belt is responsible for the operation of the camshaft and crankshaft, the engine won’t have a way to fully ignite.

An engine that suddenly fails

Over time, the timing belt can loosen to the point it becomes a risk underneath the hood. If it brakes while you’re driving, it snaps and begins to flail around. That’s when it has the potential for doing a lot of damage. The rubber can snap back and forth, damaging other parts such as the cylinder head hardware, including pushrods and valves. You’ll have no choice but to bring your car to a stop and have it towed into the shop.

You’ll notice metal shavings in the oil

If you’re performing regular maintenance on your vehicle, you’ll change out your motor oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Oil begins to separate over time as it continually heats up and cools, and is exposed to the solvents found in today’s gasoline. If the timing chain is wearing down, flecks of metal can break away and find their way into the oil pan. A mechanic watches for these signs as he changes the oil, and alerts you to the beginning of any potential problems.

You’ll notice an oil leak

Another common sign of a problem with a timing belt is an oil leak. Pay attention to any changes in and around your vehicle, even under the hood. If an oil stain starts appearing around the engine, it might be a timing belt issue. The timing belt cover is secured by nuts and bolts, which can work their way loose over time. This can allow oil to pool out and become noticeable around the engine compartment.

The check engine light is illuminated

The check engine light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, one of which can be a problem with the timing chain or timing belt. Because the check engine light can signal a variety of issues, it’s important to have a mechanic check it out as quickly as possible to prevent further stress to your vehicle.

Whether you suspect an issue with your timing chain or timing belt, or are just in need of a reputable mechanic who will change your oil regularly, we’re here for you. Give us a call today.

Spare Tire Care

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Most of us don’t worry about getting a flat tire.  After all, it rarely happens, and if it does, we might think we can just call someone and have them put on the spare tire.  That’s a perfect plan if your spare is in good shape.  But how many of us even think twice about checking the condition of our spare tires?

The spares that take the biggest beating are those mounted outside the vehicle.  Like those on SUVs and trucks.  They might be on the tailgate or underneath the vehicle.  These get exposed to water, dirt, salt, and road debris.  The mounting hardware can become so corroded that you may not even be able to get the spare out of its holder, leaving you with no usable spare at all.

When you get your tires rotated, ask your service technician to check the condition and inflation of the outside-mounted spare and its holder.  A little lubrication and maintenance periodically can help keep them fit for action.  Often the spare on an SUV or truck is the same size as the other tires and may be included in the regular rotation – check your owner’s manual.

How about those compact spare tires that are sitting in the trunk, out of sight and out of mind?  They can have low air pressure too,  because over time, the air can slowly escape.  It’s a good idea to have your service facility check the spare’s pressure and condition at least twice a year, if not more frequently.  What good is a spare tire with inadequate air pressure?

And then there are the vehicles that don’t have spare tires at all.  They may have an inflator kit. These kits need to be kept in good shape, too.  Be aware that an inflator kit can’t fix many tire punctures and failures.  They frequently have a sealant in them that attempts to plug leaks and holes.  That sealant has an expiration date and should be replaced when it expires.  Again, ask your service adviser if your inflator kit is up to date and working.

Be fair to your spare and show it you care.

What a Water Pump Does In Your Car

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Water sustains everything on earth, and your car is no exception.

Your vehicle was built with a water pump that is a vital part of the cooling system. When running, it continually circulates coolant from the radiator to the engine block to prevent overheating.

How a water pump works

If you’ve ever popped the hood of your car to perform basic maintenance, it probably comes as no surprise that your vehicle stores a lot of heat while in operation. It takes a lot of action to keep your car operating correctly, especially when you can reach speeds of fifty miles per hour and greater, even just running to the grocery store.

Thanks to modern technology, and manufacturers that are constantly looking for ways to improve their processes, today’s vehicles are made for durability and longevity. While cars built decades before were expected to last around 100,000 miles, today’s cars can double or triple that. That’s good news for the consumer. But it also means that you need to be even more diligent in regular maintenance to keep it working at its best.

A car under constant pressure can only withstand so much before individual components begin to wear down. Excessively high temperatures underneath the hood regularly can damage parts over time.

The water pump is designed to push coolant through the engine block and radiator through a series of hoses. Without this coolant, the engine block could quickly overheat, causing damage that can require extensive repairs.

What a Water Pump Does In Your CarThe water pump is a part of a series of systems that ensure your vehicle runs at optimal performance. When a car starts, the serpentine belt also begins to move. This belt allows the impeller blades inside the water pump to turn, pushing coolant to the various places in the system, including the cylinders built around the engine.

Hoses take the coolant into the radiator. As it moves through the system, it travels across the radiator fins to help the liquid cool down. It breaks down the heat formed during operation, keeping the engine compartment cool and running well. Then it continues on its journey back towards the water pump. This cycle continues as long as you drive your car.

This process wouldn’t be possible without the water pump. It maintains the flow of coolant throughout the system for as long as your car is in operation. While it may seem like a simplistic part, it’s vital to the operation of your vehicle.

When a water pump stops working

A water pump isn’t something you’ll have to replace often. In most cars, the water pump is expected to last 60,000 to 90,000 miles. The water pump is usually located behind the timing belt, and the two are often changed out at the same time.

Age is one factor that could lead you to suspect a problem with your water pump. The older your car is, the greater the chance maintenance issues will arise with your vehicle. This is why regular check-ups help you stay ahead of potential problems, and ensure your vehicle stays working at its best.

Water pumps do give off warning signs that something is wrong.

Leaking fluids

A water pump has several seals and gaskets to help it operate correctly, maintaining the flow of coolant throughout the system. Each of these seals and gaskets are important to keep coolant in the system, and avoid it spilling out and all over the roads. If they start to fail, small puddles may form underneath your car when it’s parked. Be on the lookout for what happens underneath your car, especially if you park in the same spot over and over again.

Coolant is either orange or green in color, depending on the type. If you notice it pooling and it takes on a rusty color, that indicates the rust inhibitor has broken down and it no longer controls rust and scale buildup. You might also notice a buildup of gunk on the pump itself, which has the potential to rust the various components.

High pitched whine

Over time, you start to develop a sense of how your car sounds as it operates. Any time noise strays from the normal, question it and bring it in for a check-up to find out what is making the noise.

With water pumps, the serpentine belt and pulley system that keeps the fluid running can sometimes start to whine. This is especially prevalent as you’re accelerating. You may also notice a grinding or growling noise, which can be an indicator of bad bearings in the system. While a mechanic may be able to fix the noise by adjusting the belt or tweaking the bearings, ultimately, it’s because components are wearing down and are in need of replacing.

Overheated engine

An overheated engine is a sign of major malfunction, and could be a costly repair. It’s something to avoid at all costs. Still, it can happen. Pay attention to the temperature gauge. If it shows your engine is running hot, you should have a mechanic take a look and locate the problem.

Steam from the radiator

Another sign of overheating is if you see steam coming out of the engine compartment. If steam comes up from underneath the hood, pull over safely, and turn off your vehicle. Call in a tow truck and bring it in to have one of our mechanics look at it and determine where the problem lies. If you keep driving it, it will cause more damage. Instead of replacing the water pump, for example, you may be replacing the entire engine.

What’s involved in a water pump replacement?

Replacing the water pump isn’t an every day job. How difficult it is depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Depending on the design, the water pump may be hidden under other components that require special tools to get in and replace it. It often makes sense to replace it with other parts, such as your timing belt.

Finding a trustworthy mechanic who can help you maintain your vehicle for as long as you own it can put your mind at ease.

Why Are My Tires Always Flat?

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Have you ever noticed that on your busiest days, that’s when your car seems to take on a mind of its own? You know what I mean if you’ve ever run outside, late for a meeting, and found something wrong with your car.

While a dead battery might stop you in your tracks, it isn’t the only thing that can cause you to be late. One look at a flat tire will tell you you’re not going anywhere until it’s fixed.

And while a flat tire can hold you back until you change it, what happens when you come out repeatedly to a flat tire? What do you do when your tires are always flat? Why does it keep occurring back to back?

There could be several reasons for that. Let’s go over each of them to help you narrow down what’s going on with your vehicle.

Age

While a tire that goes flat once could be from a variety of things, if it keeps happening, there’s something else happening with your tire. When was the last time you replaced your tires?

Tires have a very important job on your vehicle. They connect you to the road, keeping you comfortable and safe as you drive along. They are continually being subjected to all kinds of things: rain, sleet, snow, ice, dirt, debris, potholes, heat … You get the picture. Every day brings on a new set of experiences. And your tires are designed to take it all in, and continue to protect your car.Why Are My Tires Always Flat?

Tires are made from a variety of materials, including rubber. These materials aren’t designed to last forever; they will eventually wear out.

There isn’t one set of guidelines to help you determine exactly when that is. However, tires do come with suggested guidelines you should follow. A high performance tire may wear down faster than one designed for all-weather performance. It also depends on what driving conditions it faces each day.

While you can start by determining how many miles you’ve put on this set of tires, you should also take a look at wear marks. Tire makers state that tires should officially be retired when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. If you’re kind to your tires, they can last for years. If you drive aggressively, it can shorten the curve immensely.

Dry rot

Age can cause your tires to degrade over time. But age isn’t the only thing that can go wrong. While age, in general, will impact the tread of the tire, dry rot affects your tire’s sidewall.

Dry rot isn’t created from bacteria as it does in a forest. Instead, dry rot on your tire is caused by age or exposure to certain conditions. They include extreme temperatures, UV damage, extensive periods of long term parking, and corrosive chemicals.

Think all of that describes Colorado living perfectly this year? Yep, us too.

The way to prevent dry rot is through regular maintenance. Checking your tires regularly can ensure they are inflated to proper levels, and that you don’t notice problems with the tire tread before you hop on the road and drive.

If you do park for extended periods of time, (like we’ve been doing here in the middle of a pandemic,) be sure you check your vehicle periodically to ensure it’s in good condition. That includes starting the car and running it from time to time to keep the systems working, and checking to ensure the tires are properly inflated.

Valve stem

If you’ve recently changed a flat tire, only to have it flatten again a few miles down the road, it’s time to take a look at the valve stem. The valve stem allows you to regulate tire pressure. It includes both the stem core and the valve cap. You use the stem core to add air into your tires, while the cap is used to seal out dirt and debris from entering.

Just like the tire itself, the valve stem can wear down over time. And as damage occurs, it can cause leaks. Inspect the valve stem. Do you notice any cracks? Does it appear to work when you fill your tires with air?

If you’re having problems regulating tire pressure, bring your vehicle in and we can perform a thorough check. It’s often a good idea to replace valve stems at the time you invest in new tires. This ensures the materials used are fresh and new, ready to perform for thousands of miles as you drive.

TPMS

Built inside the valve stem is a tiny sensor that warns your vehicle’s monitoring system of potential problems. TPMS – tire pressure monitoring system – is designed to track the tire pressure inside each tire, and provide a warning signal when it falls short of being within the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Because newer cars are all computerized, you can monitor any changes to your vehicle by merely keeping a watchful eye on your dashboard. While the actual dashboard signal may vary slightly from car to car, when you see a new icon illuminated, it’s time to find out what’s wrong. If a light blinks on and off, it might be a change in conditions. If it continues, it is a sign something is changing in the way your car operates. The best way to get to the root of the problem is to stop by and have us run a diagnostic test. It will help pinpoint where the problem lies, fix it, and get you back on the road again in no time.

Are you tired of changing tires? Are you tired of finding your car not ready to drive as you head out to a busy day?

Whether it’s due to age, dry rot, or there’s a problem with your tire pressure monitoring system, we can help you pinpoint the problem, and get you back on the road in no time.

Isn’t it nice to know there’s a local car care shop here waiting for you? You’ll receive honest answers every time you stop by. We’re here for you.

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