Car Maintenance

Understanding a Car’s Emissions System

September 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

A vehicle from a hundred years ago appears to be pretty primitive by today’s standards. Manufacturers started with the basics, and over time, have made vehicles run better, have more efficiency, more comfort, and be less pollutant.

If you head back in time to the 1950s, various federal, state, and local governments started looking closer at air pollution. The California Air Resources Board and the US Environmental Protection Agency, among others, were created specifically to improve the world we live in. Their courses of action were to help control pollution by establishing guidelines for making automobiles more efficient.

A lot of rules came out over the course of the next few decades. The first effort to control emission standards occurred in 1966 when all newly produced cars sold in California had to meet certain guidelines. The US followed suit in 1968. Today, all modern vehicles are required to be equipped with catalytic converters.

What are emissions?

As gasoline burns, it gives off emissions, which have been determined to be toxic to humans and animals when breathed in. It also contributes to air pollution, or smog, which can hang in the atmosphere long after the emissions producer is removed. Emissions can include:

Hydrocarbons (HC)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Particulate matter
Sulfur Oxide (SOx)

What are emission control devices?

Slowly, the process of using gasoline to run vehicles has been changed to be less toxic for the environment. We’ve moved from regular gasoline to unleaded, making it cleaner. Technology has provided ways for better engine management. Direct injection and modern combustion chambers have made the process smoother. Still, additional controls were added to improve the process.

Air injection – a system that injects oxygen into the exhaust system to help burn unburned hydrocarbons.

Exhaust gas recirculation – a process that reroutes a certain amount of exhaust gas back into the intake tract. It reduces the formation of nitrogen oxide.

Catalytic converter – it’s a component placed in the exhaust system that reduces hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide by converting them into less harmful gases.

How do I know my car’s emissions?

Every vehicle manufactured today produces a certain amount of emissions. According to the EPA, the typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Of course, that changes based on many different things. Like how you drive your vehicle. Or even the make and model you’ve purchased. Your owner’s manual can give you more information.

As your car ages, many different things start to happen with age and wear. Until eventually, your car stops performing the way it was designed, and that’s when problems can occur with your emissions system.

When your vehicle starts producing pollutants, you might not see it or smell it the way you could with older cars. This is because the catalytic converter is doing its job, and technology is backing it up with air-fuel mixtures.

However, there are still ways you can tell your emissions system is failing.

Engine problems – Cars today are designed not to have a smell. If you start noticing smelly or visible exhaust fumes, it’s a sign something is wrong. Typically, you’ll find if the engine is burning oil, it can be from worn out piston rings, faulty valve stem seals, issues with the positive crankcase ventilation (PVC) system, or other parts that are simply worn out.

Coolant in the exhaust – In some cases, you’ll notice a sticky substance dripping from your tailpipe. It may be engine coolant. When coolant leaks into the combustion chamber, it can contaminate engine oil. This can show either has a coolant leak, or convert to a white/gray exhaust smoke.

Failing catalytic converter – This is one of the easiest problems to diagnose. Have you ever driven a car that smells like rotten eggs? If so, your car has a failed catalytic converter. The sulfur in gasoline is converted to hydrogen sulfide during the combustion process. From there, the catalytic converter changes it to sulfur dioxide, which has no odor at all. When the catalytic converter fails, it stops this process, causing the rotten egg smell to flow directly to the exhaust.

Poor engine performance – When all systems aren’t working optimally, you’ll usually find your check engine light illuminates on the dashboard. This can be a sign of many things, which is why it’s important to bring your car in right away. If you notice your exhaust smells like fuel, it’s a sign that the air-fuel mixture isn’t occurring at optimal levels. You might also notice black smoke coming from the tailpipe, which is a condition of rich fuel.

What can you do to reduce the chances of emissions problems and be proactive in keeping your car running smoothly?

Watch for your check engine light – Every light that illuminates on your dashboard is telling you your vehicle isn’t working at optimal level. Take it as a warning sign to get your car into the shop as soon as possible. With a simple check, you can find the problem, and fix it quickly.

Perform regular maintenance – Change your oil at regular intervals. Especially right now, where your car may have been sitting for awhile, it’s important to change it regularly based on miles driven and months between replacement. You should also be aware of fixing things like filters, hoses, and other components based on manufacturer’s suggested timeframes.

Pay attention to how you put the gas cap on – When you place the gas cap back onto your vehicle, it should have a tight fit. If it starts wearing out, you notice cracks in the rubber seal, or it’s just not fitting as tightly as it once did, it’s time for replacement.

Watch for warning signs – Your car is designed to get you from point A to point B. But it can only do so if it’s running at its best. It’ll give you great service if you pay attention to how it operates. Listen for noises, notice new odors, and pay attention to the way it drives. Anything out of the ordinary should be watched closely. And if it continues, it’s time to bring your car in for a check up.

It’s the best way to catch repairs early, and ensure they don’t turn into bigger problems down the road.

Help, I Think My Transmission May Be In Trouble

September 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Car problems are often difficult to diagnose for the average driver.

It’s easy to see when you have a flat tire, or if the windshield wipers are no longer cleaning the windshield. But once the problem is tucked up under the hood, and your car starts making strange noises or emitting odorous smells, it’s hard to tell what’s the cause. Signs often can lead in multiple directions. What’s a driver to do?

Yet each system in your vehicle is essential in keeping you safe as you drive. Imagine driving down the mountains after a day of skiing without a brake system. Or driving on the coldest day of the year without a heating system. Not a good thought.

Likewise, the transmission system is essential to keeping you safe while you drive. It’s also one of the most complicated. Without a transmission system, power would never transfer from your engine to your wheels. When a problem starts somewhere in the transmission system, it can take a while for you to notice the issue. The more time passes with a part loose or missing, means more damage can occur internally. And that equates to a more expensive repair down the road.

When you have trouble with the transmission, several signs occur as warning signals. Catch it early, and you can repair the transmission long before it becomes a serious threat.

What is a transmission system?

Today’s cars operate with one of two types of transmissions: automatic or manual.

The automatic transmission is by far the most popular on new car models today. But the manual transmission is simpler to understand, and you’ll still find it a popular choice in sports cars or off-road vehicles that want more control over how they shift and drive.

A manual transmission is made up of a series of gears and an input and output shaft. The gears on the input shaft engage with the gears on the output shaft, which determines what gear the vehicle is in while it drives.

The driver controls what gear it’s in by moving a shift lever. They press down on the clutch pedal to disengage the gears, the move the levers to reengage the gears depending on what gear they prefer.

With an automatic transmission, the same essential process occurs, only in an automatic way. Instead of having a clutch, the automatic transmission uses a torque converter to move the gear set. An automatic transmission also uses a single concentric shaft instead of two, with the gears located inside and around each other in more planetary fashion. Instead of being controlled by a shift lever, the gears move through hydraulics, which are in turn, controlled by an electrical panel.

If the transmission system is working well, your car moves without a hitch. At the first sign of transmission failure, it’s important to bring your car in. What will your vehicle do?

Check Engine Light

Because your vehicle is more automated than ever, the tiny sensors watch for errors within the system. At the first sign of trouble, it will illuminate the check engine light. People often ignore it for a bit because the check engine light can mean many things. The sooner you get your car checked, the more you can avoid bigger problems. This trigger is often so sensitive it can pick up errors long before they turn into smells, noises, or vibrations as you start and stop. And that means you can solve the problem long before it migrates into something bigger.

Gear Problems

When a car rolls off the assembly line, the transmission operates without flaw. But over the years, the shifting becomes a little more clumsy, cumbersome, often feel like it’s sticking as it’s moving from gear to gear.

If the transmission feels like it sticks before moving gears, it could be low on transmission fluid. It could have a leak somewhere in the system, or even contamination from a water intrusion. The more the vehicle is allowed to continue at these levels, the more likely your car will overheat, causing internal damage and transmission failure.

Sticking gears isn’t the only way a problem shows. In some cases, the reverse can occur, with the transmission slipping and revving the engine into high gear. This creates undue wear on the internal parts, possibly overheating the system and ultimately causing failure.

If it feels as if the gears struggle to engage at any stage of driving, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for a check up.

Leaking Fluid

Fluid should never visibly leak from your vehicle at any time. And sort of a leak is a red flag it’s time to bring your vehicle in for an inspection.

Transmission fluid is typically red, and will have a sweet smell. You’ll notice the drip from underneath the vehicle in the middle of the car.

A leak is an indicator of a loose transmission pan, a drive shaft out of balance, or worn out seals or gaskets. It can also be a sign of damage somewhere within the system.

Burning Smell

Within the transmission system, if the hydraulic fluid is ever low or starts to overheat, it will give off a burning smell. Because transmission fluid starts as a sweet smell, you’ll often notice that first, followed by the burning spell as it becomes too hot. This can often be serviced with a transmission flush and replacement. But if you wait too long, it can damage the entire system.

Neutral Noise

When you place your car in neutral, do you hear a grinding sound? Any noise you hear that’s out of the ordinary could be a sign of a problem within the system.

The source is usually something simple, like worn out bearings or low transmission fluid. Again, if you act quickly, chances are it will be a fairly easy fix.

Clutch Pedal Changes

If you do have a manual transmission, you can also watch for changes in the way the clutch pedal grabs. Does it engage very low or high in the process? That could signal a problem with engagement, or a hydraulic issue. A simple adjustment may solve the issue, or more likely replacing a worn clutch disk and pressure plate.

If you’re experiencing trouble with the transmission, it isn’t something you can put off indefinitely. The sooner you act, the quicker your car will return to normal, and the safer you’ll be as you move throughout your busy days.

Have a question about your transmission of any other problem with your car? We’re here to help. Give us a call.

Battery

September 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Battery Batteries are a huge part of modern life. Think of how many battery chargers you own.

Of course, our purpose here is to talk about your car battery. When people come into Express Car Care and need a new battery, they’re really not that happy about having to spend the money. But the truth of the matter is, that 70 percent of batteries don’t make it for 4 years.

That may sound grim, but there are some things that you can do to extend the life of your battery. First, keep it clean. If you see it getting dirty or greasy, let us know at Express Car Care and we can clean it off. A dirty battery runs hotter, and that shorten its life. If your battery terminals are corroded, let us take a look at that, too. We can clean them, and if the corrosion has gotten into the battery cables, we can replace them.

Also, running your battery way down is bad for it. Things like running the headlights or watching a DVD player with the car turned off can deeply deplete your battery. The typical battery can only take about 10 of those deep cycle depletions before it gives up the ghost.

Because we often take short trips around an area with lots of stops for errands, our batteries can end up not getting fully recharged just by driving around. That also shortens battery life. You can hook up a good quality automatic battery charger at home from time to time. We recommend charging once a month during hot months and every three months during cold months.

Now when it’s finally time to get a new battery, we can help you find the right replacement. We’ll always make sure to meet your manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have special needs, like living in a very cold climate or running a lot of electrical accessories, we can look at an upgrade that’ll give you the power you need.

It’s Not Your Battery, It’s Your Alternator

September 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Many drivers on the road today have just a basic understanding of how their cars work.

The engine runs the car. The tires keep the car on the road. And gas and motor oil are needed regularly to ensure your car stays running smoothly.

But as you dive deeper, things get a little fuzzier. You may have heard words like “alternator” before. But hearing them and knowing what they do are two separate things.

When you turn the key (or press the button) and power turns on your radio, your headlights, and other electronic accessories throughout your car, what powers them? Most people guess: the battery. But that’s only half right. The battery may kickstart everything on. But it’s the alternator that keeps it all running.

What an alternator does

Every time you start up your car, it powers a drive belt that rests on a pulley, which is attached to the alternator. The battery provides the necessary power to start the car. Think of it in similar terms to a generator. The car’s combustion engine spins the pulley underneath the hood, which turns the pulley on the alternator, and creates energy. It converts mechanical energy into electricity.

Think of your alternator as your car battery’s charging system. It supplies the necessary electrical current for things like your ignition, radio, air conditioning, power windows, windshield wipers, and other electrical items throughout your car.

Inside is a voltage regulator that monitors the battery charge. As the battery runs low, the alternator supplies a power source to ensure it stays running. Without the two working together, your car wouldn’t run.

A car’s alternator isn’t something that will break down often. Alternators can last the lifetime of your vehicle. However, that doesn’t always happen. Every car on the road today wears down in different ways as it reacts to its environment. It depends on things like weather, heat damage, wear and tear, faulty parts, or frayed wires. If not caught early, it can impact a variety of other parts throughout your vehicle.

How do you know if your alternator is failing?

Dim or bright lights

When your car is running the way it should, the stream of light from your headlights will provide ample light as you drive. As an alternator fails, it supplies an inconsistent level of energy to the headlights, which will result in changes to the light source. Do your headlights seem brighter than usual? Can you barely see? They may also flicker or even act erratically as you drive, switching from dim to bright.

Malfunctioning accessories

While many people start to notice changes to the light source first, a failing alternator can materialize in different ways. The alternator powers all of the accessories on your vehicle. If you notice the windows taking longer to roll up or down, if your radio shorts on and off, or if your seats take longer to heat and cool down faster than before, it may be a sign of a problem with your alternator.

Because today’s modern cars are run by technology, your vehicle prioritizes which systems to shut down. It will limit power to non-essential systems like power windows or seat warmers, in order to keep more important systems operating. That’s why you should pay attention and have your car serviced as soon as you notice certain issues.

Dead battery

If you try and start your car and it won’t turn over, it may be a sign of a problem with your alternator. Of course, it can be just a dead battery. So a few tests can help you determine where the problem lies.

A bad alternator won’t properly charge the battery while the engine is running. One way to test this is to jumpstart your car. If you jumpstart it and the car stays running, it’s the battery. If, however, the car dies shortly after you jumpstart it, it might be the alternator. It’s not allowing enough power to properly power the batter while the car is operating.

Starting and stalling issues

If the alternator isn’t properly charging the battery, power isn’t flowing correctly through the system. Have you ever turned the key in the ignition and heard a clicking sound? That’s a sign of a problem with the power supply.

In some cases, you may be driving around, only to find your car stalls out periodically. This is a sign the engine isn’t getting enough power to stay running. The spark plugs aren’t receiving enough power, which brings the engine to a stop.

In either case, it’s important to get your car serviced quickly to ensure the safety of you and your vehicle.

Noises and smells

Like every system on your vehicle, there are certain noises and smells that are associated with different parts to help you indicate when there is a problem.

A problem with the alternator often causes a growling or whining noise from underneath the hood. The belt that turns the alternator can wear down, become misaligned, or rub other parts in the system, causing a noise. It also may whine as the bearing that turns the rotor shaft goes bad.

It can also materialize in the form of a foul smell, or even like burning rubber. Because the alternator belt is under constant pressure, and it’s located next to the hot engine, it can wear down and start smelling like burning rubber. If the wires are damaged and frayed, they can short and create a burning odor. If allowed to operate in this capacity for any length of time, it can potentially cause an electrical fire.

Battery light

Occasionally, your battery warning light might light up on your dashboard. This isn’t always a warning sign of a failing battery. Instead, it may be telling you something is wrong with the electrical system, which could be the alternator.

Because the alternator is designed to work at a specific voltage, if it falls below that level, it can cause the battery warning light. If you’re using several accessories at once – headlights, windshield wipers, and heated seats, for example – the overload of power may impact the electrical load, causing the battery light to flicker.

Lighting up once may be a coincidence. If you start to notice it frequently, it’s time to let one of our mechanics check it out.

Do You Really Need To Change Motor Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

September 4, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Driving a car means you have to perform a few maintenance tasks along the way to keep it running well. We know we have to fill it up with gas, or it will die. We understand motor oil is necessary to keep the engine running. We need new tires, or we put the passengers inside the cabin at risk.

But when?

Everything comes with a warning sign. As that little needle gets closer to E, you’re aware if you don’t stop at a gas station, you’ll be stranded along the side of the road.

Popular guidance tells you to replace the oil in your car every 3,000 miles. But is that the best advice?

Do you need to change your motor oil every 3,000 miles, or is there some other way to evaluate when it’s needed?

What motor oil does

What does motor oil do inside your vehicle? Most of us know that motor oil keeps your car running, but it does a lot more than that.

Today’s motor oil is a complex mixture of oils and additives that accomplish a variety of things under the hood. It:

Lubricates moving parts
Helps reduce engine wear
Removes dirt and contaminants from the oil
Cools engine parts
Enhances fuel efficiency
Protects the engine against heat and cold
Helps protect the emission system

Without the proper motor oil inside your vehicle, it’ll quickly wear down various parts.

Every time you start up your car, the combustion process degrades your motor oil. It adds contaminates to the oil supply, which over time, builds up. In the beginning, motor oil can handle it without issue. But as it wears, it continues to break down, turning into sludge that can harm your engine.

That’s a lot for a few cans of motor oil to handle. That’s also why it’s essential to change it out regularly.

But is it important to change motor oil every 3,000 miles?

Now that you know why changing out motor oil is important, let’s get back to the question of how often.

It doesn’t take a lot of searching online to discover there are many different views on how often you should change out your motor oil. But who’s right?

Start by looking at the source of information.

Quick-lube places will tell you to change your oil every 3,000 miles. They even give you little stickers as a reminder.

It’s important to consider the source, however, before you take their advice. Quick-lube stores offer one service: motor oil changes. That means they have a vested interest in getting you in as much as they possibly can. They are also usually sponsored by a particular brand of motor oil. Again, it’s all about the sales.

Another resource to look at is your own vehicle’s manufacturer. If you check your owner’s manual, you’ll likely find they make their own recommendations. With today’s technology, a lot of them recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

That’s a lot different than the 3,000 miles.

But there’s another thing to consider. In most cases, it’s not about how many miles you drive, it’s also about the timeframe between oil changes. For some drivers, it may take a year or more to hit the 3,000 miles. Others may hit that mile marker in a matter of days.

Driver A works from home and only takes their car out to run errands. They drive ten miles or less at a time, with constant starting and stopping. With frequent stops, the motor oil never heats up enough to boil off the moisture condensation. That means more engine wear over time. They shouldn’t pay attention to the 3,000 rule, but should instead change it out twice a year or so.

Driver B has a long commute, driving more than 20 miles one way that consists of mostly highway driving. With this slow and steady drive time, they could easily push the upper edge of what their vehicle’s manufacturer recommends.

In both cases, as the car ages, more frequent oil changes may be in order. Remember, the key to keeping your engine running well is clean performing motor oil. It’s one of the least expensive ways to ensure your car stays running smoothly.

What type of motor oil should I use?

All motor oil is not the same. Which motor oil you use in your car should be determined by a variety of factors, including the climate you live in, your driving habits, as well as the age of your vehicle.

When you bring your vehicle into our service station for an oil change, you can discuss which type of oil you prefer to use for your engine. We’re here to give you advice every step of the way.

In general, there are four types of motor oil:

Synthetic motor oil – this is ideal for high performance vehicles. It provides higher viscosity levels and helps fight oil sludge.

Synthetic blend motor oil – this is becoming increasingly popular as it combines both conventional motor oil with synthetic. It offers extra resistance to oxidation, and more protection against lower temperatures.

Conventional motor oil – this is ideal for older models cars that have operated on this type of motor oil for years.

High mileage motor oil – This is specifically blended for vehicles that have exceeded 75,000 miles. It helps minimize leaks and reduces emissions.

When was the last time you changed your motor oil?

To work out a plan that works well with your vehicle, talk with one of our mechanics today. We can give advice on how often it should be replaced, and what type of motor oil to add to your vehicle’s system each visit.

Simple Answers for Water Pump

August 31, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Question: My water pump went out and it costs much more to replace than the ones I’ve replaced in the past. My technician said it’s because of where it’s located. Why is that?

Simple Answer: Some water pumps are driven by the serpentine belt and are bolted on out in the open with the alternator, air compressor and such…other water pumps are driven by the timing belt. These water pumps take a lot of labor to access and replace. We suspect your current vehicle has a water pump that is driven by the timing belt.

Water pumps are fairly simple devices that circulate engine coolant/antifreeze around the engine and out to the radiator. Like every mechanical device, they eventually wear out. Although having a cooling system service done on schedule at Express Car Care will extend the life of your water pump and its seals and gaskets, it will eventually fail and need to be replaced.

The water pumps that are driven by the timing belt (the belt that controls when your engine intake and exhaust valves open) are attached directly to the engine block. The timing belt system has a protective cover. The serpentine belt and all the accessories are located over the timing belt cover. So getting to the water pump requires removing a lot of parts which then need to be replaced.

When the water pump must be replaced, we at Express Car Care, think it is a good idea to go ahead and also replace the timing belt, timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys. First, because the timing belt may have been contaminated by leaking coolant; second, there is a schedule for replacing your timing belt and you might as well make the modest additional cost while everything is taken apart so you can avoid the same labor cost down the road.

By the way, the reverse is true as well: When you are replacing your timing belt on schedule, go ahead and replace the water pump at the same time. It would be a shame to spend the money on one of these replacements only to have to do it all again in a few months because the other part then needs to be replaced. Do them at the same time and start the clock over for both.

Your Car’s Heating and Cooling System Does More Than Keeping You Comfortable

August 29, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When most people think about temperature control inside their vehicle, they usually consider them to be two separate systems. Heating is used in the winter, cooling is used in the summer, with the most important part of the process being comfort.

Imagine arriving at your destination if you’ve driven across town in one-hundred degree heat and no air conditioning. It would be a miserable experience. Equally so as the temperatures creep towards zero, without a heater warming the interior cabin.

What makes both possible is the ventilation system that connects all the parts together. Yes, you need a heater and an air conditioner. But without the ventilation system providing a way for cooled or warmed air to move, you would be left to control temperatures by raising and lowering your windows.

So, how does your car’s heating and cooling system work?

Let’s talk about how your heater and air conditioner are related.

How a car’s heater and air conditioning works

Your car’s heater is a smaller version of the cooling system. Coolant circulates through a small radiator, often called a heater core. A fan is used at the front of the heater core to blow the cold air from outside over the fins. As this air moves through the heater core, it heats and becomes the warm air that is pumped inside the cabin through the heater vents.

The cooling system consists of a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Refrigerant is compressed in the compressor, which turns into a hot gas. It moves to the condenser where it is cooled to a liquid state. It continues to move through the system, returning to a low-pressure gas as it rapidly cools in the evaporator. A fan blows over the evaporator during this process, cooling the air that blows through the vents inside the cabin of your vehicle.

Sounds easy enough, right? It’s easy to see how they are both connected. But they intertwine even more.

As the engine runs and causes friction and combustion, heat builds. Most of this is expelled through the exhaust system, but the remaining heat must be handled in some way. Coolant and water mix within the engine block and radiator to release the heat into the atmosphere. On cold days, that heat travels inside your cabin for warmth. But on warm days, your engine could overheat if something disrupts this process. That means your heating system is responsible for keeping your engine functioning properly all year long.

Likewise, on cold winter mornings you might wake to a layer of frost spread across your windshield. It’s not just your car’s heating system that warms it up, it’s the cooling system too. Multiple components all work together to pull humidity out of the air, helping to defrost your windows so you can see to drive. If you notice defogging issues, it may be time to recharge your air conditioning system, or check for leaks or damage.

What are the common problems with a vehicle’s heating and cooling system?

Have you ever heard of a vehicle needing to recharge the air conditioning system? That means ensuring the refrigerant is at proper levels to do its job well.

From time to time, refrigerants can wear down or leak. If this is the case, the equipment should be repaired before refilling to ensure maximum efficiency. It can be difficult to tell as some leaks are tiny at best. But you can watch for puddles forming that are either green or orange. Healthy coolant will be green (ethylene glycol) or orange (Dexcool). If it puddles as more of a rusty color, that means the rust inhibitor in the coolant is no longer doing its job, so rust and scale are building up. Changing it out will breathe new life back into your heating and cooling system.

Topping off the coolant may seem like a quick and easy thing to do. You can buy coolant at your local auto parts store. But the bigger question is: why was it leaking in the first place? The way the system is built, it should never leak coolant. That means somewhere there is a compromise to the system. It could be a cracked hose. It might be a radiator cap gone bad. It could be a damaged water pipe. But if you don’t get to the root of the problem and fix it, you’ll continue to have trouble even after filling up the coolant.

Depending on how old your vehicle is could be a problem too. The EPA phased out the use of R-12 coolant in all refrigeration systems, replacing it with R-134. R-12 has been determined to cause ozone depletion, impacting the ozone layer. So it’s been phased out over time with one safer for the environment. If you still drive a vehicle that uses R-12, you may need to retrofit the system to handle the newer R-134 coolant. Seales, hoses, even the compressor might need to be swapped for a newer model.

Corrosion will also cause the core to leak. Over time, it may leak steam into the interior cabin and fog up your windows. You may also detect a leak by a sweet smell coming through your vents when the system is in operation.

Prevention methods

In most cases, your car’s heating and cooling system won’t create a lot of problems. If you pay attention to your car, running standard performance checks every time you drive, you’ll notice a problem long before it grows into something bigger. If you notice a problem with heating or cooling, hear a strange noise, or smell something unusual, don’t ignore it. Once may be a fluke, but if it happens multiple times, bring your car in for an inspection.

With winter coming, it’s especially important to ensure your heating system is working at its best. Have you noticed problems with your air conditioning this summer? Is your car not as cold as it once was? Schedule a maintenance visit today to ensure your heating and cooling system are fully operational.

It will ensure you have a stress-free driving experience every time you head out the door.

Is Your Car Experiencing One Of These Common Suspension Problems?

August 26, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

From the moment you drive a brand new car off the lot, it’s placed in stressful situations every day.

That curb you nudged going around a corner? That may have damaged your tire.

That pothole you hit this morning on the way to the store? That may have compromised your suspension system.

Your car was perfectly designed, put together with care. But the world around you is anything but a perfect place. You can dodge a car that turns into your lane, jump when a rock hits your windshield and causes a crack, flinch when damage in the road jars your car, and all that is getting out of your neighborhood.

Imagine what happens to your car over the course of a year!

What does the suspension system do?

Before we get into all of the things that cause common suspension problems, let’s first take a look at what it does for your vehicle.

Imagine heading out on the open road, and pushing the pedal to the floor to reach 60, 70 miles per hour and more. What gives you control is your suspension system. What makes it a comfortable ride at every speed is your suspension system. Without it, you’d quickly spin out of control.

The primary function of the suspension system is control. It maximizes the connection between the tires and the road. It provides steering stability. It creates even weight distribution between all four wheels. It ensures comfort by absorbing every bump in the road. It limits the stress placed on other parts of the car, ensuring your vehicle sustains a long lifespan.

The suspension system consists of:

Tires
Air pressure in the tires
Shocks
Struts
Springs
Arms
Bars
Linkages
Bushings
Joints

All suspension parts are located somewhere between the frame of the vehicle and the road. It is designed as a protection system, creating a buffer between your car, the road, and you safely inside.

How do you know if your car has suspension problems?

Even though you can select a car from many different manufacturers, in many different sizes and shapes, they are all built with the same structure and way that they operate. Yes, you have the choice of purchasing many different types and styles of tires, for example, but they are all designed to provide the same basic function.

That makes it easy to recognize when things aren’t working right, no matter what vehicle you drive. There are common suspension problems that materialize when a part weakens or no longer works.

Pulling to one side

At the top of the list, one of the most common signs of a suspension problem is when the car pulls to the left or right while you drive. It’s also a difficult problem to diagnose without the help of a trained mechanic. That’s because it can be a whole host of different issues. It could be an alignment issue. Uneven tire wear. Or a problem with the steering wheel. It can be a problem with the tire rack. Or possibly a sticking problem with a brake caliper.

Every pothole you hit, every bump in the road can jar something loose. If your alignment is out of whack, there’s a reason for it. Some part has either come loose, or is broken altogether. And the only way to get your car back in good working condition is to get to the root of the problem.

A bumpy ride

What happened to your nice, smooth ride? Suddenly, your car feels like an old beat up truck.

A rough ride is a clear indicator that your shocks and struts are worn out or in need of repair. Shock absorbers are designed to absorb every bump in the road. They have hydraulic fluid inside that helps dampen the bouncing motion as it connects with the road. If they lead, your performance suffers.

One corner sits lower than the rest

As you walk up to your car, take a quick look at how it sits. It should always be level. If it isn’t, there’s a problem. When one corner sits lower than the others, it’s likely a damaged spring. You may also start noticing a clunking noise as you hit a bump or turn a corner. That’s because the spring can no longer support the weight of the vehicle.

The shock and the spring are interconnected. If the shock is blown, it overcompensates by compressing the spring, lowering that side of the vehicle. Even the slightest height variance can be a sign of a problem.

Nose dives and rolls

If your car nose dives or leans forward as you brake and come to a stop …

If your vehicle rolls or leans side to side as you turn into corners …

If your vehicle squats or leans back as you accelerate from a stop …

You have a suspension problem.

Difficult steering

Have you ever had a hard time steering your car? Normally, it moves easily, one hand can take control. Then it grows in difficulty, it might even feel like it slips as you turn. This can be caused by a number of problems, including low power steering fluid, a faulty steering pump, a leaking power steering rack, or worn out arm bushings.

The best way to find the root of the problem is to schedule a maintenance visit with one of our mechanics.

Can you fix suspension on a car?

If you notice any of the common suspension problems listed above, to remain safe, don’t drive your vehicle any more than you have to. Bring your car in quickly to avoid further damage.

The biggest reason is one part can impact others. And what may have been a few hundred dollar repair can escalate into the thousands. It can also escalate from a minor repair into an emergency situation.

Imagine a problem with low tire pressure suddenly moving to critical level with a tire blowout.

That’s just one example of things that can go wrong.

If you suspect you have a suspension problem, don’t delay. Have one of our trained mechanics take a look and diagnose the problem today.

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Car’s Motor Oil

August 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

One of the very basic items to keep your vehicle running is motor oil. Outside of gasoline, it’s the number one thing you’ll change out on a routine basis.

But as you buy another can, or drive into your local service station for a motor oil change, have you ever wondered what would happen if you skipped it altogether? What if you waited a few months? What if you didn’t follow the guidelines? How bad could it be?

Many of the guidelines state that a car’s motor oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. If you check your owner’s manual, depending on the vehicle you drive, it may push that up to 5,000 or more.

What should you believe?

What motor oil does

Before we get into how frequently you should change it out, let’s talk for a moment about what it does.

Motor oil has one purpose: it’s designed to keep your car running smoothly. It’s designed to lubricate the engine and help carry heat away from the engine compartment. As the motor oil circulates throughout the system, it continuously lubricates the thousands of parts that come together and make your vehicle operational. And at the same time, it helps dissipate heat, carrying it away from where it can do the most harm.

That makes motor oil pretty important, right?

Think of motor oil as the lifeblood of your vehicle. If it doesn’t have a high quality supply running throughout the system, it can function at peak performance. And that means things will start to wear down over time.

Fresh, clean motor oil will keep your car in its best possible condition.

If it degrades, your car will start to wear down.

What really happens without fresh motor oil?

Glad you asked. It’s important to keep in mind that every car reacts in its own unique way. Your car won’t suddenly wear out without new motor oil at 3,001 miles. It’s more of a gradual process.

As motor oil works and moves throughout the system, it picks up all kinds of dirt and debris. If it’s working well, it can push this debris away from the moving parts and into an oil filter. But if you don’t replace the filter (it’s part of a regular oil change), the filter will eventually become too clogged to do its job. That means whatever the motor oil pushes in, it bypasses it and leaves it within the system.

That’s when engine parts start to wear down. Instead of fresh, clean motor oil, dirty fluid is circulating throughout the system. And it might not be doing a very good job. It can be abrasive, causing parts to rub together in wrong ways. It might not keep each part properly lubricated.

Motor oil isn’t just oil. Instead, it’s a combination of oil and additives designed to keep your car running at its best. It has things like detergents, dispersants, rust-fighters and friction reducers all working together to provide your vehicle with what it needs to thrive. You know when you’re washing dishes and the soap bubbles eventually dissipate because of all the grime that makes its way into your sink? That happens to motor oil too. The additives can’t work the way they did when you first added motor oil to the system, not once the system is compromised.

So the oil gets thicker, dirtier, and loses the ability to do what it was designed to do – keep heat out of the engine compartment. Heat builds. Parts warp. Damage starts to occur. And your car might not drive quite the way it did before.

But you still might notice anything. You might continue driving.

This turns oil into sludge. The volume of dirt and grime becomes too much, and it can’t process it at all. It barely moves, loses most of its lubricating qualities, and brings no relief to your vehicle’s parts.

If you leave it this way for too long, the engine will seize, and stop working altogether.

A high quality motor oil change is something you’ll barely notice in your monthly budget. We guarantee you’ll feel the pain of replacing a seized engine. It can cause thousands of dollars to bring your car back into working condition.

What else happens along the way?

Now that you know what happens within the engine compartment itself, let’s talk about a few other things you should know.

Did you buy a new or used car with a warranty? The warranty is only good if you follow the rules. And if you read the fine print on the warranty itself, you’ll find that it states you have to service your vehicle according to a schedule. If you don’t service it according to factory guidelines, the warranty will be null and void. Yes, that means you should keep track of every motor oil change you do. For that matter, you should keep a record book of every maintenance item you do, just to be able to refer back and determine all that you’ve done to your vehicle over the years. It can also be something that gives you an edge when trying to sell it down the road.

And long before you face a seized engine, you’ll also find your vehicle shows poor engine performance. When detergents and lubricants aren’t working correctly, you’ll hear and feel your engine sputtering. It can materialize as poorer gas mileage too.

It’s time to change your motor oil today

There’s an adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And while that’s true for every system in your vehicle, it definitely applies here.

If you want a car that continues to operate well throughout its life, giving you the longest lifespan possible, it’s important to keep it working well.

You can do that easily just by pulling into our service station on a regular basis. Three or four times a year, for most.

It’s not about the money you’ll spend on new motor oil. It’s about the money you’ll save on repair bills down the road.

What Shock Absorbers Do For Your Car

August 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

We’ve all seen the movies where a car goes bouncing down the road. But in reality, if you start to feel your car bounce, you know you have a problem. It could be a sign your shock absorbers are worn out.

What is a shock absorber?

A shock absorber is an integral part of a car’s suspension system. The shock absorber was designed to absorb the compression and rebound of the springs. They are created to take away the bounce and spring motion produced as your car moves.

Shock absorbers keep your tires connected to the road, so you experience a smooth ride.

As your car moves, you hit a variety of things in the road – bumps, dips, even fast-acting swerves to avoid large items. Your car’s suspension system reacts to your controls, which in turn moves energy to the tires, so they continue to connect with the road and absorb this energy. Shock absorbers dampen the movement of the springs, turning kinetic energy into thermal energy (or heat energy.) Thermal heat is dissipated into hydraulic fluid.

Shock absorbers exist within a cylinder controlled by a piston that moves as the vehicle’s suspension system operates. Small amounts of fluid are released from the piston head, which helps slow down the suspension movement, further controlling the rebound of the springs. The faster the springs move, the more resistance a shock absorber provides.

That’s what shock absorbers do when they work correctly. Over time, they start to wear down.

How do you know if your shocks are bad on your car?

Most drivers rely on their senses to tell them when something is wrong with their cars. Paying attention can mean the difference between a minor repair and a major overhaul. When you hear, smell, or feel something that seems not quite right, it’s better to bring your vehicle in to a mechanic and have them check it out right away.

All of your vehicle’s systems offer various warning signs, including faulty shock absorbers. As you’re driving, you may notice any one of these items:

The vehicle bounce

Now that you know how shock absorbers work, it’s fairly easy to understand why your car would bounce when they no longer work well. Shock absorbers work together with the springs attached to your car’s suspension system. If the shock absorbers aren’t working the way they should, it allows more action from the springs. And that is going to cause you to feel more bounce from your car. If the shock absorbers aren’t there to alleviate the resistance, the energy will move into your tires, producing an uncomfortable ride.

A metallic sound

As a suspension system wears down, it produces a telltale sound of metal to metal contact. If shocks and bushings can no longer support the strut, the result will cause a knocking sound you’ll hear either from the front or rear wheels.

Diving or squatting as you start and stop

Shock absorbers help your vehicle stabilize as you pull away from stop signs and traffic lights, and control the movement as you brake and come to a stop. If the mechanics of the shock absorber can’t handle the weight of the vehicle during this action, you’ll find the front end diving down or the rear of the vehicle squatting during this process.

Body rolls

In a similar movement to diving and squatting, a body roll takes place as you bring your vehicle through turns. As the shocks start to go bad, you’ll feel your car leaning more into every turn you make. Over time, this can present safety issues, so it’s important to take action and correct the problem as soon as possible.

How long do shock absorbers last on a car?

Just like other parts of your car, finding an answer to how long shock absorbers last depends on a variety of things.

Most manufacturers will give you a ballpark number. You may see things like “10 year guarantee. ” That is subjective at best. A delivery van that puts on hundreds of miles a week will clearly need new shock absorbers long before a car that sits in the garage most days because the owner is retired.

Mileage or time frame is a starting point, but it also depends on how you drive.

It also depends on the roads you drive on regularly. Smooth highway miles are different than rural gravel roads. Lots of stops and starts can wear down the mechanics of the shock absorber long before a car that mostly drives on the highway.

Then there are also considerations around road conditions. Driving in the heat of the summer is different than driving on roads filled with mag-chloride, ice, snow, and salt. Chemicals can always play a part in how long various components will last.

Do shock absorbers need any maintenance?

All vehicles have four shock absorbers (or a strut/shock absorber combination) at each wheel. The good news is that your shock absorbers don’t require scheduled maintenance like other parts in your vehicle. This doesn’t mean they never need replacing.

Shock absorbers do fail over time. And replacing your shock absorbers is one of the more common replacements you’ll make keeping your vehicle safe and in good working condition.

But there’s another reason many people upgrade from factory-grade shock absorbers: ride quality. People often come in and state their luxury car is suddenly driving like a truck. That’s a sign you need new shock absorbers. Your ride will be smoother. It can also make a vehicle corner and brake like when it was new.

When a shock absorber goes bad, it’s not necessary to replace them all at one time. However, it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs – both front or both rear. This is because new shocks will absorb more of the road bumps than the old. If you were to replace only one, there would be an unevenness from side to side. This could quickly cause other problems within your vehicle.

Are you ready for a smooth ride? If you’re tired of feeling every bump in the road, it might be time for new shock absorbers.