Car Maintenance

Trouble Driving? It Might Be Your Steering System

June 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Ever since we’ve used vehicles for getting around, we’ve had some form of steering system.

Sitting on top of a horse, you take in the reins, gently pulling one side or the other to go in that general direction.

If you’ve hopped on a sled and sailed down a hill, you’ve used your weight to control what direction you move.

Taking a slight turn off the path takes gentle movements. For more profound directional changes, you’ll need to put more force into your actions.

Your vehicle works in a similar manner.

Your car works using four different wheels for control. If you make a right-hand turn, both front wheels angle and lead into the turn.

That’s where the complexity of the steering system lies. Your car’s front wheels are interconnected to position correctly and turn at the appropriate angles to get you where you want to go.

Rack and pinion steering

The rack and pinion steering system is the most common type of steering on today’s vehicles.

It starts with a shaft extended down from the steering wheel. This shaft is connected to a round gear called a pinion.

The pinion sits in a metal rod, also known as the rack. It extends the full width of your car, connecting to both your right and left wheel.

As you move your steering wheel left and right, the pinion moves through the different notches on the rack. As this rod moves, it controls the movement of your wheels.

Not all rack and pinion steering systems are the same. If you’ve ever been in a vehicle that doesn’t handle as well as another, or noticed the turning radius of one car doesn’t match another, it’s because different vehicles have different steering ratios.

Why your steering system might be giving you trouble

If you’ve ever driven your car and tried to turn, only to have your steering wheel be almost impossible to turn, you might have been frustrated with the inaction. Steering wheel issues can be caused by one of several things.

A power steering pump failure

In order for your steering wheel to turn easily as you drive, a power steering pump ensures the proper amount of pressure is applied to complete the turn. If this mechanism stops working, your steering wheel becomes that much more difficult to turn. It might be a simple repair – a piece has broken loose. Or it could be the entire power steering pump needs to be replaced.

Power steering fluid issues

Like other parts of your car, the steering system uses fluid to create hydraulic pressure within the system. Over time, this fluid can dissipate, creating issues with your ability to turn. As a part of your regular maintenance plan, have your power steering fluid checked according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A problem with the steering rack

The rack isn’t one solid piece, but instead is a series of different shafts and joints that connect the steering system together. As these parts wear down through use, the stress can cause additional problems with the steering rack. When this happens, you might notice the steering capabilities shifting and stiffening up. It might not be an immediate problem with safety, but it is an indicator that a mechanic should check out as soon as possible.

Improper tire pressure

Your tires are the baseline for every system in your vehicle. If they aren’t filled to the proper levels, it can be difficult turning the steering wheel, especially if the tire pressure is low. Make checking your tire pressure a routine maintenance item, checking it once a month as you pull into the filling station.

Damage to the serpentine belt

The serpentine belt is one long, continuous belt used to control multiple devices within the engine compartment, including the power steering pump. Because this belt is used so often and in so many ways, it’s easy for it to wear down or become damaged. Depending on what damage occurs determines how it impacts the steering wheel. This is another reason why you should schedule regular maintenance visits with a mechanic to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly.

How steering and alignment meet

Your vehicle is a complex set of components, all working together to get you where you want to go. Sometimes it’s a little more difficult finding out where the true problem lies.

If you’ve checked out the different parts of your steering system, checked the pressure on your tires, and still notice a problem with the way your vehicle steers, it might be an alignment problem.

Proper steering and wheel alignment go hand in hand.

When your vehicle was initially manufactured, every part fit perfectly together. The wheels were in perfect alignment. All parts fit tightly and securely together. When you turned on your vehicle and started driving, the wheels were set to move straight and drive smoothly. That’s due to having a proper alignment designed to work in conjunction with the rest of your vehicle.

Unfortunately, as you drive, a variety of things can go wrong with your car. When you hit a pothole, the alignment begins to erode. Normal driving begins to wear down parts. Until eventually, your car no longer moves the way it used to.

Pay attention to how your car drives on a straight road. Does it veer to one side without adjusting the steering wheel? Have you noticed your steering wheel is crooked when you’re driving straight ahead? Do you notice your tires squealing without any other reason? Your car may be in need of an alignment.

Proper alignment means your car will move in the direction you steer it. It also means you’ll have more control as you run across daily driving situations, and keep you and your vehicle’s occupants safer as you navigate driving situations.

Are you having trouble driving?

If you’ve noticed a change in the way your car drives, and it’s impacting the way your car steers into curves and corners, it might be time to check your steering system. Our technicians will inspect your car’s steering and suspension system to ensure everything is running its best. Schedule your maintenance visit with us today.

Check Engine Light

June 8, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When your check engine light comes on, you may be torn between utter panic and just wanting to ignore it and hope it goes away. That’s perfectly understandable. That same check engine light could come on for anything from a serious engine or transmission problem all the way down to a loose gas cap.

There’s a very common misconception that the trouble codes stored in your engine computer will specifically identify a problem when the check engine light comes on. This isn’t the case, it’s more like pointing to the symptoms of the problem.

Think of it like taking your temperature. Say it’s 101. Your heat sensor (the thermometer) tells you that your temperature is out of the normal range, but it doesn’t tell you why you have a fever. You’ll need more information, more tests before you can diagnose why you have a fever. A check engine light works in the same way.

For any given trouble code, there could be several causes. So, your trained technician takes the trouble code as a starting point and begins a diagnostic process to determine the cause of the problem. Sadly, some problems take longer to solve than others.

When your engine management system logs a problem and illuminates the check engine light, your service technician will plug in a scanner, download the trouble codes and go to work tracing the cause of the problem.

That’s only the first step. This is when your technicians training, equipment, databases and skill get put to work diagnosing the problem and deciding the best way to fix it.

If your check engine light is flashing it means that the problem could lead to serious damage, don’t ignore it. You should get to the service center as soon as possible and get the problem solved. If it’s on but not flashing, you have some time to get your vehicle in at your convenience.

Come in and see us or give us a call if you have any questions.

It’s Pothole Season, Time For New Shocks and Struts

June 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s a joke that circulates every year about this time all across the Front Range.

There are four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and road repair.

You’re nodding your head right now, because while it’s meant to be humorous, it’s kind of true. Some of the potholes around town can do severe damage if you hit them full force. They are no longer potholes, some seem like sinkholes ready to swallow you up.

If you’ve ever hit one, you might duck and cringe from the impact. What is it doing to your car? Good question.

The answer is: the damage might be worse than you thought.

Every time you hit a pothole, the impact jolts through the tires, wheels, shocks, and struts, vibrating throughout the different systems of your car.

While it’s pretty obvious if it does enough damage to blow a tire or bend a wheel, internal damage is harder to see. So it wears over time. And if you don’t fix it soon, the damage continues to mount, taking the cost of your repair bill right along with it.

Before we get into whether you need new shocks and struts, let’s look at what they do for your vehicle.

What shocks and struts do

A shock absorber does one thing: it keeps your vehicle from bouncing when you drive.

Struts are built into the structure of your suspension system. They are made from many different parts, including the coil spring and shock absorber, and affect your vehicle’s steering and alignment.

When people talk about a vehicle’s suspension, then often use the phrase “shocks and struts.” It’s important to note that not all cars have both. Shocks are part of the overall suspension, whereas a strut is a complete assembly. Every wheel will have one or the other, not both.

However, your car might have different assemblies on the front and back wheels – struts on the front, and shocks on the back, for example. To find out what you have, you can check your owner’s manual, or learn more about it the next time you bring your vehicle in for a check up.

Signs you might need new shocks and struts

No matter what assembly you have on your vehicle, ensuring your shocks and struts are in good working condition is crucial. How do you know if you need new shocks and struts?

Performance decreases – you start noticing little things as you drive. Your vehicle seems more bouncy. It seems rough even when you’re on a smooth road. It tends to roll on every turn you make.

Nose dives – nose diving happens when you apply the brakes and the front end of your car bounces low to the ground. If you don’t fix it right away, it can escalate to having momentary loss of steering, or need an extended amount of time for braking. This comes from the shocks or struts not having enough power to handle the weight of your vehicle.

Noises – if your vehicle starts reminding you of an old bed mattress, squeaking through bumps and potholes, or with every movement you make getting in and out of your vehicle, it might be your shocks or struts.

Body roll – this is a term used to describe the feeling a vehicle has going into a turn. Even with the slightest turn, the vehicle leans into it, sometimes causing control issues.

Squats – when you take off from a stop sign or traffic light, the momentum of the vehicle falls to the back wheels, causing the front end to lurch up. It causes hesitation in the forward movement of your vehicle.

Visible damage – like every part on your vehicle, it’s important to do a visual inspection from time to time to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Do you notice a problem with the wheels – some shocks or struts are visible in the wheel well. Do you notice a pool of liquid near the tire – hydraulic fluid can leak from a damaged shock or strut.

It might not be the shocks and struts at all

Potholes can do a lot of damage to your suspension system. Sometimes it doesn’t impact your shocks and struts, but instead affects wheel alignment. How can you tell the difference?

The tires aren’t wearing evenly – do a visible inspection of your tire tread from time to time. If you see a portion of the tread that is wearing faster than other areas, it’s most likely your wheels are out of alignment. You may also have a worn or bent suspension or steering part, which can put everything out of balance.

The vehicle pulls to one side or another while driving – if you’ve ever felt the car pull one way or another while driving on a straight road, that’s a sign of a wheel alignment problem. You’ll have to fight to keep the steering wheel in one position, or it will drift from side to side.

The front end shakes – sometimes you notice a vibration as you’re driving. If you notice your front end shaking, it may be a whole host of problems, including an issue with wheel alignment. Getting your car checked as soon as possible is your best bet.

Your steering wheel is crooked – when you’re driving on a straight stretch of road, your steering wheel should point forward and be pointing straight ahead. If it’s crooked while you’re moving straight, it’s a dead giveaway that you have a problem with wheel alignment.

This is a safety issue

When your vehicle isn’t working as it should, it’s a safety issue. That means you’re putting you, your passengers, and others around you at risk.

If you noticed any of the above when you last took your car out for a drive, don’t delay. Even one small pothole can cause enough damage to impact the safety of your car.

Schedule your appointment today, and we’ll find the root of the problem, and get you back on the road in no time.

How To Keep Your Truck In Good Repair To Increase Performance

May 26, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What’s the difference between a car and a truck? With so many vehicles on the road today, it can sometimes be difficult to classify each into a separate category. And once you do, why does it matter?

To start, the main difference between a car and a truck is the intention of the vehicle. Cars are designed to carry people. Trucks are designed for hauling. That’s why the truck bed is a prominent feature. They may look different, but are the rules the same for keeping your truck in good repair?

Mid-size vs full-size pickup trucks – what’s the difference?

In general, there are two separate classes of trucks: mid-size pickup trucks, and full-size pickup trucks. As the name implies, full-size pickups will be larger than their mid-size counterparts, and in general, will have a more powerful engine. But the force of the engine doesn’t equate to performance; both mid-size and full-size can perform equally well.

Where the two separate is with towing and payload capacity. Full-size pickups are larger, have a bigger engine, and a much larger payload than a mid-size. Numbers vary depending on make and model, but most mid-size pickups are designed to haul less than 7,000 pounds, while full-size pickups will carry over 10,000 pounds. Payload capacity is generally around 1,500 pounds of cargo for mid-size, while a full-size is over 2,000 pounds.

With a larger body, full-size pickups will physically have more room inside and offer more luxury than a mid-size. If things like legroom and headroom matter, look to the bigger pickup truck. Bed size is also significantly larger with a full-size pickup. If you regularly carry large items like construction materials, the full-size pickup is often the better choice.

The two are also separated by fuel economy and price. Size matters when it comes to fuel efficiency. Mid-size pickups will always get better fuel economy. And because of their capacity, full-size pickups will always top out higher on the pricing range.

What matters most to keep your truck in good repair

If you rely on your truck to get you from point A to point B, from your home to work, to run general errands, and back home, maintenance is important. If you rely on your truck for heavy hauling, it’s even more important to handle maintenance correctly.

Just like your car, a truck will run only as well as it can, based on the care you give it. What are the most important things you can do to keep your truck in good repair?

Read

Not what you expected for a first care item, right? Yet it’s one of the most important things you can do.

Today’s vehicles are more sophisticated than ever. From oil checks to how often you should replace components of each major system, it’s all located in your owner’s manual.

We get it; that large book they gave you when you purchased your vehicle might be a little daunting. Who knew your vehicle could need a book with so much to say? You just get in and turn the key, right? Chances are you’ve found out very quickly there are certain things you don’t know. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your owner’s manual in the glove compartment, or in a prominent place on your bookshelf. Refer to it often to stay on top of what needs to be done, and when.

Assess your driving conditions

Do you live in the heart of Denver, rarely driving out of the city limits? Do you live at the end of a dirt road, always bouncing along on your way home? Do you frequently pull toys behind you on your way to camp out for the weekend? Do you head up and down the hill, driving to work and running errands each day?

Depending on the different tasks you perform each day will determine the frequency of your maintenance schedule. Remember, maintenance isn’t based solely on how much you drive. Even leaving your truck sit for weeks – months – can still damage certain parts of your truck. The oil still needs to be changed. Belts and hoses can still wear out. This is where your owner’s manual can come in handy to alert you to when you should schedule your maintenance visits with one of our mechanics.

Oil changes are the first step in preventative maintenance

Think of your oil change as a checkup for your truck. This is one of the easiest things you can do. It’s also one of the most important.

Don’t just drive it into a shop you find along your route for the day. Find a repair shop you can trust, and take it there on a regular basis. When you go in for doctor visits, you find someone you can trust, someone you build a rapport with. It’s the same for your vehicle. If you continuously bring your truck into the same location, you can work together to ensure your vehicle is always in its best condition.

Tend to the tires

Right after oil changes, paying attention to your tires should be next on your list of to-do’s.

Check your tire pressure on a regular basis. Consider rotating your tires regularly as well too, so the tires can wear evenly while you drive. The front tires are typically the ones that will see the most wear. Rotating them not only will give you more life out of the tires, but it can also give you a smoother ride.

While the tires are being rotated, a mechanic can also check for alignment issues. When you have them balanced, you ensure the weight of the tire is equally distributed around the axle. Every bump you hit in the road can lead to unbalanced tires. This reduces the smoothness of the ride, and also puts undue wear on your tires.

If you notice your truck pulling in either direction as you drive, it’s a signal it needs a wheel alignment. Trucks are more likely than cars to need frequent alignments, especially if you do a lot of driving over rough roads, off-roading, or driving on construction sites. Scheduling regular alignments can extend the life of your tires, increase the gas mileage you receive, and reduce poor handling on the road.

How do you keep your truck in good repair?

When was your last maintenance visit?

The more you use your truck for pulling and hauling, or simply riding over rough roads on your way to work, it’s important to keep it working at its best. When you have a concern, stop by. We’ll evaluate the condition of your vehicle, and help you get it back on the road in no time.

Should You Stick With The Car Maintenance Schedule Your Vehicle’s Manufacturer Suggests?

May 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s something about driving your car for the very first time.

When you drive it off the lot, everything feels fresh and new. The smell. The touch. Even the way it drives, responding instantly to whatever move you make.

Then you fall into patterns. You drive. And slowly, your vehicle wears down.

Are you paying attention?

That’s why manufacturers have established a car maintenance schedule for every vehicle on the road. If you follow their guidance, you can protect the systems needed for a smooth ride. You prevent damage to the engine, which causes premature damage and wear.

Why a car maintenance schedule is important

Human nature has the belief: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We don’t look for problems, we wait until they surface.

For some things, that works. For your vehicle, it doesn’t.

Do you really want to ignore your brakes until they “break?” Imagine the problems that would create if you’re on your way home from a day of skiing in the Rocky Mountains.

Or what about engine failure? What if that happens late at night as you’re coming home from a road trip, out in the middle of nowhere?

According to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry:

The average age of a vehicle in the US has increased by 17 percent in the past ten years
People are holding on to their vehicles, both new and used, 60 percent longer over the past ten years

The longer you own a vehicle, the more maintenance it’s going to need.

The same report shows older car owners are twice as likely to expect to spend more than $1,000 on a repair, and they are more aware of the work that needs to be performed on a regular basis.

Do you fall into that category?

The people that manufacture your car know everything about your car. Why not trust them to guide you towards the best car maintenance schedule you can follow? It will help you:

Save time by being stranded without a vehicle
Save money by addressing concerns before they blow up to bigger problems
Improve safety by assessing vehicle conditions before they cause you harm
Maintain the resale value of your car by keeping it in top condition
Create a record of work performed, something that can be invaluable when you decide to sell

What a typical car maintenance schedule looks like

The best place to find out more about your vehicle is by checking your owner’s manual. If you don’t have access to that, let Google be your guide. Simply type in your make and model into Google, and you’ll find a wealth of information pertaining to your car.

Of course, that’s just a starting point. The timing of maintenance intervals depends on a variety of things, such as make and model, how many miles you put on each year, road conditions, driving skills, and more.

What you’ll find are general guidelines. But if you talk with one of our mechanics about your own unique driving patterns, we can help you adjust them to fit better with your lifestyle.

Someone driving down the hill to work each day will have a different maintenance schedule than someone who works from home, logging just a few thousand miles each year running errands around town.

Typically, you can plan on servicing your vehicle about every 30,000 miles. This is a great time to schedule a service appointment to allow a mechanic to evaluate the different systems in your car. They will handle:

Replacing the engine air filter
Rotating the tires
Changing engine oil and replacing the filter
Inspecting the coolant system, adding coolant and replacing hoses as necessary
Inspecting the braking system, replacing pads and rotors as well as brake line and hoses
Inspecting the exhaust system to ensure it’s working correctly
Inspecting the transmission system for proper gear placement

Of course, that’s in addition to other routine maintenance visits you should plan out over time.

Every 3,000 to 7,000 miles – every manufacturer will recommend you get an oil change on a regular basis. This flushes new oil throughout the system, and replaces dirty oil filters. Furthermore, it allows a mechanic to take a look for other potential problems as well. Be aware that other fluids such as windshield washer fluid, new wipers, tire checks, and things like coolant and transmission fluid should be checked periodically as well.

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles – be sure to check your battery during this time. Especially new batteries that come with a new car, they aren’t expected to hold their charge beyond the first couple of years, or 15,000 to 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. You should also chick coolant, hoses, filters, the heating and cooling system, brake pads, and all suspension parts.

Every 35,000 to 50,000 miles – start paying attention to the individual parts throughout your vehicle. Continue to check the battery regularly. Replace spark plugs and wires. Inspect the ignition system. Verify the suspension system is working well.

Every 60,000 miles – it’s time for a full-blown inspection. The older your vehicle gets, the more important it is to bring it in for regular maintenance visits. This gives one of our mechanics the chance to learn your car, and to work with you on creating a schedule for maintenance and repair.

What really impacts car maintenance schedule requirements

It’s worth mentioning again that it isn’t just the mileage you put on your vehicle that determines how frequently it should go in for inspections and repairs. Sitting and not operating are equally tough on your vehicle, just in different ways.

Factors that impact what type of maintenance should be performed include:

How you drive – are you aggressive? Do you push the limits? Do you rarely drive? Your driving behavior will impact which systems wear out quickly, and how your vehicle responds to different maintenance items.

Where you drive – Colorado can be hard on cars. They are exposed to extreme heat and cold, sometimes within days of each other. They face snowy roads, mag-chloride spraying up from the roads, rocks chipping away at the undercarriage. The harsh sun beats down on it almost every day. And then there’s mountain driving. How frequently do you head up into the hills? That can take its toll on how well systems like your brakes fare over time.

Your vehicle – parts matter. Of course, you can find cheap parts online. You can do things yourself, opting for the lowest priced components you can buy. But it will matter in the end.

Your vehicle is something you use every day. It’s a matter of safety for you, your family, and others out on the road.

Are you following your car’s maintenance schedule?

Or are you leaving it to chance?

Is Your Car’s Air Conditioner Not Working?

May 5, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s one thing Colorado isn’t short of – sunny days. Colorado advertises 300 days of annual sunshine, mild temperatures, and record snowfalls – all of that makes it the perfect place to live, no matter how you like your weather.

Of course, once you live here, you have to drive in said weather. Those record snowfalls can be troublesome if you’re trying to get somewhere on time. And when the temperatures creep higher – 80s, 90s, 100s – you’ll be sweating it out as you make a break from your home to the car, and everywhere you choose to go.

But what if your car air conditioner doesn’t work when you need it most? You open up the windows, drive for a bit, and wait for the system to cool down. Only it never does, and you’re stuck roasting in a hot car, stuck to your leather seats.

Why won’t your car air conditioner work?

What is black death?

Imagine a sludgy, sticky, dark goo slowly flowing inside your car’s internal workings. As the refrigerant in your car’s air conditioning system breaks down, it slowly moves inside the compressor.

Refrigerant is a fluid that helps your car operate at its best. Think of it as the motor oil for your air conditioning system. But as this fluid breaks down, it thickens. And as it moves into the compressor, it gums up everywhere, including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and all the moving parts.

And that sticky, grimy substance won’t just disappear. You have to replace the major pieces, and flush the lines clean. Yep, you guessed it, this isn’t an easy (or budget-friendly) process.

Of course, this is the worst case scenario. There are warning signs your car’s air conditioning system is having trouble long before it completely shuts down. Catch it early, and it’s a much easier (and less expensive) repair.

It starts with knowing your car’s air conditioner

From the moment you drive your car home, it’s important to take note of how it runs. Pay attention to the noises it makes, the feel of the drive, the smell as you turn different systems on. This is your base.

Two things make all the difference in keeping your car operating as it should.

1. Paying attention to changes – if you notice any change, don’t ignore it. The sooner you get it checked by one of our mechanics, the easier it will be to fix. And in most cases, a lot less expensive too.

2. Performing regular maintenance – along with oil changes and tune ups, if a mechanic completes a diagnostic test regularly, it can alert you to potential problems long before they create lasting damage to your vehicle.

These are the things you should watch for with your air conditioning system.

An air conditioner with weak airflow

Remember when your car was new, and you could barely handle the cold blast when you turned your air conditioner on high? Slowly, that blast has disappeared. The main causes of weak airflow include:

A hose has come loose. Through all of its use, the blower hose that connects to the blower unit has wiggled free.
The ventilation fan no longer works. If the fan is broken, it can’t push air through the system.
Seals have been compromised. Think of all the rattling, clanking, and banging going on underneath the hood as you drive each day. Bumps, potholes, and even speed on the highway can slowly rattle connections apart. There are a variety of seals within the air conditioning system that can eventually wear down, such as the core case seal or the blower hose seal.
Contaminants such as mold and mildew can build up over time. Water flows in the air conditioning system. That residue moisture from the cooling process sometimes accumulates. When this happens, mold and mildew can start to build. Not only will it impact the air flow, but it can also impact your health as it blows this contaminated air supply into your vehicle.

An air conditioner that isn’t as cold as it once was

Your air conditioner is still working … sort of. There is cold air, but it’s not as cold as it once was. That lack of cold air can be caused by a number of things.

A failed blower motor
A vacuum leak
A failed switch or fuse
A damaged condenser or evaporator
A failed compressor
A clogged refrigerant hose
A refrigerant leak

When one part of the air conditioning system no longer works, it throws the entire system off. If you’re experiencing an air supply that isn’t as cold as it once was, chances are there’s a problem somewhere in the system. Even the smallest leak can quickly escalate into a major repair.

An air conditioner that smells bad when you turn it on

This goes beyond the smell you first get when you turn it on for the first time. If you continually notice an odorous smell that resembles an old gym locker, it could be:

A dirty air cabin filter
A moldy evaporator case

Because the system has been compromised, you’ll continue to get that smell until you fix the system.

Is there a way to test for an air conditioner leak?

Since one of the biggest reasons for an air conditioner problem is a leak somewhere in the system, there are a few ways you can test to find out where it’s starting from.

The first way is by using a fluorescent dye. This is the least expensive and does a good job at detecting a leak. However, if the leak is tucked away from your line of vision, it can be difficult to detect.

The second way is with a sniffer. This is a tool that is placed near a suspected problem area to find the leak. When it finds a refrigerant leak, it emits a warning signal to the user. A faster beep means the leak is larger in size.

Both of these are dependent on knowing your vehicle and how it operates. You can trust one of our mechanics to find the root of the problem, and offer you the best solution to fix your car’s air conditioning problem.

Why fix your air conditioning problem right away?

Because the longer it goes unfixed, the bigger the potential problem can grow. If left unchecked, it can further damage your air flow system, and spread into other systems throughout your car. If a leak or crack turns worse, corrosion can occur on other parts, belts and lines can snap, doing further damage to parts nearby.

Are you set for the summer season with your air conditioner? How can we help you stay cool no matter how high the temperatures climb?

Air Blend Box

April 27, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

You push a few buttons or turn some knobs, and voila, you have warm air blowing on your feet or cool air chilling your face. How does it all happen? Well, it’s all thanks to the air blend box. This box lives behind your dash and serves up just the right air temperature right where you want it.

Here’s how we break it down. First there is the blower fan that circulates the air through the heating/air conditioning system. The fan can blow at different speeds, depending on how much hot or cold air you need to be comfortable. The air blend box can either draw in fresh air from outside or recirculate air from inside the cabin. People often choose to recirculate air when first starting the vehicle until it starts to either cool down or warm up.

The next thing the blend box does is direct airflow over the heater core to warm the air, or over the air conditioner evaporator core to chill it – or a blend of hot and cold to get it just right. From there the blend box can direct the air out into the passenger compartment through the floor vents, the panel vents, the defroster, or a combination of them. All of this allows you to customized the climate just the way you like it.

Some vehicles have different climate control zones, like one for the driver and one for the passenger – or even more zones for the back seat. Additional air blend boxes are used for this. Climate controls could be manually adjusted, or computer controlled depending on your vehicle.

The blower motor and all the little actuator motors that open and close the various blend doors can fail and need to be replaced. Most new vehicles come with a cabin air filter. This filter cleans the air before it gets into the blend box. If you neglect changing the cabin air filter, it can get clogged, smelly and even allow mildew and other microorganisms to build up in the blend box. Your service center can perform a heating/air conditioning system cleaning service that will clean and disinfect the system, restoring a fresh clean scent. If you are not getting enough hot or cold air, your service center can inspect your system, diagnose the cause and set things right. And don’t forget to replace your cabin air filter on schedule. If you live and drive in dusty conditions or where there is a lot of pollen or other pollutants, you may need to replace your cabin air filter more frequently.

Simple Answers: Check Engine Light

April 13, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Question: My check engine light is on and my boyfriend thinks he can get the code read and know what part to replace to fix my car. I say it’s not that simple. Who’s right?

Answer: The simple answer is you are! But let’s look at it logically and break it down. There are hundreds of things that can go wrong with your vehicle. Some are simple but some are actually quite complicated.

In today’s vehicles over 80% of engine functions are computer controlled. The computer receives information from dozens of sensors. When a sensor reading is out of range, a trouble code is automatically entered in the computer and the check engine light is illuminated.

Unfortunately it’s a common misconception that the trouble code will tell you exactly what is wrong. Because the truth is, that for any given trouble code, there are any number of faults that would trigger that code. For example, a code indicating a misfire on cylinder three could be due to a bad spark plug, a failed coil, ignition problems, compression issues, etc. Each of those possibilities requires additional diagnosis to confirm or rule out a cause. Once a trained technician with state-of the art diagnostic tools and access to extensive research databases, can then nail down the problem, and set about getting it fixed.

A complicated diagnosis may take some time. Your boyfriend might be tempted to bypass a diagnosis charge by taking a trouble code reading with an inexpensive scan tool and start replacing parts. He might get lucky, but chances are he’ll end up like a recent customer who ended up spending hundreds of dollars on parts that weren’t needed and didn’t fix his problem because he tried reading the code himself. So save yourself time and money and have a professional with the right equipment check your vehicle.

Just one more thing… a flashing Check Engine Light indicates that a condition exists that could lead to serious damage. You should get to your service center right away. A steadily illuminated Check Engine Light is less urgent but still needs to be checked out. Keep in mind that a minor issue today can become more serious if left unresolved.

Why Your Car Tires Keep Going Flat

April 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Staying in place has brought a lot of “newness” to your life. Maybe you’ve joined the craze of making your own bread. Perhaps you’re finally up to speed with navigating Zoom and attending virtual meetings.

Yet every time you head outside to drive to the grocery store, you notice a flat tire. Why? It’s been sitting in a garage. You haven’t driven anywhere! Why do your car tires keep going flat?

Like every component on your car, there are a variety of reasons your tires could be flattening between uses.

Puncture

Have you inspected your tire to ensure nothing is in it? Often, a sharp object embeds itself into the tire and punctures it, leaving a slow leak in its place. Nails, shards of glass, bits of metal, and more can sometimes hit the rubber just right as you drive over it, and leaves a tiny hole. This can be a slow leak, or cause your tire to go flat in a matter of hours.

While a lot of this debris is difficult to avoid as you’re driving down the road, do you best to avoid situations where you know your risk is higher. Head around construction sites. Leave enough space between you and the person in front of you so that you can make split decisions. It can save you from having to buy new tires before their time.

Age

Like every part on your vehicle, your tire is only designed to last for so long. Rubber degrades over time, even if you don’t use your car as frequently as you used to. (That’s also why you should inspect your spare tire regularly too.)

Of course, not every tire is created equal. Because different manufacturers use different materials in their final product, the life of your tires depends on the type of tire you select.

Even if a tire is never used, it still succumbs to the effects of age. As rubber ages, it stiffens and cracks. They can be difficult to see, even close up, which is why it can develop a slow leak without you knowing where it’s coming from.

As a tire ages, it weakens and develops slow leaks. It will appear flat even if it’s sat for an extended period of time. If a tire gets too weak, it runs the risk of a blowout as you drive. A low tire, no matter how flat it appears, is worth investigating further to ensure your safety.

Valve stem

The valve stem is the tiny tube that sticks up from your tire. You unscrew the cap when you need to add air. Even though this valve stem is set back in the middle of your wheel, it’s still at risk of being damaged as you drive. If you knick it while turning a corner, for example, it can puncture it and allow a slow leak to develop.

Like your tire, the valve stem can only last for so long. It can corrode from use. It can wear down with age. It can clog from dirt and debris. And as this occurs, it can develop a crack and allow your tires to lose air.

Dry Rot

The older a tire is, the more susceptible it is to deterioration. A lot of that is from wear and tear. Dry rot can also occur, which is the natural deterioration of rubber.

You may be used to dry rot in an old tree stump in your backyard. It’s similar in rubber too. As rubber is exposed to different elements in day to day life, it slowly starts to wear. Cracks and flaking can be caused by things like:

The extreme temperature variations we frequently face here in Colorado
The mag-chloride we use on the roads in wintertime
UV damage from our intense sunshine
Long periods of sitting without use

Inspect your tires regularly to catch potential problems that might impact your driving.

Tire bead

Sometimes your tire won’t hug the rim of the wheel the way it should. This connection is known as the tire bead, and can cause slow leaks if not properly connected.

The tire bead is the rubber edge that attaches to the rim of the wheel. It’s made of a metal-reinforced rubber compound that is specifically designed to help hug the two pieces together. It seals it into place to prevent problems as you drive.

If your tires aren’t installed properly, it can cause a slow leak. This is almost always the case if you’ve recently purchased new tires. Bring your car in and have it inspected to get to the root of the problem.

Vandalism

Depending on where you leave your car throughout the day, vandalism can occur. One of the most common acts is simply letting the air out of the tire. After accessing the tire for damage, the situation is easily remedied by inflating it once again. The best way to avoid vandalism is to be aware of where you park your car.

Monitoring system

In a lot of cases, drivers are alerted to a flat tire through their monitoring system. On the dashboard, the tire pressure alert icon turns on, alerting you to a potential problem. If you’ve checked all four tires and they appear to be inflated correctly, it might be a problem with your monitoring system.

The tire pressure monitoring system is designed to warn you when tire pressure is low. A malfunction with the sensors is possible due to a variety of factors, including faulty wiring, weak batteries, or improper sensor programming. One of our mechanics can ensure your tire pressure meets your vehicle’s standards, and if the dashboard light is still on, we’ll run it through diagnostics to determine where the real problem lies.

Road hazards

Even if you are a careful driver, always aware of your surroundings, road hazards can pop up that are out of your control. When you hit a pothole, swerve to miss unexpected debris, or bump a curb as you’re turning, it can cause damage to your tire, and result in a flat tire.

Not all tire problems can be fixed. Sometimes your best solution is to purchase a new set of tires.

We’re here to help you navigate it all. Whatever questions you have about your vehicle – from a flat tire to your transmission system and more – we’re here to help you and keep you on the road, safely, no matter what the road conditions entail.

Keeping Your Car Battery Charged When You Don’t Drive a Lot

April 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

As a society, we’re busy, busy. It’s hard to imagine surviving in Denver without the use of a car. We start it, stop it, and start it up again as we drop the kids off at school, drive to work, head out to a meeting, stop by the store, and run to a friend’s for dinner plans.

They might only be short trips of twenty miles or less, but we rely on our cars to go at our beck and call.

Yet times are changing.

Maybe you’re like one of many who has decided to move in from the suburbs. Urban living is your thing. You’ve invested in a condo right in the heart of the city to make your life easier. You walk to shops and restaurants. You work from home – who needs a car during the week? So your vehicle sits there in its space, only ready and waiting for when you decide to roadtrip it for a little time away.

2020 has also taught us that the world can stop on a dime. Suddenly, we can go from our normal routines to staying in place overnight. Your car can sit there week after week, never starting up.

Which brings up the question: What does it take keeping your car battery charged if you don’t drive very much?

If you search online, you’ll find a host of answers.

One site will tell you to start it up every few days and let it idle in the driveway or parking space for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. Another tells you you’ll have to drive it to get the full benefits of keeping your battery healthy and charged. Still another says today’s technology has improved enough, you really don’t have to worry about your battery much – just start it up once a month.

What do you believe?

How a car battery works

Even if you don’t know much about cars, you probably realize that a car battery is different from the battery you pop into your television remote, or into your smartphone.

The purpose of a battery is to translate chemical energy into electricity. A battery is made up of cells that hold chemical energy. When a connection is made, it moves stored chemical energy into electricity. That’s what powers up your devices.

Car batteries are a bit different as they rely on a lead-acid chemical reaction. Most vehicles come standard with an SLI battery, which stands for starting, lighting, and ignition. Instead of a steady stream of electricity, it provides short bursts of energy to power up your engine and jolt it into life.

If you were to look under the hood of your car and find your battery, you’d notice that it’s made up of six cells. Each cell has two plates attached, one of lead, the other lead dioxide. Each cell produces about 2 volts of energy. Six cells – two volts – that makes it a 12 volt battery.

These plates are submerged in sulphuric acid, providing a catalyst between the two to trigger a chemical reaction. Electrons race around each plate and generate electricity. It flows out of the battery terminals and into various parts of your car. Like the starter to kick your engine into gear. Or your headlights or radio.

Why car batteries die

Your car battery dies for one of three general reasons:

Problems with your car battery
Electrical system problems
User error

If you run your vehicle properly and on a regular basis, keeping your car battery charged isn’t something you have to think much about. But over time, that changes. And that’s where problems begin.

Leaving the lights on – if any interior lights or your headlights stay on for an extended period of time, they drain the battery down.

A weak battery – batteries only last three to five years. The older it is, the weaker it is, the easier it can stop working.

Extreme temperatures – too hot or too cold conditions further weaken a battery, especially if it is already weak from age.

Corroded or loose connections – if the battery isn’t connected properly, or there is corrosion on the connections, it can weaken the battery.

Keeping a car battery charged

All of these lead us back to understanding why your vehicle may have trouble keeping a car battery charged.

Your car is designed to run. It’s designed to have the engine started, taking it out on the road, and having each system operate to its fullest capacity while you make your way from place to place.

Your vehicle has thousands of parts that all work together to keep your car running well. When a piece isn’t working at its optimal level, it compromises the system. And that’s when your problems begin.

The battery is the key to making sure everything works. When you turn the key or press the start button, it kicks all of the systems into gear. But it isn’t everything. It may start the engine, it may start gas flowing, but it doesn’t allow each part to perform its job.

That only comes when your car moves.

And that’s the reason it’s important to operate your vehicle once in a while.

Idling your car in the driveway is bad for two reasons. First, you’re not really using the battery as it’s designed. It doesn’t recharge it, so it actually weakens the battery overall.

Second, as the engine runs, gas combines with air through combustion and creates water vapor. If you don’t move your car and allow it to heat up through movement, that water vapor sits there and can start to damage many other parts.

What you should do to keep your car battery properly charged

Starting your car battery regularly doesn’t have to be a long process. Schedule it like you do other home maintenance projects, every few weeks is sufficient. Once you start it, operate it as intended. Drive ten to twenty miles to really give it a chance to work.

This charges the battery and removes water vapor. It also moves every part, keeping potential problems at bay.

Keeping your car battery charged when you don’t drive very much isn’t difficult. Just make plans every few weeks to save yourself the headache of having your car not operate when you need it most.