Car Maintenance

Car Maintenance When You Aren’t Driving Your Car

April 3, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

How many miles have you put on your car during the month of March?

The current headlines say it all. One recent article in the LA Times stated “Eerily empty freeways: A symbol of how coronavirus has hurt Los Angeles.”

Of course, it’s not just in LA. Satellite images show airports, ports, and highways deserted as lockdowns soar.

New problems are popping up daily. Like having to control street racing.

And we’re experiencing things most of us have never experienced before. Hello, #StayHomeSounds.

Unless you are an essential employee, chances are you’re currently working at home. And staying at home. Day after day.

That means your car is staying at home too.

Before the coronavirus, a low mileage driver was someone who put less than 600 miles on their car each month. They might do so for a variety of reasons, including:

They are retired and don’t leave home often
They work from home
They use public transportation regularly, reserving their cars for weekend use
They are part of a carpool
They have more than one car, and limit driving one for special occasions – think a convertible for summertime weekend use

For the past month, even that 600 miles may seem high. Your car sits there in the garage or out on the street. And it doesn’t move.

Is that okay?

What happens when you don’t start your car

A vehicle is designed for operation. It’s made up of a variety of systems that are designed to move. Fluids are designed to move through the parts. Gears are designed to turn. Parts are designed to warm up.

And when that doesn’t happen, a whole host of other problems begin.

Keep in mind, it’s more than just starting your car. Batteries slowly lose their charge when they sit. If you start it for a minute and turn it right back off, it drains the battery further. You have to drive it for several miles after starting it to ensure the battery has a chance to recharge. This gives all the systems a chance to kick into gear and engage, including the transmission system, the brakes, the suspension, the climate control system, the power steering, and all the intricate hoses, seals, and joints to have proper flowthrough to ensure they are working well.

With your digital devices, you’re advised to let the battery drain fully before recharging it and topping it off. But a car battery doesn’t work that way. They are all about short bursts of energy. Their goal is to burst the car into life, then recharge and wait for the next time it’s needed. When you turn the key or push the ON button, a car battery converts chemical energy into electric energy. It delivers enough power to start the engine, and enough power to turn on many of a vehicle’s accessories, like the lights.

What else can happen if you don’t drive your car?

The tires can start to lose pressure, especially during cold weather. It slowly drains and begins to flatten. And as the weight of the car continues to press down on the tires, it can cause flat spots to develop with the rubber touching the ground. When you finally take your car out once again, these flat spots will be noticeable as you drive.

Moisture can start to form in the gas tank, especially if it hasn’t been filled up. It can also build in the oil and cause corrosion.

And then there are those pesky rodents that are looking for a new place to nest. They can easily find their way up underneath the hood, or even in exhaust outlets. And when rodents make a nest nearby, they chew. They can disconnect wires and chew through hoses and other parts made from organic materials.

What should you do to keep your car operating well while you aren’t driving?

Let’s start with the most basic of care – bring your car in so one of our mechanics can give it a thorough inspection once every six months. Surprised? That’s just one of the reasons we’ve been deemed an essential business during the coronavirus lockdown. It’s more important than ever for you to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive in case of an emergency. And a simple inspection will help ensure that.

Change your oil regularly. While most oil service stations tell you to replace the oil based on mileage, it should also be changed based on age. Pull up the dipstick at least once per month and check the condition of the oil. If you notice it changing from its original golden color into something darker, it’s time to change the oil.

Walk around your car and inspect it regularly. Look for signs of furry friends making a home somewhere on your vehicle. Now is the perfect time for them to be building nests. Don’t think your car is safe because it sits in a garage. Rodents can easily slip in through cracks, or scurry in when you have the door open.

Drive your car at least ten miles once per month. Don’t just ride to the grocery store, pop onto the highway and get it up to speed for at least ten minutes or so. Plan out a circle, drive there and back. This will keep all the fluids flowing properly and your car running smoothly.

Schedule a car maintenance appointment today

Depending on the age of your car, you might know something needs to be replaced. Have you been nursing your brakes along? Or know you need work performed on your climate control system before the heat of the summer kicks in?

Why wait? You don’t need your car right now. It’s the perfect time to get those car maintenance items done and off your plate.

We’re open for business. We’re here to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly no matter how much you’ll be driving it in the days and weeks to come.

What other car maintenance questions can we answer for you?

Suspension Failure

March 30, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving down the road and suddenly, the back end of your vehicle collapses. A possible cause is that something in your suspension failed. Suspension components gradually wear out – you may not even notice the ride and handling slowly getting worse. But a sudden suspension failure is unnerving and will often leave you unable to drive your vehicle.

A broken spring can cause your suspension to drop suddenly. There are different types of springs, including coil springs, leaf springs, and air springs. Most vehicles these days use coil springs, and they look just like you think they’d look: a coiled-up metal spring like what you’d find if you took apart a ball point pen. Coil springs fail from rust (thanks to brine and road salt), trauma (think potholes, speed bumps, curbs) and just plain metal fatigue.

Leaf springs are often used in larger vehicles such as trucks and large SUVs. The design has been around since the early days of carriages, and they are designed to handle heavier loads. Since leaf springs are made up of metal plates stacked together, rust and fatigue are common causes of failure.

Another type of spring that can suddenly fail is an air spring. Air springs are rubber bags that hold pressurized air. They have an air compressor, and air reservoir, and height sensors. The advantage of an air suspension is that you can adjust the ride height, level loads, adjust handling characteristics, and lower the vehicle to make it easier to get in and out.

Eventually, the rubber in an air spring can rot out, or the airbag can be punctured causing the air to leak out all at once. Not only can the corner of the vehicle with the failed air spring drop suddenly, but it’s also possible for the entire air system to lose air, allowing the vehicle to drop. Plus, compressors, solenoids, air lines, and sensors can also fail.

Your Express Car Care technician can check your suspension components for rust, metal fatigue, cracks, or other worn or failing components. If you notice that your ride quality and handling is deteriorating, have us check your suspension.

What If Your Car Isn’t Shifting Right?

March 22, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There are a few problematic issues with your car that are easy to diagnose. If you forget to put gas in the tank, you’ll recognize the familiar sputter as your car chugs to a stop on the last fumes. You’ll also see the warning sign blinking at you on your dashboard.

Other systems can be more difficult to diagnose. When your car isn’t shifting right, for example, it could be a number of problems. Most likely it’s a sign of a problem with your transmission system.

What happens when your transmission starts to fail

Wouldn’t it be nice if your car sent out warning signs as each piece began to fail? It does.

Let’s say you take your car out for a drive on the weekend. Maybe you head into the hills for a day of skiing, or just a short drive to the park to play a game of softball with a few friends.

Halfway there, your car starts making a whining noise, so you slow down. Or maybe you pick up speed to head up a hill and your car suddenly revs up and bucks.

Then you notice your car doesn’t shift quite right. Maybe it’s more difficult for you to put it into gear. Or maybe you hear a clunk or even a whir as the gears attempt to move as you drive.

What could it be?

If you’re like most drivers today, you head online and do a little research. That’s probably how you got here.

Very quickly, you start to build a picture of what could be wrong. Gears. Transmission. Very expensive … And your mind shifts to a variety of different questions.

Could it be that my car has a blown transmission?
How did it happen?
Was there a way I could have prevented it?
How much will it cost to repair my transmission?
Is it worth it? Or is it time to look for another car?
What are my options?

We’re here to point you in the right direction.

When an automatic transmission is working correctly

Before we get into the warning signs of why your car isn’t shifting right, let’s talk about how the transmission is designed for your vehicle.

Like other systems in your car, the automatic transmission uses a combination of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulics to make the system work.

The mechanical system is designed for functionality. It helps the high engine speed and the slower gear speed synchronize to give you a smooth drive. The electrical system provides sensors to ensure proper gear selection and position. The hydraulic system uses fluid to ensure proper gear positioning. They work together to ensure the automatic transmission flows efficiency every time you get behind the wheel.

What are the signs of transmission failure?

At the first sign of failure, you’ll find your car tries to warn you something is wrong. If you ignore it and the situation worsens, your repair bills rise, until finally, you might have to replace the transmission altogether. You should watch for:

The transmission warning light – luckily, today’s cars have dashboard lights for everything. Don’t ignore them when the little lights pop on. They give you ample time to make your way to a service station.

The car isn’t shifting right – when an automatic transmission transitions smoothly, you don’t pay any attention to how it operates as you speed up and slow down. That changes when it starts to have problems. You’ll notice the movement. You’ll hear it, feel it, sense it.

The gears change position for no reason – when you’re driving at a stable speed, you’ll notice the gear moves for no reason, causing a jolt in your driving patterns. It may slip from a gear to neutral, creating an unusual sound from your engine.

A fluid leak – the hydraulics in your transmission system need hydraulic fluid to operate correctly. This shouldn’t leak. If you notice a puddle of fluid underneath your vehicle, it can be a sign something is wrong with the transmission system. To distinguish it from other fluids your car uses, the transmission fluid is a clear red, sweet smelling liquid, though it may darken if it’s bad.

Delayed gear engagement – you press down on the accelerator and expect to go. Only it doesn’t, not right away. There’s a delay as the gears take extra time to move and connect. There’s a pause, your car lurches forward, bucks as it tries to respond.

What is the cost of fixing a transmission problem?

To fix your transmission, it boils down to parts and labor. That’s difficult to estimate without bringing your car in and having it evaluated.

Yet it’s important to note that for every day you continue to drive your car, ignoring the problem, the damage continues to worsen. What once was a simple fix may now be difficult – and expensive.

It may be as simple as replacing the fluid. Of course, if you wait until eventually, you’re stuck with a blown transmission, the repair bill can quickly add up.

Any indication that your vehicle isn’t shifting correctly should be dealt with quickly to avoid bigger problems.

While simple repairs like changing out the transmission fluid may only need a day in the shop, the act of replacing a transmission will take longer, allowing two full days or more.

Of course, the easiest way to budget your time and your costs for the project is to bring it in for an estimate. Only then can we provide you with all of your options.

Do you think your vehicle might have a problem with its transmission? Have you noticed your car doesn’t shift right, yet you aren’t quite sure what’s wrong?

Trust us to help diagnose the problem, and provide you with the best way to move forward with your car. We look forward to serving you with all of your car needs.

Do I Have a Blown Transmission?

March 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What does the transmission do on your car?

The transmission has a very important job – it ensures there is enough power moving to the wheels to drive at the speeds you desire. The transmission is your car’s gear shifter, moving energy as you navigate your daily drive.

The best way to understand it is to think about your ten-speed bicycle. When you power up, add speed, or start climbing a hill, you shift to different gears. The chain moves from gear to gear, giving you the power to accomplish every need and desire.

The same applies to your vehicle. Different gear ratios allow you to do different things while driving your car. Want to go faster? Want to climb into the Rocky Mountains? Want to slow down for the changing stoplight? The gear ratios help control speed and RPMs for a smoother ride.

A manual transmission

There are two kinds of transmission systems: manual and automatic. With a manual transmission, you take charge of the gear changing process. Using a third foot pedal, the clutch pedal, you manually disengage the transmission from the flywheel and change gears. It works similarly to the bicycle chain process, without the chain. It temporarily disconnects the engine and the transmission, adjusts by moving the gear shift, and reengaging into the new gear you desire. Release the clutch pedal and drive.

An automatic transmission

An automatic transmission automates the gear shifting process. Instead of having to push in a clutch pedal and manually moving the gear shift to the appropriate gear, the automatic transmission does everything for you through a combination of fluid pressure and electronics. You put the car in drive and go; the automatic transmission ensures you are in the right gear.

Next to the engine, your transmission is one of the most complicated systems within your vehicle. Keeping it in good working condition is a must. Even one small problem can wreak havoc on your vehicle and turn into a very expensive repair.

How do you know if you blow a transmission?

Like all the major systems used to create your vehicle, your transmission will give you clues it’s not operating the way it should. The sooner you act, the greater the chance of lower repair bills.

Are there ways you can tell if you have a blown transmission?

The dashboard lights up with a transmission error – today’s vehicles are sensitive enough to notice basic problems. Don’t ignore warning lights as they may cost you a lot more when you finally drive it into the shop.

Your car won’t move in drive or reverse – you might have trouble moving the gear shift at all, it simply won’t move into drive or reverse. In some cases, you have the ability to move the gear shift, but your car won’t operate. No matter what you do, it just sits there.

You’ll notice vibrations or sounds as you’re driving – pay attention to what you feel and hear. You might notice strange vibrations while you drive, or hear a grinding or whining noise especially while your car is attempting to change gears.

The gears can slip – it creates a definite clunking noise. When you try and speed up, your car won’t accelerate because it can’t shift into the right gear. There might be a hesitation as it tries to react. You might even notice a sudden surge as it clicks and connects with the new gear. As you can imagine, both of these are of concern for safe driving; you should bring your car in for an inspection as quickly as you can.

Extreme heat – if you drive a rear wheel drive car, the transmission transfers energy from front to back to give the rear wheels their necessary power. If the transmission starts to overheat, you’ll feel it in the passenger compartment. It might impact the temperature gauge on your dashboard as well. Because the transmission fluid continues to heat up, you might notice a burning odor, some say it resembles burnt toast. If your transmission is overheating, it still might be a simple repair. The key is getting it into a mechanic to be checked immediately.

Some cars have poor design – not every make or model is built the same. If you do a search on Google, you’ll often find one make or model that stands out from the rest. Maybe they decided to use cheaper parts, or they simply didn’t pay attention to quality assurance during a certain production cycle. Whatever the case, if you chose to buy during that year, you’ll pay the price by having to repair or replace more frequently.

Poor maintenance – it doesn’t matter how poorly or how well a make or model is built if you don’t take care of it from the moment you drive it home. Your car needs regular maintenance to ensure it stays in good working condition. That means adding fluids when it’s necessary. It means having a mechanic check out how well your car is operating and making the necessary changes as needed. It means upgrading parts for normal wear and tear – from oil changes to adding new belts.

What about transmission fluid?

While your transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed out regularly like motor oil, it is important to pay attention to it. Start by checking your owner’s manual; how often does it say it should be changed? Some manufacturers may suggest every 30,000 miles or so while others push it back to 100,000 miles or more. In most cases, you’ll need to follow guidelines to ensure your warranty remains valid.

You can check to ensure you have enough transmission fluid and that it’s still in good condition. It’s similar to checking your motor oil, but each vehicle has its own recommendations for how to check it. How you drive determines frequency too. Someone who drives up and down the mountain each day will have different needs than someone who drives urban conditions just a few miles.

Are there different kinds of transmission fluid?

Each make and model has its own requirements; it’s important to check your owner’s manual for guidance and to ensure best performance. Don’t forget that the wrong fluid can void your warranty.

If you have any questions about how your vehicle operates, or if you think you might have a blown transmission, give us a call today.

Your Rough Idling Car Is Trying To Tell You Something

March 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

For most of us, we jump in our cars and think very little about how they work or operate. They start up when we turn the key. They go when we push on the accelerator. They stop when we hit the brake. What else is there to know?

But where you start to notice your car is when things don’t work the way they should.

If you turn the key and it doesn’t start, you know you have a problem.

What is idling?

The definition of idling refers to the process of a vehicle’s engine running when it isn’t in motion. If you leave it in park after you turn it on and listen to the engine, that is idling. When you sit at a stoplight waiting for the signal to tell you it’s safe to turn, that is idling.

Idling allows a car’s engine to run without the stress or load of any of the other engine accessories running. It keeps the car ready and waiting for when you demand more.

When it idles normally, you probably don’t notice it. You don’t focus on it.

But occasionally, you’ll notice a change. It seems a little rougher than normal. You might even have trouble keeping your vehicle running.

What does a rough idle mean?

A rough idle means different things to different people. Some will come in and report their car shakes; the car feels like it’s moving even when sitting still. Others will say it sounds awful, almost quakes and moves. And in other cases, no matter what the owner tries to do, the car just won’t stay running. It turns over, it idles rough, and then stalls altogether, no matter what they do.

Of course, how bad it idles often determines how quickly an owner takes action. A few jitters often fall into the “wait and see” category. There’s not much you can do if your car won’t stay running.

When you start to notice your car isn’t running as it should, pay attention to all the details. Not just what you can feel. Yes, your car might shake and jump. But look around. What else is happening?

How much fluctuation is there in the RPMs?
How consistent is the problem?
Does it only happen when you first start the car on a cold morning?
Are there other strange noises?
Do you notice smoke?

Report anything else you notice to help your mechanic make a correct diagnosis.

What causes rough idle and loss of power?

If you have a problem with rough idling, it can range from simple to severe. Fixing the problem right away can ensure no further damage is done to your car. Any of these causes could be at play.

Bad Spark Plugs

A rough idling car can be the result of bad spark plugs or a problem with the spark plug wires.

The spark plug has two primary functions. The first is to ignite the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. The second is to remove the heat from the combustion chamber.

The spark plug must be kept at a low enough temperature to prevent pre-ignition, and high enough to ensure ignition. The spark plug is technically a heat exchanger to transfer energy within the car’s ignition system.

If anything goes wrong with either of those processes, you may notice a rough idle or loss of power.

Leaks

If you’ve ever looked under the hood of your vehicle, you know it’s a myriad of hoses linking all of the different systems together. Over time, hoses wear and may eventually leak. This can limit both air and fuel to flow properly throughout the fuel system, which may cause your engine to idle rough, trying to compensate for the lack of air or fuel.

Dirty Fuel Injector

Think about all your vehicle goes through throughout the year. From hot weather in the summer, to below temperatures in the winter. It deals with ice, salt, and mag chloride spraying up and covering various parts of the undercarriage. And no matter how well you care for your car, things can get dirty pretty quickly.

A car’s fuel injectors control how often and how much fuel is released into each cylinder. They provide the engine with the amount of fuel it needs to run at optimal performance. If the fuel injectors are dirty, they can stunt that process. They can cause a rough idling engine, or stop the operation altogether.

Clogged Air Filter

Over time, the air filter can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris. Once clogged, those particles can migrate into other areas of the engine compartment and impact the way your car starts and runs. That’s why car manufacturers recommend you get your air filter checked and replaced routinely along with a motor oil change. It’s a simple, cost-effective process that can give your vehicle a longer life.

Worn Oxygen Sensor

It might also be something as simple as your oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is a part of the emissions system, designed to ensure the oxygen to fuel ratio is correct. As this sensor begins to wear out, the ratio can be thrown off, leading to too much air or fuel being supplied to the system. Not only will this cause a rough idle, but it can also impact your fuel economy. If you notice both at the same time, it’s a clear indicator something is wrong with the oxygen sensor.

How do you fix a rough idle?

While there is a long list of potential problems that could be causing your car to have a rough idle, pinpointing the reason can be difficult at best.

One of the best ways to prevent rough idle is by being conscious about your scheduled maintenance.

Stick with a schedule for regular oil changes. Replace all filters regularly, or as a technician tells you it’s time.

You should also take your vehicle in annually for an inspection to ensure all systems are operating as they should. With a simple process, we can diagnose your car for issues with each of the systems: engine, emissions, transmission, braking, and more. Plugging your car into a diagnostic tool will provide error codes, and give the mechanic a better understanding of any issues your vehicle may face.

If you do this early enough, you’ll have more options for how to fix it. And your car won’t leave you stranded at the most inopportune time.

When was the last time you scheduled a service visit? Do it today.

Do You Know The Signs of a Broken Water Pump?

March 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When you slide into your vehicle, it’s easy to think of it as one complex machine that gets you to where you want to go. In reality, a car is made up of thousands of different pieces, all working together in complex motion to be one of the most essential devices in your life.

But when one part goes bad, you’ll learn very quickly just how important even one piece can be. It can be the difference between a car running … or not.

What is a water pump?

If you’ve ever experienced a broken water pump, you know the damage it can cause.

A water pump is vital to the operation of a car’s engine. A water pump’s job is to push coolant throughout the engine block, hoses, and radiator to ensure an optimal temperature. The water pump uses impeller blades and centrifugal force to move the coolant around the engine cylinders to ensure it doesn’t overheat during the combustion process. The water pump is part of a loop system, moving water around the engine, through hoses, and into the radiator, then out through another series of hoses and back into the water pump.

A broken water pump can cause catastrophic engine failure

A water pump is designed to help keep the engine at the optimal temperature. That should be your first sign of how important the water pump’s job is.

As temperatures rise here in Colorado, especially in the summer months where it can climb to 3-digits, your car’s engine needs to have a consistent flow of coolant to ensure it works correctly. If it’s in good working condition, the water pump ensures coolant flows through the system as necessary, keeping a consistent operating temperature, and giving you the capability to drive wherever you choose without problems. However, if the water pump starts to fail, the system responds in various ways. If you don’t pay attention to it, it can result in total engine failure.

And that can be an expensive repair bill.

Most people understand how vital motor oil is to the operation of a vehicle. They know it’s necessary to change out the oil on a regular basis.

Your water pump is equally as critical to the operation of a car’s engine.

How often does a water pump need replacing?

There is no set rule on when you should think about replacing your vehicle’s water pump. Check with your car’s manufacturers guidelines, or read your owner’s manual for more information. In general, many mechanics recommend replacing a water pump every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, depending on how your car is put together. Mechanics will often make suggestions based on repairing or replacing other parts. If they have certain parts out, it’s easier to replace and costs you less overall in labor costs.

Still, there isn’t a definite rule on when you should replace it. But you can watch for certain signs that will nudge you in the right direction.

Leaks

Like other parts on your vehicle, as a water pump ages and begins to wear, it will start to leak fluid near the front of the vehicle. Check under your vehicle when your car sits for a few hours – do you notice an orange or green puddle on the ground? The color is dependent on the coolant your car uses, but it is distinct enough you’ll notice it if it’s puddling on the ground.

It’s also a good idea to pop the hood and take a look at the parts from time to time. A slow leak can form residue around the pump, and leading away from it. You’ll find a gelled substance that sticks to the parts around the water pump. Depending on how long this has occurred, you might even find rust buildup on the water pump, eating through the metal pump or the mounting surfaces. No matter how much of a leakage you find, this is an indication of a problem. The quicker you act, the better the outcome.

Noise

The water pump is driven by a serpentine belt. If it loosens or breaks, you will hear a whining noise that increases as you speed up. If you catch the problem at an early stage, it could be as simple as tightening up the belt. As the noise turns to a grinding noise, it’s an indication of a bad bearing. Bearings are used in other ways on your car’s engine, but in any case, if you hear this noise, it’s best to make an appointment right away to repair the problem.

Steam

When a pot on the stove starts to boil, steam rises into the air. It works similarly underneath the hood of your car. If the water pump fails, your engine will overheat. Heat builds up underneath the hood, and smoke or steam will move from the radiator and out from under the hood. If it reaches this point, your engine has already sustained a lot of damage. Stop the car as soon as you can and call for help. Don’t pop the hood immediately as the steam can scald you. Wait for it to cool down before opening up the hood and checking underneath.

Dashboard Light

This is another reason to pay attention to your car’s dashboard. Lights turn on for a variety of reasons. While some you can ignore indefinitely, many of the lights mean multiple things. The only way to know for sure what’s happening with your vehicle is to bring it in and have one of our mechanics diagnose the problem. We can help you make the right decision for repairing parts on your car.

Is it time to replace your water pump?

Your water pump isn’t a part you’ll have to replace frequently on your vehicle. Unless there’s a sign you have a problem, you don’t have to replace it just for good measure. However, mechanics often recommend replacing the water pump at the same time as replacing the belt. If labor is being used to take this part off and replace it, it often makes sense to change out the water pump at the same time.

No matter what questions you have about your vehicle, we’re here to help.

When Repairing Your Car Is Better Than Buying New

March 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Though our world is changing with the advances in public transit and autonomous vehicles, it’s still difficult to survive in a place like Colorado without owning a car.

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has been in business since 1969, and benefits more than 3 million people throughout the Denver metro area. People use RTD for many reasons, from daily rides to work to using BroncosRide and BuffRide for weekend games.

But even if you take the bus or light rail regularly, chances are you still have a car to get around. You might even use your car to drive from home to a light rail station, saving you from having to find a parking spot in the increasingly difficult and expensive downtown area.

Still, the more you use other forms of transportation, the more you consider the future of today’s automobile. What will driving look like five years from now? Ten years?

Does it make sense to hold on to your old vehicle, repairing your car as problems surface, and wait for the industry to completely change? Or do you buy a new vehicle?

When your car alerts you something is wrong

Depending on how long you’ve owned your vehicle, you probably drive it every day, not really paying much attention to how well it drives. It’s there. It’s reliable. It gets the job done.

And you have a lot of other things on your mind. Like work. And the kids. And school. And this year’s vacation. And … You get the picture.

But suddenly, you start to notice a change. It might appear slowly over time. Something feels different. You start to hear a rattle or a squeal. Or your car pulls to the right or left.

Sometimes the alert is more “in your face.” If you’ve ever had a dashboard light turn on and stay on, you know what I’m talking about.

According to CarMD, in 2018, the check engine light came on most commonly for:

Ignition coils and spark plugs
Oxygen sensor
Catalytic converter
Gas cap
Replace ignition coil

Repairing your car when any of these problems surface may not break the bank, but they can take a healthy bite out of your monthly budget. The average cost across the country for any check engine light-related repair cost sits right at $381.

Still, you don’t know until you bring it in to a mechanic and have them assess your vehicle where the problem lies or how much it will be. And there can be stress involved in that decision. CarMD also states that the most expensive car repair associated with the check engine light in 2018 cost as much as $7,150. That’s not only a budget breaker, in many cases, it’s also a deal breaker.

Can you really afford that level of car repair?

And more importantly, does it make sense?

When is repairing your car no longer a valid option? When should you consider buying something new instead?

When repairing your car is the right choice

Repairing your car and keeping it for a few more years is a personal choice. It’s one you should weigh based on how you use your vehicle, how well you like it, and where you want your money to go over the next few years.

Today’s modern vehicles are built to last much longer than vehicles from several decades ago. It’s not unheard of for any make or model to go 200,000 miles or more with very few problems.

While it is true a major repair can set you back several thousand dollars, if it gives you another 100,000 miles, and years worth of service at a relatively low cost per mile, would that be worth it to you?

If your car has always been reliable and you still enjoy driving it, the answer might be: yes.

While you might be facing a fairly significant repair right now, how are other systems on your vehicle operating? Now may be the perfect time for an overall inspection as well. Mechanics are there to help you make the best decision based on your needs and interests. But they can’t do that if you don’t ask. “What would you do” is a great way to start the conversation, and receive insight from someone who works on cars every day.

Steps to take if you’re planning on keeping your car

Your first step in the process is to find a reputable mechanic you can trust. Luckily, we can help you with that one. We’re a family owned operation who has been here for years. You’ll always see the same friendly faces when you visit our shop.

Then get a repair estimate. We work hard to keep our costs low. Rest assured when you receive our estimate for parts and labor, we’ve put a lot of time into it, ensuring it’s a reasonable offer. Parts are expensive. You have the potential of spending thousands of dollars when repairing the major systems of your vehicle.

Next, run the numbers. Kelley Blue Book is a great way to research and find exactly how much your vehicle is worth on the open market. Use that as your guideline to determine if the repair is worth it. If the repair is more than your car is worth, it might be wise to explore other options.

According to Edmunds, it may be time to buy a new car if:

The repairs are growing in frequency and cost
Your car is leaving you stranded more frequently
The repair in question will cost more than half the value of the car
You’ve been eyeing new cars anyway

Whatever your decision, be nice to your car

Whether you make the decision to invest in a new vehicle, or decide repairing your car is the way to go, remember a good mechanic is your key to a long life.

Don’t skip on regular maintenance, or push the envelope of when you come in for tune ups and minor upgrades. This one thing can help you care for your car throughout its life in the best possible way, ensuring the lowest repair bills possible while increasing the chances for reliable transportation.

Your Shocks and Struts Might Be Wearing Out

March 3, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Have you started noticing a change in the way your car drives?

Maybe it’s taking longer to come to a complete stop. Maybe your car seems to sway more, side to side, even when it’s a still day. Maybe your car seems to bounce more, bottoming out occasionally when you head through a dip in the road.

What’s wrong with your car?

What are shocks and struts?

Depending on what vehicle you drive, you’ll find it uses shocks, struts, or a combination of the two. The purpose of shocks and struts is to stabilize your car. Every time you push down on the pedal to accelerate, hit the brake pedal to slow and stop, or turn the steering wheel to control your movements, it’s the shocks and struts that ensure your movement is stable, and doesn’t spin or roll your car. If the shocks and struts are working properly, you won’t feel the bumps in the road. Instead, it will be a smooth ride.

Your shocks and struts are designed to last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, those are general guidelines based on all the cars on the road today. The vehicle you drive comes with its own set of guidelines; consult your owner’s manual for more specific ranges. It also depends on your driving patterns. Someone who drives in city traffic every day, just a few miles of stop and go driving, will have different results than a performance vehicle that drives up and down the mountain all the time.

And while you might not pay much attention to them when your vehicle is operating correctly, you’ll definitely notice when the shocks and struts are starting to fail. They:

Provide you with a comfortable ride
Controls the body movement your vehicle makes
Provides your vehicle with stability throughout acceleration, turns, and stops
Keeps your tires well grounded to the road
Prevents uneven tread wear on your tires

Keep in mind that today’s vehicles are technology driven units where all parts work together. That’s to technology, a lot of the parts work together through automation, with each piece relying on the other to provide a smooth ride. When one part weakens or fails, it impacts every other part in the system.

What’s the difference between shocks and struts?

If you look in your owner’s manual, you’ll discover your vehicle has either shocks, struts, or both. What’s the difference?

A shock and a strut do essentially the same thing. They control movement of the spring, and stop the bouncing of your car. Yet even though they perform the same task, they aren’t the same part. You could never replace a shock with a strut or vice versa. Your car will be built either with a shock or a strut at each wheel, never both. This is how the suspension system is controlled, and it must remain intact for proper function.

The main difference is in function. A strut is built into the structure of the suspension system. A shock isn’t.

A strut is a pivotal point of the steering system, greatly impacting the alignment of the vehicle. Because of this, if your car uses struts, you’ll always need an alignment when replacing struts. This is also why struts are usually more expensive than shocks, because they are an integral part of your vehicle.

While people will often say “shocks and struts” as if they are interchangeable, clearly they aren’t. But to add to the confusion, some vehicles use both – struts in the front and shocks on the rear.

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

Like every part of your vehicle, your shocks and struts won’t go bad without warning signs. Here are three of the biggest things you’ll notice if your vehicle is in need of new shocks or struts.

A bouncy ride. If your car uses shocks, the shock absorbers and the coil spring are mounted separately to your vehicle. If your car uses struts, the coil spring and shock absorber are combined.

In either case, it’s the shock absorbers that take the abuse from the road, and provide you with a smooth ride. As these wear out, they will be looser, not able to absorb as much of the road as you drive it, giving you a more noticeable ride. That bounce isn’t your imagination; it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you something is wrong.

Leaking fluid. Inside your shocks or struts is a piston and hydraulic fluid. When everything is working as it should, this is a self-contained unit. The piston pushes against the hydraulic fluid, which absorbs the force. Over time, parts wear down, and small leaks can occur. While small amounts aren’t necessarily a problem, if you notice the hydraulic fluid either on the shock or strut itself, or on the road, it’s time to have one of our mechanics check out the system. It could be a sign your car isn’t working the way it should.

Tire tread. When was the last time you paid attention to the tread on your tires? As shocks and struts go bad, they can cause uneven tire wear. Every time you hit something in the road, it impacts the rubber of the tire. And if one portion is hitting the ground more than others, you’ll start to see it in the wear.

This is sometimes referred to as scalloping or cupping. Look for smooth spots in uneven placement. These parts have been scraped off as it connects more with the road.

I think it’s my shocks and struts, now what?

After reading this article, are you convinced it’s your shocks and struts? What’s next?

Your best course of action is to schedule a maintenance visit with one of our mechanics right away.

Our best advice is to select a high quality, brand name product. And ask questions about your final selection. This isn’t one size fits all. Some shocks are built a little stiffer for performance, while others are designed to give you a more comfortable ride. The only way a mechanic can make the best recommendation is if they understand how you drive.

It’s important to replace all parts as they wear. You can’t put off a repair, hoping it won’t change. Every mile you put on a worn out part only increases its chance of failure.

Are you in the market for new shocks and struts?

Axles

March 2, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Your axles are the last link in transferring power from the engine to your wheels. They’re strong parts that last a long time – but they can run into trouble.

Axles just wear out over time and need to be replaced. And sometimes axle seals leak, causing the axle to wear out prematurely. Lubricant leaks out, and water and dirt can get in and contaminate the gears. When this happens you might hear strange noises coming from your axle.

If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the sound would be up front. Of course, with an all-wheel drive, the sound could come from either front or back. It might be a groaning sound or clunking when you’re turning.

There are different kinds of axles, each with their own potential problems. Your service technician knows this and checks for things like leaking seals, torn CV boots, and worn axle joints. An inspection will reveal if there are any problems or if a part is nearing failure.

When there is a concern with the axle shaft, it will be removed and inspected. If it’s damaged, the shaft will have to be replaced. If the shaft is in good shape, it’ll be cleaned, lubed and reinstalled. Damaged CV boots are replaced as well.

It’s important to take care of this work as soon as you become aware of a problem. Waiting only makes the damage worse and more expensive to repair later. If the axle fails completely, it could lock up. This could severely damage other things like your transmission – which is very expensive. It could also contribute to an accident, which nobody wants.

Taking care of your axles when they need it saves money in the long run, and helps keep you safely on the road.

Are Car Batteries The Same? Choosing The Right One For Your Vehicle

February 25, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

We use batteries for things all over our homes. If you have a watch on, you’ve probably added a small round battery inside from time to time. Those smoke detectors outside of your bedrooms have 9-volts that should be replaced regularly to help keep you safe. And all of those remote controls you have near your entertainment center – you might invest in batteries by the truckload to keep them all fresh and operating day after day.

The cars sitting out in your garage or driveway work in a similar fashion. If you pop the hood, you’ll find a car battery tucked neatly inside. And while they might look the same from one vehicle to the next, they aren’t.

Do all cars use the same battery?

In the most practical sense, it stands to reason that a battery for a small sports car would be different than one for a large pickup truck with a V8 engine. One car is used for performance while the other is a workhorse – of course, they have different needs.

That alone would be reason enough to have a different battery in different makes and models, but there’s more. Batteries are designed to work differently depending on needs.

In most cases, a car battery is installed for starting, lighting, and ignition needs. That’s why you’ll often find car batteries called SLI batteries. These batteries are used mainly for these three functions. They provide energy for starting your car when you turn the key, as well as the energy necessary for the accessories you use to make your ride safer and more enjoyable. Things like the radio, lights, and other electrical components are all charged by your car’s battery.

The standard car battery offers a standard 12v voltage. They provide power in short bursts, with only a shallow cycle coverage.

Maybe you’ve invested in newer technology. If you have a hybrid or electric car, you may have a lithium-ion battery. Because these do more to power a vehicle, they offer more energy than a standard SLI battery. They are also much lighter. But because they offer more energy to a vehicle’s operation, they also won’t last as long as an SLI battery. Most SLI batteries will give you three to five years of life, whereas a lithium-ion battery is estimated closer to three.

No matter what battery your vehicle needs, it’s not as easy as driving down to your local big box store and picking up a pack of batteries. Even though you’ll often find them sitting on the shelves, it’s still important to understand what your car truly needs before buying and installing a battery.

What happens if you put the wrong size battery in your car?

While a lot of car batteries may look the same sitting on the shelf – all SLI batteries are 12v voltage after all – they are unique to your vehicle’s design. If you buy the wrong one, it won’t fit into the designated spot, the battery tray. And if it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t do your car much good.

Today’s modern vehicles are filled with all sorts of electronic gadgets and devices. That’s why even your mechanic relies on a computer to analyze the mechanics of your vehicle to determine where a problem really lies. All of those electronic parts take power. They depend on your battery to provide them with the right amount of power to work properly, to provide you with an enjoyable experience, and to keep you safe while driving.

Have you ever had a power surge in your home? Those sudden blasts of energy can wreak havoc on sensitive electronic devices like your television or game systems. It works the same inside your car. If you use a battery that wasn’t designed for your specific vehicle, you risk creating power surges underneath the hood. And that can do more damage than good.

How do you know what battery to buy for your car?

While you have to know what type of battery goes into your car, you also need to know the right size. You’ll find all car batteries are classified by battery group size. This is an industry standard that defines all batteries in terms of height, width, and length. It also defines where the positive and negative battery posts are, also known as polarity. Because there are only a certain amount of battery group sizes, it’s easier for manufacturers to design engine compartments within certain specifications.

Instead of having to climb underneath the hood to look for the battery and measure the size, all you have to do is determine what battery group size your vehicle uses. It will be printed on the label of the battery, or you can find it in your owner’s manual. You can also find a battery group size chart in many different locations, including online.

You’ll also find manufacturers tend to favor specific battery sizes for ease. That way all of their designs can be similar, they can purchase larger allotments of parts, and repair is easier because it’s similar depending on model and year. General Motors, for example, tends to install size 75 in its vehicles.

Brand and warranty can matter too

Like every part on your vehicle, there’s always the good/better/best way of buying replacement parts. Can you find someone willing to give you an incredible deal on a battery for your car? Of course. But you’ll pay for it in the end. It might not work well with your vehicle’s requirements, giving a much shorter lifespan than if you’d upgraded.

Going with a recognized brand name will give you better customer service if you have trouble down the road.

You can also select different grades. If you’re planning on keeping your car for a while, it might be wiser to invest in a higher grade battery. This is designed to provide you with a longer life. They will also come with different warranties. In case something goes wrong, it’s always nice to know you’re covered.

If you aren’t comfortable selecting the right battery for your vehicle, or changing it out and disposing of the old one, one of our mechanics would be happy to do it for you. That way you’ll ensure you have a high quality replacement car battery, one that will have you back on the road in no time.