Car Maintenance

How Do You Know If Your Car Battery Is Dead?

February 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s never a good time for a problem with your car, is there? Yet it always seems to happen at the worst time. Maybe you’re running late for a meeting, or picking up the kids. Or perhaps it happens on the coldest day of the year.

Then you’re left stranded, wondering what to do. And trying to think if there was a clue somewhere, telling you something is wrong.

That can happen easily if something is wrong with your vehicle’s battery. How do you know if your car battery is dead?

The car battery

Like tires, car batteries are one of the most recognizable parts on your vehicle. That’s because you can find them almost anywhere, even on the shelves of your favorite membership stores.

A car’s battery is designed to provide electrical current to the motor. It feeds the starter, which in turn starts the engine. Once the car is running, power is continuously recharged through the alternator.

Today’s car batteries haven’t changed all that much since they were first introduced decades ago. Unless you have an electric car, hybrid, or another special performance vehicle, you have a “wet cell” battery installed underneath the hood. This is a plastic cube filled with sulfuric acid and lead. It has two terminals on the top or side, depending on the way it was installed.

Most car batteries on the market today are designed to last about five years. Of course, that number is entirely dependent on the way you drive. A driver that spends a lot of time driving in cold arctic air is going to have different results than someone who spends most of their time driving in the desert. It also depends on use. A city driver who turns their cars on and off all day long will have different results than someone who rarely takes their car out of the garage.

In your car, the battery ranks up there with one of the most common parts that fail. Luckily, it’s also one of the least expensive parts you have to replace.

Signs your car battery is dying

Think of your battery as the heart of the car. If you want to have a reliable car, there for you when you need it, the battery has to be working well.

And like other parts on your vehicle, the battery rarely dies without a few warning signs. Paying attention can help you avoid being stranded with a dead battery. Here’s what to look for.

The car battery signal on your dashboard

This is the easiest, and most apparent. When lights come on your dashboard, pay attention to them. They are designed to give you ample time to bring your car in for service.

The engine cranks, but won’t start

Have you ever turned the key, you can hear your car engine trying to start, but as it turns over, it just won’t catch? That’s a sign your battery is dying. Occasionally, it can be one of several other problems with the starting system, such as your starter. But in almost all cases, it’s about the quality of your battery.

Because your car still has power, it’s just not catching, this is a time you can use jumper cables to start your engine. Once your car is running, let it operate for at least 30 minutes to allow your alternator to charge the battery fully again. Then turn off your vehicle and let it sit for a few minutes. Start it. Start it again. If it turns over, you’re okay to continue driving it.

In a lot of cases, this charge is enough to keep your battery running for a while. But don’t be fooled into thinking your battery is back to normal. Instead, consider this to be time for getting into the service station and replacing your battery.

Your car battery works one day, not the next

If your battery isn’t that old, and your car seems fine one day, won’t work the next, it might be the connections. If the car battery terminals are loose, broken, or corroded, it can cause a problem with the power being supplied to the rest of your vehicle.

Check the battery cables first. This is usually the cause of the problem. Check to ensure they are connected and haven’t wiggled loose. You can also look at the cables and ensure they are in good condition, aren’t frayed, or show evidence of leaks. If you see any problems, it’s time to bring your car in and let one of our mechanics take a look at it.

The car won’t start, no crank, no lights

If your car is completely dead, it’s easy to diagnose: your car battery is at fault. Your battery’s job is to power all of the accessories in your vehicle. If your car won’t turn over, and lights won’t illuminate, it’s a sign your battery is no longer supplying power.

Be aware that if your battery doesn’t even have the power to supply energy to the lights, you might have a bigger problem than just your batter. It might also be a problem with the alternator. The best way to tell what’s wrong is to bring your vehicle into our service station and let us diagnose what’s wrong.

The size of the battery is wrong

Because car batteries are available just about everywhere, they are an easy DIY project, especially for people attempting to save a little money. Do you have a new-to-you car you’ve recently purchased, and are starting to have problems with the car starting? It could be the wrong battery was installed.

You’ve jumped your battery more than once

If your battery dies and you jump it to bring it back to life, it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you a problem might exist. Of course, you might have a lot of life left. But it would help if you watched closely for other symptoms.

If you have to jump your car more than once, and the episodes get closer together, you can no longer ignore the warning signs. Your battery is failing, and if you keep ignoring it, it could fail at an inopportune time. Like on a cold, dark night, when nobody is around.

Is it time to replace your battery?

Manufacturers will tell you a car battery has an expected life of five years. Depending on your driving conditions, two to three years may be the maximum life.

As you near the end of life, watch for little signs that tell you your battery is failing. Bring it in and let us inspect it. We can help ensure your car is working correctly, keeping you safe and on the road without a problem.

Answers About Transmission Service

February 17, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Question: My friend just had a very expensive transmission repair, how can drivers like myself avoid transmission trouble?

Express Car Care Answer: Next to your engine, your transmission is the most important component in your vehicle – so you and your fellow drivers want to do all you can to avoid transmission repairs.

Drivers may have noticed a recent trend of engines becoming more and more powerful. At the same time, fuel economy has been improving in nearly every motor vehicle. More power and better economy have always been a high priority. Some of the improvement in fuel economy has been due to engine design, but more of the increases can be credited to advances in transmission technology.

Every engine has a sweet spot in which it most efficiently makes power. This is often referred to by technicians as the power band – the optimal engine speed ( measured in revolutions per minute, or RPM). The computers that control what gear your automatic transmission is in also try to keep it in the right gear in order to maintain optimal engine speed – whatever your driving conditions. Modern automatic transmissions have anywhere between four and ten speeds. The more “speeds” your transmission has, the more time your engine can operate at peak efficiency. Needless to say, transmissions have become more sophisticated.

Transmissions are cooled and lubricated by transmission fluid. This pressurized fluid is directed through small passages to effect gear changes. When transmission fluid gets old and contaminated, the small passages can become plugged, which adversely affects shifting. The dirty fluid circulating in the transmission can eat away at gaskets and seals, causing internal leaks that also hurt shifting. This is why it is recommended that transmissions be serviced from time to time. The interval varies by vehicle, so check your owner’s manual or speak with your friendly and knowledgeable Express Car Care service adviser about your transmission service recommendations.

Old, contaminated fluid is removed and new fluid is installed. Keeping up with the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule helps prevent internal damage that may result in a transmission rebuild. Let us help you extend the life of your vehicle and prevent repairs with recommended preventative maintenance service.

Dashboard Lights and What They Mean

February 4, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Driving and maintaining your car is more complicated than ever before.

Your vehicle isn’t just a bunch of mechanical parts all working together. Over the past twenty-five years, cars have become more technologically advanced, with the parts integrating and working together.

Where mechanics used to use a wrench and a little elbow grease to figure out what was wrong, today they use highly sophisticated computers to plug into your car and determine where the problem lies. A recent Popular Mechanics article shows the most important milestones that have brought us to where we are today; they include the electronically controlled torque vectoring differential, the dual clutch transmission, and the on-board diagnostics system, among other things.

Drive a new vehicle today, and you’ll no longer have to guess when a part of the system is wearing out or in need of repair. Instead, Dashboard lights will provide vehicle warning indicators telling you when there is a weakness in the system.

Dashboard lights are nothing new. But with the advancement of technology, we have more indicator lights than ever before. What does that tiny little icon flashing on your dashboard mean? Is it something that needs immediate action, or can you put it off for your earliest convenience?

It is important to note that most dashboard icons will flash on as you start up the engine, then turn back off. Think of this as a test mode to ensure everything is working the way it should. Be concerned if the fault lights don’t turn off after a few seconds of turning on your vehicle.

Here’s a list of dashboard lights and their meanings.

Airbag Fault Light – The Airbag Fault Light will illuminate if it detects a problem within the airbag system. You can continue to drive the car with this dashboard light on, however, keep in mind that the airbags may not deploy if you get in an accident. The only way to be sure what the problem is will be to schedule a maintenance visit, fix defective parts, and reset the light.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Light – This indicates there is a defect somewhere within your braking system. It could be a problem with a wheel speed sensor, or an indicator that you have a low fuel level in one of the reservoirs. The only way to properly determine where the problem lies is with professional diagnosis.

Battery Alert – This light warns you when your battery is charging below normal levels. The charging function of your vehicle isn’t working properly; check the battery terminals, the alternator belt, or change out the battery altogether.

Brake Pad Warning Light – Not all vehicles have this dashboard warning light, but if yours does, it can alert you to failing brake pads and give you a chance to make an appointment with your local mechanic before they grind down further.

Brake Fluid Warning Light – If the brake system dashboard light is flashing, it’s an indicator that your brake fluid levels are low. Brake fluid isn’t something you should try and replace yourself. Instead, make an appointment to top off brake fluid, and give your entire brake system a check to ensure it’s running correctly.

Check Engine Light – The check engine light is one of the most common dashboard lights on a car’s diagnostic system. This light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, and stay lit to remind you of simple maintenance issues, or alert you to potential danger. Your mechanic can use a diagnostic tool to determine why it’s lit. A check engine light is usually lit for one of these reasons:

The oxygen sensor needs to be replaced
The gas cap is loose, damaged, or missing
Spark plugs or plug wires need to be replaced
You have a bad catalytic converter
The Mass Airflow Sensor (MAS) needs to be replaced

Coolant Temperature Warning – This indicator warns when temperatures exceed normal limits. When this appears, check coolant levels, ensure coolant isn’t leaking, make sure the radiator cap is tightly sealed, and that your fan is operating as it should.

Cruise Control – A steady cruise control light indicates you have activated the cruise control. If, however, this light flashes without using the system, it might be an indicator that something is wrong with the cruise control features of your car.

Door Ajar – This indicates either a door or your trunk lid is ajar. If left this way overnight, it has the possibility of draining your battery. Check for safety and to ensure you conserve power while you’re away.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning Light – If the ESP lights up, it indicates there is a problem with the chassis system. It could be an issue with your car’s traction control, anti-skid, or electronic stability program. It might be something as simple as a wiring issue, or more serious and an indicator you could face problems on the road.

Exterior Lamp Out – When this symbol illuminates, it’s warning you that one of your exterior lights has burnt out. Replacing a bulb should take care of this problem. Your owner’s manual will provide you with the right size of bulb to buy, and how to access the exterior lights.

Fog Lamp – When lit, it merely reminds you your fog lamps are on.

Oil Pressure – This is an indicator your vehicle has a sudden loss in oil pressure. Check oil levels and pressure immediately.

Overdrive Light – This dashboard indicator warns you that the overdrive system has been manually turned off. For most vehicles, the overdrive system has an on/off switch. If it’s bumped, a steady warning light alerts you to the problem. If the overdrive blinks while you’re driving, it could be a sign of a more serious problem with your transmission; check in with a mechanic as soon as possible.

Service Vehicle Soon – This indicator light warns you to schedule an appointment soon to check out the inner workings of your vehicle. Pay particular attention if it illuminates with another light, such as the ABS light. It’s a diagnostic tool that warns you of a particular problem with your car.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – If you see this dashboard light, it’s warning you that one or more of your tires has low tire pressure. Pull in to a fueling station and check each tire and fill it to its manufacturers’ guideline levels. You can find this in your owner’s manual, or search out your car online for the proper levels. Low tire pressure can cause dangerous driving conditions, so it’s important to fill your tires appropriately as soon as possible. If the light doesn’t turn off after you have each tire adequately filled, it may be a sensor malfunction.

Washer Fluid Level – Here in Colorado, this might be the dashboard light you are most familiar with. With dirt and grime from winter driving, it might feel like you fill up your washer fluid regularly. This little indicator light will warn you when levels are getting too low.

Why a Car Needs a Suspension System

January 30, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Car performance. When you hear the experts talk about increasing a car’s performance, in most cases, it has to do with horsepower, or how fast a vehicle can move from zero to sixty. We’ve been chasing speed for as long as cars have been in the marketplace. That’s why muscle cars are still celebrated around the globe.

But for the average driver – you and me – performance means something else entirely.

Power is great, but when all you’re doing is driving to the grocery store, or picking the kids up from school, you probably don’t think much about speed. Instead, you want a car that connects well with the road. One that provides a smooth ride no matter what the road conditions are like on the outside.

That’s the suspension system’s job. A vehicle’s suspension system maximizes the friction between the tires and the road, and provides easy steering and good handling to ensure the safety and comfort of the occupants. If all roads were perfectly smooth and flat, a suspension system wouldn’t be necessary. But even just a few short miles from home, your car can travel over many different paths. Gravel roads. Potholes. Construction sites. Curves and turns. Hills. Bumps and dips.

Car designers and engineers take all that into account as they create a suspension system. They ensure every vehicle has a proper ride so you don’t notice the bumps and rough spots, and proper handling, so you’re safe with every turn and curve you take.

What is a suspension system?

Like all systems within a vehicle, your suspension system is made up of several other parts and systems, including:

The frame – the car’s structure that supports all important components of the vehicle

The steering system – the parts that give a driver control to guide the car along

The tires and wheels – these make contact with the road and create friction to allow a safe journey

The suspension system – the parts that give your vehicle a comfortable ride and keep the passengers safe on the inside

Let’s dive a little deeper into the parts that make up the suspension system.

Springs are attached to the wheels and are designed to compress and expand with the motion of the wheels. They come in several different varieties, depending on the vehicle’s purpose.

You may also hear springs referred to as sprung or unsprung mass. This refers to the stiffness of the spring. A sprung mass will have looser springs designed to take the punishment of the ride. It swallows the movement keeping the occupants inside free from feeling the bumps of the road. Unsprung is found in higher performance and sports cars. These tightly sprung cars are less forgiving over the bumps in the road to give the driver the ability to drive more aggressively, cornering with ease.

A car also uses shock absorbers to control unwanted spring motion. Springs will continue to coil and release energy unless it has the ability to control it. That’s the shock absorbers job. It slows down and reduces kinetic energy with the use of hydraulic fluid. As a wheel encounters a bump, it causes the spring to coil and uncoil. This energy is transferred to the shock absorber where the pressure is dissipated, slowing down the spring.

Are there different types of suspension systems?

As you drive, you’ve probably noticed your front wheels and back wheels work together. That’s by design. It’s also the reason vehicles come with different types of suspension systems: front and rear. The four wheels work together to get you where you’re going. But the two wheels in front are connected by the front axle, while the two in back operate with the read axle.

The MacPherson strut is one of the most widely used suspension systems available. It combines a coil spring and shock absorber into one, giving the suspension system a lighter, more compact design.

Both front and back suspensions come in dependent and independent design. The spring and shock absorber are mounted as a single unit to the axle, or independently to all four wheels.

Why is a suspension system important?

Your car’s suspension system is responsible for the smooth ride, and for keeping you safe as you drive. It provides you with good handling and steering ability. Without it, you wouldn’t have a comfortable ride.

But a good suspension system does more than that. It also protects your vehicle from premature wear and tear. If your suspension system isn’t working the way it should, it quickly starts impacting other parts and systems throughout your car. Replacing your shocks and struts as needed will help:

Control spring and suspension movement
Keep the tires connected to the road
Maintain wheel alignment
Reduce wear on individual tires
Keep tires balanced
Prevent bounce and sway

How do I know if my suspension system needs repair?

Like other systems within your vehicle, your suspension system is designed to provide warning signs that it is in need of repair. The more you ignore the warning signs, the strong the signals will become.

Your vehicle’s suspension system is in need of repair if:

The car rides roughly

It’s easy to tell when shocks and struts are wearing out because your smooth ride will disappear and you’ll be left to feel every bump in the road. Have you ever referred to your car’s ride as “it feels like I’m riding in a truck”? Yep, that’s a sign your shocks and struts are wearing down. You’ll feel every bump in the road, and your car will bounce along taking in the impact.

The car drifts or pulls

As you turn your vehicle, you’ll feel it drift or pull, having to keep a tighter hand on the wheel to control the direction. This is because the shocks are no longer to keep the body stable as the car moves into the action of the turn. The higher the speed you take turns and curves, the more risk you have of having the car roll over.

The car dips or dives

As the shocks wear out, you’ll notice the front of your vehicle dives forward as you press down on the brakes. This can affect your breakability, increasing the amount of time it takes to stop.

The tires have uneven tread

It’s a good idea to watch your tires for any sign of wear. If you notice uneven wear, it’s a sign the suspension system isn’t doing its job of holding your car evenly down to the road.

The shocks are oily

Have you noticed liquid on the road underneath your tires? If it occurs directly where your shocks are, it could be a sign of damaged struts. If they are leaking fluid, they aren’t working the way they should.

The car can’t pass the bounce test

Try this if you think your car may need a new suspension system. With the car in park, press down on the front hood and release. Does the car bounce more than 2-3 times before settling back into position? Try it again in the back. If it rocks more than the 2-3 times, it’s a sign your suspension system is in need of repair.

For expert repair service, give us a call. We’re here to help you with your suspension system, and all of your auto needs.

How To Improve Fuel Economy

January 26, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Imagine living without a car. It’s something few of us can imagine. Families don’t just have one or even two in the driveway; instead, they’ve become mandatory for every driver in the household.

Here in Denver, it’s almost impossible to exist without a car. Some choose downtown living to be close to everything. But mass transit will only get you so far. We’re not set up like other cities. Your car is your key to freedom. It gets you into the hills for a day of skiing, around town for a day of errands, and out late at night when you’re ready to hang with friends.

But all that running around means burning more fuel. And even though fuel has somewhat steadied in price over the years, it still can take a lot to fill your tank up every week. It’s quite the line item in your monthly budget. Is there a way to improve fuel economy to save money? If the manufacturer gives you a fuel efficiency range, is there a way to always be in the upper range?

Turns out, there is. You don’t have to invest in an electric car, or make radical changes to your existing car to see the benefits.

What causes poor gas mileage?

Bad gas mileage is caused by a number of things. Ultimately, they can be lumped into two categories: problems with your car, or problems with your driving habits.

Poor gas mileage means that your car isn’t operating as efficiently as it possibly can. It also means you’re losing money every time you pull into the pumps because you’re having to do so more frequently than necessary.

Let’s start with your car. The best reason to keep it in good working condition is for performance. If it’s running correctly, it will perform at its best. And that means you’ll see the best fuel economy possible for your make and model.

Poor fuel economy can come from:

Bad oxygen sensors or air filters. The oxygen sensor helps keep the proper mixture of air and fuel in your car. If this is out of balance, your car will be inefficient. The air filter grows dirtier the longer it’s in place. They need to be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis to ensure your car is working as it should.

Incorrect tire pressure. Proper tire pressure means your car is handling as designed. Tire pressure is easy to check, and should be checked and filled regularly. You’ll find manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels either on the driver’s side doorplate, or in your owner’s manual. Over inflating is equally as bad as underinflated tires; keep them in the range suggested by the manufacturer.

Spark plug problems. Spark plugs are designed to spark combustion and start your engine. If they misfire, or are working poorly, they reduce the efficiency of the fuel supply.

Bad fuel injectors. The fuel injectors are responsible for moving fuel into the engine. If the system has a leak, the proper amount of fuel isn’t making it where it’s supposed to be.

The wrong motor oil. Different cars use different types of motor oil. You can’t expect to put in the cheapest form and expect it to run at high performance levels. Think of it as the difference between living on cheap processed food versus a whole grain, fruit and vegetable diet. Both will keep you alive, but one will make you more efficient at everything you do. Check your owner’s manual for guidance on the right motor oil, or ask one of our mechanics which is the right for your vehicle.

How can I improve my fuel economy?

Once your car is in the best shape possible, it’s up to you to turn your driving habits around in order to avoid poor fuel economy.

Avoid the “pedal to the metal.” When was the last time you left late for work, or for a meeting? Did you push how fast you drove by a few miles? Did you ride closer to the person in front of you, zipping in and out of traffic trying to make up the time? While you might save a minute or two, you’re also cutting back on your engine’s efficiency. To push your car harder, faster, it takes more fuel to get there.

The same holds true when you slam on the brakes. Sudden acceleration away from stoplights or stop signs, combined with pounding on the brakes as you get too close to the person in front of you kills fuel economy. It also wears down other parts of your vehicle like the braking system. Not only will you spend more money at the pump, but you’ll also spend more time and money in the repair shop too.

Pay attention to fuel grade. Do you know what grade of fuel your vehicle’s make and model are supposed to have? It’s easy to think that if you put a higher performance fuel into your car, it will run better. But that isn’t always the case. When your car was designed, it had certain specifications in mind. They built it, tested it, and tested it some more. Then they created recommendations to ensure it runs at optimal performance levels so long as you abide by their guidelines. Likewise, if you have a high performance car, putting higher octane fuel isn’t just important, it’s also a requirement to ensure it works its best. Check with the guidelines and pay attention at the pump.

Watch weight. Today’s vehicles are bigger than ever before. We love our SUVs and crossovers to be able to bring everything we need with us. But does your vehicle look like you’re going on vacation when all you’re doing is driving to work? The more stuff you carry in your car, the more it weighs. And a heavier vehicle has to work harder to get from point A to point B.

Stop idling. Did you know it takes up to a gallon of fuel to leave your car idling for an hour? That means the time you spend sitting in carpool lane, waiting for your spouse to run into the grocery store, or even turning your car on in the morning to let it warm up has an impact on your fuel economy. Turning your car off in each of these situations will actually help you be more efficient overall.

What steps have you taken to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy?

Steering

January 24, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Steering is one of the things we take for granted in our vehicles. Let’s break it down into two areas: First, the power assist and second the actual parts that steer the vehicle.

Most people under 40 have never driven a car or truck without power steering. Most vehicles today have a hydraulic power steering pump that provides boost to help you steer. The pump is usually driven by the serpentine belt, but some newer vehicles have an electric pump. Some vehicles even have an electric motor that directly powers the steering. Nothing like in the “old” days.

The important thing to keep in mind is that these pumps and motors will eventually wear out and the hoses will start to leak. You can postpone that day by having a power steering service from time to time. We will drain the old fluid and replace it with fresh fluid. This removes water and contaminants that can corrode power steering parts. Ask your service adviser for the recommended change interval for your vehicle.

What about the mechanical steering parts? Is there anything you can do to maintain them? Yes. If any of the steering parts can be lubed, your technician will take care of that with a lube, oil and filter service. Other than that, just watch for signs that parts are wearing out. Things such as loose steering and uneven tire wear.

Worn parts can be replaced to get you back on the road. Now, sometimes parts can be bent or damaged from hitting potholes, curbs, or rocks. It’s important to take care of these problems early on, as soon as possible. If you neglect them, the damaged parts stress other attached components which sets off a chain reaction of damage.

Steering maintenance is pretty straight forward: Replace power steering fluid as recommended and fix worn or damaged parts right away. These steps will save you money in the long run.

Hey – we wouldn’t steer you wrong!

Understanding the Automatic Transmission

January 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

In order to drive a car, you need a transmission. And while cars come either with a manual or an automatic transmission, in today’s world (at least here in America), you’re far more likely to buy an automatic transmission than a manual.

What’s the difference? In simplest terms, with a manual, you control the movement of the gears. You shift from first to second to third and so on based on your needs and desires.

An automatic transmission handles everything for you.

In reality, it’s a little more complicated than that.

Why a vehicle needs a transmission

In order to understand why a vehicle needs a transmission, it’s important to discuss how a car engine works first. The engine is designed to create power. To move the car, the power generated by the engine must be transferred to the wheels. That’s what a drivetrain does, of which the transmission is a part of.

An engine only spins at a certain level of speed. If it spins too low, you won’t be able to get the car moving. Too quickly and the engine could self-destruct.

That’s why you need something to further the control of the power produced within the engine. That’s the transmission’s job.

The transmission makes sure your engine spins at the optimal rate while sending power to your wheels at the right amount to move your car. It sits between the engine and powertrain, and operates as a control box for moving your car.

With a manual transmission, you accomplish this by moving the gears yourself into place. You connect different sized gears with one another depending on how fast you want to go, and how fast the engine needs to perform. You control the engagement of the gears by pressing in the clutch and shifting the gears into place.

With an automatic transmission, this process is done for you. Through engineering, the gears are engaged at the appropriate time to make your car go no matter what speed you desire.

The parts of an automatic transmission

In order to fully understand the automatic transmission, you’ll have to start with the casing. It resembles a bell, which is why you’ll sometimes hear it referred to as a bell casing. It’s typically made of aluminum, and is designed to protect all of the moving parts of the transmission.

Torque converter

When you start your car, it doesn’t suddenly take off in a forward or backward lurch. That’s because of the torque converter. The power from the engine to the transmission remains disconnected until you tell it to engage. With a manual, you engage the clutch and put it into gear. With an automatic, you use a torque converter. With hydraulic fluid, it varies the vehicle’s ability to go and stop by producing the exact amount of power necessary to accomplish the goal. It spins independently from the transmission and engages as needed. If you ever feel erratic behavior while driving at different speeds, it’s a torque converter malfunction.

Planetary gears

As your vehicle picks up speed, it needs additional gears to move to in order to accomplish its goal. With a manual transmission, the gear shift changes the gear ratios. With an automatic transmission, it uses a planetary gear designed to do the process for you. In includes:

A sun gear – it sits in the center of the gear set
Planet gears – three or four smaller gears that surround the sun gear. They are mounted to their own shaft and are designed to orbit the sun gear
Ring gear – this is the outer gear and contains teeth to mesh with each of the planetary gears

A planetary gear set can contain a reverse drive and up to five levels of forward drive.

Pump

A pump is located between the torque converter and planetary gear set. It’s what draws transmission fluid in and creates pressure for the torque converter and transmission. Automatic transmissions rely heavily on this fluid for the process to work. Think of it as the heart of the transmission system.

Bands and clutches

Bands and clutches are used to help the gears rotate, engage, or disengage. They are made from metal lined with organic friction material, used to hold the rings and gears stationary or tight, depending on what is called for.

Sensors

With today’s modern technology, more of this process is computerized than ever before. Sensors control the different functions in the transmission to help control the speed of the engine and wheels in order to decide what gear to use.

Valve body

The valve body is the control center of the transmission system. It’s the part that regulates incoming transmission fluid and uses it to run the valves and pistons. It determines what gear ratio by sending fluid in the proper quantities to the appropriate places within the transmission.

Transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is crucial to the overall process. It has both lubricating and cooling properties so that your transmission stays in good working condition and won’t overheat. It’s made from a variety of synthetic liquids and oils, and includes things like detergents, rust preventatives, and lubricants necessary to keep your automatic transmission working the way it should.

How the automatic transmission works

That’s a lot of working parts to ensure your automatic transmission works the way it should. It takes a special combination of mechanical, electrical engineering to give you a car safe enough to drive in all kinds of conditions.

In an easy-to-understand way, the automatic transmission works like this.

The engine starts and sends power to the torque converter, and into the pump.

The pump engages and begins sending transmission fluid into the system. A vortex of power is created inside the torque converter.

This engages the central shaft within the transmission, starts the spinning of the shaft and turbine, sending power to the first gear in the planetary gear set.

Depending on which part of the gear system is engaged, it will allow the gear to move or remain stationary. It sets the gear ratio and powers the transmission into action.

That, in a nutshell, is how the automatic transmission system works. Knowing how it works gives you a better understanding of how your vehicle works. And that makes you better at watching for things to go wrong, as well as a better understanding of the work that needs to be done when you bring your car in for service.

Our goal isn’t just to repair your car. We want to ensure you understand the mechanics of how your vehicle works too. It will make you a better driver, and a better owner.

How can we help you maintain your car?

Driving With The Check Engine Light On – What You Need To Know

January 17, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

We’ve all experienced it from time to time. You’re driving along, and the check engine turns on. What should you do? Do you keep driving? Or should you pull over immediately?

It depends on what your car is doing.

Step one – Diagnose the situation

You know your car best. What has your car been doing up until this point?

Have you heard funny noises? Has your car been operating differently the past few days? Have you smelled strange odors? Have you been having other issues with your driving experience? Your car rarely has an immediate effect without leaving a telltale sign.

If the check engine light turns on and is steady, not flashing, you can keep driving as long as your vehicle isn’t performing out of the ordinary. A steady light is your car’s way of telling you your car is in need of service. (We’ll get into that more in a minute.)

If the check engine light flashes, it’s a more pressing matter. The check engine light is usually yellow or sometimes a red engine-shaped icon located somewhere on your dashboard. All lights might blink on when you first start the car. This is a more serious situation when it blinks and continues to flash after your vehicle is on.

Step two – Heed the warning signs

The check engine light is usually a small icon in the middle of your dashboard, yellow or red in color. All lights may turn on for a few seconds as you start the car. This is your vehicle’s way of testing the system and sending energy to all parts of the car. This is normal.

What isn’t normal is if your check engine continually illuminates as you drive your car. Does the warning light blink for over 6 seconds? Does it continue to blink as you move down the road? This may be an emergency situation. Your car is telling you there is a serious problem with the engine.

Slow down. Pull over as soon as possible. Stop the car and turn off the engine. Otherwise, you risk damaging various parts of your car. Driving with the engine light on at this point will continue to wreak havoc with your car.

Today’s vehicles have all sorts of computerized sensors. It’s designed to take the guesswork out of car maintenance. Instead of having to watch and listen for the signs, your car has a built in system designed to provide you with a warning system to alert you to potential dangers. At the first sign of trouble, it alerts you with a warning light.

The first stage is a steady light. This indicates there is a minor problem somewhere in the system. This gives you a chance to get to where you’re going, schedule a maintenance visit, and fix the problem before it grows.

The second stage is a flashing light. This is an indication there is a severe fault somewhere in the system. It’s your vehicle’s way of telling you something is wrong. Pull over, stop the car, and get service immediately.

While this little blinking light is your car’s way of talking to you, there’s actually more going on behind the scenes. When you bring your vehicle in for service, the engine control unit also stores a fault code related to the malfunction. This can be read and interpreted by your mechanic using a diagnostic tool. After reading the fault codes and diagnosing the full complexity of the situation, a mechanic will then recommend the necessary repairs.

Keep in mind, that the check engine can come on for anything that might be wrong with the system. It might be a small problem or a very large repair. Until its diagnosed, you simply don’t know.

What are the most common causes for the check engine light to come on?

A faulty oxygen sensor – this sensor is designed to monitor the unburned oxygen within the car’s fuel system. It then communicates with the car’s computer to adjust the mixture of air and fuel to ensure your car is getting what it needs to run properly. If the sensor is faulty, your car will burn more fuel, and won’t run as efficiently, releasing more emissions into the air.

A faulty gas cap – when the gas cap is firmly in place on your car, it creates a vapor lock to keep the gas inside the system. If it’s loose, cracked, or faulty, it can cause a leak. Some leaks are more serious than others; a vapor leak might be easily fixed by creating a tighter seal, whereas a crack could be releasing gas into the upper portion of the fuel system, damaging equipment.

A faulty catalytic converter – the catalytic converter controls emissions in your vehicle’s exhaust system. It converts carbon monoxide and other potentially harmful gases into byproducts that aren’t as harmful. If a catalytic converter is faulty, your car can’t perform at optimal levels, and the performance of your vehicle will be impacted.

A faulty mass airflow sensor – the mass airflow sensor, also known as the MAF sensor, helps your car determine how much fuel to be added to the system based on how much air supply is getting to the motor. The most common reason for this sensor failure is due to a dirty air filter, or one that hasn’t been installed correctly. A failure will mean a decrease in fuel economy and poorer performance for your car.

A faulty spark plug – when was the last time you replaced your spark plugs? It’s important to do so according to your car’s manufacturers’ guidelines. The spark plugs and wires work together to ignite the air/fuel mixture and transfer the spark to the ignition coils and plugs. If the spark doesn’t work properly, it reduces fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Can you safely drive with the check engine light on?

Don’t let this little light make you panic. It isn’t always telling you a dire emergency is in place.

If you pay attention to your car, you will understand more about what it’s trying to tell you. You’ll know what to do in every situation.

A check engine light that is flashing is telling you to stop the car as soon as you reach safety. Call in a tow and bring it into one of our mechanics to diagnose the problem.
A check engine light that is solid is a gentle reminder to bring your car in at your earliest convenience. It’s your car’s way of saying it needs a little maintenance.

Schedule your appointment today.

Does Suspension Impact Brake Wear?

January 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

It’s estimated that the average car on the road today has over 30,000 parts. And while it’s not important to know every part, you should learn the basic systems and how they operate. This helps you stay on top of the condition of your car, and can alert you to when things go wrong.

Let’s start by discussing the braking system and your suspension, and how the two work together.

How car brakes work

A car’s braking system is fairly simple to understand. When you press down on the brake pedal, the car slows down or stops. If you’ve ever ridden a bicycle, you know how the process works.

The brake pedal is connected to a part called the master cylinder with a metal rod. The master cylinder chamber is filled with brake fluid, which is what makes the brake system work. Brake lines are connected from the master cylinder to the brake calipers, which give passageway for the brake fluid to flow.

When you press down on the brake pedal, the metal rod moves up and down, compressing the brake fluid in the master cylinder. As pressure builds, it moves through the brake lines and creates the force the brake system needs to operate. More force on the brake pedal pushes more pressure in the brake line, and ultimately more force for stopping the car.

When you take your foot off the brake pedal, it releases the pressure via spring action. It moves back to resting position, releasing the brakes at each wheel and allowing the car to move freely.

How steering and suspension work

The steering and suspension work together to keep your car under control.

The steering system gives you directional control over your vehicle. The suspension system supports the weight of your vehicle and gives it a smooth ride, while providing stability for the current road conditions. Together, they keep your car under control and give you both drivability and handling.

If you’ve ever had a problem with your steering, you’ve probably heard the term “rack and pinion.” This is one of the most common steering systems used for many cars on the road today. As you turn your steering wheel, it’s rotating on a pinion. This movement rotates a rack, which controls the direction of your wheels from one angle to another. Think of the rack and pinion as a gear shift that work together. As you rotate the steering wheel, the pinion catches in the circular gear connected to the rack, giving you a turning radius.

While rack and pinion is one of the most popular, it isn’t the only format. Other popular types of steering design include parallelogram steering, which includes power steering pumps, Pitman arms, idler arms, and a center link. They have joints and levers work together to form the modern day steering and suspension system.

Ultimately, no matter what type of steering and suspension system you have, the goal is to provide you with a smooth ride.

How brakes and steering and suspension work together

It should be fairly easy to see how the two systems work together. The steering and suspension provide stability to keep you safe on the road, while the braking system gives you the control you need to adjust to traffic conditions.

If your suspension is off, your car won’t handle well when braking. It may nosedive. It can cause you to swerve. All of which can cause you to pound on the brakes, wearing them out before their time.

Does your car have problems with the suspension? Have you noticed any of these signs?

Your car rides roughly

Every system in your vehicle is designed to tell you in advance that it’s reaching end of life. When the shocks and struts of your suspension system are wearing out, you’ll start to feel every bump on the road. Have you noticed a bounce when you ride? That’s an indication your suspension system is having problems.

Your car drifts or pulls as you turn

When a car’s suspension system fails, it starts to drift or pull as you make a turn. This means the shocks are no longer doing their job to keep your car stable as it moves through turns. This can increase your risk of rollover if you take the turn too fast.

Your car nose dives as you stop

When shocks wear out, you’ll likely feel the car nose dive as you apply the brakes. This can reduce the stopping power of your brakes, meaning it will take more distance to safely come to a stop.

Your tires will wear unevenly

Glance at your tire tread from time to time. If you see uneven wear, it could be a sign your suspension system isn’t doing its job. It applies pressure on the tires in different ways, creating bald spots in certain places.

Your shocks are oily

If you take a look under your vehicle, or glance at the ground as you drive away, do you notice wet spots? It a greasy, oily liquid appears where your shocks and struts were lined up, it could be they are leaking fluid. Anytime fluid leaks, it’s a sign the system isn’t doing its job at full capacity.

Try the bounce test

One of the easiest ways you can determine if your suspension system isn’t working is to apply the bounce test. With the car in park, press down on the hood of the car, then release. Do the same thing on the trunk. If the car bounces as you release it, it’s a sign your suspension system is wearing out.

Do you have a problem with your brakes, steering or suspension system? We can help.

Your brakes and suspension system are designed to help your vehicle function properly, while giving you a safe, smooth ride. Letting either system continue to operate at a less-than-optimal rate puts you at risk as well as costs you money as more damage continues to accrue.

Stop by today and let assess your vehicle’s performance. Together we can help keep you on the road longer, and enjoy the ride.

Headlight Restoration

January 11, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Question: My headlight lenses are all cloudy. I checked with my vehicle dealership about replacing then and it is very expensive. What else can I do?

Express Car Care Answer: You are right – replacing a headlight assembly can cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily there is something drivers can do about cloudy headlamps.

First let’s talk about why the headlamps are so cloudy. Back in the “old days” headlights were glass. These were heavy, could crack, and had practical limits as to their shape, so manufacturers started using plastic headlight lenses. Road grime and UV light take a toll on the plastic surface of your headlights. Over time the lenses get cloudy and discolored. Just look at the vehicles in any parking lot and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Because a disproportionate amount of traffic accidents happen at night, smart drivers make sure they have maximum visibility. Cloudy lenses reduce the amount of light that gets out on the road, which in turn can really hurt the time you have to respond to hazards in the road.

Fortunately, your service center, (Express Car Care) can restore your lenses. Using a combination of special cleaners and polishes, the cloudy and discolored layer is removed. This service costs a fraction of replacing the headlight assembly. How costly it is will depend on the size of the lens and how badly it is clouded. This can be used on brake lights, turn signals and taillights as well. If it’s been over a year since you replaced your headlamp bulbs, they may have started to dim. You can ask your friendly and knowledgeable Express Car Care service adviser about options to replace or even upgrade your headlamp bulbs.