Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

The Most Damaged Suspension System Car Parts When You Hit Potholes

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You’ve probably heard the joke that in Colorado, there are four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and construction. Yes, summer is a great time to get out of the house and enjoy lots of sunny days and warm weather. But driving around town can leave you a little agitated at best.

It’s hard to miss the number of potholes that lurk all over town. They may start out small, but they quickly grow into a car-eating disaster.The Most Damaged Suspension System Car Parts When You Hit Potholes

Potholes are caused by the expansion and contraction of water. As cracks occur in the pavement, water leaks down underneath. On cold days it freezes. Think of it like an ice cube; it moves from a puddle of water to a solid, frozen shape. That pushes and shoves the pavement in new directions.

Then on warm days, it thaws. The water moves to new locations, penetrating even more of the uneven pavement. It flows into new cracks, and takes up more space.

Over and over this occurs, all winter long.

Of course, that’s not the only thing that helps a pothole grow. Especially on a busy road, cars and trucks drive over it, pounding the pavement in all sorts of directions. The weight makes the material weaker, breaks it off, and causes it to move in new ways. The more this occurs, the larger the pothole grows.

Colorado has thousands of miles of paved roads weaving in and out of some of the most beautiful country in the world. If you haven’t had the chance to drive across this state, try picking one from this list and enjoy the breathtaking views.

As you round each corner and move up and down the hills, try and avoid the potholes at all costs. Brace yourself when you simply can’t. And understand the impact each pothole has on your car parts, the damage it creates on your vehicle’s suspension system. By being aware, you can learn when it’s time to bring your car into our shop and get the suspension fixed before further damage can occur.

What a pothole can do to your car

When your car hits a pothole, it’s usually the pothole that will win. It can damage your tires and wheels, cause alignment issues, or even cause premature wear to your shocks. When you hit a pothole, it can damage:

  • Your wheels – it can bend or even crack wheel rims
  • Your tires – flat tires, uneven wear, and weakened belts and cords
  • Your alignment – ever noticed your car pulling to one side or the other?
  • Your suspension system – it can impact shocks, struts, springs, and more
  • Your exhaust system – cracks, leaks, and holes can put you at risk

That damage adds up to quite a lot – according to AAA auto club, over $3 billion a year.

How do you know if your car has been damaged by a pothole?

Here in Colorado, it’s hard to avoid potholes. But pay attention to the ones that make you cringe and groan. You know when you hit an especially bad one. It rattles the entire car. And once this happens, be on the lookout for these things:

  • Do you have to turn your steering wheel so it’s crooked to stay straight on the road? It’s a sign the steering component is bent.
  • Do you notice excessive bouncing and loss of control as you drive? It’s a sign of steering and suspension issues.
  • Have you noticed pulling to one side or uneven tire wear? It’s a sign of problems with your alignment.
  • Are there bulges on tire sidewalls or dents in the wheel? It’s symptoms of tire damage.
  • Do you notice a vibration in your steering wheel? It’s a sign of a bent rim.
  • Do you find fluids underneath your car when you pull away? It could be a signal of a line or hose that’s cracked, wiggled loose, or no longer functioning.
  • Is your exhaust system noisier than normal? It could be a result of damage from the undercarriage of your car scraping because of the pothole.

What if you think you’ve sustained damage after hitting a pothole?

Or course, it depends on what the damage is. Some damage is more dire than others. If you don’t come in with some issues, it can put you at risk for more serious damage, or for an accident.

You should never take your car for granted. You should always take the approach of “listen, sense, and look.”

Every time you start your car, listen for sounds that weren’t there before. Do you hear a new rattle? Do you hear a new clank? Each of these sounds is trying to tell you that something is wrong with your car. Do a little sleuthing and find out exactly where it’s coming from. Even if you can’t determine the exact cause, it will help you be able to talk more clearly with your mechanic when you bring your vehicle in.

Gain a good sense for what your car feels like every time you take it out on the road. Learn how the steering feels as you make turns and keep your car on the road. Do you notice different movements, especially at varying speeds? Do things change on the highway? Do things change when you come to a stop? Note these differences and describe them when you come into the shop.

You should also make a periodic overview of your car, both inside and out. Just like a pilot makes a full check before he pulls the plane out and flies it to the next destination, so too should you do a thorough investigation once in awhile, to ensure everything looks okay. Glance under the car, do you see part of the exhaust system hanging free? Do the tires look deflated or flat? When you pop the hood, does something appear to be out of place?

You don’t need a certificate in auto mechanics to notice when something is wrong with your car. And considering how important your suspension system is to the way your car behaves on the road, it’s one of the most important systems to watch.

How many potholes have you hit this year? Isn’t it time to make sure your suspension system is fully working, and won’t cause you problems down the road?

Signs Your Car Needs A New Transmission

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Every day as you drive, dozens of parts come together to ensure your car gets you where you’re going. When everything is working, it’s a smooth ride, one you can depend on.

But over time, things change. You notice bumps in the road. You hear squeaks and squeals. You may even see things slowly starting to fail.

Your car doesn’t fall apart overnight. It never fails without warning signs. If you watch and listen carefully, you’ll notice when things start to break.Signs Your Car Needs A New Transmission

Are there signs your car needs a new transmission? Can you tell before your car fails?

In most cases, the answer is yes. Your car gives off warning signs, and the sooner you bring it into a qualified transmission specialist, the higher your chance of catching it early and lowering the overall costs of the repair.

The key is in not ignoring the warning signs. They are there for a reason. Catch it early, and you might only have a small repair. Wait, and the costs can build as time goes by.

Warning signs your car needs a new transmission include:

Problems shifting gears

It doesn’t matter if your car is manual or automatic, it still shifts into several gears as it takes you from resting up to speed, and back down again. Every time it shifts, it should be a smooth transition. When you start noticing changes, a roughness in the process, that’s a sign your transmission might be in need of repair.

Pay attention to the process. Do you notice:

  • Hesitation as you try and put the car into gear
  • Jerking action as the car shifts between gears
  • A sudden shift in gears for no reason
  • Trouble with reverse
  • Falling out of gear while you’re driving

All of these can be signs your car needs a new transmission. It’s time to bring your vehicle in for servicing right away.

Grinding between gears

With a manual transmission, you can feel when there’s a problem with the gears. As you press down on the clutch, and try to shift from one gear to the next, you hear a grinding sound. The process is anything but smooth. It’s difficult to move from gear to gear.

But it’s not just manual transmissions that have problems. Instead of a grinding noise, automatic transmissions may start to shake or shimmy between shifts as it starts to fail.

It may be the clutch failing. It might be a simple repair. But the longer you ignore it, the more it persists, the more problems you’ll face when you do bring it in for repair.

Whining noises

Have you ever stood next to a vehicle that has a whining, buzzing, or clicking sound while standing in neutral? That can be a sign of transmission failure.

As parts fail, they impact the transmission in different ways. Transmissions are made up of lots of parts: pumps, clutches, bands, sensors, valves, even transmission fluid to keep everything running smoothly. Every part has a purpose. And if one part starts to fail, it can cause a host of other problems.

That’s when noises start to occur. Let’s say your transmission fluid is low. That can cause a ripple effect throughout the vehicle, making bands weaken, clutches tighten up, gears not able to work properly. If you correct the problem quickly, you stop the action from deteriorating the parts any further. The longer you wait, the more damage occurs. When you hear a new noise and it persists, it’s time to quickly find out the root cause.

Cloudy transmission fluid

When transmission fluid is brand new, it has a bright red color and a distinctive sweet smell. If you’ve never seen it before, ask your mechanic about it the next time you visit. Over time, transmission fluid goes through a lot as it keeps the action in your transmission operating as it should.

When you start to see changes in looks, it could be the transmission fluid. If you look at it and it appears dark, or has a milky, cloudy look, it’s a sign the transmission fluid can no longer do what it’s supposed to do.

Burning odor

Not only does transmission fluid change color over time, but it also creates a distinctive smell. When the gears overheat because of excessive friction, it starts to produce a burning smell. You’ll notice it when you turn your car off and open the door. If the transmission has reached this point, it’s time to bring it in for repair, and it’s probably time for a new transmission.

Leaking transmission fluid

As your transmission continues to fail, it starts to develop leaks. Whether you park it regularly in a garage, your driveway, or in a parking spot at work, pay attention to what’s left behind when you drive away. Do you see the red fluid leaving spots? It doesn’t matter if it looks red and clean, or has already taken on a cloudy appearance, a leak isn’t something you should tolerate. Instead, a leak is a sign of a very big problem.

It doesn’t mean your transmission is going bad, but there is a problem with the flow of transmission fluid. The quicker you get it in, the faster you repair the problem, the greater chance you have of saving your transmission.

That can mean the difference between a small repair and adding new transmission fluid, or a costly investment in a new transmission.

Have questions about your transmission? Is your car showing warning signs it might be in need of repair? Schedule an appointment today, and we’ll get to the root cause, and get you on your way.

Fuel System Cleaning

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Fuel, whether gasoline or diesel, is delivered to your engine to be burned in order to generate the power needed to keep you moving.  This fuel leaves a residue as it moves through your fuel system.  This may not seem like much, but it can cause big problems.  Gum and varnish build up inside fuel lines, the throttle body and injectors.  It’s like plaque build-up in your arteries – it restricts the free flow of fuel and can even clog your fuel injectors.

In addition, carbon from combustion starts to accumulate on the valves, inside the combustion chamber and on your pistons.  This interferes with proper mixing of fuel and air and can prevent your valves from sealing properly.  This means you will have less power, a rough running engine and wasted fuel – and could even lead to expensive damage over time.

A fuel system cleaning clears out the gum and varnish from your fuel system and gets your injectors working properly, restoring power and fuel efficiency.  Carbon deposits are dissolved, and your engine starts running like new again.

If your engine seems sluggish and less responsive than it used to be, it might mean that you are in need of a fuel system cleaning.  Ask your service adviser if a fuel system cleaning is the right thing for you.

Give us a call or come in and see us, we’re here to help.

What If I Drive With A Broken Suspension?

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For many people, a car is simply a tool that helps them go from point A to point B. They get in, drive it, and expect it to be ready when they want to hop in once again.

But a car is actually an intricate set of systems all working together to keep you safe and secure while you move throughout your busy day. You rarely think about what could go wrong until it actually does.What If I Drive With A Broken Suspension?

Often, people don’t ask questions like “what if I drive with a broken suspension” until they encounter a problem with their cars. At that point, it’s a little too late to be able to do anything more than call a tow truck and pay the costs.

Every automobile on the road today is designed with a suspension system. The suspension system is a collection of parts designed to keep your car off the ground and in motion as it moves from here to there. It keeps you comfortable as you hit bumps. It keeps you secure as you move through turns and corners.

Every piece of your suspension system plays a part in the process. If one part goes out, it impacts the entire process.

Your suspension system consists of:

  • Wheels
  • Tires
  • Springs
  • Shocks
  • Steering system
  • All the parts that connect the system together

Like all parts, each is designed to last for only so long. From the moment you drive off the showroom floor, wear and tear occurs to each part a little differently. It depends on driving conditions. It also depends on your driving habits.

Over time, it starts to falter. It doesn’t perform the way it once did. You start noticing problems. The squeaks. The clicks. Or maybe it feels like you traded your luxury car in for a truck. You feel every bump in the road.

Parts wear down over time. But in some cases, it goes a step further. You face a broken suspension system instead of one that’s just in need of repair. What then? Is it safe to drive? Do you need to call a tow truck?

In most cases, a broken suspension means immediate replacement. It needs repair before you can drive. But it also depends on what part brakes.

Wheels

Wheel system failures are almost always caused by the improper installation of the wheel itself. During installation, as the wheel is being mounted, lug nuts or other intricate parts to the wheel aren’t tightened the way they should. As they loosen, the wheel studs break and the wheel separates from the car. This can also occur with improper maintenance, or manufacturer’s defects.

Tires

Your tire is one of the most common reasons for broken suspension failures. If your tire is flat, you can’t drive on it for even short distances. If you put too much pressure on the wheel without the protection of the tire, you’ll destroy the wheel. And without properly inflated tires, you won’t be able to stop or handle the car around curves and turns the way you can under normal conditions. It becomes difficult to steer, slowing down is problematic, and you’re at greater risk for getting into an accident. Change the tire as soon as you discover it’s flat.

Springs

Every car has a coil spring within the suspension system. The coil springs allow the wheels to carry the car vertically, while also holding the rest of the car together. The size of the spring determines the height of the ride. If the coil spring breaks, your car will appear to sit lower than normal. You’ll often find the coil springs start to rust over time where they connect to the suspension system. A broken spring will also affect wheel alignment and cause a distinct rattling noise. If you keep driving on it, it can become dislodged if you hit a bump or pothole, and possibly damage other parts of your suspension system.

Shocks and Struts

If a shock absorber no longer works, you’ll notice your car starts to bounce quite a bit. It may also squat or dive excessively as you apply the brakes. All of these can make the car uncomfortable to ride in, but more importantly, it can also make it difficult to control. Especially as you pick up speed. If you discover you have a broken shock absorber, never increase to highway speeds. Avoid tailgating, taking corners too fast, or braking or stopping quickly.

The struts are part of the suspension system that hold the body of the car off the ground. Struts connect many different parts of the suspension system, including the coil spring and shock absorber. They impact both your car’s steering and alignment. If your car’s struts break, it’s similar to having both your shocks and coil springs break. That means your ride will both be uncomfortable to drive, have the possibility of damaging other parts on your car, and unsafe.

Steering system

Have you started to notice your steering is acting funny? It might be your steering rack or something like tie rod ends. With the rack and pinion steering system, it connects the movement of the left-right steering wheel to the left-right tires to make the wheels turn. The steering column itself sits on a pinion gear that turns, connects the gears in the rack, and gives it the left-right control. The “power” in power steering comes from pressurized fluid flowing through the passages that give you the power to turn the wheels. This fluid also keeps everything cool and prevents damage as metal hits metal. It’s important to change this fluid on a regular basis, according to your car manufacturer’s guidance.

Other

Your car’s suspension system has too many parts to discuss them all here. But every one of them is necessary to keep your car working properly and to keep you safe as you drive. If any part fails, it can make your driving experience unsafe at best.

If you think you have a problem, don’t put it off. Schedule a maintenance appointment today, and we’ll ensure your car is in the best working condition possible. It’ll give you confidence to know your car is as safe as it can be.

 

Signs Your Car Needs A Tune Up

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Has your vehicle been acting up lately? Are there signs your car needs a tune up?

In a way, cars and people are a lot alike. We both operate well when we take in the right “fuel.” We both have early warning signs when something isn’t right. And problems can easily grow if we continue to ignore those warning signs.

Check ups and tune ups are very similar; both are designed to test from every angle, and make suggestions as to how to proceed. Once you discover there’s a problem, no matter how small, you can use that data to make minor repairs. And hopefully, that can help prevent bigger problems down the road.Signs Your Car Needs A Tune Up

You know when it’s time for a tune up in one of two ways.

1. Your car starts giving hints it’s time for a tune up. It vibrates, squeals, shakes, hesitates, misfires, stalls, fails an emissions test, or has trouble starting.

2. Your car hits a mileage marker. While older makes and models would require tune ups every 10,000 miles or so, today’s technology allows vehicles to travel much further before a tune up is needed. Check with your manufacturer’s guidelines to determine what’s best for your vehicle.

When you bring your vehicle in, the mechanic on duty should talk with you about your car’s condition. Just like a doctor should never start testing without a few questions first, a mechanic shouldn’t start with routine maintenance without talking to you about performance.

You can help even more by noting your car’s behavior a few days before your appointment. In some cases, you may have overlooked a warning sign, simply because you’ve grown accustomed to the noise. Use your phone’s note feature to keep track of any issues, or keep a pen and paper handy and write down any concerns. This will give you critical information that can help your mechanic get to the root of the problem.

What should you watch for?

Warning lights

Yes, those pesky little lights that crowd your dashboard are there for a reason. When they light up, they are signaling something is wrong (if nothing more than a tripwire gone bad.) In modern cars, you’ll have warning lights for small things, such as a tail light burning out, to more complex problems, such as transmission failure. Every warning light is designed to light up and give you plenty of time to get the problem fixed. Pay attention to these warning lights, and get your car analyzed as quickly as you can. It can be the difference between paying a small amount for a small problem, and a costly problem from an emergency situation.

Poor gas mileage

Do you track your gas mileage each time you fill-up? It can be a great indicator when something starts to go wrong. When your car starts losing efficiency, it can be from a variety of causes. Maybe your tire pressure is waning. Maybe it’s an air filter that’s clogged. Or something more. When you track your mileage, you can use it as a baseline, so you have advanced warning of when something goes wrong.

Starting problems

People have all kinds of reasons for slowing down and taking more time to get out the door in the morning. Your car doesn’t. When running correctly, it should always start without hesitation. If it doesn’t, it’s a warning signal that something isn’t right. If you have to turn the key more than once for it to fire up, or it won’t stay running, you have a problem. It could be a sign of a weakening battery, or a sign of something more.

Stalling

Have you ever sat at a stoplight and had your car stop working? Or maybe you try to accelerate, and your engine sputters out? This can be a sign of bigger problems with your engine, which could be dangerous as you’re out on the road. If your engine can’t provide reliable performance, it can leave you in precarious situations. You never want to be sitting by the side of a busy road, wondering what’s wrong with your car.

Regular maintenance

There are certain car maintenance items you do continuously just by owning a car. You fill it with fuel when it runs empty. You replace the motor oil on a regular basis. You add in a new air filter when you’re changing the oil. These simple tasks can sometimes reveal other problems. Is your air filter clogging more between changes? A clogged air filter can impact both fuel economy and acceleration.

Rough shifting

Even if your car is an automatic, it still shifts into gear as you accelerate and slow down. There’s a smoothness to it; if you hear it and it clunks, it’s not as efficient as it should be. Pay attention to the noises as you speed up and slow down. Do you have trouble when you try and put it into reverse? All of this is a sign your transmission needs a little attention. The gears in your car rely on transmission fluid, filters, and screens to operate properly. If these aren’t properly maintained, they can impact the way your car drives.

Noises

Those squeaks, bangs, squeals, and pings are trying to tell you something. It’s your job to listen to where they are coming from. Your brakes should be quiet, for example, without making noise as you press down on the pedal and come to a stop. When they start to squeal, they are telling you something is wrong. Brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid all wear and eventually need replacing.

Of course, that isn’t the only part that will start to make noise. It may be a worn belt, low fluid, or a noise from a failing part. Turn down the radio and listen; what do you hear? How would you describe it? Where do you think it’s coming from? When does it occur? The more information you can provide, the faster it will be to diagnose the problem, and get to the root cause.

Start with your owners manual

Do you know the signs your car needs a tune up? Do you pay attention to what your vehicle is trying to tell you? The best place to start is by reading your owner’s manual. How often should you get a tune up? What are the manufacturer’s guidelines? If you don’t have it handy, you can always Google it and find it.

Then pay attention to your car’s warning signs. And bring your car in today for a tune up; we’ll help you keep it in top shape for years to come.

Maintenance Mindset

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Maintenance MindsetWe know we need to take care of our cars, but it just seems too hard to remember to do it.  We generally accept that there are many things in life that require regular maintenance, but we just may not have applied it to our vehicles yet.

For example, we water and mow the lawn regularly.  Most of us weed the flower beds and rake leaves in the yard.  We go to the dentist twice a year and some of us even go to the gym regularly in an effort to maintain our health.  Flu shots and doctors check-ups for the kids before they start school.  We all have a maintenance mindset when it comes to life, we just have to learn to apply that mindset to our vehicles.  If you never brush your teeth or go to the dentist, you’ll become painfully aware of your neglect when you get cavities.  And if you never maintain your vehicle with regular oil changes and inspections, your vehicle isn’t going to run.  Too many people have had to learn the hard automotive lesson when they have to bring their vehicle to the auto center on the back of a tow truck.  So many times, a little routine maintenance would have prevented a breakdown.

A maintenance mindset will help:  The key to good vehicle maintenance starts with the oil change.  Think about it – when you go in for a full-service oil change, your tech will check all your fluids.  If one of them is low, he can look for the reason why.  If your serpentine belt is worn, he’ll see it and let you know.  Corroded battery cable- they’ve got you covered.  All of this takes a trained and experienced eye – more than you find at a quick lube center.  And they’ll check to see if your manufacturer has recommended any services at your current mileage.

To get started on your maintenance mindset, come in for an oil change, and you’ll get a visual inspection and a reminder for recommended services so you can avoid total failure.  And remember your service adviser can help you work out a maintenance and repair plan, prioritizing and scheduling the work to make sure you and your family are safe and help you avoid expensive breakdowns.

6 Signs My Car Needs Suspension Repair

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When someone talks about car performance, what do you think? For most people, they think horsepower. How fast it takes for a car to move from zero to sixty. How quickly a car moves off the line.

That’s all a part of performance. And the engine is a big part of how well a car performs.

But without the suspension system, there wouldn’t be a way to control a car. The car quite literally would be out of control.6 Signs My Car Needs Suspension Repair

The job of a suspension system is stability. It’s designed to maximize friction between the tires and the road. The steering should be stable and easy to control. All of it is to ensure the passengers are comfortable and safe throughout the ride.

If all roads were perfectly flat, the suspension system wouldn’t be necessary. But even a short drive around the Front Range shows you are roads are rarely straight. Instead, they curve and wind. And from years of wear and tear, you’ll find bumps, potholes, and other irregularities that can make each venture away from home more challenging than the last.

Whenever you hit these irregularities with your car, the wheels take the brunt of the impact.  They move up and down, readjusting based on road conditions. If they didn’t adjust and move, the force would have a direct impact on the frame of your car. If you’ve ever been in an auto accident, you know that’s not a good thing.

The suspension system is designed to take this energy and absorb it before it impacts the rest of your car. It leaves the frame, the body, even the passengers safe and secure … if the suspension system is doing its job.

When cars are built, they are designed with two dynamics in mind:

Ride – how well the car handles on a bumpy road

Handling – how well a car accelerates, corners, and brakes

Of course, safety is always the number one factor. If a car is built that won’t keep passengers safe, what’s the point?

Which means occasionally, you might notice your ride and handling failing. They aren’t performing as they did when your car was younger. Here are six signs to watch for; experience any of these, and you know it’s time for suspension repair.

1. When a car ride’s roughly

In most cases, when you ride in your car, you enjoy the ride. When the suspension system starts failing, you start to notice every bump and curve. As you move over a bump, or slow for a dip in the road, your car “bumps” right along with it. You notice a “bouncing” action as the car continues through the bump in the road.

This is a sign your suspension system is failing. A rough ride is a sign your car is in need of suspension repair.

2. When a car drifts or pulls

When a suspension system is failing, it often develops a drift or a pull. As you’re driving down the road, do you feel like you need a tighter grip on the steering wheel because your car always drifts either right or left? That’s a sign the suspension is failing.

The suspension system is designed to keep the car stable at all times; that includes moving forward and staying in your lane. As you maneuver around corners and curves, it’s the suspension system that keeps your car grounded, and prevents it from rolling over.

When you start to notice your car pulling or drifting as you drive, it’s time to schedule an appointment for suspension repair.

3. When a car nose-dives when stopping

As your suspension system continues to wear, you’ll notice it as you are stopping. When you come to a stop, does the front of your car dive down as you apply pressure to the brakes? That’s your suspension system failing.

As the suspension system wears out, it decreases the ability to stop. By some estimates, you’ll need several seconds more for your car to stop. That impacts the safety of everyone in your car.

4. When a car’s tires are impacted

Next time you’re about to head out, spend a few minutes walking around your car, and look at the tires. If your car is operating the way it should, you’ll see even wear on the tread. If you notice unevenness, or bald spots in some areas while it looks less worn in others, it’s a sign your suspension system isn’t working the way it should.

It’s important to ensure your tires are always filled at proper levels. If your suspension system is operating correctly, it will put even amounts of pressure on all four tires as it moves you from point A to point B. Unevenness is a sign that your suspension system isn’t working the way it should.

5. When a car has oily shocks

If you know what you are looking for, you can look under your car and inspect the shocks or struts. If they are working properly, they won’t have an oily glean to them. If they are damaged in any way, you’ll see the appearance of fluid leaking from within. This is a sign of failure, and a notice to you that it’s time for suspension repair.

6. When you fail the bounce test

There’s an easy test to determine if your car suspension is failing. With your car in park, press down on the hood of your car and release. Does the vehicle bounce more than once or twice? Do the same in the back. Do you get the same results?

A worn out suspension system will have a lot of give. You’ll have a car that isn’t safe for you or your passengers. You’ll know it’s time to bring your car in.

The actual repair job depends on your car’s make and model. Different cars need different parts and service.

Yet it’s important to remember that it’s not just the parts that need replacing; a reputable mechanic will look at the overall condition of the vehicle too. If your suspension system has been failing for a number of weeks or months, more damage could have occurred, increasing the costs of making the repairs. That’s why it’s a good idea to get in quickly, the minute you suspect you have a problem. It can be the difference between a simple or a costly repair.

Think you have a suspension problem? Looking for a reputable mechanic to get your questions answered? Give us a call today. We can help you with your suspension repair and get you back on the road today.

Engine Air Filter

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Today we want to talk about your engine air filter.  That’s the filter that cleans the air before it’s burned in your engine.  Many people wonder how often they should change their engine air filter.  The simple answer is ” when it’s dirty”.  That’s a function of how much air has passed through the filter, so your vehicle manufacturer will recommend a mileage interval for replacing the air filter.  But it’s not hard to imagine that how dirty the air is will greatly affect how quickly the filter gets filled.

If you drive in a city or town where there’s lots of dust, pollution, or pollen, your engine air filter will get dirty more quickly and will need to be changed sooner.  That’s why we check the air filter with every full-service oil change at Express Car Care.  We can visually tell if the filter needs to be changed.

Your filter can only hold so much dirt.  Once the filter is full, dirt will pass through to the engine.  This dirt gums up the combustion chamber, hurts fuel economy and may cause damage.  It can also contaminate the Mass Air Flow Sensor, which will affect drivability and can be fairly expensive to replace.

A dirty engine air filter would also restrict the amount of air that gets to the engine, which diminishes fuel economy.  We can replace your air filter with one that matches the factory specifications or you can choose to upgrade your filter for enhanced performance.

So the next time your service adviser at Express Car Care shows you your dirty air filter, remember how important it is to have it replaced.

Suspension Wear

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Your suspension system keeps your car up off the road.  From there, it’s responsible for a smooth and comfortable ride wherever you choose to drive.  It also keeps your wheels firmly planted over bumps and through curves.

Your suspension system has many critical parts that do a big job and because of of that, they should be inspected for suspension wear or damage at least once a year.  A good time to check for suspension wear would be when you get your semiannual alignment check.

Here are some warning signs of suspension problems:  the car pulls to one side, wandering, erratic steering, uneven tire wear.  You could also experience leaning, shocks bottoming out, a poor ride or handling, leaking oil from the shocks and excessive bouncing.

Unfortunately, suspension parts just wear out over time.  Shocks and struts eventually lose their ability to control your ride.  If you’re in an accident, your suspension can be damaged or knocked out of alignment.  Even a minor accident, like hitting a curb, pothole or large rock, can mess things up.  If you suspect suspension problems, ask a trusted service adviser at Express Car Care for an inspection and let us set things right.

Give us a call or come in and see us.

At Express Car Care we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

Battery Replacement

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Car batteries wear out just like any other battery and need to be replaced.  There are a couple of things vehicle owners should know when looking for a battery replacement:  one is cold cranking amps and the other is reserve capacity.

Let’s start with cold cranking amps.  This can be thought of as the power serge used to start a cold vehicle engine.  The number of cold cranking amps you need depends on your vehicle and where you live…specifically how cold it is where you live.  The two factors being that the colder an engine is, the more power it takes to turn it over and get it started.  It has a lot of cold, sluggish oil to fight against.  The other factor is that the chemical reaction in the battery that creates electrical energy is less efficient in the cold.

So the colder the weather gets, more power is needed, but less is available.  If you live where it’s cold, you need a battery replacement with more cold cranking amps than you would where there are moderate or hot temperatures.  You should always get at least as many cold cranking amps as the manufacturer recommends but you may want to upgrade if you live where it gets real cold.

An important note:  Batteries may also list the Cranking Amps-CA -number.  It is the Cold Cranking Amps – or CCA – that is the important number here.  CCA is the number to use in your comparisons.

After all this talk of cold temperatures, it’s important to note that heat is the real enemy of long battery life.  In other words, the damage that’s done over the hot summer months shows up with the increased demands on the battery when the weather turns cold.

Now let’s talk about reserve capacity:  It’s the measurement of the number of minutes of reserve power the battery has at a given load.  The number is more important these days because of parasitic drain.  Parasitic drain is the battery energy that’s used when the key is off.  So the power drawn by the vehicle security system, the remote start system – even the power the vehicle computers require to maintain their memory.

Reserves are also needed when you make very short trips around town.  You’re not driving long enough for the battery to recover the energy it used to start the engine.

So go with the minimum recommended by your manufacturer and upgrade if you need more.  Talk with your Express Car Care service adviser about options.  If you need more from your battery replacement, a larger capacity battery may be the answer.

Batteries are a big ticket item for most motorist, so the warranty gives peace of mind.  Be sure to ask about the car battery warranty so you know what you’re getting.  At Express Car Care, we have been providing quality auto service since 2000.  Come in and see us.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

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