Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Spring Cleaning Repair and Maintenance Tips For Your Car

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Springtime in the Rockies means the days start getting longer, and we find more things to do outdoors.

Of course, the weather is more unpredictable than ever. March is traditionally the snowiest month of the year, with wild temperature swings that can make it feel like summer and winter all on the same day.

But on one of those warm afternoons, it’s a good idea to give your car a little TLC. It can ensure it drives well throughout the year, cleaning it up from all that winter dumped on it, and getting it ready for the sunnier days that will soon be upon us.

There’s another good reason to spend a little time with your car – the investment. Car’s today are one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make. A recent study by AAA found that the average person now spends $773.50 a month on their vehicles, the highest amount since AAA began tracking car expenses.Spring Cleaning Repair and Maintenance Tips For Your Car

A lot of that comes from the leasing or payment costs, as well as insurance. But the report also states that the average maintenance and repair costs climbed to 8.94 cents per mile, a figure that is up almost 9 percent over last year. This is due to caring for vehicles that are growing in complexity, having systems that require a lot of care to keep them functioning correctly.

One of the best things about newer vehicles, however, is they warn you of potential problems long before they occur. If you see a light turn on your dashboard, hear a funny noise, smell something unusual, or feel your car pulling or bouncing, it’s your car’s way of telling you it needs a little TLC.

Basic maintenance goes beyond filling up the car with gas, and scheduling an oil change on a regular basis. It also means taking care of every system in your car, replacing parts as necessary to avoid bigger problems down the road. If you build a routine into your schedule, checking fluids and maintaining parts regularly, you’re less likely to be caught off guard with problems. It’s the best way to avoid extensive repairs and a loss of value over time.

And the best part about it, it doesn’t take much to keep your vehicle well maintained. If you work with a trustworthy mechanic (like Express Car Care), you’ll ensure your car is ready for every season of the year, no matter what Denver’s weather looks like each day.

Our regular repair and maintenance tips include:

Check all nine fluids and use exceptional products

What’s the difference between McDonalds and Morton’s steakhouse? Both provide food. Both are places you can bring the family. Yet they both offer distinctly different products and experiences.

The same concept applies to the fluids you put into your vehicle. You can go with the lowest grade, least expensive products available, cutting corners where you can. But what will that do to your driving experience?

It starts with fluids you use every day, like gas, motor oil, and windshield washer fluid. It also includes fluids you don’t change out regularly, but still need to monitor throughout the life of your vehicle:

  • Coolant/antifreeze
  • Transmission fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Differential fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Air conditioning refrigerant

Be sure each is replaced in a timely manner using high quality products.

Check and replace filters

Depending on your car’s make and model, you can have as many as four filters in your car: the cabin filter, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter.

The cabin filter, also known as the air conditioning intake filter, keeps your inside air compartment clean whether you use your air conditioner or not. It helps filter out things like dust, pollen, and other pollutants in the air you breathe.

The oil filter will help keep debris out of the oil supply while the engine is running.

The fuel filter works to keep dirt, grime, and water out of your engine.

The air filter is designed to clean the air that is filtered into your car’s engine. Dirty air means an engine that won’t be able to operate a peak performance.

These are all easy to find and easy to replace. Some will even come with a full service oil change if you use the right mechanic.

Check belts and hoses

Over time, hoses need to be checked for leaks, brittleness, or cracks. Belts can stretch and loosen with use. They can also crack and break, damaging other parts and systems around them. This should be a simple process, one your mechanic can check in moments. It’s much more efficient (and cost effective) to replace small parts as they wear out rather than waiting for the damage they can produce.

Check the brake system each year

One of your most important systems is your brake system. It consists of several different parts including brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid, and your wheels. If something happens to any one part, it can impact your car’s ability to stop. A mechanic will start with the brake pads and ensure they still have enough wear on them to keep you safe. They will also evaluate the entire braking system, repairing and maintaining any part that could be a potential hazard.

Your tires are a part of your braking system. Be sure to check the pressure on all of your tires, including your spare, at least once per month. Extreme weather conditions can impact air; check tire pressure to ensure they are properly filled to avoid blowouts and other potential problems. Check with your owner’s manual to find the proper pressure levels for your vehicle.

You should also check the tread for uneven wear, cuts or bruises along the tires and sidewalls, and potential hazards stuck into the tread. If you have a question, most reputable mechanics will take a look at your tires to ensure they are safe to drive on. Replace with the proper size and type when they show wear

You should also have your car aligned every year, to improve tire performance and handling as well as increase fuel efficiency.

Do you schedule repair and maintenance for your vehicles?

Your car goes through a lot each day. Reliability isn’t something you should take for granted; by scheduling regular repair and maintenance visits with a reliable mechanic, you’re ensuring your vehicle will be there when you need it.

Check with your manufacturer’s guidelines, and talk with one of our mechanics. Together, we’ll ensure your car is at peak performance level and ready to go whenever you are.

Making Your Vehicle Last

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A lot of people have older vehicles.  They’re good commuters, grocery store runners, or toy-haulers.  Their owners enjoy the fact that they’re paid off, or will be soon.  They would gladly like to make their vehicles last for 200,000 miles or more…as long as it’s economical for them to do so.

There are plenty of people whose vehicles are running after 150,000 or 200,000 miles.  We can learn from what they do to make their vehicles last, so we can keep our own cars on the road longer.

A common denominator is that they never skip an oil change.  That may sound a bit unsophisticated, but it’s really not.  First off, the oil is the life blood of your engine and needs to be clean to properly lubricate.  Skipping oil changes leads to clogged oil filters and sludge that can damage your engine.  Enough said.

There’s another reason the scheduled oil change is so important.  It’s simple – an Express Car Care technician is going to be looking at your car.  All of your fluid levels will be inspected and topped off so they won’t get so low that damage can be done.  If there is significant fluid loss – let’s use brake fluid as an example – your technician can look for the cause of the loss and find the problem before it leads to an accident or costly repair.

Your service technician will also visually inspect the vehicle for worn belts and hoses, uneven tire wear, leaking shock absorbers and more.  Problems get addressed before they lead to repairs that cost more than the car’s worth.  Your service adviser will also be able to remind you of other services that the factory recommends you get done.

Just think of an oil change in the same way you view a six month cleaning and checkup at the dentist – you shouldn’t skip it.

Of course, good maintenance costs money, but it’s far cheaper than new car payments.

Give us a call and schedule your next oil change today, or just bring it in –  you don’t need an appointment.

Car Maintenance 101: What To Do When Your Engine Overheats

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Food for thought: even one instance of your car’s engine overheating can permanently damage your engine. And that can be a very expensive venture.

While you might not think Colorado is the epicenter of car engine’s overheating, it does happen. Those 100 degree days can take their toll, especially if you climb up into the mountains, or tow your boat to your favorite reservoir.

Why do engines overheat?

Engines overheat for a variety of reasons. In most cases, it’s because the cooling system isn’t operating the way it should, so heat isn’t able to escape the engine compartment. It could be from a leak in the cooling system, a radiator fan gone bad, a broken water pump, or a bad coolant hose. The moment you notice a problem, quick action should be taken. If not, your engine might sustain permanent damage.

What are the signs of an engine overheating?Car Maintenance 101: What To Do When Your Engine Overheats

Like every part in your car, you’ll likely have a few warning signs before your car’s engine hits a critical point and overheats. Act quickly, and you can reduce the risk of irreversible damage. Watch for:

  • Steam – if you notice steam escaping around the edges of your car’s hood, seek assistance
  • High temperature gauge – those dashboard warning gauges are there for a reason. If you notice the gauge quickly escalating to “H” or red, you have a problem.
  • Smell – any unusual smell that comes from your car engine area should be checked out. Leaking coolant will have a sweet smell, while an oil leak may have more of a burnt smell.

If you notice any of these happening to your vehicle, your quick action will make the difference between a simple repair job or complete replacement.

What to do when your engine overheats?

Engines overheat mostly in the summer for a reason. High temperatures put stress on your car, and you increase that stress by cranking up the air conditioner as high as it will go. At the first sign of overheating, turn off the air conditioner to reduce the stress. Then turn on the heat to maximum levels to help pull heat away from the engine. Pull over as soon as possible.

Once you’re safely off the road, shut off the car. Your engine will need at least 15 minutes to cool down. While you wait, watch the temperature gauge; does it move back into the normal range? You can also take note of what’s happening to share with your auto mechanic. Then start creating a plan.

You’ll need a tow truck to bring your vehicle in to be serviced. This isn’t the time to trust the local garage right off the highway. Instead, bringing your vehicle into us here at Express Car Care ensures you have a mechanic you can trust to give you the real scoop on what’s happening with your vehicle.

You can also check your coolant levels and see if they are running low. This may be a sign you have a leak in the coolant system, a broken radiator fan, or trouble with the water pump. If you do have extra coolant with you, topping it off can further help protect your engine.

While towing is your best course of action, if it’s not an option, carefully start your car after it’s cooled completely. Drive it into our shop, keeping a careful eye on the temperature gauge as you drive. Turn the car off quickly if any further signs of overheating show up.

What shouldn’t you do when your engine overheats?

We’ve all seen cars off to the side of the road, hood up, smoke billowing out all around it. In reality, opening your hood immediately isn’t good advice. Instead, wait until your engine cools before popping the hood. Opening the hood immediately puts you at greater risk of burns or injury as smoke and steam flow out. Wait until the engine temperature gauge returns to normal range before opening your hood.

Don’t ignore the problem, thinking that if the temperature gauge returned to normal, the problem no longer exists. It does. This was a warning sign of things to come. It will get worse if you don’t address the situation soon. We can help you get to the root of the problem, requiring far less repair work now than if you wait until the situation becomes worse.

You should also stop driving as soon as possible. This doesn’t mean find the nearest exit and drive to a service station. It means pulling over to the side of the road as soon as you can. For every mile you continue to drive your car, further damage occurs to your engine, and greater risk of permanently damaging it increases.

Is there a way to prevent an engine from overheating?

The easiest way to prevent engine overheating is to maintain your vehicle properly. That means scheduling regular maintenance visits to allow one of our mechanics to evaluate your car’s system fully, and repair and maintain each system as needed.

You already know how important changing out motor oil is. Your vehicle’s other systems require regular maintenance too. Your engine’s coolant should be flushed and refilled as needed. Radiator should be up to date according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Routine maintenance can also stay on top of leaks, cracks, and wearing hoses and belts, giving you increased opportunities for catching problems before they occur.

While engine overheating can occur in all vehicles, it’s more problematic the older a car gets. Older vehicles will need more maintenance over time. As long as you replace parts, add fluids, and regularly check to ensure systems are operating the way they should, you’ll have a car you can depend on.

It’s difficult to predict when a problem is going to occur with your engine. But if you stay ahead of potential problems by regularly maintaining your vehicle, and know the warning signs and what to do in the event your engine overheats, you’ll be more likely to lessen the risk.

We’re here to help you with all of your car repair needs.

Car Maintenance Tips When You Don’t Use Your Car Very Often

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We had a customer ask an interesting question the other day, and I thought it would be a great tip to share with you. She asked:

“My mom rarely drives her car. She may take it out a few times a year at most because she isn’t getting around easily anymore. It sits in the garage most of the time. Are there any special car maintenance items I should worry about? I would say she’s putting less than a thousand miles on the car per year. I want to make sure it runs well when she does get in it. ”

Car Maintenance Tips When You Don’t Use Your Car Very OftenA car sitting in a garage, barely used, sounds like the perfect way to preserve a vehicle. If it doesn’t hit the streets regularly, nothing wears out … right?

Think again.

A car that just sits there unused still requires care. It has a lot of stress on it because it isn’t running regularly. Therefore it will have different problems than a car you use every day.

Ever heard the phrase “use it or lose it”? In some manner, that phrase applies to cars too. Cars are all about performance. They are designed to operate when you need them. But if fluids aren’t running through the system regularly, if parts just sit there adjusting to the elements without doing their jobs, wear still occurs.

If you have a car that is rarely used, the way you care for it while not driving it can effect the way it performs. Prepare your vehicle to care for the exterior, the battery, and the engine, and it’ll be there for you whenever you decide to use it.

“Whichever Comes First” Car Maintenance Plan

You’ve probably seen those little stickers some car maintenance shops stick on windshields to remind you to get your oil changed. They remind you to schedule your next oil change on a specific date, or when you reach a certain mileage threshold, whichever comes first. That’s a good approach to car maintenance when your car doesn’t move very much.

A car that sits won’t put the mileage on, but things like oil and additives are still sitting, aging, even though the car never leaves the garage. And it’s good to replace all of that to ensure the parts stay lubricated the way they should.

When in doubt, always schedule a maintenance visit with your local mechanic based on the calendar, not on mileage.

Keep The Car Clean

If at all possible, clean the car before it sits for extended periods of time. This is especially true here in Colorado, where all kinds of things can settle in on the paint or undercarriage during seasonal driving patterns – think mag-chloride, salts, sap, etc. At a minimum, run it through the carwash whenever you get the chance. Better yet, give it a deep cleaning removing even the hard-to-remove dirt and debris, polishing, and waxing it to help protect it against the elements. Pay attention to the undercarriage too, as rust can set in if harmful chemicals settle in.

Keep The Gas Tank Full

If you know the car will be sitting in the garage for an extended time period, it’s better to sit with a full tank than one that’s partially empty. Gas has a shelf life of around six months. As gas is manufactured from crude oil, it’s mixed with a variety of refining products. That’s what makes gasoline perform in your vehicle, and keeps it as clean as possible for the environment.

It’s a careful balancing act to ensure gasoline is at its peak performance, while providing you with the necessary qualities to ensure your car will go. Over time, the qualities change. You even put in different gas depending on the time of year – winter gas is a different blend to ensure your car will go no matter what the temperature is outside.

If your car will sit in the garage, keeping the tank full will help prevent moisture from building up in the tank, which can degrade the quality of the gasoline. But keep in mind that whenever you can, it’s a good idea to run gas through the system to keep all parts operating at their best.

Top Off Fluids

Gas isn’t the only fluid that keeps your car running strong. Brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission fluid, antifreeze, even windshield washer fluid all have a purpose for your car.

While every make and model has different requirements, it’s good to have a mechanic perform a routine car maintenance check periodically to ensure all parts are at optimal performance. For example, brake pads might not wear if a car isn’t used much. But that won’t stop leaks from forming in the system, impacting the braking performance of the vehicle. Periodic checks will ensure the safety of the vehicle whenever someone sits behind the wheel.

Protect The Battery

A car battery will, on average, last around six years. Of course, that depends on how it’s treated throughout its life.

The purpose of a battery isn’t to keep the car running. Instead, it’s about providing the necessary power to get the car moving. But that doesn’t mean if you don’t use it, it won’t slowly drain. Other things can drain a battery – headlights left on, GPS or cell phones plugged in, interior lights left on. Even sitting there will eventually take its toll.

If you know the car will sit without running for an extended period of time, you might also disconnect the battery to prevent corrosion.

Other Concerns

If a car sits for too long in one location, you might have other things to deal with. A nice warm garage is often a place where mice or other critters take refuge. Check for chewed belts, hoses, or nests, which can be built just about anywhere.

Windshield wipers might also crack or break easier. Because the rubber sits, it can dry out faster than when it faces elements each day.

You should also test tire pressure periodically. Reflate them to the recommended levels; you can find that in the car manual, or check online for the make and model.

Schedule Car Maintenance Today

Not everyone drives in the same manner. While most of us drive our cars almost every day, others rarely get behind the wheel. And when a car sits idle for too long, things happen.

The best way to keep a vehicle running no matter how it’s used is to schedule car maintenance checkups every year. If you haven’t had your car serviced because of lack of mileage, schedule it today to ensure everything is running the way it should.

Air Quality

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Air quality affects all drivers no matter where we are.  Many decades ago, people began to become more aware of how air pollution negatively affects our health.  But have you ever thought about the air quality inside your vehicle?

Cabin air filters are now coming standard on most new vehicles since the 2000 model year.  These filters clean the air in the passenger compartment, so the poor air quality outside your vehicle doesn’t come inside.

They can filter particles down to three microns…that’s good enough to clean out dust, pollen and most air pollutants.  If you suffer from allergies, this is certainly good news, but even if you don’t, this is still a good thing.

You can look in your owner’s manual to see if you have a cabin air filter.  If you do, there will be a recommendation for replacing it when it gets dirty.  If you live where there’s a lot of dust, pollen or pollution,  you may need to change it more often than recommended.  You can also ask your Express Car Care service adviser.

The difficulty of changing a cabin air filter depends on your vehicle.  Some are quite accessible, others can take some time getting to them.  They’re usually located in the engine compartment or under the dashboard.

Because cabin air filters are somewhat new on the scene, some drivers haven’t heard of them – even people who have cabin air filters in their vehicles.  Express Car Care service advisers report customers complaining of an unpleasant odor in their vehicle and it usually turned out to be a dirty cabin air filter.

An important note for hybrid owners:  there’s a special air filter that cleans the air that cools the hybrid battery pack.  This filter should be inspected every time the cabin air filter is inspected and replaced.  If this filter gets dirty then the battery pack can overheat.

Have You Overlooked These Car Maintenance Problems?

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Outside of your housing costs, your vehicle is probably your second biggest expense. A recent study showed that the average loan for a new car was $31,099, with an average monthly payment of $515.

Think used cars are a better deal? Even used car purchases average $21,375, with a payment per month of $398.

That’s a lot of money flowing out each month.

If you keep your vehicle in good shape, you can minimize additional expenses to keep your car running. But without a car maintenance plan in place, you’ll experience problems soon after you drive it home for the first time.Have You Overlooked These Car Maintenance Problems?

What does it take to create an effective plan? What does it take to avoid car maintenance problems and ensure your car is ready whenever you are? Put these basic tasks into your schedule to keep your car running its best all year long.

Wash Your Car

It almost sounds too simple, doesn’t it? How can washing your car help you keep your car problem-free?

Let’s start by looking at what your car goes through just driving you around town each day. In the winter, mag chloride and road salts are dumped onto the road before any threatening storm. Mix in a little moisture, and they stick like glue all over your car. But don’t think it gets better in the summer. Bird droppings, sap, pollen, bug splats, and more find a way to get into every nook and cranny of your vehicle.

All of that can corrode the paint, damage the undercarriage of your car, and destroy the integrity of many of your vehicle’s safety systems.

Luckily, the solution is easy. Wash your car at least twice per month to get all the muck away from the essential parts and systems. This will keep it shining and looking as good as possible for wherever the road takes you. And let’s be honest, it just feels better driving a nice looking car, doesn’t it?

Check fluids

Your car has a number of fluids in it to keep it running its best. Some you know well – hello, gasoline. If your car has gas, it goes. Without it, it stops. We’re all naturally trained to watch the tiny gauge on our dashboards, driving into a gas station before the needle touches the “E”.

But cars don’t run on gasoline alone. There are many other fluids used to ensure a vehicle is operating correctly. According to a Popular Mechanics article, there are six fluids you should check on a regular basis:

Motor Oil – your engine is the hub, controlling every aspect of your car. Motor oil keeps everything lubricated and working smoothly.

Coolant – your vehicle builds up a lot of heat as it operates. Coolant helps absorb heat produced by the engine, and moves it through the radiator to keep your car from overheating.

Power Steering Fluid – want to keep your steering wheel turning effortlessly? Ensure your power steering fluid is topped up and that no leaks are in the system.

Brake Fluid – without brake fluid, when you press down on the brake pedal, your car won’t stop the way it should. While this isn’t a fluid you top off like motor oil, it is something a mechanic should check if you have trouble braking.

Transmission fluid – it has a similar purpose as oil, designed to cool the parts inside your transmission.

Windshield washer fluid – this is mandatory fluid here in Colorado to ensure you see where you’re driving.

Maintain your tires

Tires aren’t something you put on and forget. They keep your car rolling in all kinds of conditions. But as they operate in freezing temperatures and triple-digit weather, they change. They’ll lose pressure even if they’re operating correctly. That’s why it’s mandatory that you check tire pressure regularly.

Do you know how much air to put into your tires? Don’t look at your tires for the answer. Instead, check your owner’s manual or search for a sticker on the driver’s door jamb. You’ll find advice on what the proper tire pressure levels are.

You’ll also find recommendations on rotating your tires. This ensures they wear evenly, which gives you maximum wearability out of each set of tires you buy.

Change air filter

Some of the biggest car maintenance problems develop because car owners avoid doing the simplest of things. Changing out your air filter is one of them.

It can be done in a matter of seconds, but the implications can be long-lasting. An air filter is designed to keep harmful dirt and debris away from your engine. By changing it out regularly, you’re keeping the engine’s performance at its best. You’re also ensuring the engine works properly, and fuel economy is maximized.

Often, an air filter is changed out during a normal oil change. Ask to ensure yours is changed.

Check belts and hoses

Belts and hoses are in constant motion, helping keep all of your systems operating the way they should. As they wear, they put you at more risk of being stranded as they crack, leak, or break.

For example, if a serpentine belt breaks, it can cause failure in a number of your car’s systems, including power steering or your air conditioning. If a radiator hose develops a leak, it can lose coolant that is necessary to keep your engine from overheating.

The cost of a new belt or hose is far less than the damage caused by having them fail. It can be the difference between a simple car maintenance item, or a full-blown failure with an extensive repair bill.

What’s the easiest way to tell if your car has a problem with belts and hoses? Pay attention to your car. Does it make funny sounds? Does your car act differently? Do you smell something odd? Pay attention and consult a mechanic as needed.

With just a little effort, your car will continue to run well from the moment you drive it home for the first time. It’ll keep you and your family safe as you move through your busy days. If you have a question about your vehicle, just ask. 

Question on Your Drive Shaft

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Question:  My name is Doug and a few years ago, I was driving my 1985 powder blue Dodge Ram Charger that had about 80,000 miles on it at that time.  I was going up a hill and heard a noise like a tin can rolling down the road.  I looked back and saw my drive shaft bouncing down the hill.  I put it in four-wheel drive and drove to my mechanic to get it fixed.  What could I have done to prevent that?

Answer:  Wow, that’s quite a story.  Doug was very fortunate that his vehicle had a part-time four-wheel drive system that would allow him to get home without a rear drive shaft.

This case of “the missing drive shaft” highlights the need for regular inspections.  Most of us are familiar with recommendations for preventative maintenance services like oil changes and coolant replacement.  What may not be as familiar to you is that there are also recommendations for inspections at various intervals.

By the time a vehicle gets 80,000 miles on it,  like Doug had on his vehicle, the owner’s manual would have called for inspections of things like the suspension, brakes, and the drive line.  Chances are that such an inspection would have revealed early signs of a worn u-joint and Doug could have had it fixed before his drive shaft went rattling down the road.

Ask your service adviser about the inspections your vehicle might need so something like this doesn’t happen to you.

Give us a call or come in and see us.

Car Maintenance An Auto Mechanic Would Love – Take Care Of Your Vehicle

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Owning an automobile is no longer optional. Here across the Front Range, it would be difficult to live without a car. How would you take the kids to school? How would you run errands? How would you get the family up into the hills for a day of skiing?

A car is something you depend on to get you where you’re going, every day of the week.

The newer the vehicle, the more reliable it is. But even from the moment you drive it off the showroom floor, things start to wear and break down. Every mile allows belts to wear out, tires to wear down, fluids to run low. If you don’t pay attention to the changes in your car’s normal patterns, you’re likely to miss when it starts to tell you things are changing. Action is needed. Or problems will quickly begin materializing.Car Maintenance An Auto Mechanic Would Love - Take Care Of Your Vehicle

Car maintenance and repair

Why is car maintenance and repair such an important thing? There are a lot of reasons why you should keep your vehicle in top shape. These are just a few of the many reasons why you should put “taking care of your car” at the top of your to-do list.

Improves safety

While basic car maintenance might not directly stop vehicle accidents from occurring, it can be a contributing factor in many situations. If your tires are bald, for example, you’re more likely to hydroplane and slide in wet or icy road conditions. By keeping all critical components of your car in top shape, your vehicle will handle better, and is more likely to react quickly when you tap on the brake pedal or turn your steering wheel.

Increases reliability

Certain parts of a vehicle will wear more than others. The windshield washer fluid reservoir can only hold a certain amount of fluid. The brake pads will only withstand a certain amount of pressure. Tires will only provide a certain amount of wear before the tread disappears. If you make a conscious decision to check and replace parts before they wear down, your car is less likely to break down when you least expect it.

Decreases your repair expenses

If you don’t put gas into your car before the tank empties, it’ll come to a complete stop, and you’ll be stuck. Every car owner understands that, so they watch the gas gauge and pull into a station before the needle hits the E marker. The rest of your car works in a similar manner, though it’s easier to ignore the warning signs. If you don’t replace motor oil, your engine won’t work at 100 percent efficiency. But it still keeps trying, and that’s when things start happening. Other parts overcompensate to make up the difference. And pretty soon that simple oil change turns into a much bigger problem. If you stick with a car maintenance checklist and you perform routine maintenance on a regular basis, your vehicle will be there when you need it.

Has a higher resale value

When people don’t take care of their car, it shows. When it’s neglected, it may have layers of dirt, parts missing, even sounds you know aren’t good for the car. When you perform car maintenance regularly, even a car that is several years old can appear to be brand new. It shines. It appears to be well cared for. Even when you climb inside or pop the hood, you can see the previous owner didn’t let things fester. And people are willing to pay a higher price, knowing they are purchasing a car that will be reliable from the moment they drive it home.

Is better for the environment

Unless you drive an electric car, you know cars that operate using fossil fuels aren’t running with the cleanest energy source. But if you operate your vehicle the way it was designed, it is operating efficiently. When you make sure your engine has the right amount of oil, for example, it’s not leaking fluid that can absorb into the ground, or sending off emissions that are bad for the environment. It runs as clean as it possibly can.

Checklist for car maintenance

Are you convinced regular car maintenance is the right thing to do?

Are you wondering how to fit regular car maintenance into your already busy schedule? That’s the easy part. With this simple checklist, you can ensure your vehicle is operating as it should for as long as you own the car. Here’s what to do.

Keep your owner’s manual handy

We get it; your owner’s manual isn’t exactly exciting reading. In fact, it can be downright intimidating. Depending on your vehicle, it can be hundreds of pages of detailed information describing every aspect of your car. But it does contain information that can help you keep your car safe and working its best. Take note of the maintenance section. It’ll give you guidelines for the things you need most, such as how often you should change out motor oil and filters, tire rotation, belts, hoses, and more.

Schedule your oil changes

From the beginning, get in the habit of scheduling regular oil changes. It’s the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without it, parts wouldn’t stay lubricated, gears wouldn’t work the way they should, and parts would wear out faster than intended. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines – what’s the best oil for your make and model? Again, refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines, and trust a reputable mechanic to ensure it’s performed in the proper manner.

Keep an eye on your tires

One of the most important car parts to help keep you on the road is the tires. If they aren’t filled properly, are worn down, or not well cared for, they can blow and increase the chances of having a major accident. Your owner’s manual will tell you proper guidelines for tire pressure. Once a month, check tire pressure and ensure that each tire is filled to proper capacity.

Belts, hoses, and fluids

Especially in the winter, when you use your windshield wipers regularly to clear away moisture and muck, you might run out of windshield wiper fluid enough you even keep a bottle in your car. When you pop the hood to fill the reservoir, take a quick peek at the hoses and belts. Does anything look out of place? You don’t have to be an auto mechanic to tell when something is wrong. If you do this regularly, you’ll recognize when everything is in its proper place, and more importantly, when something doesn’t look quite right.

Car maintenance near me

Regular car maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult or even take a lot of time. Regularity is the key.

When you have a reliable auto mechanic nearby who you can trust to tell you like it is, you’ll have a way to keep your car working in a dependable way.

No matter if you have a problem that needs to be fixed, or just want a second pair of eyes to ensure your vehicle is at its best, stop by today. We’ll help you keep your car in its best condition, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about during your busy days.

Why Is My Steering Wheel Hard To Turn?

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Imagine cruising down the highway on your way to work. You put on your turn signal, hoping to merge onto the exit, and turn left or right to reach your final destination. The only trouble is your steering wheel isn’t cooperating. You tug at it, push it, try to control it with all your might. Why is your steering wheel hard to turn?

When your steering system fails, it impacts the performance and safety of your vehicle. If you can’t move spur of the moment, adjust no matter what happens on the road in front of you, you’re putting your life, the lives of the other occupants in your car, and all those around you at risk.

At the first sign of trouble, act quickly.Why Is My Steering Wheel Hard To Turn?

Getting to the root cause of your steering wheel problems

The steering wheel problem mentioned above isn’t uncommon. If you drive, at some point you’ll find yourself in a situation where you have trouble controlling the steering of your vehicle. If it suddenly becomes stiff and hard to turn, your steering column didn’t suddenly break. Instead, it’s quite possibly an easy fix you can troubleshoot and repair quickly.

Most newer cars today use what’s called rack and pinion steering. It contains two main parts: the pump, and the rack and pinion unit.

The pump provides power steering fluid to the rack and pinion unit. As a driver moves the steering wheel, the power steering control valve allows fluid to flow into the piston, giving the driver the ability to turn the wheel. As the wheel turns, the pinion moves against the rack, pushing it in the direction the driver wishes to go.

Before power steering, this gear shifting and movement took more power from the driver. It was a more strenuous ride, as more of the power relied on the driver controlling the turns. With power steering, the process has improved, making it easy for a driver to control steering in all kinds of conditions. If you have to make a split-second decision, it’s nice to know that your vehicle gives you the option to react quickly.

When your steering wheel is hard to turn, there are a number of things that could be wrong.

Your power steering fluid is low

Your car is filled with different types of fluids to keep it operating the way it should. Power steering fluid provides fluidity to the rack and pinion gears. Without it, it will be difficult to move. If your car is low on power steering fluid, refilling it can be a temporary fix. If it’s low, you’ll have to get to the root cause of why it’s disappearing out of the power steering system. There’s a good chance one of the hoses or connectors is loose, cracked, or broken, allowing the fluid to disappear out of the system.

It might not be your steering wheel at all

Cars are finely tuned machines that work well when all systems are operating correctly. When something goes wrong, all systems are thrown off balance. If you’re having trouble steering your car, take notice of when it occurs and what it does to your vehicle. It might not be your steering system at all. In some cases, if your tires aren’t filled to their proper levels, it can make the steering process more difficult. When was the last time you had your tire pressure checked? Make sure they are inflated according to your car’s make and model guidelines.

It could be hoses, belts, or connectors

Like every system in your car, the steering system is made up of many different parts. It has hoses and belts that connect pieces together, connectors that hold everything in place. If any one of these fails, your power steering system will act up, making your steering wheel difficult to turn.

Between the steering column and the rack and pinion shaft is a thick rubber piece that absorbs the shocks of the road. This rubber can wear out over time.

The steering wheel and the rack and pinion shaft sit at angles to each other. Couplers are used to keep these angles in perfect alignment. Of course, anything created to work at an angle has the potential to go out of alignment if the angle isn’t correct. If this coupler fails, it can throw the entire system out of whack.

The power steering system is controlled by two central hoses. Both are attached to the rack and pinion and the power steering pump through brass fittings, secured by hose clamps. This system is constantly under pressure by carrying power steering fluid to the appropriate parts, and by the movement of the vehicle against the road.

It might be a bad steering rack

The rack is connected to your power steering system through a series of shafts and u-joints. Even under normal driving conditions, the rack will wear down over time. If your steering wheel is stiff from the moment you turn on your vehicle, it’s most likely a problem with the steering rack. The wheel will gradually loosen as you drive and it heats up, giving the lubricant a chance to move in and start to work. You can keep driving with this condition for a while, but keep in mind the problem only escalates as the steering rack continues to deteriorate.

It can also be a power steering pump failure

Just like other pieces of equipment in your car, your power steering pump is designed to last for thousands of miles. It has a major role in creating the right amount of pressure in the power steering system. When the pump comes under pressure, is damaged, or simply wears out, it won’t do its job the way it should. When it reaches the point of failure, it won’t cause the system to stop working. But it does start to give signs it’s time for replacement. The steering point often makes noise to signal it’s time for replacement. Your steering wheel will become harder and harder to turn. If you notice these changes in your vehicle, it’s time to have it serviced and replaced.

What’s the easiest way to ensure your car is always running the way it should? It starts with a regular maintenance schedule. Check all fluids at regular intervals. Bring your car in for diagnosis whenever you think your car might have a problem. If your steering wheel is hard to turn, it’s signaling you it needs attention. Stay safe, and let’s solve the problem to get you back on the road again.

Guide to Battery Replacement

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Most folks know that car batteries wear out just like any other battery and need to be replaced.  There are a couple things drivers should know and keep in mind as a guide to battery replacement.  One is cold cranking amps and the other is reserve capacity.

We’ll start with cold cranking amps.  Think of this as the power output used to start a cold engine.  The number of cold cranking amps you need depends on your vehicle and where you live, or specifically, how cold it is where you live.  Two factors to consider are that the colder an engine is, the more power it takes to turn the engine over to get it started.  It has all that cold, sluggish oil to contend against.  The second factor is the chemical reaction in the battery that creates electrical energy is less efficient in the cold.

So the colder the weather gets, the more power is needed, but is unavailable.  So if you live where it’s cold, you need a battery with more cold cranking amps than you would where it’s moderate or hot.  You should always get at least as many cold cranking amps as are recommended but you may want to upgrade if you live where it gets really cold.

An important guide:  Batteries may also list the Cranking Amps-CA-number.  It is the Cold Cranking Amps – or CCA – that is the number you’re interested in here.  CCA is the number to use in your comparisons when you’re shopping for a battery replacement.

With all this talk of cold temperatures, it’s also important for drivers to note that heat is the real enemy of long battery life.  In other words, the damage that’s done over the 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.  This is the power drawn by the security system, the remote start system, and even the power the computers require to maintain their memory.

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

A basic guide to battery replacement is to go with the recommended minimum unless you believe you need more and want to upgrade.  Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable pros about your options.

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