All engines have either a timing belt or a timing chain to synchronize the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. This keeps the engine running smoothly and efficiently. If the timing is off, it may not even run at all. Timing belts need to be replaced on schedule. A broken or slipping timing belt could cause extensive engine damage.
Timing chains are being used more and more in modern engines. They are more durable and usually don’t have a recommended replacement interval. However, timing chains and their associated components do wear out over time. The tensioner and guide rails can wear out, which causes the timing chain to be loose. A tooth on a cam sprocket could break allowing the timing chain to slip. You don’t want to wait for a complete failure ( and possible extensive damage) so it’s important to watch for the signs of impending failure.
You may notice sluggish performance, reduced fuel economy or difficulty starting when the timing chain system is worn. You could hear a variety of noises: rattle, rumble, whine, buzz, or whir coming from the engine. If you experience any of these things, bring it to our attention and we’ll look into it. If you do require a timing chain replacement, we’ll also replace all the other system wear components such as the tension and guide rails.
Although the timing chain does not require maintenance as we usually think of it, it does require constant lubrication. The engine does this normally as it runs. However, a low oil level or using a poor quality oil will keep the timing chain from being properly lubricated. A timing chain can last a long time with regular oil changes using quality oil. Regular oil changes are an easy way to lengthen the life of your timing chain, I bet we can all manage that.
Denver drivers who are old enough have probably heard the term “fan belt”. Back in the day, the radiator fan in your vehicle was turned by a belt driven by the engine. There are still belt driven fans, although most are now driven by the serpentine belt. But most vehicles now have electric fans that draw fresh air across the radiator to cool it.
Question: How do I know when I should get my tires rotated and balanced?
Question: Why isn’t my air conditioner blowing cold air?
In today’s Express Car Care auto care blog, we are focusing on battery maintenance. Eventually your car battery will fail and you will need to replace it. In fact, 70% of batteries don’t even make it four years. There are some things drivers can do, however, to make their battery last a little bit longer.
The PCV valve is a small, inexpensive part that does a big job for Denver and our environment here. PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation. The crankcase is the bottom area of the engine that holds the oil. When the engine’s running, fuel is burned to generate power. Most of the exhaust from combustion goes out through the exhaust system. But some exhaust blows by the pistons and goes into the lower engine, or crankcase.
Have you ever been in your local grocery store and had one of those shopping carts? You know, the one with a messed up wheel that wobbles like crazy. Your cart shakes and pulls to one side and if you’re not careful, it’s clean up on aisle nine.
Myths start with a grain of truth and are then built up and circulated around with a lot of imagination and very elastic logic. Unfortunately the internet is a breeding ground for automotive myths. Some car bloggers recall the vehicles of yesteryear and declare their modern descendants to be virtually maintenance free and that anyone who says otherwise is out to rip you off.
When you take a corner in your car, the outside wheels have a little bit longer distance to cover than the inside wheels. This means that the outside wheels have to turn slightly faster than the inside wheels. This mechanical magic is made possible by the differential.
Last week I was out running errands and my temperature warning light came on – total panic! I pulled over and my car was overheating. After I waited for it to cool down, I went right into my Denver service center to have them take a look. My service adviser at Express Car Care told me my water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. He said water pumps just wear out and that they need to be replaced, because they have the important task of pumping the coolant that cools the engine while it’s running.