Suspension

Why It May Be Time For Wheel Alignment

July 11, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When you drive your car off the showroom floor, everything about it is in perfect condition.

From the moment it hits the open road, your car is at risk. Slam on the brake pedal and it impacts your braking system. Hit a pothole, and it can knock your wheels out of alignment.

The trouble is, most of the damage done to your car isn’t something that impacts it right away. Instead, it accumulates over time.

That pothole in the middle of the lane you always drive in to work? Yep, every time you hit it, it continues to impact your car. Bolts can loosen. Joints can come apart. And wheel alignment? Yep, that happens gradually too. Every bump you hit, every pothole you hit a little too hard, every curb you scrape and bump, it all adds up over time.

Why is wheel alignment important to my vehicle?

Wheel alignment is important for one very obvious reason: driveability. If you want a smooth ride as you drive to work, drop the kids off at school, or take your family out on the open road, a periodic wheel alignment is mandatory to keep your car working properly. Of course, there are other reasons too.

If your wheels aren’t connecting with the road properly, it also means your tires are being impacted every mile you travel. If a wheel is bent, it pulls the tires away from the road in certain spots. That means uneven wear. It also means the lifespan of your tires will be shortened.

When your wheels are in proper alignment, the entire suspension system is working together, keeping you pointed in the right direction. Without movement, you move in a straight line. But when wheels are out of alignment, that balance can shift and turn. Have you ever felt a pull to the right or left when you’re moving down an open stretch of highway? That’s a problem with your wheel alignment. It can cause other systems more wear as you overcompensate for the problem.

All of these extra problems can cause one more failure – gas mileage. It takes more energy to overcompensate for problems throughout your vehicle. If you start to see a slip in mileage each time you fill up your tank, it might be a wheel alignment issue.

How will I know if I have a wheel alignment problem?

Wheel alignment isn’t something you’ll find a dashboard warning light for. Instead, you’ll only discover you have a problem in one of two ways.

1. Regular checkups. If you let one of our mechanics check out your car periodically, we can find and correct issues before they become bigger problems.

2. Watch your tires. The easiest way to tell if you have a wheel alignment problem is to watch your tires for uneven wear. The tires should wear evenly across the tread. If you notice excessive wear on the inside of the rear tires, for example, it’s an indicator you may need an alignment. It also could be a sign of too much weight in the trunk.

How will my driving be impacted if the alignment is off?

Watching for uneven wear on your tires isn’t the only sign of an alignment problem. There are other noticeable signs you can watch for as you drive.

When your vehicle pulls to the right or left as you drive. You’ll tighten your grip on the wheel as you feel your car slowly moving one way or the other.
A steering wheel that looks crooked instead of straight. As you drive, your steering wheel should return to its original position. If you have to turn it slightly to keep it in the lane, it may be a sign.
Your tires may squeal and make noises. That high pitch squeal is because the wheels aren’t connecting the way they should.

Now what?

What it takes to calibrate a vehicle’s wheel alignment

You can’t look at your wheels and know you have a problem. It requires precision to ensure your wheels are calibrated perfectly, giving you the smoothest ride possible.

When you bring your vehicle in, alignment is performed using advanced computerized alignment equipment. Weights can be mere fractions, bringing all four wheels into alignment.

Our technology:

Measures all four tires and sets the alignment according to manufacturer’s guidelines. The more accurate this process is, the smoother your ride. It’ll also improve your gas mileage.
Provides an accurate reading. You can’t eyeball this, which is how it was performed years ago. Today’s technology is better than ever, meaning we can get accurate readings to ensure you’re driving out of our garage with the best alignment possible for your vehicle.
Understands the guidelines for your vehicle. A Prius will have different requirements than a large SUV.

How long does it take for a wheel alignment?

Like every service we perform, it depends.

If everything goes smoothly, you can be back out on the road shortly. But as we dive in and discover problems, it may lead to other issues.

Each wheel may have up to three alignment angles that need adjusting. They’re called caster, camber, and toe. Three alignment angles – four wheels – that means up to 12 adjustments needed for servicing. You can’t drive in, plug it in, and go. It may take a little time.

Because you have four wheels, all four must be adjusted at the same time. Performing one wouldn’t give you the right calibration to ensure your entire vehicle is driving the way it should. Instead, it’s essential to adjust the front wheels to be at a proper angle to ensure the back wheels operate correctly too.

An alignment check inspects both the steering and suspension systems. It will ensure your tires are pressurized correctly, and are still in good operating condition. It will adjust camber, caster, and toe angles, as needed. That may mean new parts and labor charges, depending on the issue. And finally, a road test. We want to drive it, to ensure it feels good when connecting with the road.

Sometimes your warranty requires occasional wheel alignments to ensure it’s in proper working condition. Check with your manufacturer, to ensure you stay within compliance.

It’s Pothole Season, Time For New Shocks and Struts

June 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s a joke that circulates every year about this time all across the Front Range.

There are four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and road repair.

You’re nodding your head right now, because while it’s meant to be humorous, it’s kind of true. Some of the potholes around town can do severe damage if you hit them full force. They are no longer potholes, some seem like sinkholes ready to swallow you up.

If you’ve ever hit one, you might duck and cringe from the impact. What is it doing to your car? Good question.

The answer is: the damage might be worse than you thought.

Every time you hit a pothole, the impact jolts through the tires, wheels, shocks, and struts, vibrating throughout the different systems of your car.

While it’s pretty obvious if it does enough damage to blow a tire or bend a wheel, internal damage is harder to see. So it wears over time. And if you don’t fix it soon, the damage continues to mount, taking the cost of your repair bill right along with it.

Before we get into whether you need new shocks and struts, let’s look at what they do for your vehicle.

What shocks and struts do

A shock absorber does one thing: it keeps your vehicle from bouncing when you drive.

Struts are built into the structure of your suspension system. They are made from many different parts, including the coil spring and shock absorber, and affect your vehicle’s steering and alignment.

When people talk about a vehicle’s suspension, then often use the phrase “shocks and struts.” It’s important to note that not all cars have both. Shocks are part of the overall suspension, whereas a strut is a complete assembly. Every wheel will have one or the other, not both.

However, your car might have different assemblies on the front and back wheels – struts on the front, and shocks on the back, for example. To find out what you have, you can check your owner’s manual, or learn more about it the next time you bring your vehicle in for a check up.

Signs you might need new shocks and struts

No matter what assembly you have on your vehicle, ensuring your shocks and struts are in good working condition is crucial. How do you know if you need new shocks and struts?

Performance decreases – you start noticing little things as you drive. Your vehicle seems more bouncy. It seems rough even when you’re on a smooth road. It tends to roll on every turn you make.

Nose dives – nose diving happens when you apply the brakes and the front end of your car bounces low to the ground. If you don’t fix it right away, it can escalate to having momentary loss of steering, or need an extended amount of time for braking. This comes from the shocks or struts not having enough power to handle the weight of your vehicle.

Noises – if your vehicle starts reminding you of an old bed mattress, squeaking through bumps and potholes, or with every movement you make getting in and out of your vehicle, it might be your shocks or struts.

Body roll – this is a term used to describe the feeling a vehicle has going into a turn. Even with the slightest turn, the vehicle leans into it, sometimes causing control issues.

Squats – when you take off from a stop sign or traffic light, the momentum of the vehicle falls to the back wheels, causing the front end to lurch up. It causes hesitation in the forward movement of your vehicle.

Visible damage – like every part on your vehicle, it’s important to do a visual inspection from time to time to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Do you notice a problem with the wheels – some shocks or struts are visible in the wheel well. Do you notice a pool of liquid near the tire – hydraulic fluid can leak from a damaged shock or strut.

It might not be the shocks and struts at all

Potholes can do a lot of damage to your suspension system. Sometimes it doesn’t impact your shocks and struts, but instead affects wheel alignment. How can you tell the difference?

The tires aren’t wearing evenly – do a visible inspection of your tire tread from time to time. If you see a portion of the tread that is wearing faster than other areas, it’s most likely your wheels are out of alignment. You may also have a worn or bent suspension or steering part, which can put everything out of balance.

The vehicle pulls to one side or another while driving – if you’ve ever felt the car pull one way or another while driving on a straight road, that’s a sign of a wheel alignment problem. You’ll have to fight to keep the steering wheel in one position, or it will drift from side to side.

The front end shakes – sometimes you notice a vibration as you’re driving. If you notice your front end shaking, it may be a whole host of problems, including an issue with wheel alignment. Getting your car checked as soon as possible is your best bet.

Your steering wheel is crooked – when you’re driving on a straight stretch of road, your steering wheel should point forward and be pointing straight ahead. If it’s crooked while you’re moving straight, it’s a dead giveaway that you have a problem with wheel alignment.

This is a safety issue

When your vehicle isn’t working as it should, it’s a safety issue. That means you’re putting you, your passengers, and others around you at risk.

If you noticed any of the above when you last took your car out for a drive, don’t delay. Even one small pothole can cause enough damage to impact the safety of your car.

Schedule your appointment today, and we’ll find the root of the problem, and get you back on the road in no time.

Suspension Failure

March 30, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Shocks and Struts Might Be Wearing Out

March 3, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

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

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

What’s wrong with your car?

What are shocks and struts?

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

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

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

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

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

What’s the difference between shocks and struts?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you in the market for new shocks and struts?

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.

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.

5 Signs Your Shocks and Struts Need Replacing

January 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Don’t you just love the Colorado roads right now? When the snow clears away for a day or two, you still feel like you’re off-roading it down the highway. It’s a game of “how to avoid the potholes”, and all-too-often, the potholes win.

When you hit one, you cringe. You can feel the impact ripple through you and your vehicle. This can take its toll on how well your car handles.

A car’s suspension system is designed to hold up the weight of the vehicle, and absorb the impact of the road while providing the occupants a smooth ride. One of the critical components of the suspension system are shocks and struts.

Both shocks and struts curb a car’s tendency to bounce while moving. Every time you start, stop, turn corners, or hit bumps in the road, it’s shocks and struts that create a smooth riding experience.

What are shocks and struts? What’s the difference?

Before we talk about possible problems with your vehicle’s shocks and struts, it’s important to understand what they are.

In many cases, the terms shocks and struts are used interchangeably, but they do provide two separate functions.

As a part of the suspension system, every vehicle has a combination of springs, and either shocks or struts. Springs are what support the weight of the vehicle to cushion the ride. This prevents the car’s passengers from experiencing harsh jolts as it rides on rough and uneven roads.

Shocks, also known as shock absorbers, do what their name implies: they absorb the shock of the road. Shocks aren’t a crucial piece of the suspension system; you could, in theory, remove them and still be able to drive. However, they are built into a vehicle to provide comfort and stability no matter what the conditions of the road are like.

Struts are an integral part of a vehicle’s suspension system. They play a key role in absorbing the roughness of the road. MacPherson struts are the most common struts on today’s vehicles. They combine the spring and strut together into one serviceable part. However, depending on the vehicle you drive, the two might be separate. In that case, the strut acts as a connecting point between the spring and the vehicle.

How do I know if my shocks and struts are bad?

Like other parts of your vehicle, shocks and struts have warning signs that they are failing. But they aren’t components you’ll replace on a regular basis. They are engineered to last anywhere from 50,000 to 90,000 miles or more, depending on how you drive.

Still, you can’t miss the signs that your shocks and struts are starting to fail. Have you experienced any of these signs?

Nose diving – this is probably one of the easiest signs to recognize; you’ll see this portrayed on television a lot. Cars stay level because of shocks and struts. If they aren’t working the way they are designed, every time you step on the brake pedal, your car will dip forward, with the nose diving towards the pavement in the process. There is also the possibility of the rear of your car bouncing down when you accelerate; this is known as squats.

Bouncing – the shocks and struts absorb the roughness of the road. However, if you notice your car bouncing up and down with each bump and you can feel it in the way you move up and down in your seat, your shocks and struts have a problem that should be serviced as soon as possible.

Tire bouncing – if the shocks and struts aren’t absorbing the impact of the road, the tires can take on the stress. If they aren’t connecting with the pavement as designed, they can wear before their time.

Fluid leaks – shocks and struts contain hydraulic fluid. As they wear, they can start leaking. If you notice what looks like a leak by your tires, bring it in to be serviced as soon as you can.

Handling problems – pay attention to the way your car handles no matter what the road conditions are. This will help you determine when things start to go wrong. Problems with shocks and struts can make your car shift from side to side even when the weather isn’t there to affect it. You should never feel a swaying motion as you drive.

Can I test for bad shocks and struts?

Still not sure if it’s your shocks and struts going bad? Luckily, there is a test you can perform to determine if your shocks and struts are in good working condition. It’s called the bounce test, and it works like this.

Move to the front or rear of your car. Push down as hard as you can, and then pull your hands away. If your car doesn’t bounce, your shocks and struts are fine. A bounce suggests that the shocks and struts are starting to wear, or a problem already exists. This is your sign that it’s time to get your vehicle serviced and have your shocks and struts replaced.

Your suspension system needs regular maintenance too

As a frequent driver, you’re probably in the habit of basic maintenance items. You bring it in for an oil change every few months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. You wash it and add windshield washer fluid seasonally. You get new tires as the tread wears down.

Even if your vehicle isn’t showing any signs that the shocks and struts are going bad, it’s a good idea to have one of our mechanics evaluate your suspension system on an annual basis. This of it as cheap insurance to ensure your car is in good working order, and will keep you and your car’s occupants safe and secure, ready to enjoy the ride.

Shocks and struts are not the same, and are not interchangeable components of your vehicle. Whether they are structurally integrated together or are separate parts, it’s important to have both in good working condition to have a safe ride.

Are your shocks and struts in good condition?

Why Is My Steering Wheel Hard To Turn?

November 14, 2019 by Denver Express Car Care

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.

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.

What Are The Dangers Of Driving With Broken Struts

September 29, 2019 by Denver Express Car Care

Every car, truck, SUV, or crossover has a suspension system. It’s the parts of a car that hold your vehicle off the ground, protects passengers and cargo, and gives the vehicle its ability to make turns as you drive around.

The suspension system contains parts you are very aware of – your tires and wheels. It also contains things you probably don’t pay much attention to – springs, shocks and struts.

Every part on your car starts wearing out the moment you drive it off the showroom floor. And as this wear happens, your car won’t perform the way it once did. You might notice it doesn’t turn as sharp as it once did. You might feel as if your vehicle is a little more squirmy on rainy roads.

That’s your car warning you that something is wrong. And if you don’t act quickly, a bigger problem is about to materialize.

What is a car strut?

Your car’s suspension system wouldn’t exist without struts. Stuts are the part that hold your vehicle off the ground. Without them, it would fall to the pavement.

Sturts lock together many different parts of the suspension system. They connect to the coil spring and shock absorber. They connect to the steering mechanism. They provide support to help shock absorbers support the weight of the vehicle and give it the smooth ride you expect.

You’ll often find the terms “shocks and struts” used interchangeably. But there are subtle differences. The only job a shock has is to stabilize the car. It keeps it from bouncing around. The car would still be able to drive if the shocks went out.

Is it safe to drive a car with bad struts?

When your struts wear down, they do more than give you an uncomfortable ride. They also present safety risks that can increase your chances of an accident. Worn struts can increase the amount of time it takes to stop your vehicle, especially in adverse weather conditions. If the streets are wet from snow or rain, you’ll need more distance for stopping with a worn out strut.

Struts also help stabilize the car. Every time you make a turn, your car’s struts are there to provide stability for the action. While that might not seem that important when you’re making a right hand turn into your neighborhood, increase the speed, and try a hairpin turn at highway speeds. That puts you, your riders, and the other vehicles around you at increased risk.

Of course, struts aren’t something that wear out quickly. You don’t have to replace them on a regular schedule like you do an oil change or new wiper blades. It depends on several things, including the model and make of your car, plus the amount of wear and tear you put on your car every day. Someone who drives up and down the mountain for work and play every day is going to be different from someone who drives two minutes to work and back.

Under normal conditions, you might be able to get 75,000 to 100,000 miles before you notice a change. With heavier use, you might start noticing problems at 50,000. Like most parts on your vehicle, the answer to “when I should replace it” is “it depends.”

What are the symptoms of bad struts?

Struts won’t wear out overnight. Instead, it’s a gradual process over time. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how your car drives, especially as it ages.

Every time you hit a bump in the road, or hit a pothole that makes you cringe from the jarring effect, your struts wear down a little at a time. And eventually, they start talking back.

Here are a few warning signs that your struts need replacing.

The nose of the car dips when braking. Have you ever punched on the brakes when someone cuts you off, only to feel the nose of the car dips down more than it should? That’s a problem with the struts.

Highway speeds are a little more intimidating. Do you feel that shimmy when you reach certain speeds? Have you pressed your car from 60 to 70, only to bring it back down because of the shake? That’s your struts talking. They aren’t providing the same stability they once did.

The tires wear unevenly. When the struts are going out, they’ll apply different amounts of pressure to the tires. You’ll see the tread wearing away in unique ways, giving each tire an uneven wear pattern.

The tires bounce with every dip in the road. Every time you hit a bump, it will feel as if the car is bouncing to recover. You might also hear a clunking noise along with it.

You’ll notice a pull when you take turns, especially at higher speeds. The car will feel wobbly going into the turn and recovering back to driving straight.

You may also notice fluid leaks. When this happens, it’s a sign that the seal has broken and the fluids that make your suspension system work is escaping. The more the system operates without proper fluid levels, the more damage may be done to your suspension system.

How do I buy new struts?

If you’re not sure if your struts need replacing, the best place to start is by taking your car in for servicing. Our goal is to ensure your car is safe to drive. We’ll give you all of your options and help you make the right decision for your vehicle.

Like everything in life, you get what you pay for. Adding new struts to your vehicle isn’t a DIY project.

Ensure you purchase quality, brand name struts. You have choices, depending on how you drive. Some will be a little stiffer for better performance, something that may be important if you like feeling the curves of the road. Others are better for comfort, and will ensure you enjoy the ride.

It’s also important to discuss other parts of the suspension system while making a decision about your struts. The struts are just one piece of the suspension system. If your struts are worn out, there’s a good chance other parts are as well, like the bearing mounts or the shock boots.

Whatever you do, don’t neglect your struts. Stop by as soon as you have questions about their safety. It can help give you a better ride, and get you back on the road, enjoying the experience once again.

The Most Damaged Suspension System Car Parts When You Hit Potholes

September 14, 2019 by Denver Express Car Care

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.

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?