Engine

The Most Common Sensors Used In Your Car’s Engine

September 18, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

A car’s engine can be considered the central component that gives a vehicle the power to move. An internal combustion engine creates tiny, contained explosions to produce the energy necessary for movement. And while many refer to it as a car engine, it’s actually made up of several individual components all working together simultaneously. Engine sensors give it precision, ensuring the car engine works seamlessly as it ages.

A car engine is designed around sealed, metal cylinders. Most vehicles today have between four and eight cylinders, which are made to open and close precisely as fuel and air enter with a spark for burning internally, exhausting the gasses produced outside. While there are many separate components, the essential include:

Engine block – the core of the engine
Pistons – transfers energy created from combustion to the crankshaft to help propel the vehicle
Crankshaft – the crankshaft turns the pistons up and down at engine speed
Camshaft – the camshaft regulates the timing of opening and closing of the valves, and the up and down motion of the crankshaft to control the movement of the pushrods and valves.
Cylinder head – is attached to the engine through cylinder bolts, sealed within the head gasket. It contains many of the internal parts of the engine and controls the passageways that allow airflow into the cylinders and exhaust back out.
Timing belt/chain – the camshaft and crankshaft need precise timing to work properly. The timing belt/chain provides the action.

While each of these components and systems are designed to work seamlessly together, modern day vehicles also use sensors for more precise movement. Modern car engines have up to 30 separate sensors to keep everything running properly, to control everything, and ensure optimal performance.

The Most Common Sensors Used In Your Car’s Engine

Not every vehicle will come with the same type of sensors. Yet some are more universal, meaning you can find them across the board. The most common sensors in a car engine include:

Engine oil level sensor

One of the most common sensors is the engine oil level sensor. This sensor measures the oil levels inside the engine, ensuring it’s operating at safe capacity. If the oil drops below a certain level, the sensor will catch it and illuminate an oil level warning light on your dashboard. This sensor is often located at the bottom of the oil pan, which requires draining the engine oil in order to replace it.

Engine oil pressure sensor

The engine oil pressure sensor is similar to the oil level sensor. It measures the oil pressure from the oil pump. It’s located at the engine block, often near the fuel filter. These can often crack with age, which can cause a leak before it malfunctions. In most cases, people notice this when it illuminates on the dashboard.

Coolant temperature sensor

A coolant temperature sensor monitors the coolant temperature, which is a great way to determine how efficient your engine’s overall temperature is. If an engine gets too hot, damage can occur. In newer cars, this coolant temperature monitors the inside temperature and can turn the engine off if the temperature gets too high.

Mass airflow sensor

This sensor measures the amount of air flowing into the engine. It’s a computerized device that regulates the volume and density of air being moved throughout the system. It also ensures fuel is taken into the engine at the proper level. It’s located on the intake hose between the intake manifold and the air filter.

Oxygen sensors

Oxygen sensors measure the air-fuel mixture from the exhaust, and determine how effective the catalytic converter is. One oxygen sensor measures air effectiveness before it enters the catalytic converter, and the other measures effectiveness after. If not enough emissions control is performed during the process, it alerts you via the check engine light on the dashboard.

Knock sensors

Engine knock is a severe problem in combustion engines. It’s caused when the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder does not result in detonation and ignition from the spark plug. A knock sensor is there to ensure the engine doesn’t suffer from detonation, or the knocking process of not igniting correctly. A knock in the car engine can cause extensive damage to the internal parts. The knock sensor focuses this process and alerts you to a potential problem.

Crankshaft/camshaft position sensors

Engine timing relies on the crankshaft and camshaft executing in perfect tune. Position sensors time both to ensure they move together, always knowing where the other one is. If those positions are off even a fraction of a percent, you need to know as soon as possible. Having sensors on both the crankshaft and camshaft ensures both are in the proper position every time they move.

Engine speed sensor

This sensor is attached to the crankshaft, and is responsible for monitoring the spinning motion. This controls fuel injection as well as timing for when the engine runs. This sensor ensures the car won’t stall or spin out of control while driving down the road.

Manifold absolute pressure sensor

The manifold absolute pressure sensor measures the pressure in the manifold. It further supports the mass airflow sensor by measuring how much air makes it into the engine. This is critical to fuel-injection engines as it optimizes the air-fuel ratio for optimal performance.

Exhaust temperature sensor

Depending on the make and model of your car, you may have one to four exhaust sensors designed to measure exhaust gas temperature before and after the particle filter. It controls engine conditions and effectively reduces emissions.

Summary

While these aren’t all the sensors located throughout the engine compartment, it’s a list of just some of the sensors you’ll find in a vehicle. These are some of the more common sensors, and are likely to be the ones you’ll encounter problems with.

While dashboard lights may be a bit annoying when they illuminate frequently, they are designed to alert you to problems as they arise, before they escalate into more significant problems. It’s the perfect way to fix an issue before it has the chance to destroy your car.

What engine sensors have you had a problem with in the past?

How Engine Knocking Impacts Your Vehicle

September 4, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

When you start your car each morning, you may have your mind on many things. Taking the kids to school. The meeting you have after lunch. The book club you enjoy once a month.

But then you hear a strange noise from underneath the hood of your vehicle. What’s that knocking noise? Should you drive your car? Should you call in a tow truck and start rescheduling your day?

How an engine works

Our modern-day engines work in a four-movement process: intake, compression, power, exhaust.

First, air and fuel move into the engine compartment and start the process. Combustion starts as the spark plug and ignition create enough pressure at maximum efficiency. A mixture of fuel/air burns, causing gasses to expand and push pistons downwards rapidly. Pressure rises to peak, until the exhaust valve opens and the piston retracts to eliminate the burned gas.

This process can work perfectly over and over again. Until one day, something goes wrong.

What causes engine knocking

There are a handful of causes for engine knocking. The most common include:

How Engine Knocking Impacts Your Vehicle

Wrong fuel type

Your car’s engine was designed to operate with a specific octane level. If you hear the engine knocking as you accelerate, it’s most likely caused by having the wrong fuel, specifically with a lower octane level than as designed.

You may have refueled with the wrong gas type. Or the gas station had bad fuel in the tanks. Either way, you have fuel with a low octane in your fuel tank, causing premature combustion. This will cause the engine to knock.

If the issue occurs suddenly after refilling, you can fix the problem on your next refueling. Or you could try using an octane booster to raise the octane level up again.

Bad knock sensor

Your vehicle has many sensors throughout to keep the various systems in check. A knock sensor is designed to prevent engine knock.

An engine strives for maximum performance. The control system pushes for advanced ignition to reach for better performance. If the octane level of the fuel source doesn’t meet expectations, the engine will require a slower ignition process to operate without engine knock. The knock sensor’s job is to monitor for any knocks, and if one occurs, to slow down the ignition process to prevent engine damage.

If the knock sensor goes bad, this control process is no longer in place. This means it could be sending false signals to the engine control, creating an ignition process out of correct timing. Either way, it can cause damage to various components inside the engine.

Incorrect engine timing

Depending on the age of your vehicle, a faulty ignition timing could cause engine knock on an older vehicle.

Newer cars control the ignition timing electronically, so the process is controlled by a sensor, and you won’t be able to adjust the timing.

On an older car, you may have an adjustable ignition timing on either the distributor, an adjustable cam, or crankshaft position sensor. An ignition timing light is used to check the timing. Your owner’s manual will have more information on setting the timing properly. Of course, it’s something you can bring your vehicle in for, and we’ll ensure it’s working optimally.

Lean fuel/air mixture

The fuel/air mixture circulates through various components inside the engine compartment. It heats up in the engine while cooling down in the combustion chamber. If the fuel/air mixture is too lean, it loses its cooling capabilities and will cause the combustion chamber to overheat.

This heat can cause the fuel/air mixture to ignite prematurely before the spark plug delivers a spark. This can cause the engine to knock. This is dangerous for the engine because of how it delivers heat. It can be hazardous for many components, even causing the pistons to melt down over time.

Incorrect spark plugs

While not common, occasionally, the wrong spark plugs may be installed. If they aren’t functioning correctly, they won’t produce the spark necessary at the right time.

If you’ve recently changed your spark plugs and notice engine knock, a quick check will ensure you have installed the correct spark plugs.

Other problems

If you only hear a knocking sound when accelerating, chances are it’s engine knock. If you consistently hear the noise at other times, it may be something else.

This is when you should bring your vehicle in for a complete inspection, as the problem may stem from timing belt issues, bad rod bearings, or a faulty fuel injector.

How to fix engine knock

The good news is engine knock is fairly easy to fix.

The first step is to determine when the engine knock started. If it was after your last fill-up, it’s most likely from filling up your tank with gasoline. To fix it, you can try an octane booster, or replace the fuel currently in the system.

You can also check the spark plugs if they were recently changed. While not a common reason for engine knock, it does occasionally happen. Be sure the spark plugs installed are specifically designed for your make and model.

If you have an older car with an adjustable ignition timing, check the timing and adjust it as needed. You can check your owner’s manual to find out if you have this system in place.

If you just aren’t sure or prefer to get a professional’s take on what’s happening with your car, bringing it in for an inspection can help get to the root of the problem. A diagnostic scanner can pinpoint where the problem lies, providing trouble codes to help you determine what to fix. A professional will have the right tools for the job, and be able to fix the problem and get you back on the road quickly.

Have you experienced engine knock?

The best way to ensure your vehicle stays operating well is to provide the necessary fluids and components for each system.

Fill your tank from a reputable source.

Ensure spark plugs fit your make and model.

And when you hear any noise out of the ordinary, the quicker you bring it in for inspection, the better chance you have of stopping the problem before it escalates.

How can we help you keep your car’s engine healthy?

Tired Of Low Fuel Efficiency While Towing?

August 24, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Ah, the joys of summer. You’ve bought all the toys, and love heading into the mountains for a weekend of fun. But towing trailers, boats, and other utility items can take its toll on fuel efficiency.

You’ve experienced low fuel efficiency repeatedly while towing. What can you do?

With gas prices inching ever upward, fuel efficiency is something you think about more than ever. If it’s making you think twice about taking a few days away from city life, there are a few things you can do.

Understanding fuel economy

When you think about fuel economy, it comes down to understanding what pushes your vehicle to move harder. The more pressure it has while moving itself and what you’re towing, the more fuel it will use.

If your goal is to improve fuel economy while towing, you need to take action where it makes the biggest difference.

The biggest factor is weight. It takes more energy to accelerate and decelerate every time you start, stop, or move the combined vehicle up the road. This is where it pays to take a second look at the items you are bringing. Are there things that rarely get used? Are there things you can lighten up?

The second biggest impactor is aerodynamics. This is how the wind is affected as the combined vehicle/trailer moves through the air. If you change the way your vehicle is shaped, it can have an impact on efficiency.

Of course, more minor issues can impact overall efficiency too.

Tired Of Low Fuel Efficiency While Towing?

Tires – are tires on the vehicle and trailer in good working condition? Proper inflation and tire pressure helps keep the vehicle properly connected to the road.

Brakes – if a brake drags while you’re driving, it adds resistance to the drive, and reduces fuel efficiency.

Trailer stability – no matter how well your vehicle is maintained, if the item you are towing is wobbly and not fully operational, it will impact your drive, and ultimately, your efficiency.

What can you do to increase fuel efficiency while towing?

Before you head out on the open road for time away from the normal routine, spending a few minutes thinking about efficiency can make all the difference. The best place to start is with the things you can control.

Vehicle weight – what you’re carrying takes up space. The heavier your combined vehicle is, the more energy it will take to get it where you’re going. Weight affects energy. So to improve fuel economy, if you take only what you need, there will be less to tow. Are there ways to condense the items you’re bringing? That means less pressure every time you start and stop.

Aerodynamics – this is where engineering comes into play. Have you noticed how semi-trucks are changing? They create more aerodynamics to make the driving process more efficient. You can do the same with the load you are carrying. You can do this by the size of the load you’re carrying, as well as by focusing on the amount of drag you have on the load. Do you have luggage racks, bicycles, and other personal items attached to the vehicle in various places? Do you have streamlined lines, or is it more random? There is a lot of turbulence around the trailer as you drive. If you can make the structure more aerodynamic, you’ll notice a difference in the fuel usage.

Plan your route – when you have a big load, the shortest distance between two points isn’t necessarily the best route. Instead, focus on the drive itself. Can you avoid high-traffic zones, where you’ll idle and waste fuel? Can you avoid high wind areas where you’ll increase resistance throughout the drive, possibly putting your vehicle in harm’s way? Not every obstruction is avoidable. But with a little foresight, sometimes you can find better ways to arrive at your final destination.

Slow down – just because a speed limit is posted doesn’t mean you have to abide by it. Most American vehicles reach peak efficiency somewhere between 50 and 60 miles. Pushing your vehicle faster will make you lose efficiency the faster you drive. Yes, you might not arrive at your final destination quite as fast as anticipated. This might give you an opportunity to stop sooner in more unique places. Where else can you stop along your route?

Keep up with maintenance – this includes your vehicle and what you tow. Letting even one thing slide can impact the drivability of your vehicle, which in turn affects your fuel economy. This includes the obvious things like changing your oil and fixing any mechanical parts that may need replacing. Pay attention to the tires, and replace them early before you risk damage while on the road. This can be especially true if you haven’t had your trailer on the road in months. Ensure everything is in good working condition, well-lubricated, and firmly attached to your vehicles for lower wind resistance.

Drive less – planning is everything, both before and during your trip. Combine errands whenever possible. Think twice about driving longer distances – is there someplace closer you can go? Instead of heading out several weekends to different parts of the surrounding area, what if you combined it into one long vacation? Not only is this a fuel efficient thing to do, but it also helps you relax more without the added stress of longer drive times and less stress.

Towing doesn’t have to ruin fuel efficiency

In fact, if you pay attention to the tips above, you might be surprised at how more efficient you make your vehicle, and how much more you enjoy your time away.

Towing a vehicle is never easy. But with a little forethought, you can improve the efficiency with and without the trailer too.

Wherever you’re going, whatever the driving conditions, you’ll see your mileage increase with just a few simple tips. And that’s more money you can take with you and enjoy on your vacations away from everything.

Yes, The Type of Fuel You Put Into Your Car Matters

August 7, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

When you pull up to fill your car up with gas, you usually have a choice of several types of fuel. You make a selection – regular, plus, premium – and let the fuel flow into your tank. You hop into your car and move on your way.

But have you ever stopped to think about the type of fuel you use and what it does for your vehicle? Does fuel type matter?

From the moment we buy a car, we put fuel into the tank without thinking much about it. You’re programmed to select a fuel grade, fill it up, and head out into your day. Yet most of us think little about it. What goes into the fuel before you put it into the tank?

Fuel is made up of chemicals designed to keep your car running smoothly. Of course, every fuel manufacturer interprets what that means in a different way. While your owner’s manual dictates the right type of fuel needed to keep your car operational, you might be wondering: What’s the difference?

Gasoline is manufactured from crude oil. Crude oil undergoes a variety of refinery processes before it ends up at your local gas station. Additives include aromatic compounds, detergents, isoparaffins, and other additives required by the EPA.

Gasoline is typically sold by octane ratings. The theory states that higher octane should result in more power to the engine, while decreasing the likelihood of unburnt fuel running through the system and exiting the exhaust.

Regular octane ratings start at 87 for regular, 88 to 90 for a mid-grade fuel, and 91 to 94 for premium. This rating helps manufacturers measure the ability to resist “knocking” during combustion. Under certain conditions, the fuel/air mixture can ignite early. This is called pre-ignition, and often makes a knocking sound similar to a percolator.

Yes, The Type of Fuel You Put Into Your Car Matters

In other words, octane controls the ability of the fuel not to detonate early before it has a chance to mix with the air supply and spark as it ignites. Octane measures gasoline’s resistance to pre-ignition. Higher octane provides less likelihood of detonation.

Why some cars need higher octane

Some cars are built with higher output. They use a higher compression rate to produce more power. They compress the fuel/air mixture more, creating excess heat. This can allow pre-ignition to occur. These cars need the higher octane fuel to ensure gasoline doesn’t ignite early.

If you drive a car that requires premium gas, it will say so in the owner’s manual. It’s always a good idea to stick with the fuel source recommended by your car’s manufacturer. But it won’t kill your engine, or cause immediate damage if you fill up with a lower grade fuel. It can harm your engine over time, but occasionally filling up with a lower grade won’t damage it immediately. But it can speed up wear and tear.

What fuel is recommended

When you first purchase a vehicle, getting to know your car is a good idea. The owner’s manual will recommend what type of fuel you should use in your car, what octane level your vehicle will operate best at.

Regular fuel is recommended for engines that don’t have a high compression rate. It doesn’t rely on turbocharging to force air into the fuel/air mixture. The fuel/air ratio remains relatively stable throughout the engine consumption process, and a higher octane isn’t required to keep the mix from detonating prematurely. Regular fuel will contain additives and detergents to help clean and lubricate the engine, keeping it in good working condition without leaving deposits on the various engine parts.

Premium fuel is recommended or required for engines with a high compression ratio, or come with a turbocharger. When the higher compression or turbocharge kicks in, it forces more air into the engine to help pull more energy from the detonation process. Without the higher octane fuel mixture, it can become unstable and prone to premature detonation. Premium fuel was created for stability as the fuel/air mixture changes with the uptick of air. Some manufacturers also provide more detergents and octane additives to ensure engines remain clean, lubricated, and offer you optimal performance.

What about upgrading the type of fuel?

If premium gasoline improves the performance of vehicles that need it, what about other cars? It’s natural to assume that what is good for performance with one vehicle will help with others too.

A non-turbocharged vehicle is designed to operate on regular fuel. When you fill up with regular fuel, the engine gets the recommended octane rating, ensuring the engine receives the proper fuel. If you put in premium instead, it will offer a higher octane. While this isn’t bad and won’t hurt the engine, it doesn’t offer any benefit. It will cost you because you’ll be paying more at the fueling station.

Gas at high altitude

Here in Denver, we drive at a higher elevation on a daily basis. Head up into the high country, and you add even more stress to your vehicle.

Gas stations try to compensate for this in some cases by selling lower octane fuel. They deem that with thinner air, it lowers a car’s compression ratio, which in turn makes a lower octane fuel acceptable. While that may work for older cars, with newer fuel-injected engines, they detect the lower air levels and adjust accordingly. They expect the fuel as recommended, and make the necessary changes accordingly.

As you drive here in Denver, stick with manufacturers’ guidelines and choose the level of octane recommended. Even if you take a road trip to lower altitudes, select the octane level closest to what is listed in your owner’s manual.

What type of fuel does your car use?

What fuel your car runs on does matter.

To keep your vehicle in good working condition, check to see what octane your car’s manufacturer recommends. Then select a high quality gasoline that feeds your car’s engine with high quality gasoline every time you fuel up.

Your car will thank you for it down the road.

Is It Time To Change Your Spark Plugs?

July 28, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

How often do you jump into your car in the morning, turn the key, and drive away to start your day without a problem? With a well-maintained vehicle, that describes almost every day.

Yet there comes a time when you turn the key and it doesn’t feel right. Maybe it takes a while for the engine to turn over. Or maybe you hear no sound at all.

What is it?

While most immediately think it might be the battery, (it’s a good guess and is worth checking out,) it could also be your spark plugs. While you don’t have to change your spark plugs the way you do motor oil or an air filter, spark plugs can and do wear out over time.

What are spark plugs?

A spark plug is a small device that plugs into the cylinder head in the engine, providing the spark for combustion between the battery and the spark plug.

The spark plug sits at the top of the cylinder head. The piston moves down into the cylinder, taking in fuel and air. As it moves back up, it compresses the fuel and air, allowing the spark plug to spark and ignite the mixture. This gives the vehicle energy as it pushes back down, clearing out exhaust as it finishes its cycle. The process starts all over again.

A four-cylinder car will have four pistons and four spark plugs. A six-cylinder vehicle will have six. This little tool is a reliable component that keeps on working through thousands of rotations every single time you take your car out on the road. For example, in a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine, spark plugs will fire 200 times per minute while sitting and idling.

Different types of spark plugs

Like other parts of your car, there are different types of spark plugs available depending on the type of engine your car has. Choosing is based on several things: how many cylinders your engine has as well as performance.

You’ll find spark plugs at all price points, with the cheaper ones, in general, providing a shorter life span. Manufacturers will recommend which type of spark plug to use, so it’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual. Different spark plug types include:

Copper – this has been around for decades and is the most common and economical. They also have the shortest life span of about 30,000 miles.
Iridium – provides a long life, which is also reflected in the cost. These are performance driven, so if your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends them, sticking with them will ensure your car remains in top working condition.
Platinum – one of the newer additions to the market, a platinum spark plug will typically last as long as 100,000 before needing replacement. They run hotter and reduce carbon buildup in your engine.
Double platinum – these are common in cars with “wasted spark ignition systems” where two spark plugs fire at once. This increases wear and tear on the spark plugs, and will be replaced more often than other types.

When should you replace your spark plugs

If you check with your owner’s manual, the manufacturer will recommend how often you should replace the spark plugs. Use that as a guide for general upkeep and maintenance. However, your vehicle does provide other warning signs if the spark plugs start wearing down.

Check engine light – this frequent dashboard light can signal a variety of problems inside the engine compartment. If a plug starts to fail, it will send a warning signal through the check engine light. If a spark plug doesn’t provide proper ignition, it can cause the engine to misfire. A misfiring spark can also generate rough idling, uneven power while accelerating, and a greater chance of exhaust emissions.

Trouble starting – the spark plugs provide one of the most important jobs when you first start your car. Without the initial spark, the engine wouldn’t receive enough power to turn over and stay operational. As spark plugs wear down, they have a harder time creating that spark that powers the engine. If the engine cranks over but has difficulty trying to turn it on, it could be a problem with the spark plugs. If there’s no power at all, it’s most likely the battery.

Rough idle – when you start to notice the engine knocking, rattling, or pinging, the spark plugs may be to blame.

Acceleration issues – driving is something we do often enough that we have certain handling and performance expectations. If it suddenly isn’t as responsive as it once was, it’s a sign of a part wearing down to the point of eventual failure. Spark plugs can cause your vehicle to feel sluggish when you press on the gas pedal, giving you a feeling of unresponsiveness. You’ll feel like you’re stepping on the pedal harder trying to make the car go.

Filling up at the gas station more – as spark plugs continue to wear down, it will increase fuel consumption. Spark plugs will no longer burn fuel effectively, meaning you’ll need more fuel to accomplish the same process. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a bad spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by up to 30 percent.

What happens if you wait too long to change your spark plugs

Can you keep putting off spark plug maintenance or replacement? Drivers do it all the time.

But those little warning signs will continue to grow.

It’ll take longer for the engine to turn over while you turn the key as the spark plugs have more trouble catching a spark.

You’ll be pulling into the filling station more frequently, watching your gas efficiency plummet as more gas is needed to keep the vehicle running.

You’ll hear more noises coming from the engine compartment as it has trouble keeping the entire system running the way that it should.

The more stress is put on the engine compartment, the more it impacts other parts and components. What could have been an easy maintenance issue – changing the spark plugs – can accelerate into a more expensive fix.

What’s the easiest way to keep repair costs low and keep your car in good working condition? Maintain your car on a schedule, and bring it in at the first sign of a change.

It’s the best way to keep your car running well, there for you, whenever you decide to head out for a drive.

3 Things You Should Do (and 3 Things You Shouldn’t) When Your Car Overheats

June 10, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Sometimes you rely on gut instinct to direct you to take action.

Imagine your family is heading to the mountains for a fun-filled weekend. You start climbing the hill, feeling a tug at the engine. The temperature gauge starts to climb. You might even see a little smoke escaping from around the hood.

Now what?

This is what happens as your car overheats.

Some things might be a gut reaction. Your instinct kicks in and guides you to what you should do. But is it the right thing? Will you cause your vehicle more harm than good?

Why will a car overheat?

Your car may overheat for many reasons. In general, it’s because there’s a problem somewhere within the cooling systems, and heat isn’t able to escape from the engine compartment. It might be:

A bad radiator – a radiator can go bad in many ways. Maybe you kicked up debris from the road, puncturing the radiator which allows coolant to leak from inside. Debris in the coolant that circulates through the radiator may cause problems from the inside. Whatever the case, if the radiator isn’t working properly, it won’t keep your car cool, especially as you add strain to the engine climbing up a hill.

3 Things You Should Do (and 3 Things You Shouldn’t) When Your Car Overheats

A bad radiator hose – hoses are created from plastic and rubber. A radiator hose feeds the engine coolant directly to the radiator, ensuring a constant flow for protection. With age, holes can form, causing leaks. Debris can cause blockages from the inside. And anything that prohibits fluid from moving as designed will impact the way your car operates.

A bad thermostat – the thermostat controls the flow of coolant from the radiator to the engine. If this sticks open or closed, it won’t properly regulate the amount of flow, which can either flood the engine or allow it to overheat.

A bad radiator fan – all cars use a radiator fan to help with the cooling process. If this doesn’t work, it affects how well your engine operates.

A bad head gasket – this is often referred to as a “blown head gasket.” This happens when the seal between the cylinder head and the engine block fails. This is what properly seals coolant and oil passages, ensuring the right flow of fluids into the engine.

What a car overheating looks like

You can’t miss the signs of an overheating engine. If you take action immediately, you may be able to stop engine damage and prevent expensive repair bills. Signs include:

The engine temperature gauge on your dashboard starts to climb towards the H or red zone.
Steam, which can look like smoke, comes up from underneath the hood of the car.
A strange smell coming from the engine area.

If you notice any of these signs, time is of the essence. The longer you drive, the more damage may occur.

3 things to do when your car overheats

As soon as you notice an engine problem, having a mechanic look at it and make the necessary repairs will prevent further damage.

1. Turn off the air conditioner. Car’s often experience overheating in the summer as they are under even more pressure to perform. If you’re climbing into the mountains with your air conditioner full blast, it stresses the engine. If you notice it overheating, turn off the air conditioner immediately. Then crank to maximum heat. This helps pull heat away from the engine and allows the compartment to cool down while you find a safe place to pull over and stop the car. It may be a few minutes of being uncomfortable, but it might save your engine from extensive damage.

2. Pull over and shut off the car. Give your vehicle a chance to cool down without operating for fifteen minutes or more. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge to see if it moves back towards the normal range. You can use this time to plan your next moves. Use roadside assistance if you have it. Phone a friend or call a tow truck to help get your car into a mechanic for inspection and repair.

3. Restart the engine. If you won’t be towing the car, you can restart the car, carefully watching for any additional changes in the way it operates. Before you start it, you can check coolant levels and add antifreeze if it’s low. You should also watch the temperature gauge as you move your car in for servicing. If the temperature starts to rise again, pull over and shut it off. Tow it to avoid further damage.

3 things you shouldn’t do when your car overheats

Now that you have a better idea of what you should do if you notice your vehicle overheating, let’s cover a few things that you should avoid.

1. Don’t panic. When you’re in the heart of traffic and your car suddenly acts up, it can be especially worrisome. Your safety is what matters most. Take a deep breath and find the best way to steer to safety. Avoid swerving through traffic or putting others in harm’s way as you pull off the road.

2. Stop driving. If your car is overheating, the only way to fix it is through repair. It’s telling you something is wrong underneath the hood. The more you drive it, the more extensive those repairs will be. If you’re a short distance from the service station and your car cools down, you might be okay to drive it. When unsure, it’s better to have it towed.

3. Don’t open the hood. When you see steam seeping from underneath the hood, it’s only natural to want to open it and release it. Opening the hood at this point can put you at risk of burns or other injuries from this hot steam and smoke. Your best bet is to allow the engine compartment to cool before you open the hood to check coolant levels or look for other signs of damage.

Prevention is key

Taking care of your car with regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your vehicle doesn’t overheat. If it has regular oil changes and regular coolant fluids, staying up to date with all engine and radiator maintenance, you’re less likely to experience overheating.

Before heading out on your next road trip, why not ensure your vehicle is well cared for. Schedule your maintenance visit now.

7 Maintenance Tips For Keeping Your Car’s Engine Running Smoothly

May 14, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

According to a new report, today’s average car price is just over $47,000 and continues to rise.

When you invest in a car today, keeping it running well is top priority. It costs enough for monthly payments and insurance fees, who needs the added expense of repair bills?

The adage of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. The engine is at the heart of your car’s operating system. While you might not think much about your engine while moving down the road, you will if it starts making noises, or when the drive isn’t as comfortable as it once was.

Engines need maintenance too. If you keep your engine in good operating condition, it will provide you with years of service. Ignore it, and you’ll pay for it many times over.

What can you do?

Start with an oil change

Changing the oil is drilled into every driver from the moment they get their license. There’s a good reason for that. It’s the lifeblood of your car.

When you change the oil regularly, you’re providing fresh, high-quality fluid into various engine parts, protecting them from potential danger. Oil keeps parts lubricated so they won’t overheat.

7 Maintenance Tips For Keeping Your Car’s Engine Running Smoothly

Most repair shops and oil changing stations will recommend changing oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Check with your car’s manufacturer for specific guidelines. Err on the side frequency. It’s better to ensure your vehicle is operating with high-quality fluids rather than allowing contaminants to reside inside. Age of the motor oil matters just as much as mileage if you work from home and rarely drive.

Change out the oil filter when you add new fluid. The oil filter collects dirt and debris and prevents it from circulating back into the engine. This ensures motor oil runs freely through the system, and won’t clog up because of contaminants.

Keep the cooling system in good condition

The cooling system includes the radiator, thermostat, water pump, and coolant. The easiest way to prevent your car from overheating is to ensure coolant is flowing through the system, protecting the major components.

Coolant circulates when the thermostat determines enough heat is in the system to start cooling it down. The water pump pushes coolant from the radiator to the engine block, then back down to the radiator to be cooled once again.

You can check the coolant levels by looking at the coolant tank underneath the hood. It’s a clear tank with green or orange liquid. You can also bring it in for an inspection, and we’ll ensure your coolant levels are topped off.

Check the air filter

Just like a dirty air filter won’t allow proper flow of motor oil throughout the engine compartment, an air filter won’t operate correctly if it’s clogged with dirt and debris. Air filters keep things like bugs, dirt, and leaves from circulating through the air supply as you drive from making it into the engine. Depending on how you drive, the air filter can last a long time, but if it’s allowed to get too dirty, it will impact your engine in several ways. It stops airflow and lessens oxygen needed for the engine to function correctly. It decreases efficiency, which can also reduce your gas mileage. If it’s allowed to get too dirty, it can block the system and cause irreparable damage to your engine. If you’re getting your oil changed regularly anyway, have the technicians look at the air filter to ensure it’s clean.

Check for leaks

One of the benefits of parking in a garage, driveway, or parking spot is you can pay attention to potential problems. As you pull away, look to see if there are any fluids on the ground. The two main fluids you want to ensure aren’t leaking from your vehicle are motor oil and coolant.

The engine is constantly under pressure, with extreme heat forming as you drive. Over time, parts wear out, rubber hoses can crack and break, and they can cause fluid to leak and pool when your car sits for a while.

You can also pop the hood from time to time and see if anything is pooling near the engine compartment. Take a whiff – some fluids have distinct smells. If you do notice fluid, note its color. Motor oil will be dark brown or black. Engine coolant will be green or orange. Automatic transmission fluid will be red or brown. Power steering fluid will be reddish-brown, or darker as it ages. Brake fluid is clear when new, but will turn darker brown over time.

Follow up on all dashboard lights

Dashboard lights illuminate for a reason. While it’s easy to ignore them, they light up to give you ample time to take action.

The check engine light turns on frequently, and warns of a variety of problems, including alternator, battery, or even temperature problems. The best way to find where the issue originates is to bring it in for a diagnostic test.

Replace the fuel filter

The fuel filter is similar in function to the oil filter. They both filter out particles in the fluids they use. Where an oil filter filters particles out of engine oil, the fuel filter takes particles out of the fuel. Fuel filters keep the fuel source cleaner, giving your system better energy to operate with. This can impact your fuel efficiency too.

Change spark plugs

Spark plugs and wires run from the distributor to the cylinders, sending an electrical current to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel. They are used every time you turn your vehicle on. When they get too old, they cause your engine to run rough. Most manufacturers suggest to change them every 30,000 miles or so, but a technician can run diagnostic checks to determine if it benefits you to change them now.

What do you do to your car to keep it running smoothly?

Regular maintenance helps protect your vehicle as well as keep your repair bills to a minimum. Is today the day you give your car an inspection to ensure everything is working well?

The Timing Belt Is About To Destroy Your Engine

March 18, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Your vehicle is filled with over 10,000 parts working congruently to keep you safe and get you wherever you’re going.

Some of those parts remain in our awareness. We know:

Tires need balancing and replacing
Oil needs changing
It takes gasoline for a car to operate
Brake pads give us the braking power to stop and control the car

Other parts are a little more vague.

The timing belt may be something you’ve heard of, but what does it do? How important is it in your vehicle’s operation?

And what happens if your timing belt wears out?

What is a timing belt?

If you look at a timing belt, it seems like a simple piece of equipment. It appears to be nothing more than a reinforced rubber band with teeth. Don’t let its looks fool you. It has a very important job in the operation of your vehicle.

The timing belt allows your vehicle’s engine to operate. It connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, and plays a vital role in allowing pistons and valves to open and close. The teeth located on the inner side of the belt synchronize the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. As the crankshaft turns, the timing belt moves into motion. It turns the camshaft, opens or closes each valve, and allows the pistons to move freely up and down.

The Timing Belt Is About To Destroy Your Engine

Timing belts need to be strong and sturdy to take on this much wear and tear each day. Yet like every other part of your vehicle, eventually, it wears out.

As a timing belt gets closer to end-of-life, you have one of two options.

1. Replace the timing belt before it breaks and causes damage.

2. Wait for the timing belt to break, causing potentially catastrophic damage.

If a timing belt breaks, the entire process grinds to a halt. The valves won’t close properly, which allows the pistons to no longer work as designed. If they shoot up and bang against a valve, it causes immediate damage to the engine. Just how much damage determines whether it’s a complete engine replacement.

Replacement is a much better solution. Manufacturers have suggested guidelines for how long your timing belt will last. In general, timing belts need replacing about every 70,000 to 100,000 miles – check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. Replacement costs will vary between vehicles, but the price will be substantially less than if your timing belt breaks.

Warning signs your timing belt is going bad

Timing belts are strong and highly efficient. But like every part of your vehicle, they will eventually wear out.

Luckily, a timing belt provides indicators that it’s reaching end-of-life.

Engine misfires – the timing belt has a series of teeth that keep it moving well. As those teeth wear down and possibly disappear, the connections won’t operate smoothly. You may hear it as a repetitive clicking noise coming from inside the engine.

Smoke – as the belt wears down, it makes the entire operation less efficient. As gasoline moves into and around the system, it may not burn inside the chambers completely. This will impact the exhaust system. If you start the vehicle and you see smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, it’s a clear indicator of incorrect fuel consumption. While it could arise from several things, a mechanic should inspect the timing belt.

Trouble starting – the timing belt is the pulley system to keep the engine operational. If the timing belt isn’t doing its job, and isn’t rotating efficiently, you’ll notice how well your engine starts. If the belt slips on the camshaft, it causes the engine cylinders to open and close at the wrong times. It causes a desynchronization within the starting system.

Belt inspection – whether you open the hood regularly or bring it in for regular inspections, checking the timing belt can alert you to potential problems. As it ages, it starts to crack. You can see these cracks running through the timing belt. Another sign is small fragments may chip away and fall off. You can sometimes see these lying in the engine compartment.

Oil leak – another common sign is an oil leak near the timing belt cover. This cover is secured by nuts and bolts, which can wiggle loose over time. You may notice oil in or around the area.

Is there any warning before the timing belt breaks?

While you may notice any of the above as a timing belt wears out, the unfortunate part is a timing belt can break without any warning.

Timing belts are under a lot of stress as they go through day to day motion. It stretches and moves, rotating around the engine.

Think of a rubber band as you play with it repeatedly. If it’s older, and the rubber is more brittle, it may break with no warning at all.

Your timing belt works in a similar way. If it’s overstretched, overheats, or simply reaches its end-of-life, it will snap and break.

While you can watch for changes in your vehicle’s operation, you should also pay attention to manufacturer’s guidelines. Err on the edge of caution. If you’ve reached suggested time limits, it benefits you to replace your timing belt on your terms.

Your timing belt is a workhorse. It works flawlessly, day after day, until a problem begins. The end result can be catastrophic to your engine, and painful to your wallet.

If you notice any sign of a potential problem with your timing belt, or know it’s reaching the end of its life, schedule an inspection today.

It may take time and energy to fix it, and be a punch to your budget, but it is better than the alternative.

We’ll inspect your vehicle, give you your options, and help you make an informed decision.

Is your timing belt working?

Does Your Car Really Need a Radiator Flush?

February 21, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Denver is breaking temperature records every single year. It hit 102 in July 2021, 103 in July 2016, and 104 in June 2018. Will we see 105 this year?

When the temperatures creep upwards, it’s important to ensure your car is ready for the heat. Car’s today are built with an internal system to monitor heat and protect the engine. The engine uses antifreeze to keep your engine running, and the entire system cool.

Is it running properly? Is it time for a radiator flush (also known as a coolant flush)?

It’s essential to keep your vehicle’s coolant fresh by following manufacturer’s guidelines. Ready to learn more?

What a vehicle’s cooling system does

If you’ve ever stood near the hood of your vehicle after driving on the highway for a while, you know how much heat is produced underneath the hood. Imagine the parts in action as you fly down the highway at 50, 60, even 70 miles an hour or more. All of that action creates a tremendous amount of heat.

While the components of a vehicle are created for intense heat, car designers also build in a cooling system to counterbalance the heat, and make sure every part in the system remains in good working condition as you drive.

If your vehicle didn’t have an effective cooling system, the engine would heat up and stop functioning in a matter of minutes.

It’s equally important to keep in mind that the cooling system has a job to perform year-round. It works hard to protect the engine as temperatures soar over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as safeguard the engine when temperatures fall below zero.

Most engines today use a liquid cooling system that works by passing liquid continually through the engine block. Coolant, or antifreeze, is pushed through the engine via the water pump, absorbing heat as it moves through the passages.

Does Your Car Really Need a Radiator Flush?

As the liquid leaves the engine, it travels to the radiator where it is cooled by an air stream entering through the grill of the car. It cools enough inside the radiator to return once again into the engine, pick up heat, and repeat the process again.

A thermostat is located between the engine and the radiator to monitor the coolant’s temperature. If the coolant is above a certain temperature, it flows into the radiator to cool. If it’s below, it circulates back into the engine.

This coolant continues to circulate throughout its life, heating and cooling to protect the internal components of the engine compartment. Coolant, or antifreeze, is composed of ethylene glycol, designed to withstand temperatures tens of degrees below zero, and engine temperatures reaching 250 degrees or above. For most climates, a concentration of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water is sufficient to get the job done. It’s highly poisonous to humans and animals, so keeping it away from both is important. Its slightly sweet fragrance can attract animals and children; take appropriate protection measures.

Why a radiator flush is needed

Like other fluids in your vehicle, coolant is designed to run nonstop while the engine is operational. Radiator fluid is a protection device, designed to heat and cool as it flows through the system, keeping the components clean and running to do their job well.

Over time, coolant can start to pick up dirt, debris, and other contaminants that build up in the system. This can lead to corrosion, scaling, rust, or other potential problems that you do not want in your engine or radiator.

A radiator flush solves this problem. It’s designed to keep the entire cooling system in pristine shape. Think of it as a blood transfusion of the cooling system.

A radiator flush forces several gallons of cleaner, water, and coolant through the system, eliminating contaminants or build-ups that may have been deposited since the last flush.

Simply draining the radiator doesn’t do a proper job of removing contaminants. Trace debris may still be stuck inside the system, attached to the various components. By flushing the system, you remove these deposits and create a clean system once again.

A radiator flush is also designed to repair and protect the various components that may have weakened with age. When you use the right additives and perform a radiator flush as suggested by your car’s manufacturer, it can lubricate the various parts, lengthen the life of the water pump, and help prevent future corrosion before it starts.

Is it time for a radiator flush?

As a general rule of thumb, most manufacturers recommend having a radiator flush performed every 30,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Of course, your manufacturer knows best based on how the system was designed. Follow their suggestions to ensure a long life.

Driving conditions can also impact expectations. Driving up and down the mountain each day can add to the stress of the coolant system. Pulling heavy loads continually can also impact the system. You know your driving conditions best. If you feel your car could benefit from a radiator flush, erring on the side of caution is always best.

Your vehicle will also give you a sign if it’s time for a radiator flush:

You notice a leak by way of a puddle of coolant underneath your car
You notice a knocking sound in the engine compartment as you driv
Your car starts to overheat
You notice visible debris in the coolant
Steam or an odd smell coming from underneath the hood

What happens if you don’t flush the radiator

Is a radiator flush really necessary?

When there is a problem inside the cooling system, you’ll notice any one of the symptoms from above. It can start in the form of a leak, migrate to a knocking sound in the engine, and eventually cause your engine to overheat. The problems won’t go away if you don’t take care of the problem.

If left unchecked, the symptoms escalate and you wind up with even bigger problems. Further corrosion. Larger leaks. Failing components. Bigger repair bills.

The easiest way to stop the problem in its tracks is to stick with a schedule and get a radiator flush from time to time, to keep your cooling system operating well.

When was the last time your car had a radiator flush?

What Are Auto Diagnostic Tests and Are They Reliable?

February 14, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

When some problems arise, you can visually see the issue. If a tire is flat, you patch it.

Other problems are more difficult to diagnose. You know your car isn’t running correctly. You know there’s a problem deep within the systems. But where?

Luckily, we have auto diagnostic tests to help pinpoint where the problem is. How reliable are auto diagnostic tests?

The history of auto diagnostic tests

Diagnostic tests are a relatively new concept in the automotive industry. Over the past two decades, the industry grew as electronics were introduced and used just as frequently as mechanics.

The 1990s are considered the start of automotive diagnostics, as electrical structures were introduced into the complexities of car manufacturing. As computer chips became readily available and we moved to higher technological advances, vehicles changed their structures and relied more on sensors.

These sensors made it easier to locate a problem. Vehicles converted into a digital piece of technology that could be monitored and tested periodically to ensure everything is working correctly.

Running an auto diagnostic test from time to time helps keep your car safe and operating correctly. For a technician, it’s no longer guesswork when you bring the car in. Trouble codes tell them where a problem originates. Note – the code refers to where the problem lies, not necessarily what the problem is. This is where training and education come into play, where a mechanic uses their knowledge base to get to the root of the problem.

What Are Auto Diagnostic Tests and Are They Reliable?

What parts can be tested?

Today’s diagnostic tests can reveal issues in all the vehicle’s major systems.

Engine
Exhaust system
Brakes
Transmission
Fuel system

Diagnostic tests are designed to ensure your vehicle is running at optimal levels. It diagnoses:

Problems with the engine
Issues with the transmission
Responsiveness
Braking issues
Potential contamination or faults with the exhaust systems
Wear, tear, or breakage with major components

Drivers often have a misconception about what codes on their dashboards are telling them. If the check engine light turns on, they may attempt to pinpoint the problem by looking up the code being referred to. But this is only a starting point. This is where human experience takes over and gets to the root of the problem.

What auto diagnostic testing is advantageous

Technically, scheduling an auto diagnostic test isn’t a “needed” service. It’s not something you plan regularly as you would an oil change.

Diagnostic testing usually comes into play when you start having trouble with your car. Suppose you notice a problem with performance, or a dashboard light suddenly turns on. In that case, a diagnostic test can help pinpoint where it originates, giving mechanics the ability to move right to the problem.

This eliminates guesswork, and fixing by trial and error. It gets you in and out faster, and gives you better assurance that the original problem is fixed.

The reliability of an auto diagnostic test

Depending on the age of your vehicle, you may be familiar with guessing at what a problem is.

Before technology moved into the way a car functions, many of the most common issues were solved through human knowledge. But sometimes, the most challenging problems could take time to diagnose, as the output of the problem might not match what’s truly wrong.

This meant a driver may have brought the vehicle back in multiple times trying to get to the heart of the problem.

That’s wasted time, energy, and effort for all parties involved.

Take smoke coming from the tailpipe as an example. Smoke coming from the tailpipe is a sign of a problem with the engine. But it could be triggered by several different things.

It might be water vapor that’s built up inside the exhaust system, burning off as you start the car.

It might be the fuel/air mixture is too rich, and isn’t combusting correctly.

It might mean oil is burning inside the combustion chamber due to leaky valves or bad piston rings.

Or it could be a sign coolant is burning in the engine, signaling it may be a blown head gasket, which could lead to the engine overheating.

A mechanic may recognize the signals and fix one issue. But if it’s multiple problems, one may be overlooked, especially if it’s a minor problem.

A diagnostic test can pinpoint that and lead to fixing the problem before it escalates.

Accuracy is important

Years ago, cars were more mechanical by nature. Systems were more straightforward, meaning getting to the root cause was easier for a mechanic to perform.

That hasn’t changed. Some problems are easy to diagnose. A mechanic may see the issue frequently, and know exactly how to fix it.

But today’s vehicles aren’t just mechanical. They are a blend of mechanics and technology, designed for precise calibration to ensure efficiency and ease at the same time.

Compare it to a doctor’s visit. You go in with a complaint, a particular weakness or spot that’s troubling you. A doctor will ask questions, gather information, and order tests. These are essentially diagnostic tests. The doctor may have an idea of what’s wrong, but a diagnostic test confirms it, and rules out other causes.

The same works for your vehicle.

A mechanic may suspect what’s wrong. A diagnostic test confirms it. And ensures there aren’t other trouble areas that may be causing problems.

Is it time for an auto diagnostic test?

If you’ve noticed a problem with one of the major systems, a diagnostic test may aid in getting to the root cause. Before you bring it in, gather as much information as possible:

What is the problem?
When does it occur?
What circumstances surround the most noticeable characteristics?
Is there a noise? Is it constant or inconsistent?
Have you noticed other issues?
Have you tried to fix it yourself?

The more information you bring in with you, the easier it will be for our technicians to figure out what’s wrong.

Call us today and schedule your appointment. We’re here to help you get back on the road again.