Tips & Tricks

What Cold and Heat Does To Tires

April 7, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Living in Colorado can give you a wide array of environmental challenges, sometimes all in the same day. Statistics show temperatures have climbed as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit and dipped as low as -61. We’ve had more than 75 inches of snow in a 24-hour period, and have had hailstones as large as 4.83 inches in diameter.

Stick around, and you’ll see it all.

But those kinds of variances can be hard on your tires. What do cold and heat do to tires? Should you be more careful in certain driving conditions? What puts your tires at risk?

Why tires are susceptible to changes in weather conditions

What are tires made of? Most people would say: rubber. That’s only partially correct.

Rubber is one of the main materials used in tire production, but there are as many as 200 different components combined to create new tires. Steel, nylon, silica, polyester, carbon, petroleum, as well as natural and synthetic rubber are all used to make tires stronger, better. It’s complex engineering to make tires do what they do best.

The outside tread creates traction and mileage. Inside the tire provides stability and strength. Together it helps your vehicle perform well out on the open road, as well as keep you safe no matter where you drive.

Tires are often created with certain performance requirements in mind. That’s why you’ll find a variety of types: snow, all-season, performance, and traction.

Depending on what tires are mounted to your vehicle will determine how susceptible they are to the driving conditions. Cold weather decreases tire pressure while hot weather increases.

As temperatures outside rise, the air in your tires increases in volume. As temperatures fall, the air volume in the tires decreases. That’s why your car’s computer module may indicate your tires are low in pressure after a plunge in temperatures outside. In general, tire pressure usually drops 1 to 2 psi for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. That’s also why air pressure will rise as your tires warm up as you drive.

Every tire manufacturer produces tires with a recommended psi. This psi tells you the optimal pressure for your tires and your car. However, this psi is set for cool tires. If you check your tire inflation at the filling station after your tires have warmed, it will be a different reading from when they were cool. It’s best to check your tires at home, if possible, before your tires have a chance to warm up.

Summer driving

As the temperatures continue to climb in summertime, your tires increase in volume and may overinflate. Most technology systems are wired to tell you when your tires are underinflated, but not when they are overinflated. This is why it’s important to test your tires manually periodically, especially with record-breaking heat or if you’re driving more than usual.

This can be especially true if you take long trips, or are carrying heavy loads. This is why tires blow on occasion.

Coupled with improper inflation is weakened tread. Tire tread is measured in 1/32 of an inch. If you have uneven wear patterns in the tread of more than 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace your tires. You can also do the penny test. Place a penny in a shallow groove on a tire with Lincoln’s head facing down. Can you see the top of his head? That means the tire tread is too shallow, and your tires are considered worn. The tire tread is 2/32 of an inch or less, and it’s time to replace your tires.

Winter driving

In winter, the opposite is true. Your tires may become underinflated in cold weather, and the tire pressure may drop accordingly. Unlike in summer months, air pressure readings will be accurate. Your vehicle’s computer system will be more likely to pick up on proper inflation of your tires.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still check it manually on your own from time to time. Don’t forget your spare.

You should also pay attention to driving conditions, and perform a manual check if problems arise. Snow and ice wreak havoc on our roads. Potholes, hitting curbs, icy terrain – it can all wear your tires down. Be conscious of any potential problems that may impact your tires, and have them checked before you continue driving.

Heat and cold impact tires. Don’t drive if you suspect a problem.

Tires are designed for a multitude of purposes:

They support and cushion the weight of a vehicle
They absorb the shocks occurring as you drive on a road
They provide traction in different driving conditions
They add torque and braking force as they connect to the pavement
They allow you to easily keep control of the vehicle as you change and move the direction in which you travel

Without high-quality tires, you’ll be putting you and those around you at risk.

You should never drive on bad tires. It’s something you should check on a regular basis to ensure they are in good shape.

However, your tires wear and performance can change quickly in different situations.

If tires lack tread, you can pick up on it with visual checks. But if they are over or underinflated, it may be more difficult to notice as you drive.

Awareness is key in keeping your vehicle safe and under control.

If tires are weakened or lack tread, they are more vulnerable to the dangers of the road. Punctures and blowouts can happen more frequently, putting you and your passengers at risk.

Don’t wait to change your tires, replace them if damaged, or even have them checked if you suspect a problem. The sooner you react, the better your chance of fixing the problem, and possibly adding more life to your tires. Proper inflation can add many more miles of life to your tires.

How can we help you maintain your vehicle?

How To Make Your Car More Efficient With Gas Prices Rising

March 24, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Remember when gas was under two dollars a gallon? Prices plummeted two years ago as the world came to a halt. And ever since, they’ve been rising steadily upward. Will they hit four dollars? Five? Only time will tell.

You feel it every time you pull into a gas station. Depending on the car you drive, you may have even reached a pump limit of $100. Now what? How do you make your car more efficient with gas prices continually rising? Or will you have to cut back in other areas of your life to meet this new reality?

Understanding fuel efficiency

Want a gallon of gas today? The national average is just over $4.24 a gallon. Compare that to $2.88 just a year ago, and you can easily see where your hard-earned money is going, especially if you’re back to driving to work every day.

It might lead you to wish for a more fuel efficient vehicle. What is fuel efficiency anyway?

Fuel efficiency measures effort to convert energy from the fuel into kinetic energy your car needs to move. It’s the measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of gas.

How To Make Your Car More Efficient With Gas Prices Rising

A lot of variables control how fuel efficient a car will be: tires, design of the car, weather conditions, driving conditions, just to name a few. While you may hear the terms fuel economy and fuel efficiency used interchangeably, they aren’t the same thing. Fuel efficiency is broader and includes how a vehicle uses the fuel. And that’s where you have some control.

While your car may have come with fuel efficiency guidelines, there are things you can do to save on gas. Fine-tuning your driving strategies can help you save at the pump, and make your car last longer too.

Car efficiency tips

Want to know how to make your car more efficient? It might be easier than you think. We have a few tips for you that don’t cost a lot and take little time to implement. Being aware of what impacts fuel efficiency is often enough to help you drive differently, depending on the conditions.

Clean out your car

Today’s vehicles are bigger than ever. We also weigh them down with many different things. Walk around your car and take a look at the extras. Do you have ski racks and cargo bins on top? Do you have bike racks tacked to the back? Do you carry workout items, sports equipment, and extra tools in the back? All of that adds unnecessary weight to your vehicle. Studies show you can lose 8 to 10 mpg with these extras in place. And at today’s gas prices, that can really add up. If you’re not using the extras, consider taking them off for your daily commute. You can always add them back when heading away for the weekend.

Improve your driving

Take a good look at the way you drive. Are you offensive or defensive in your daily driving patterns? Do you drive aggressively in traffic? Hard acceleration and braking can decrease your fuel efficiency by several miles per gallon. Instead, practice smooth driving. Leave space between you and the car in front of you. Leave early, so you have a few minutes to spare. Anticipate what’s coming up so you can smoothly transition as you drive. Not only will this help with fuel economy, but it will also help make your drive safer in the process.

Don’t speed

While there’s evidence that higher speed limits increase the risk of accidents, there’s also sufficient evidence that higher speeds also consume more gasoline. As you reach 45-50 mph, your car starts to lose efficiency. The faster you go, the more the numbers drop. Driving fast may get you there in a shorter period of time. But when fuel efficiency matters and you’re trying to conserve how much you pay at the pump, slowing down will help you conserve.

Check your tire pressure

When your tires are underinflated, it lowers your fuel economy. It also puts you at risk. Tire pressure controls how well connected your vehicle is to the road. If they aren’t inflated properly, they can’t do their job efficiently. While many of today’s vehicles have sensors telling you of a pending problem, it’s worth checking your tire pressure regularly to ensure they are properly inflated.

Buy quality gas

One of the easiest ways to make your car more efficient is to pay attention to where you purchase your gasoline. Top-tier gas stations are held to higher standards with additives. By filling up at a reputable station, you are ensured you’re getting good quality gas that will keep your engine working well. Also pay attention to what type of gasoline your vehicle needs to drive well. Stick with premium if the manufacturer suggests it, as it keeps your car running well. We also recommend keeping your tank at least half. This reduces the risk of running out, and protects you in case of inclement weather or gas shortages.

Perform regular maintenance

A well maintained vehicle will always perform better than one with potential problems. Dirty air filters, faulty spark plugs, or outdated oil changes all impact performance. Sticking with a regular maintenance schedule ensures your vehicle performs at its best ability, and helps catch potential problems before they escalate. That keeps you safer while driving on the road, and can save on repair bills over time.

How can you make your car more efficient now that gas prices are rising once again? It doesn’t take much. Just a few proactive tips can make a difference each time you pull in to fill up.

Does Changing a Cabin Air Filter Really Make a Difference?

February 24, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Cars provide an invaluable service. They:

Get us from point A to point B each day
Shelter us from the heat and cold
Allow us to travel long distances comfortably
Give us easy ways to transport things we need
Keep us safe from harm

For all those reasons and more, it’s important to keep your vehicle in good working condition.

When was the last time you thought about checking your vehicle’s filters?

While the oil filter may have been changed the last time you stopped in for an oil change, when was the last time you checked your cabin air filter?

What’s a cabin air filter?

When it comes to filters, your car has several to keep it operating well. They include:

Air filter – prevents harmful debris, dirt, and contaminants from entering your engine
Oil filter – removes contaminants from your car’s motor oil
Cabin air filter – prevents dust, pollen, dirt, and other pollutants from entering your vehicle through the cooling and heating vents

The cabin air filter is the one most vehicle owners miss because they often don’t know it exists. A cabin air filter is specifically designed to help filter the air supply inside your vehicle, creating a cleaner environment while you ride in your car. As you exhale, it takes in the air supply and moves it through the filter. As air comes in from the outside, it filters out pollen and dust to prevent further aggravation for allergy and hayfever sufferers.

Like other filters, over time, cabin air filters can become dirty and clogged with harmful contaminants and debris. They no longer serve their purpose if they can’t filter air through the filter, and instead let the pollutants and contaminants back into the air supply.

Does Changing a Cabin Air Filter Really Make a Difference?

If you notice a bad smell coming from the vents as you use heat or air conditioning, there’s a good chance it’s time to replace your cabin air filter.

When should I replace a cabin air filter?

While a cabin air filter might not need replacing as frequently as an oil filter, it’s still a good idea to keep it on a schedule and change it often.

Take a look at your owner’s manual. It will give you an idea of manufacturer’s guidelines, and when your car’s designer suggests you change out the cabin air filter. Typically you’ll find that manufacturers recommend replacing it every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or so.

Timing may be your starting point, but you should also factor in how you drive. Those who drive in urban, congested areas regularly will need to replace the filters more often. If you live in a rural location and dirt roads are a part of your daily drive, the filter may clog with dust and debris faster than by taking paved roads.

Will a dirty cabin air filter show signs of wear?

Like other parts of your vehicle, the cabin air filter doesn’t wear down in an instant. Instead, it will start to provide you with indicators that its clogging and no longer doing it’s job. You may notice:

Reduced air flow – when you crank the heat or air conditioning up too high and it still doesn’t seem to get the job done, it may be an indicator of a clogged cabin air filter.
A whistling sound – the higher speed you use for controlling the air supply, the higher the whistling sound coming from the cabin air intake ducts.
A distinct musty odor – you can’t ignore the foul smell that comes every time you turn your vents on. It may even worsen over time if you continue to ignore the problem.
Louder noises while the heating or cooling system is running – your heater and air conditioner have to work harder to meet the demands of the system. It’s trying – and you’ll hear it working. The noise will increase until the entire system is well maintained.
Fog on the insides of your windows – if the cabin air filter is allowing pollutants and contaminants to blow out into the air supply, some of the debris may land on your windows and create a fog. This isn’t moisture, it’s actually particles landing on your window, and preventing you from seeing clearly.

What can you expect from a new, clean cabin air filter?

The good news is that replacing an old cabin air filter with a new one, it will help your car run better. A well maintained vehicle won’t leave you stranded when you least expect it. It will also give you many more years of service, and be a reliable addition to your lifestyle.

Changing out your cabin air filter will give you:

Better performance – air filtration is a crucial part of overall vehicle maintenance. Your car needs two things to operate efficiently – air and fuel. A clean air supply makes every aspect of your vehicle’s operational systems more effective.
Better air supply – how much time do you spend inside your vehicle? According to the EPA, people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, where concentrations of some pollutants have been shown to be as much as five times greater than outdoors. Imagine how many contaminants you’re breathing in if you spend an hour or two each day tucked away inside your vehicle?
Better reliability – how often do you use your heater or air conditioner? Trick question, because you might always have one or the other on, keeping your vehicle at your desired temperature. Every time you operate the heating and cooling system, it depends on the motor for energy. If it isn’t efficient, it requires more power from the engine. That puts undue stress on your engine, meaning it might need repair or even replacement sooner rather than later.

Is it time to replace your cabin air filter?

If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your cabin air filter, now may be the perfect time. Be prepared for springtime pollen season by giving your ventilation system a little TLC.

Changing out the cabin air filter will improve air quality and prevent allergy problems by filtering out pollen and mold spores, dirt, and other pollutants.

It’s one of the easiest ways to ensure your vehicle remains well maintained.

This Is How You Tell If Your Brake Calipers Need Replacement or Repair

January 10, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

The braking system is one of the most important systems on your vehicle. While you might be familiar with brake pads and brake fluid, brake calipers are a little more obscure. What are they? What do they do? And how do you maintain them throughout the life of your car?

What are brake calipers?

Owning a car means performing regular maintenance. For your braking system, the most often parts to be replaced include the brake pads.

Manufacturers recommend replacing brake pads every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. When it comes to the brake rotors, you have a bit longer. Rotors should be replaced every 60,000 to 70,000 miles to ensure your braking system remains in great shape. While not as common as motor oil, your brake fluid should still be replaced every four to five years. If you haven’t read through your owner’s manual, it’s a good thing to keep on hand.

Brake calipers also need replacing over time. Through wear and tear, they lose their ability to clamp down and relax the brake pads as you apply and release pressure.

A brake caliper is a part of the disc brake system, which is what most vehicles have on their front brakes. You can see it sitting on your wheel if you look through the spokes. The brake caliper houses the brake pads and pistons. Its sole job is to slow the car’s wheels as you press down on the brake pedal, to create friction against the brake rotors.

Inside the caliper, a powerful piston uses pressure from hydraulic fluid to press the brake pads against the brake rotor. When working properly, the calipers move effortlessly based on the amount of pressure from the brake pedal.

This Is How You Tell If Your Brake Calipers Need Replacement or Repair

When something in the system breaks, wears down, or stops altogether, that’s when you have a problem.

Brake caliper alerts – how to know when you have a problem

Like other systems on your vehicle, the braking system has all kinds of warning signals to alert you when things aren’t working correctly.

Most vehicles have sensors to art you to braking problems. The brake light on your dashboard will illuminate when the sensors detect something is wrong within the system.

The brake light could trigger if you’re low on brake fluid, or the pressure isn’t within set guidelines. It can also alert you to brake pads wearing down if the car is equipped with pad sensors. The dashboard light is designed to give you plenty of time to set up a service visit and fix the problem before it escalates.

Unfortunately, problems with the brake calipers can be a little more challenging to detect.

Where’s the brake caliper problem?

There are several ways you can identify and prevent further brake caliper breakdown.

Noises, smells, and feelings

Driving is often one of those mindless tasks you perform on autopilot. But it is a good idea to stay alert and pay attention to what your car is trying to tell you. The first problem with any system is often identified through one of your senses.

Does your car drive differently? A malfunctioning caliper can cause your vehicle to pull to one side as you drive. This is due to an unbalanced braking system. Because one caliper doesn’t provide pressure in the same manner as the other side, you’ll notice your car lurching forward, or pulling to one side as you slow and stop.

You may also hear a squealing or grinding sound. This happens when brake pads run thin, and can’t connect with the rotors efficiently. Is it the brake pad, or is it a caliper malfunctioning that caused it to wear down before its time? If you’re nearing the lifespan of your brake pads, it may be the problem. But if you still have life left on them, it may be worth further investigation.

Too much pressure on the braking system can also ramp up the heat within the system. If you notice a burning chemical smell near one of the front wheels, it may be a sign of overheating from the brake pads and the bonding agent.

Do a visual inspection

If you’ve ever boarded a plane early, and watched outside the window, chances are you’ve seen the pilot walk around doing a visual inspection. Why? He’s in charge of the plane, keeping the passengers safe, and the plane in good working condition. It’s up to him to decide if it’s okay to fly, and if he’s comfortable with the mechanics and technology he’s been given.

Driving works similarly, though most of us rarely take a walk around our vehicles before jumping in behind the wheel each time we drive. But there is something to learn from a pilot – it’s a good idea to do a visual check from time to time. Do you notice tire tread wearing unevenly? Is there liquid accumulating near the caliper or the wheel? Keep an eye on anything that looks suspicious, and bring it in for inspection at your earliest convenience.

Proper maintenance means prevention

Luckily, it won’t take much time out of your day to ensure your vehicle is working well. With an occasional visual inspection, and a moment or two paying attention to what your car is trying to tell you, you’ll be able to drive securely with the knowledge that everything is working well.

Bring in your car for regular motor oil changes. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, and your wheels are properly balanced.

Let a mechanic run through a checklist to ensure everything is working well. You can schedule this at the start of each season. Or if you’re heading out on the open road. It’s a great way to keep your security in check to ensure something bigger doesn’t happen.

Braking problems? It might be caliper issues

Your brake calipers are designed to last 100,000 miles or more. They aren’t a component that needs to be replaced often.

Being aware of potential signs of a problem will ensure your braking system continues to work well. It’s the best way to keep your passengers safe, and your vehicle operating well.

When was the last time you had your braking system inspected?

Get Ready For Road Trip Driving – How To Avoid Common Car Problems

June 28, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

You’ve made your plans, booked your reservations, bought a new swimsuit, and set out all the toys you want to bring with you. Get ready for road trip driving – you’re going to have a blast sharing time and memories with your family.

But what if it all grinds to a halt a few hundred miles out of town? It’s hot. Your car has a problem. It’s now by the side of the road, while you’re scratching your head wondering what’s wrong.

If you’re out in the middle of nowhere, waiting for a tow to the nearest station, it’s going to cost you both time and money.

Could any of this have been changed before you left home? Could you avoid common car problems and avoid being stuck by the side of the road, with your car packed and ready to go, your family now at risk?

The answer is: Yes.

Road trips often put your car under stress. You drive beyond your normal routine, have a loaded down car with more weight than you’re used to, driving in conditions outside the ordinary. And that can put your vehicle at risk, especially if you haven’t had it inspected lately.

Statistics show that the global vehicle roadside assistance market is growing steadily at about 2 percent per year. As vehicles continue to get older, they are at more risk for breaking down.

These are the most common car problems that occur when people head out on the open road.

Your car battery quits

On average, a car battery will last from two to five years. One of the most important factors in determining how long the car battery will last is the weather. All you have to do is watch the weather forecast to realize a heatwave has extended all across the US this summer. If you’re heading out on the open road, there’s a good chance you’ll drive through record-breaking heat.

A running engine is already producing a significant amount of heat underneath the hood. Now add in record-breaking heat, and the fact that your vehicle is operating many hours a day at top speed. It can be a recipe perfect for making your car battery call it quits.

If your car’s battery is more than a year old, it’s important to get it checked to ensure it’s properly charged. If there are any questions about its efficiency, it’s better to replace it before heading out on your journey.

Your tire goes flat

What happens if you’re at a campsite, or a little hotel in the middle of nowhere, and you wake up to a flat tire? One recent report stated as many as 60 percent couldn’t change a tire. Add in heat, and pulling everything out of the car to find the spare, plus the possibility of not having the right tools for the job, and you’re looking at a situation that can go from bad to worse quickly.

What’s more, heat can play havoc on your tires, especially if they aren’t in great shape. A worn tire has a much greater chance of causing a tire blowout. People don’t know how to recognize bald tires, tires with tread problems, or even if they are filled properly. They often rely on computerized data to warn them of a potential problem. Yet the last place you want a warning signal is on the open road.

Your best bet is to have your tires checked before you head out on a road trip. Have the tires rotated and balanced, and ask a trusted mechanic how well they will perform in the coming weeks as you complete your trip. If they suggest replacement, listen to their advice. It’ll cost a lot less for you to make a well informed decision at home rather than a small town hundreds of miles from home.

Your vehicle has brake trouble

Brakes are always under a lot of pressure to perform. Now throw in hours of driving each day, unfamiliar territory which means you’ll be using your brakes even more, plus the heat of the engine as it travels down the road in record-breaking heat. Yep, that can definitely impact the way your braking system performs.

Now imagine a car filled to the bring with personal items and family members. This isn’t the time you want your braking system failing.

Before you head out of town, have a reputable mechanic take a look at the braking system and make the necessary repairs to keep it working at its best. This includes an inspection of the brake pads, fluid, rotors, and drums. If something needs repair, get it replaced before you head out on your trip.

Your transmission goes out

Your transmission system is what makes your car sail smoothly down the road. It’s what moves the power from the engine to the wheels. It includes a clutch, gearbox, prop shaft, differential, and drive shafts.

While your transmission can go out unexpectedly, in most cases, it gives off warning signs long before you experience trouble. Have you experienced problems with your dashboard lights? Noises as you move your car between gears? Or maybe you’ve noticed a fluid leak when you pull out of a parking space? They are all signs your transmission is in trouble.

Catch it early and one of the easiest ways to combat potential problems is with a transmission flush. By adding new fluid, it’ll keep the entire system operating well for thousands of miles into the future.

Your engine dies

We’ve all seen drivers on the side of the road with their hoods up, smoke circling everywhere. Yep, that’s potential engine failure at its worst. If your engine dies, it’s the heart of your vehicle. Experience it on the road and you might be looking at an expensive repair bill, or even the possibility of investing in a new car.

Pay attention to the check engine light. It’s one of the most common to illuminate because it’s a warning signal for so many things. If it illuminates before your trip, be sure to have a diagnostic test performed before you leave to pinpoint any potential problems.

Fixing things early can ensure your road trip is a success from beginning to end, without having to worry about repair bills and downtime for a car that simply doesn’t work.

Used Car Inspection

May 10, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

It’s natural for Denver drivers to be a little anxious when they buy a used car in the Denver area; it’s natural to worry that it has something wrong with it or that it hasn’t been well maintained. If it’s possible, bring the vehicle in for a used car inspection at Express Car Care. Your friendly and knowledgeable service adviser can tell you if there are current or emerging problems in the used car that you’re interested in purchasing. The peace of mind is well worth the price of the inspection service.

It’s also important for Denver drivers to get on track with the maintenance schedule and stay on track. If you don’t have maintenance records for the used car assume the worst and get started right away with an oil change at Express Car Care. The inspection by Express Car Care that comes with a full service oil change will reveal any basic problems. Be sure to bring up any specific concerns you might have with your service adviser. A more intense inspection can find hidden problems like body damage and sealer in A/C units which can be major expenses down the road.

Purchasing a Carfax report may let you know if the vehicle’s been in a major accident and give you a title history. You can find out if that ’71 Barracuda really was owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays here in Denver.

If you’ve bought well, there’s no reason to believe that with proper maintenance your “new” used car won’t last a long, long time.

Give us a call and let us help.

A Guide To Your Car’s Air Conditioner Condenser Before The Summer Heat Hits

April 17, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Springtime in the Rockies. It can be in the 70s one moment, and a blizzard the next. You may find yourself turning on your car’s air conditioner in the afternoon underneath the blazing sun, followed by the heater as the sun dips behind the mountains.

Is your car’s air conditioner condenser up for the job? Is it ready and waiting for the hottest days of the year?

How your car’s air conditioning system works

While almost every car purchased today comes with air conditioning as standard equipment, that wasn’t always the case. Air conditioning grew in popularity in the 1970s, and it quickly became the standard in auto production.

The air conditioning system in your car today works similarly to how it was first put into production back in the 1930s. Air conditioners are built with three main parts: the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator.

The three work together to push refrigerant through a high pressure/low pressure closed-loop system. As the refrigerant moves through the loop, it changes from gas to liquid, and back again.

The compressor takes in low pressure refrigerant gas and compresses it to a high pressure, high temperature gas. It then pumps this gas into the condenser.

The condenser dissipates the heat outward, and turns the high pressure gas into a high pressure liquid. It removes any water formed during this process as it moves through a dryer system before being pumped out to the thermal expansion valve.

It’s there that this high pressure liquid is allowed to expand and become a low pressure liquid that enters the loop system and into the evaporator located in your car’s interior. The refrigerant moves from liquid to gas form once again as the evaporator takes in the heat from the inside of your car.

As this occurs, a fan blows over the compressor, creating the cooled air you feel through your vents. As the gas enters the compressor, it continues through the closed-loop system, and the process starts all over again.

What are the symptoms of a bad AC condenser?

A vehicle’s air conditioning system depends on a steady flow of refrigerant moving through it. This is what it needs to produce cooled air, and send that air out through the ventilation system.

The only way refrigerant can do its job is if the air conditioner condenser is working. But like other parts on your vehicle, an AC compressor can fail. Luckily, it doesn’t happen all at once. It provides you with warning signs so you can take action before it stops working altogether.

Noises – You can’t miss the noises a compressor might make as it develops problems. The compressor relies on a closed-loop system to operate, which is held together by a series of sealed bearings and other components. As these wear, break, or are damaged in any way, it becomes more difficult for the compressor to operate properly. Whether it’s a squeak, a squeal, or a bang, if you notice a noise as you turn your air conditioning system on, it’s time for an inspection.

Hot air from the vents – On a hot day, if you turn on the air conditioner the moment you enter the car, the only thing you’ll feel coming from the vents is hot air. If that hot air continues, it’s a clear indicator of a problem with the AC compressor. If refrigerant can’t circulate throughout the air conditioning system, it won’t be able to create the cooled air you want. This usually isn’t an all-or-nothing process. Gradually, the cool air will warm, and you’ll start to notice your air conditioner doesn’t put out as much cooled air as it used to. Eventually, it will stop altogether.

Leaks – The AC compressor is made up of a series of components to keep it working well. Over time, if those internal bearings and connections fail, the pressurized refrigerant can start to leak. Refrigerant won’t show up as a puddle underneath your car, the way other fluids might appear. Instead, refrigerant leaks appear as a thin, greasy substance that appears around the compressor itself, or small pools if it’s really bad underneath your vehicle. Refrigerant is bad for the environment, so it’s imperative that you fix the problem quickly to avoid further release into the atmosphere.

Are there ways to maintain the air conditioning system?

Luckily, your AC compressor isn’t something most car owners replace. If your car is well cared for, your compressor can last for tens of thousands of miles.

But that doesn’t mean you should take a back seat, and wait until warning signs occur. Like other systems inside your vehicle, there are general maintenance items you can occasionally do to ensure the air conditioning system continues to work well.

Your vehicle’s cabin has an air filter, which is positioned between the air conditioning system under the hood and the vents that blow air inside your car. Check this regularly, and replace it if it’s clogged or blackened with debris.

Don’t forget to clean your entire vehicle, inside and out. Running it through an occasional car wash is a great way to ensure the outside looks great. But don’t forget that salt, mag-chloride, and other contaminants can spray up into the engine compartment as you drive on Colorado roads throughout the year. The condenser sits in front of the radiator. A simple flow of water from a garden hose can clean the grille, which allows the airflow needed for the air conditioner to work.

An occasional inspection should also be made, especially if you’re heading out on a road trip. Pull it into our service station and let us evaluate your entire vehicle. We often catch small repair items that, if left unchecked, could quickly escalate as you head out on the road. It’s one of the easiest forms of preventing, ensuring your car stays in great shape for years to come.

When was the last time you pulled your vehicle in for an inspection?

What Cheap Gas Does To Your Car

March 21, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Have you ever thought about what happens when you visit the gas station and fill up your car? Do you pay attention to where you get your gas? Do you know what’s inside?

The quality of the gasoline ultimately impacts the way your car handles and drives. Do you know what cheap gas does to your car? Does it really matter?

Let’s find out.

How gasoline works

Gasoline is used to power your vehicles and other things we use every day. You may have noticed that gasoline comes with numbers representing different classifications of gas. These are octane ratings, usually 87, 89, and 91.

Octane ratings tell you how resistant the fuel type is to the combustion process. Pressure creates heat. The more pressure you apply, the hotter something gets. For gasoline, this tells you how much pressure is needed to heat it up until it combusts.

The higher the octane rating, the more resistant it is to spontaneously combusting. This is for performance issues. You don’t want the gasoline to ignite prematurely, which impacts the way your engine runs.

The three most common types of gasoline are:

Basic – 87 octane

Plus – 89 octane

Premium – 91 and above

The higher the octane, the more resistant it is to combusting under pressure. With some high-performance engines, they require higher compression rates, which means they operate using higher octane levels. Premium may be more expensive, but it’s required to keep the engine running well and keeping it efficient as it operates.

Before you fill up at the gas station, know which type of fuel your car demands. You can find this in your owner’s manual. If it states basic, it won’t help your vehicle to move to a higher octane level gasoline. It won’t increase performance or gas mileage. It will continue to burn it at the rate needed for your vehicle.

However, if your vehicle requires premium and you put in a lower grade, you can have what is termed “engine knock.” This happens when gas combusts prematurely and throws the balance off in engine timing. Your vehicle may be equipped to handle some of this with a timing sensor, but it’s still a good idea to protect it by inserting the correct octane level gasoline. A lessor octane puts undue stress on the engine, and over time, can increase the need for repair.

What gasoline does

Americans use over 360 million gallons of gasoline every single day. It’s hard to imagine life without the fuel source we’ve come to rely on.

When you pull into a gas station, you select the gasoline recommended for your vehicle. As you pump the gas, it flows directly down into the gas tank where it waits for use. Inside your vehicle is a fuel pump that pumps the gasoline into the fuel line as needed. It also has a measuring system to alert you when the gasoline in reserve gets low.

The fuel moves through a fuel filter to filter out harmful contaminants before it’s released into the fuel injectors. This keeps harmful debris away from your engine.

The fuel injectors operate via a piston that sprays gasoline into the cylinder. Air also enters the cylinder where it mixes with the gas, compressing the two together. A spark plug ignites the mixture, which causes the combustion reaction and forces the piston back down. This opens up the exhaust valves and forces the exhaust back out of the system.

This exhaust passes through the catalytic converter, which provides emissions control. It changes the chemical composition of the pollutants as they are released and turns them into harmless substances such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water, before being released out into the air via the muffler.

What cheaper gasoline does

The next time you drive down the street, pay attention to the different fueling stations around your home. You’ll find plenty of the Top Tier gasoline companies – Shell ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, Phillips 66, Texaco, and Valero, among others.

https://www.toptiergas.com/retailers/

They will tell you that their brand name gas is better than lower quality independent gas companies because of the detergents and ingredients it mixes in with the fuel. In some cases, car manufacturers may even recommend going with these better brands because of the “secret sauce” it mixes into the fuel mixture. They state that because of the uptick in detergents, lower quality fuel may allow carbon deposits into the combustion changers, which will cause the knocking or pinging commonly associated with premature fuel ignition.

Keep in mind that this is a recommendation only. Even smaller independents – cheaper gas stations – will still post octane levels for their gasoline. The difference is in the detergents. If you’re on the road and your tank is empty, by all means, fill up, even it means a tank of lower quality fuel. It still has certain qualities in it, and it won’t impact your engine with only one fill.

Numerous studies have been done to find out the differences between gasoline products, all of which have been met with skeptical conclusions. A chief engineer for Toyota’s Avalon found that after ten years of being in charge of his division, he’s never seen an engine with a deposit issue.

What should you do?

Still worried about what cheap gas will do to your vehicle? Pick the right station to suit your needs. Whether for convenience, cost, or preference, ensure you select the right octane rankings and your car should be just fine.

It’s much more important to schedule regular maintenance visits with your local mechanic, have the brakes tested, the oil changed, and monitor the health of your tires.

When is the last time your car was inspected? Schedule your maintenance visit today.

Horsepower or Torque – What’s The Difference?

February 28, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

No matter what vehicle you own, the concept of power comes up from time to time. Especially here in Colorado, if you’ve ever tried to climb up into the hills for a day of skiing or hiking, you understand how important power really is.

Power gives you the ability to go. More power means your vehicle handles better in road conditions where you hope to pull ahead of the crowd. It’s important when zooming up the mountain. It’s equally as important in day to day driving conditions, where you’re moving in and out of traffic, staying aware of your surroundings.

If you’re looking for power, and you read the spec sheet on any vehicle on the market, you’ll notice they mention one of two things: horsepower and torque. But what’s the difference? Is one more important than the other? When it comes to horsepower or torque, where should your focus be?

Let’s start by defining both.

What is horsepower?

A horsepower is a unit of measure used to define the rate at which work is done by the motor or engine. Horsepower is what it takes to move your vehicle along. It’s what gives your vehicle the ability to accelerate under normal conditions, and to stay running as you cruise down the road.

What is torque?

Torque is the amount of force applied to the vehicle. It’s the force needed to start your vehicle in motion from a standing position. It’s also what is necessary to help it move up steep hills. If you own a pickup truck and haul or tow, it’s also something that is needed to add power into this process.

What’s the difference between horsepower and torque?

In general, you’ll often see commercials talk about both horsepower and torque when discussing large trucks and pulling heavy loads. But the concept holds through to all vehicles, no matter what you drive.

All engines produce power, which is also known as horsepower. Going scientific for a moment, one horsepower is the power needed to move 33,000 pounds one foot in one minute. It’s simply the rate of doing the work.

Mechanics will measure horsepower by using a dynamometer. This device places a load on the engine and measures the force of the engine crankshaft against that load. What it’s measuring is the torque output from the engine.

Torque is measured at various speeds, or revolutions per minute – RPMs. These numbers are used for calculating horsepower – torque times RPM divided by 5,252.

You’ll see horsepower listed in two ways: gross and net.

Gross horsepower is calculated without a load against the engine. Net horsepower is tested as you would drive it away from the showroom floor, with various loads against the engine, including emissions standards and more.

The easiest way to understand the difference is that torque is doing the work, whereas horsepower is how fast the work is being done.

Every car, truck, or vehicle you drive will have both controlling the way you move.

What makes your vehicle go – speed and acceleration

There’s another aspect we need to discuss before we talk more about how much horsepower and torque you need: speed and acceleration.

When most people talk about car movement, they mention the word speed. But there are two aspects of moving forward.

Speed is the rate at which a car can move. It’s the limits your car has built in to move forward. You might push your car occasionally towards one-hundred miles per hour. Top speeds are often tested – a 2017 Koenigsegg Agera RS can reach a top speed of 277.87 mph.

Acceleration, however, is how fast your car can gain that speed. This is where you’ll hear things like a car can do 0-60 mph in just a few seconds.

How speed and acceleration play into torque and horsepower

You’re probably seeing how each of these characteristics meld and work together.

The more horsepower you have, in theory, the better able you’ll be at pushing your car towards your top speed. Reaching peak torque means you’ve arrived at a place where you can sustain a constant speed.

This is where the two – horsepower and torque – work together.

If you ask the “experts” what number to focus on, you’ll hear just as many answers as there are people to answer them.

A racecar driver may be completely in-tune with their needs. For speed racing on land, they may prefer higher horsepower, while off-road racing may rely more on torque.

If you pay attention to sales ads, you’ll probably determine that more is always better. That’s marketing for you – they always want to push more, more, more!

But when it comes down to it, it’s more important to understand your own needs. How do you use your car, truck, or SUV?

Do you spend the majority of your time sailing down the highway at 60 mph? Do you haul boats and campers every weekend? Or is the majority of your time spent driving to and from soccer practice, with daily stops at the grocery store?

Torque can matter most if you haul heavy loads. Pulling a trailer, or consistently climbing deep into the hills can push torque ratings more in your favor.

If you’re worried about how fast you can peel away at the stoplight, focus more on horsepower than anything else.

It’s also about preference. We each tend to adjust our driving habits based on what we’re used to. Horsepower and torque don’t necessarily peak simultaneously, which means you can experience different driving conditions even with two vehicles with somewhat similar ratings.

Do your research before you drive a vehicle, and put some thought into where you want to put your money. The more power you gain, the more money you’ll put into your gas tank too.

Have additional questions about horsepower or torque? We’re happy to help you understand the mechanics of your car or truck, and keep it running well for life.

Your Nose Knows Gasoline

February 15, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Each time we fuel up our vehicles, we get a little whiff of gasoline, so your nose knows the smell. There shouldn’t be any gasoline smell in or around your vehicle when you are away from the gas station. When you do smell gasoline away from the gas pump, the causes can range from something simple to something that could be very dangerous.

Let’s begin with the simple causes. It could be a loose or faulty gas cap, or you might be missing one entirely. You may also have a leak in the fuel tank vent hose. These are relatively straightforward things to repair. By the way, because your vehicle has fans that draw in outside air, you may be able to smell these outside gasoline leaks inside the cabin.

Here are some other possible sources of a gasoline smell. You could have a leak in your fuel tank, and these are more common than you might think. Fuel tanks can rot or get punctures by road debris. The tank can be fixed or replaced.

The fuel lines can also deteriorate or be damaged by road debris. Vehicles with fuel injectors have high pressure in their fuel lines, so any small holes or leaks can allow vaporized gasoline to escape, sometimes near hot engine parts. Obviously, this is something that a technician should repair as soon as possible.

Another couple of causes of a gasoline smell? A leak near a fuel injector can also allow small amounts of gasoline to escape. A technician can replace the seals or O-rings if they have deteriorated. Also, you could have gasoline leaking out of your vehicle’s charcoal canister, which is a device that prevents evaporating gasoline vapors inside your fuel tank from venting out to the atmosphere. This will often cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate.

Gasoline fumes and leaks can be dangerous for a couple of reasons; they could be a fire hazard and inhaling fumes can cause health problems. It’s always wise to get fuel leaks checked out at your auto repair center as soon as possible.