Tips & Tricks

These 6 Things Might Be Draining Your Car Battery

June 3, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Electronics are a part of our life. If we grab a remote, we expect it to work. If we push a button, the device should pop into action. And when we turn the key, the engine should start.

But what if it doesn’t?

Your car battery is something you probably take for granted. When you turn the key or punch the button, you expect things to start. Your mind is filled with daily activities. Nowhere in there is the thought of being stranded.

What things might be draining your car battery?

What a car battery does

Before we talk about why your car battery might not be working, it’s important to understand how it does.

Most vehicles today use a lead-acid SLI battery, which creates a chemical reaction to move into action. SLI – starting, lighting, and ignition – works by providing a short blast of energy out to various parts of your car. It triggers energy into the engine to get it started, before transferring it over to the alternator to take over the power supply while you drive. It also sends energy to accessories such as the radio and headlights,

What can drain a car battery?

A dead car battery can be frustrating. It can make you late for an important meeting, or strand you away from home.

But as much as that can stop you in your tracks, it’s even more annoying knowing it could have been avoided.

Car batteries rarely fail without advanced warning. There are certain actions you take with your vehicle that can lead to draining your car battery.

Parasitic battery drain

Your vehicle’s battery is used for two things: starting the engine and sending power to your car’s accessories. It would be annoying to have to reset the clock or reset your radio channels every time you got into your vehicle. Car batteries are designed with a parasitic battery drain that keeps sending power out even after the engine is turned off. While that’s a good thing for low drainers like your clock, headlamps and interior lights take more power. If you leave them on overnight, they can be enough to drain your battery, especially if it was weak to begin with. The best way to avoid this is to ensure your lights are all turned off, and your doors are closed before you walk away.

Extreme heat or cold

While most people would never consider Colorado to have extreme temperatures, the few days it does drop below zero or move above 100 can take its toll. Especially if your battery is nearing the end of its life. If your battery had a hard time cranking the engine over on the coldest day of the year, be prepared this summer as the temperature climb. Consider the age of your battery. It might make sense to change the battery out now before it leaves you stranded.

Loose or corroded connections

Your vehicle’s battery has both positive and negative terminals. Sometimes these connections can wiggle loose from the stress of driving every day. Because fluids jostle around, the terminals may also become corroded. If either of these occurs, your battery can’t properly transmit power to the rest of your vehicle. That’s why it’s important to give your car a thorough maintenance check regularly, and clean and repair anything that isn’t working right. Creating a relationship with one of our mechanics is a great way to keep your maintenance visits on track.

Short trips

How many miles do you drive per day? Is it a mile to the store, another mile to pick up the kids, followed by a mile back home? While it’s great to be a part of a community, and have everything you need a short drive from home, those quick trips can also wreak havoc on your car battery. The battery fires up the engine, but it’s the alternator that helps the battery stay charged. If it doesn’t get the chance to circulate effectively while you drive, it can shorten the battery life.

An aging battery

Like every part on your vehicle, a car battery will only last so long. While a manufacturer might promise up to five years, two to three is more the target for most car batteries. Of course, it depends on how you drive and where you live. Short trips will kill a battery faster than steady road trips. Even leaving your car sitting without starting for weeks at a time can slowly cause your battery to fail. Pay attention to when you install it. The closer you get to end of life, the more you should watch for potential problems.

Failing alternator

Sometimes it’s not your battery that’s failing; it’s the alternator. Your battery is a burst of energy sent out to get things started on your car. But once it’s moving, the alternator keeps everything running. If you stop at a traffic light and things start fading or dying, it’s a sign of problems with your alternator.

What to consider when buying a new battery

Car batteries are designed to last anywhere from two to five years. While you might see car batteries sitting in your favorite big box store, it still takes a little knowledge to buy the right one and install it without a problem. Car batteries are determined by:

Size – car batteries are divided into several groups, which indicate the length, width, and height of the battery. The one your vehicle needs is determined by the space allotted for it. Check your owner’s manual to find out what group your vehicle needs.

Freshness – yes, there is an expiration date on a car battery. Especially for batteries that aren’t as popular as others, it can sit on the shelf indefinitely. Why put in a battery that already has six months or more in age?

Power requirement – this refers to the cold cranking amps (CCA) and cranking amps (CA). This is the amount of energy required to start the battery in extreme conditions.

Warranties – the car batteries with the longest warranties are also some of the more popular manufacturers in the marketplace. Don’t go with obscurity to save a little money. This is one area you should stick with popularity.

Battery life – stop by one of our service bays, we’re happy to check the battery life of your current battery. This will help you determine if it’s time for a new one, or a little maintenance can keep it going.

Who can you trust?

We pride ourselves on being a family-operated business that’s been in your community since 2000. We work here. We live here. And we’re here for you, when you need us most.

Have a question about your car battery? We’re just a phone call away.

Car Repair Tips When You Aren’t Driving Much

May 29, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Take a look at how many miles you’ve driven this year. Does the number shock you?

While the number varies based on the age of the driver, the US Department of Transportation states that, on average, people drive just over 13,000 miles per year. And that was before the COVID-19 set in. Thanks to staying in place several months in 2020, many of us are driving a lot less than before.

But it’s not just the pandemic that lowers the miles we put on our vehicles. Working from home may be our new norm. Maybe you’ve shifted your goals, and will hang closer to home, more time spent on family activities inside your house. Vacations? The only road trip you’re planning is to the local park.

How does that impact your car?

Whether it moves or not, it still needs maintenance. Car repair tips may change based on mileage, but you still have to put in the work. Here’s how.

Keeping your battery charged

While some parts are designed well enough to sit without problem, your car battery needs regular interaction to keep it fully charged. Car batteries aren’t designed like the ones you put in your remotes, or in your phone. Instead, they discharge over time.

The best way to keep it charged and fully operational is to drive your car at regular intervals. But there isn’t a “step by step” plan for how often that is. As a battery ages, it needs more frequent charging. Temperature changes can also impact the outcome.

While there isn’t a standard for every car, a lot of experts recommend getting in and driving at least once per week. Starting your car and letting it idle for a few minutes isn’t a solution either. The battery needs the stop and go action you only get from driving. At the very least, drive around the block a few times.

Keeping all systems going

If you don’t start up the battery regularly, it loses its charge. Likewise, if you don’t drive regularly, the various systems in your vehicle won’t get the proper lubrication they need to operate best.

If oil starts to settle, for example, the fluid may start separating, seals and belts can begin to dry out. When you do start your car up again, minor damage can quickly grow into more, and escalate the necessity and cost of your repair bills.

Taking your car out regularly ensures all fluids move into action. They keep all moving parts working as they should. That’s one of the reasons idling isn’t recommended; the other systems can’t function while idling.

Even your tires can be impacted

Tires are made of rubber. They’re designed for movement. As a car sits, all of that weight can add pressure to the tire, causing flat spots to develop. Think of a wheel that isn’t perfectly round; it doesn’t operate correctly. With too many flat spots in place, the only course of action is to throw it out. And that can be a costly expense.

Be mindful of where you park

Not all of us are lucky enough to have a garage to park in. And while sitting on the road may work for short timeframes, be especially mindful of where you park if your car will sit for a while.

Parking on soft locations like grass or dirt can allow moisture to sit in the undercarriage of your car. This can cause a host of problems, including rust on some of the parts.

Parking under trees can allow sap, needles, bird droppings, or fruit to leak down onto the paint, being a nightmare to remove. And in some cases, remove the paint altogether.

Keeping your car filled

If you’re not driving, why top off your tank? There are two reasons to do so.

First, having a full tank prevents moisture from accumulating inside the tank. Fuel that is compromised by moisture can start to break down fuel particles. It can also allow microbial growth to set in, which can damage the entire fuel line.

Second, it also stops gasoline fumes from building to hazardous levels. As your fuel system ages, tiny leaks can start to form. Leaving your car set can allow fumes to settle in rather than dissipate while driving.

Keep your car clean

That may sound counterintuitive since you aren’t driving. But a dirty car attracts more problems. Inside and out.

Start with the interior. Clean out the trash and ensure food and crumbs are nowhere to be seen. Rodents and other small animals are looking for places to nest. Why not choose a warm place where food is already in place?

A clean exterior will also protect your paint from unwanted marks and stains. Chemicals leftover from our harsh winter streets can rust and damage the undercarriage. And depending on what’s sitting on your paint, it can quickly eat through to protective coating.

Stick with your normal maintenance schedule

Even though you might not be putting thousands of miles on your vehicle each year, it’s still important to stick with a preventative maintenance schedule. That means changing the oil every few months. Checking hoses and belts to ensure they are in good condition. Checking tire pressure, and ensuring they still have ample tread. Ensuring your brake system works well.

Check your car before you start driving more frequently

Your car has been sitting for several months. You get in and head out of town on a road trip. What could go wrong?

A lot, actually. If a car sits and you don’t pay attention to it, problems can arise just out of sight. They may work, until they don’t. Do you really want to be on the road, miles from town?

Your best course of action when you are ready to return to a normal level of driving is to give your car a thorough check-up and ensure everything is working at its best. Ease back into driving. Take it out for a few miles, watch, smell, and listen.

In most cases, potential problems will surface quickly. If you’re careful at watching for them, you’ll notice them and be able to repair them before they grow into something bigger.

What Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Means To You

May 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What if your car could drive for you?

We’re seeing big changes all across the auto industry. Companies like Tesla have promised autonomous vehicles sooner rather than later. While a road filled with them may still be years away, one thing is for sure: the way we drive is changing forever.

What does ADAS stand for?

ADAS is short for Advanced Driver Assistance Programs. While that may seem like a fairly new concept, it’s actually been around longer than you think.

One of the first driver assistance programs built into your vehicle was the anti-locking braking system, or ABS. ABS originally started out in the 1920s as a way to control aircraft from skidding out of control as it touched down on a runway. Slowly, the advancement of ABS moved to automobiles, providing skid-control in cars in much the same manner.

Today, driver assistance programs are increasing in abundance. Technology has been added to vehicles in many different ways, all designed to keep you safer when you’re on the road.

If you know anything about AI – artificial intelligence – you know it’s structured to take over difficult, time consuming, and repetitive tasks. It creates a system to keep the process on track, so we humans don’t have to. Because it’s built through an algorithm and is designed to respond to the situation based on facts, it takes out the human element. It responds with very little, if any, work from you.

Why ADAS?

Are advanced driving assistance systems even necessary? It’s designed to keep your car out of harm’s way, to keep you safe, and take action whenever necessary to protect your investment. That makes ADAS a good thing to have on your vehicle.

Depending on the system, it can offer you a wide variety of benefits to help you get from point A to point B safely and give you a better driving experience. It uses a variety of components such as sensors, cameras, and radar to communicate with the computer that makes your vehicle operate.

Does your car have ADAS? ADAS didn’t have to be a prominent selling point for your car to use ADAS technology. You can find out what features your vehicle has by:

Checking your owner’s manual. Owner’s manuals are thicker than ever, and they can seem like a daunting, and somewhat boring task to take it all in. But it is a good idea to thumb through your guide to learn how to operate it effectively and efficiently. It’s also the best place to see all the different features you have, including ADAS.

Google it. If you know your make and model, you can use Google to determine what features your vehicle may have. You’ll find articles and videos to help you determine what your car is built with, and how you can use it to keep your car in better condition.

Get to know your car. There’s more to driving a car then jumping into the driver’s side and starting the car. Spend a few minutes walking around and seeing all the parts. Look for cameras on the tailgate, in the rearview mirror, on the bumper at the front of the vehicle, and in the side mirrors.

Ask. The next time you drop your car off for servicing, ask about ABAS. We’re happy to teach you more about what your vehicle does to keep you and your passengers safe.

What can ADAS help with?

There are many ways ADAS is being incorporated into your car. This is how it can help you.

Adaptive Cruise Control – instead of having to monitor cruise control when you’re on the highway, advanced cruise control monitors the road for you and slows down or speeds up in response to the actions of drivers around your car. It’ll automatically shut off if you go below a certain speed.

Adaptive Light Control – this is designed to help you see better in all road conditions. It adds light as it grows dark, and can swivel and rotate headlights to better illuminate the space around you.

Automatic Braking – this system is designed to reduce the chances of crashing. It’s meant to monitor the speed of traffic and reduce speed to lower the risk.

Automatic Parking – if you’ve ever had trouble parallel parking, this feature is for you. It automates the entire job of parallel parking. Different models offer different levels of support, from handling the entire job for you, to prompting you when to turn the steering wheel and when to stop.

Collision Avoidance – this system is designed to sense how close your vehicle comes to objects around it. It can sense vehicles, pedestrians, animals, obstructions, and other objects you might miss by looking in the mear. It warns the driver as you get too close so you can make adjustments as necessary.

GPS – it’s hard to remember life when all we had available were bulky maps. Now, you simply click on a navigation system, and you can get everything from live traffic data to maps, vocal directions, or actual screens where you can see the world outside of your vehicle.

Lane Departure – ABAS is often designed to avoid distractions. Lane departure uses a variety of sensors to ensure your vehicle stays on course, within the lane itself. If you start to drift, it sounds an alarm so you can correct your actions before putting you, your vehicle, or others at risk.

Night Vision – sometimes driving at night is difficult at best. Night vision systems work either through active or passive systems to help you be more aware of what’s around you. Active night vision used infrared while passive systems use thermal energy to highlight possible danger points.

Tire Pressure – driving on a flat tire is a sure way to further damage your car. Yet it’s easy to miss depending on how you walk up to your vehicle. Tire pressure can also change daily, depending on road conditions and climate. A tire pressure monitoring system checks inflation levels and ensures your tires stay safe, alerting you to potential problems.

What is ADAS vehicle alignment?

When you bring your car in for an alignment, a technician performs a computerized process to ensure all four wheels are straight. They use the computer to adjust three separate angles of each wheel known as the camber, caster, and toe.

An ADAS alignment is different. Because ADAS controls a variety of systems throughout your vehicle, it requires an even more specialized alignment process to ensure they are all working well.

It starts at the wheel, making the necessary adjustments. Then it continues to ensure your cameras, sensors, and radar that helps control computer components are working at its best. For example, if the camera used to assist you while backing up isn’t focused correctly, you could miss crucial parts behind you that create hazards more than help.

Do you need a safety systems alignment?

Just like other maintenance on your vehicle, you should schedule a safety system alignment periodically to ensure everything is working at its best. Our mechanics have the right equipment to ensure everything on your vehicle is working at its best.

What If You Leave Winter Tires On All Year?

May 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

This for a moment about a day of driving in January. You might start out with a sunny day on your way to work, but that can quickly change. Suddenly, the flurries start, it drops in temperature, and the snow starts to accumulate. Your drive home will be difficult at best.

Compare that to a day in the middle of July. You start out your day with a cool drive in, but the day quickly heats up from there. The temperatures climb – 80, 90, 100 degrees and more. It’s so hot even the pavement seems a bit gooey.

What about your tires? Should you prepare for each and get two separate sets? Or will one set of tires handle it all? Can you leave winter tires on all year? Or is there a better way to drive?

Get to know Colorado’s Traction Law

If you’ve ever driven Colorado roads, especially in the dead of winter, you know how treacherous they can be. When one car has trouble, spins out of control, and winds up by the side of the road, it can impact traffic for hours. It can turn one small accident into a major pileup in seconds.

It can also be deadly.

The Traction Law is designed to require motorists to have:

4WD or AWD vehicle with at least a 3/16 inch tread depth
Tires designated as mud and snow tires and a 3/16 inch tread depth
Winter tires with a 3/16 inch tread depth
All-weather tires with a 3/16 inch tread depth
Chains or an Autosock

It can go into effect at any time from September 1st to May 31st, depending on road conditions. If a Traction Alert is issued, you’ll have to stay off the road unless you have the specified tires on your vehicle.

This law was designed for two reasons. First, and the most obvious, is to keep Colorado drivers safe. Second, to keep the roads moving, and avoid hours of delay that can quickly occur in the event of a major pileup.

Your first question – Do your tires meet the Traction Law?

While this new Colorado law went into effect in 2019, if you haven’t evaluated if your car meets the guidelines, it’s time to give your tires a second look. All tires must have at least 3/16 inch tread depth to be considered compliant with Colorado law. If you aren’t sure what your tires’ tread depth is, measure it. Try this simple trick. Stick a quarter into the tread, making sure George Washinton’s head goes into the tire. If you can’t see the top of his head, your tire passes the 3/16 inch test.

However, don’t try the test just once and assume your tires are okay. Try all four tires. Try it in multiple places. In some cases, you might have a tire that isn’t wearing evenly, and you might be low in certain areas.

Don’t worry if you aren’t sure. The easiest (and possibly the best) way to determine if your tires are okay is to have them checked by one of our mechanics. We can tell you if they all meet required specifications, and how much traction you have left before replacement.

Winter tires, summer tires, what’s the difference?

Typically, you’ll find several different types of tires on the market: winter, summer, all-weather.

There are a few fundamental differences between them.

Winter:

Winter tires have a higher rubber content, which helps keep them softer, more supple when the temperatures dip low. The softer they are, the more able they are to grip the road surface in all kinds of weather conditions.

Winter tires have thousands of tiny grooves built into the tread blocks to disperse water and prevent hydroplaning. These grooves also can bite into the packed snow and provide optimal grip as you speed up and slow down.

Winter tires also have a deep tread pattern that allows snow to build up in the cavities. Snow helps grip snow, and intensifies the connection to the road.

Summer:

Summer tires are built from a harder compound that softens in milder and warmer weather conditions. This makes them more drivable on dry as well as rainy roads.

Summer tires have fewer grooves than winter tires, and are built more for handling afternoon rain showers and to prevent hydroplaning on suddenly wet roads.

Summer tires are made from a harder rubber compound that is designed to soften as the temperatures rise. They have more friction in the heat, which in turn gives you more fuel efficiency when the pavement reaches peak temperatures.

Summer tires also have a simpler block tread, which gives you better handling on hot roads, and has a massive impact on quickly you can brake.

All-season tires are somewhere in the middle. They are designed for average performance, no matter what the weather brings. You won’t have the grip and performance of summer tires, and will sacrifice more intense braking and handling in the winter. But overall, they get the job done.

Now let’s talk about winter tires. Are winter tires good all year long?

Should you leave your winter tires on all year? After all, the Denver metro area can see cold and snowy conditions ten months out of the year. It isn’t unheard of to have a snowstorm hit in May, while we’ve had sudden blizzard-like conditions as early as September.

And if you live in the foothills, the chance of snowfall increases from there. You might be tempted to trade in your tires for a good set of winter tires, and make those your year-round replacements. Here’s why you shouldn’t.

Winter tires are designed for traction and grip on snowy roads. They have unique features that make them great at what they do.

But if you leave them on, you’ll find:

They’ll wear down faster. Because winter tires are designed with deep treads that grip in cold weather, they can also wear down faster when they meet warm or hot roads day after day.

They won’t perform. You would never wear your snow boots to go jogging in the summer. You need the right tools for the job. Winter tires are designed for lower speeds and careful driving. When you want to hit the open road, you won’t get the same maneuvering or handling with winter tires.

You replace your tires faster. When we buy new tires, we focus on the manufacturer’s guidelines for how much mileage we can expect to see. If you’re not following the guidelines, the performance factors will decrease. You’ll replace your tires more often, and possibly have more problems (and repair bills) along the way.

It makes sense to have the right tire for the job.

Have you left your winter tires on all year long in the past?

Understanding the Menu Board

May 11, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

You may not be familiar with all the items on your service center’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed. But understand that the menu board is there for a reference; you should speak to your service adviser about other possible needs or services.

Fuel system cleaning: Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish build up. A fuel system cleaning gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. This saves gas, by the way.

Headlamp replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness. Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to a like new condition.

Inspections: People get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter. Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over. An inspection may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Oil change – there are several options: Some centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full-service oil change. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

PCV valve: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. It should be changed now and then.

Power steering service: Often overlooked but this service cleans out the system and replaces it with clean fluid and can keep the system running well for a long time.

Serpentine belt: That’s the belt that powers the engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt before it breaks or wears down, because that will lead to other problems.

Shocks and struts: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many people don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Transmission service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Tire rotation and wheel balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. This helps the ride and saves tire wear.

Remember if you don’t understand something on the menu board, ask your service adviser for help.

6 Car Smells That You Should Never Ignore

May 7, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Have you noticed your car smells? What is it?

No matter how many times you clean out your car, sometimes things get trapped in the back. Especially if you have kids. A pb&j falls between the seats. Old gym socks are waded up and thrown in the corner. Until eventually, you can’t help but pull everything out of your vehicle to find the culprit.

What we’re talking about here is more than a moldy snack or old gym socks. It’s that smell that lingers when you turn the car on. It’s very distinct. In your gut, you know something is wrong.

Luckily, different parts of your car produce different smells when something goes wrong. If you learn to troubleshoot them early, it can save you by avoiding higher ticketed repair bills, and reducing the risk of being stranded on the road.

Ask yourself these questions.

Is it safe to drive a car that smells like rotten eggs?

This is the one smell you might mistake for an old, moldy snack left under the seats. As your car operates, you notice a rotten egg smell coming through the vents.

A smell of rotten eggs in your car is from a compound called hydrogen sulfide. This comes from the small amount of sulfate they mix into the fuel you use for your car. If your car is working correctly, sulfur is converted to sulfur dioxide, which doesn’t have an odor. When a part on your fuel system breaks down, the sulfur isn’t transformed correctly, and it can release a rotten egg smell into your car. It’s a malfunction somewhere in your fuel system.

It might be the catalytic converter. It might be a bad fuel filter. It could even be a fuel pressure sensor that causes the system not to work. But when sulfur gas leaks out from the system, you’ll know it. And it won’t go away without repair.

In fact, it can be downright dangerous. This is a problem with your fuel system. That means this is one repair job you can’t put off.

What if my car smells like gas?

Every time you fill up your car with gas, the scent of fuel may linger for a bit. You’re surrounded by it while you get in and out of your car to fill up.

But if you notice it long after you drive away, pay attention. Did you spill some on your hands or clothes while maneuvering the nozzle? Did you step in it and now have it on your shoes? Cleaning it up should solve the problem.

But if it doesn’t, it may be a bigger problem. It might be a problem with your gas cap or a leak in your fuel line. Not only will either of these hurt your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, but they can also lead to dangerous situations. Being that close to fuel vapors can also impact your health.

If the scent won’t go away, it’s time to bring it in and have your car checked.

Why does it smell sugary sweet inside my car?

Your engine coolant is treated with an ethylene glycol, which gives off a sickly sweet smell. You’ll most likely smell it after the engine has warmed a bit, or when your car shuts down.

This toxic fluid is usually a green or orange color when it’s healthy and freshly installed, but will turn a rusty color as it wears down. This tells you the rust inhibitor has been broken down and it’s no longer providing rust control and scale buildup inside your vehicle. If you see drips or a puddle underneath your vehicle in this color combination, it’s time to check for a coolant leak.

This also means it’s starting to impact various parts in your car. It could be coming from a radiator hose, a failed intake manifold gasket, or a bad cylinder head. It might be coming from a leaky radiator cap, or a problem with the radiator itself.

Pay attention to where the smell is worse; inside or outside of your car. If it’s stronger inside, it may be a bad heater core.

Why can I smell exhaust fumes inside my car?

Exhaust fumes have a distinctive odor. You’ve probably noticed it if you walk by a running car, or leave your car in the driveway to warm up on a cold winter day.

You may smell it as you enter your car and prepare to drive away. But if you continue to smell it inside your car, you should never ignore it. Exhaust fumes inside the car most often indicate a problem in your car’s exhaust system. You might also have a problem with the seals on your windows or doors.

This can lead to a dangerous situation. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly to humans and animals. If you smell exhaust, unroll your windows to let fresh air in, and bring it into our service station as quickly as possible.

What creates a burning smell, almost like burnt carpet?

This is another distinctive smell you’ll notice right away. Because we live here in the Rockies, and free time often means heading into the hills for a day of fun, we tend to wear brake pads differently than other cities across America.

If you’ve been using your brake pads a lot, or pressing down hard because of sporadic traffic, you may notice a burnt carpet smell. This is a sign your brakes are overheated.

While this may be somewhat normal as you’re moving down the mountain pass, back into the city, it’s also a warning. It’s telling you that too much pressure is being placed on the pads; downshift to control your speed instead.

If you smell this on your normal commute here on most flat Denver roads, it’s telling you something else is wrong. You might have a brake problem caused by a seized brake caliper piston. Or maybe you forgot to release the handbrake. This can be checked with a glance.

What is that smell?

While we’ve mentioned some of the more popular smells your car will make when it’s trying to tell you there’s a problem, this by no means is all. Every part operates in its own way. Every problem can create its own unique set of circumstances.

That’s why it’s a good idea to really get to know your car.

If you pay attention to what it looks like, how it drives, and the various smells when it’s operating correctly, you’ll be able to notice quickly when something no longer works well.

Have a question? Give us a call. We’re happy to help you get to the bottom of your car smells, and get you back on the road safely and quickly.

How Long Can a Car Battery Last? 5 Answers You Need Right Now

April 30, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When was the last time you drove your car?

For most of us, that question would have been comical a few short months ago. But moving past a month of stay in place, that question now may take some thought. A week ago? A month ago?

Your wallet may be thanking you for not spending a lot on gas these days. But if you don’t pay attention to caring for your car the proper way right now, you may pay for that as we come out of lockdown. Cars are meant to be driven. The more they sit, the more problems can arise.

Which is why we’ve put together a series of questions and answers about one of the first things that can happen to your vehicle the longer it sits: problems with your car battery.

How long can a car sit before a car battery dies?

A car battery isn’t like a battery you put into your phone or your remote control. It isn’t fully charged, dropping down ever so slowly as it sits or is used.

Instead, a car battery is typically a lead acid cell battery made up of 6x 2V cells or piles. A lead acid battery is bigger and heavier than other batteries, and is designed to produce high current over short durations. Alkaline batteries produce low current over longer durations, and are in general safer even when leaking, as they won’t eat through what’s around it the way the sulfuric acid from a lead acid battery will.

With this set up, a car battery is designed for short spurts of energy. It’s designed to jolt the car engine to life as the key is turned or button is pushed. This charges the alternator, which is what continually powers a variety of things in your car, such as the lights or radio.

To stay in good function, the car battery needs that jolt periodically to recharge the cells. Without it, the power continues to drain until the battery no longer works.

How long a car can sit before the car battery dies depends on a variety of things:

How old the battery is
Under what circumstances the car battery has been used
Temperatures and road conditions
The make and model of the battery
Driving conditions

Predicting how long a car battery will last if it isn’t used is difficult at best. A month? Two months? Longer?

Your best takeaway is to realize the importance of operating your car regularly, even when you’re staying in place.

How do you change a car battery without losing your settings?

What’s one of the most frustrating things that can happen when you replace a battery? Having all of your presets disappear. And in today’s modern cars, that can be a wide variety of details.

That’s why it pays to watch your battery carefully, and change it for a new one long before it dies and leaves you stranded. If you replace a battery while it’s still holding a charge, you can do so and keep all of your presets in place.

To do so, you’ll need a secondary power source. You can use a secondary battery, or a jumper/booster pack. After attaching the secondary battery to your car, you can disconnect and replace the main battery. This will hold the charge in place during the process. With the new power supply in place, test the system and make sure it’s working.

You can also attach a memory saver, which is a small device you can plug in that will provide just enough power to hold your presets in place while the battery is changed.

How long can you play the radio before the car battery dies?

Have you ever sat with the engine off and the radio on, listening to your favorite tunes? Of course. We’ve all done it.

Did you know that’s one of the heaviest drains on your car battery?

How long you can play depends on a variety of things. How old your battery is. Temperatures. The power of your radio.

We Googled this question to find out what some of the answers were, and had to laugh. Some were very specific – how would anyone know you can get exactly 125 minutes of radio time before your car dies? The general consensus is: it depends.

Is your radio standard equipment? Does your radio have a digital screen – this will require more power from the battery.

The bottom line is, if you aren’t using your car regularly, find another way to play your tunes. Keep all listening to a minimum if you aren’t operating your car.

How do you reconnect a car battery safely?

If your car battery is dead, you’ll have to replace it. For safety’s sake, remember that this is an electrical device. “Dead” isn’t really dead, and it can still be harmful – fatal – if not handled properly.

Even if a car battery is dead, you should never let any metal object touch both the negative and positive posts on the battery at the same time. This can cause a current to spark, even to explode.

When removing a battery, identify the positive and negative posts – the positive will have a red plastic cover, while the negative will have black markings. Remove the black/negative cable first, followed by the red. When you reattach, reverse the order – attach the red first, followed by the black. It’s always in this order for safety.

Remove the battery carefully to ensure you don’t spill acid from the battery. They can weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.

Clean all the connections before you insert the new battery. Then reinstall the cables, red/positive before black/negative. Carefully double check all connections and ensure the battery is secure.

Of course, to ensure this process runs smoothly, we recommend never doing this as a DIY project unless you have been trained in auto mechanics. Because you’re dealing with dangerous chemicals and electrical current, it’s important to know what you’re doing before you try it.

What else happens to the car if the battery dies and isn’t replaced right away?

Car batteries die for a variety of reasons. And in some cases, it might not have to be replaced right away.

When you jump a car battery, be sure to keep it running for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure it regains its charge. Don’t take it far from home; remain in a location where you can have access to another jump if you need it.

If it holds its charge, you should have nothing to worry about. If it needs a second charge, it’s time to replace the battery.

The key to good car maintenance is being aware. Watch for signs. Evaluate how well your car is working.

How long a car battery lasts is all about knowledge. Knowing how old your battery is, the conditions it’s operated in, and how well it’s been treated since it was installed.

Do you have any questions about replacing your car battery? We’re here to help.

What Happens When Your Car Sits For Too Long Without Running

April 14, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

The weeks are slowly starting to blur together. Have you stopped to calculate how long it’s been since you slipped behind the wheel of your car?

With so much else on your mind, your car might be the last thing to worry about. Yet depending on the age of your car, it might be time to give it a thought.

Why?

A car is designed to drive. Each system is created to be started and used on a regular basis. When that doesn’t happen, the internal workings can start to change.

If your car sits without running for too long, there are a number of things that can happen.

Battery

We’ll start with the first issue you may face. If you turn the key or press the button to start your vehicle, and nothing happens, it might be a dead battery. There’s a reason for that.

If you take a look around your house, you probably have a variety of things that use batteries. Your television remote. A child’s toy. Your digital devices.

These devices have a battery that holds its charge. Through use, it slowly drains until it’s time to either replace the batteries, or recharge them. It’s an ebb and flow, where you know you get a certain lifecycle from the device until it’s time for replacement.

Car batteries work differently. Its sole purpose is to jolt your car’s engine into service. It also works to keep your accessories working, such as your headlamps and your radio. The battery relies on this jolt to keep the battery flowing.

If your car doesn’t start, you’ll have to jumpstart it to try and get it going.

Jumpstarting your car

Every driver should have a pair of jumper cables in the trunk of their vehicle for safety reasons. While any set will do, if you’re buying new ones, look for ones that are 4 to 6 gauges and at least 20 feet in length. Err on the side of heavy duty; they’ll be more durable and reliable in the long run. This isn’t something you have to replace regularly, so starting out with a good set will last you a long time. And having the extra length will make it easier to connect two cars, especially if you can’t get them right next to one another.

When using jumper cables, it’s better to have two people, one at each end. Keep the red and black clamps free from touching one another as this can cause sparks. Open up the plastic hood that’s covering the battery to have access to the posts. Determine which is positive and negative. Brush away any dirt or corrosive material, then start with the red clamps. Place one red clamp on the dead battery, another one on the live battery. Next, connect the black clamp to the negative terminal on the dead battery, but instead of finding the negative terminal on the live battery, place it on an engine bolt or on the vehicle’s frame and secure for a safer jump situation.

Start the engine with the live battery first, then attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery.

If your vehicle fires up, keep it running while you carefully disconnect the jumper cables, ensuring they don’t touch. Drive your car for a bit to ensure the battery receives a full charge.

If your vehicle clicks but won’t turn on, it might be a bad starter. If the lights come on and you hear the engine turning over without starting, it may be another issue.

Is the battery the only issue when your car sits without running?

While a car battery dying is one of the most obvious problems with leaving your vehicle sit for an extended period of time, it isn’t the only one. Several other problems can start to surface as it continues to sit.

Engine – the engine compartment is one of the main systems inside your vehicle. It’s an intricate set of wires, belts, nuts and bolts, all holding the various components in place. The longer your vehicle sits, the more these pieces start to wear. They are designed for movement; sitting can actually make them wear faster.

Rubber can harden and start to crack. Various belts and wires can corrode and stiffen. Animals can also play their part as they find a sitting vehicle the perfect place to create a home. And once they settle in, they can chew up wires and loosen parts.

The engine also pushes oil and other fluids through all the various systems located throughout your vehicle. If these fluids aren’t moving, it can impact the entire system.

Brakes – the constant pressure of stopping and going ensures brake fluid moves throughout the system. As the car sits, fluid doesn’t move, which can cause the braking system to lose their gripping ability.

Electrical system – without a jolt and coming to life, sometimes the interior accessories can develop a fault. You may discover a problem when you press the buttons to operate your windows, your seats, or your mirrors.

Fluids – fluids are meant to move throughout the system they were designed for. When not moving, they break down, lose their ability to lubricate the internal parts, and eventually stop working in the system altogether. Keep in mind that this takes an extended period of time, and won’t happen in just a few weeks. But the longer your car sits without running, especially if your car hasn’t been serviced in a while, it can cause internal problems that might not surface right away.

Keep your car safe no matter how long it sits without running

A car is designed to run. And while leaving it at rest for short periods is expected, longer patterns start the process of making internal systems weaker.

Before we start moving again as a nation, spend some time getting your vehicle in top operating condition. Start it up and drive it 10 to 20 miles to ensure all systems get the chance to be fully operational.

And if you notice anything out of place – a noise, a vibration, or a smell – drive it in, and we can test it out. Replacing small parts early will help prevent larger problems down the road.

Why It’s More Important Than Ever For Car Maintenance

March 31, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

You head out into your garage and jump into your car, ready to go to work. You turn the key, and nothing happens.

You’re taking the kids up the mountain for a family getaway. Driving up the hill, you feel it. A jolt. Shuttering. And finally, steam coming up from underneath the hood.

It’s raining out. The car in front of you illuminates the brake lights as it screeches to a stop. You try, but the tires won’t catch. You slide, you turn, you won’t stop …

Ever had any of these things happen to you?

We’re not suggesting that all car problems can be avoided. But in most cases, with a little forethought and regular car maintenance, you’ll have a much better chance of avoiding problems.

Car maintenance is essential.

No matter what is happening in the rest of the world, we as a society cannot survive without access to transportation. Routine car maintenance ensures your vehicle is there, operating well, when you need it. It also is a way to extend the lifespan, and make sure it runs well for the life of your car.

If you avoid small problems, they have the potential to quickly grow into more significant items. And that means more expense for you.

What is car maintenance?

Car owners usually subscribe to one of two approaches for car maintenance.

One decides to wait until their vehicle shows signs of a problem. A dashboard light turns on. They hear a funny noise. Their cars quit working.

The second sets up regular maintenance visits with a service station to ensure their vehicles are operating as they should.

The second catches things before bigger problems occur. They change belts before they break. They add fluid before it becomes a problem. They’re proactive in every action they take. And it shows in their cars. They never leave them stranded. They always work. And if something does happen out of the ordinary, they’re on it before it turns into something more.

The first is always playing catchup. They pay more because everything is an emergency. What would have been a minor problem – changing a belt, for example – moves from an easy task to a complex issue, one that takes a lot of labor and equipment to fix.

When your car was designed back in the factory, the manufacturer knew things would have to be replaced regularly. They wrote the book on it – your owner’s manual is designed to tell you how to watch for things that could go wrong.

Many manufacturers recommend a 30 – 60 – 90 schedule to help car owners think about maintenance. Every 30,000 miles or so, your vehicle will probably require new equipment. At 30,000 miles of driving, your car should be serviced to determine where potential problems lie. Items like rubber hoses, belts, and gaskets only have a specific useful life before they harden, possibly crack. These are consumables – they aren’t designed to last forever.

And while they are inexpensive – a rubber hose doesn’t carry much cost – if it breaks, it can cause significant damage to the systems of your car.

What does regular car maintenance look like?

Let’s start with regular maintenance. If you own a vehicle, you should be servicing your car for an oil change on a regular basis. Check with your owner’s manual to determine the recommended guidelines for replacing your oil and oil filter. With today’s synthetic oils, many cars can safely operate between 5,000 and 10,000 miles before replacement. Of course, driving isn’t the only thing that determines how frequently you should replace your oil. If you only drive a few miles each week and your car sits the majority of time, it should still be replaced in a timely fashion.

Your first 30,000 miles should be reasonably problem-free. If you replace your oil regularly, it should operate well. Around 30,000 miles, it’s time to replace the air and fuel filter.

An air filter helps your engine take in clean air. The dirtier it becomes, the more problems your engine can develop. A fuel filter is designed to give your car a smooth ride. If the right fluids aren’t flowing through the system, you’ll notice it in performance. A mechanic can perform a test to determine if either filter is clogged, and make recommendations accordingly.

If your car has reached the 60,000 point and you haven’t performed a lot of repairs, it’s time to bring it in for a complete car maintenance check. This is the point where minor repair work may begin. This is where easy repairs can be made to extend the life of your car, and to avoid costly emergency work when you least expect it. Things we look at include:

Battery – the average battery is designed to last up to five years, which for the average driver occurs right before the 60,000 mark. Factory grade batteries aren’t designed for a long life. If you still have one in place, replacing it ensures you won’t be stranded.

Brakes – it’s time to check the full functionality of your brake system. The brake system operates by means of a hydraulic system. When you press down on the pedal, it uses brake fluid to control the braking process. It’s not something you replace like motor oil, but it should be checked around the 60,000 mark to ensure it’s performing at its best. Brake pads should also be checked to ensure they are still working correctly. Brake pads squeeze against metal discs called rotors. If the pads are worn or are off balance, it can impact the rotors as well. A mechanic can evaluate the entire brake system and make suggestions to when individual pieces might need repair.

Coolant – your car uses antifreeze to keep the radiator cool. If not enough antifreeze is in the system, the engine will overheat. To prevent damage, it’s important to ensure the proper levels of antifreeze are still in your system. Depending on your vehicle, it might also be wise to flush the cooling system and install new fluids to get rid of any contaminants that may be within the system.

Transmission – if you have low transmission fluid, it can impact the way your car shifts into gear and drives. While your transmission fluid doesn’t have to be replaced as often as motor oil, it’s still a good idea to have a mechanic check it regularly and determine if it needs to be replaced. If your transmission light illuminates on the dashboard, let a mechanic evaluate it to determine your next steps. Transmission fluid is pink and has a sweet smell. If you notice a leak that is darker red, or takes on a burnt smell, it’s a sign your transmission fluid is bad.

https://denverexpresscare.com/is-it-cheaper-to-rebuild-or-replace-a-transmission

The older your car gets, the more stress you put on your vehicle while driving, the more you should check the inner-workings of your car. These are just a few of the milestones we use as guidelines for evaluating a car. City driving is different than highway driving. Your car will have different parts that wear out faster than others. The only way to stay on top of what’s happening is to get to know your car well, and bring it in regularly for a checkup. We’re here for all of your car maintenance needs.

NOTE: Governor Jared Polis has put out executive orders and public health orders to aid in the fight against COVID-19. We are deemed an essential business and will remain open to ensure people throughout the Denver Metro area have the ability to get their vehicles serviced, as needed. If we can answer any questions for you, please contact us at 303.691.2760.

https://covid19.colorado.gov/public-health-executive-orders-explained

Have One of These Common Power Steering Problems Happened To You?

February 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Think back for a moment about the cars from the early 1900s. Although you may have never climbed into one, just watching them in the movies, you can tell it was an entirely different experience than what we have today.

The wheels were a lot taller and narrower. Almost like the idea moved from a bicycle over to the automobile.

Cars didn’t have much structure to them. They were often open frames, not a lot of comfort on the inside, dangerous if the driver happened to bump into something.

And if you grabbed hold of the steering wheel, you would have been amazed at the size. They were much larger than we had today, taking up a lot of space in front of the driver.

There was a reason for that. It took a lot of effort to control a car into corners and turns. The large steering wheel gave the driver the ability to put effort into the turn. It gave them the ability to crank the wheel while keeping it under control.

But all of that changed in the early 1950s as power steering was introduced to the marketplace. Power steering added control to vehicles. It also made the steering wheel smaller, which meant more comfort for the driver inside.

Think about your actions today. With one finger on the wheel, you can adjust it and make minor corrections in how you drive. Nudge it just a bit and you can change lanes. With one hand, you can corner, even park your car without exerting any pressure. That gives you the ability to think about other things – like what’s for dinner as you stop by the grocery store.

Understanding the power steering system

Today’s modern power steering is a hydraulic-controlled system that makes driving a breeze. A dedicated pump moves power steering fluid from a reservoir into the power steering column.

Have you heard the term “rack and pinion?” Rack and pinion is the most common steering gear system used in cars and trucks today. A rack is a long, flat gear with prongs located on one side of it. The pinion is a round gear connected to the steering shaft attached to the steering wheel. As you turn the wheel, the pinion gear rotates, connecting with the rack as it moves back and forth, giving you your turning radius and moving the car from right to left.

To make the steering process easier, hydraulic or high pressure steering was introduced. Think of this as a steering assist program designed to make the process easy for you to do. With a hydraulic system, fluid moves throughout the system, giving the power steering system the pressure it needs to move the steering wheel.

What problems can occur with the power steering system?

If your car is in perfect condition, driving is effortless. But the more you drive, the more opportunity for parts to wear down. Like every part of your car, power steering will eventually have problems. If you recognize the telltale behaviors early enough, you can avoid emergency repairs.

Your power steering system will alert you to potential problems with these behaviors.

Screeching as you start your car. Have you ever started a car and heard a high pitched screeching noise? It may be a problem with a belt. As belts age, they harden and start to decay. As they move, especially when cold and sitting for a while, they can screech or chirp as they move into action. You might also hear a similar sound as you move through hard turns. While it’s often a belt, it could also be a sign your power steering pump is wearing down.

Hard steering. The longer you drive a car, the more familiar you are with how it performs. It any part of the steering system starts wearing down, you can start to detect stiffness in movement, where the wheel feels like it’s more difficult to turn. If you start having to put more power into the way you move the steering wheel, it’s a sign you have problems with your power steering system.

Less responsiveness to your movements. When your car is new, barely touching the steering wheel can have your car moving quickly from one side to another. Over time, you might have to turn the wheel more for those same movements. As you start feeling even a bit of hesitation, be aware that the power steering pump may be failing.

A rumbling noise while moving into turns. If you hear a rumble or moan when moving into turns, it’s an indicator something is wrong with the power steering system. While it may only be a leak, it could also be the power steering pump is failing.

Fluid leak. To work effortlessly, the power steering system used power steering fluid. If the levels decrease over time, you’ll have power steering problems. A leak in power steering fluid levels can allow air, dirt, or grime into the system, putting stress on the mechanics of the power steering system. This can enable any of the above symptoms to occur. Keep watch underneath where you park your car on a regular basis. If at any time you see liquid, bring it in and let one of our mechanics take a look.

Finding a leak can be difficult. It can leak out of the steering pump. It can be from a hose that is failing. It could be somewhere in the rack and pinion system. If you have an indicator light come on your dashboard, the power steering fluid has dropped below acceptable levels. But if it’s just beginning, it may be a little more challenging to find. That’s where our expertise comes into play.

Make sure your power steering system is working

Power steering fluid is usually a reddish or light brown color. If it begins to leak, and you find it pooling underneath your vehicle, keep in mind that it’s similar in color to your transmission fluid. Power steering fluid usually leaks by the front of the vehicle, whereas transmission fluid will be more centralized, towards the middle of the car.

Whatever problem you’re currently having with your power steering, the important part is to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Repairing early means you’ll be back on the road safely in no time, and do so for less cost.

How can we help you with your power steering problems?

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