Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Headlight Restoration

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Question:  My headlight lenses are all cloudy.  I checked with my vehicle dealership about replacing then and it is very expensive.  What else can I do?

Express Car Care Answer:  You are right – replacing a headlight assembly can cost hundreds of dollars.  Luckily there is something drivers can do about cloudy headlamps.

First let’s talk about why the headlamps are so cloudy.  Back in the “old days” headlights were glass.  These were heavy, could crack, and had practical limits as to their shape, so manufacturers started using plastic headlight lenses.  Road grime and UV light take a toll on the plastic surface of your headlights.  Over time the lenses get cloudy and discolored.  Just look at the vehicles in any parking lot and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Because a disproportionate amount of traffic accidents happen at night, smart drivers make sure they have maximum visibility.  Cloudy lenses reduce the amount of light that gets out on the road, which in turn can really hurt the time you have to respond to hazards in the road.

Fortunately, your service center, (Express Car Care) can restore your lenses.  Using a combination of special cleaners and polishes, the cloudy and discolored layer is removed.  This service costs a fraction of replacing the headlight assembly.  How costly it is will depend on the size of the lens and how badly it is clouded.  This can be used on brake lights, turn signals and taillights as well.  If it’s been over a year since you replaced your headlamp bulbs, they may have started to dim.  You can ask your friendly and knowledgeable Express Car Care service adviser about options to replace or even upgrade your headlamp bulbs.

Air Quality

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Air quality affects all drivers no matter where we are.  Many decades ago, people began to become more aware of how air pollution negatively affects our health.  But have you ever thought about the air quality inside your vehicle?

Cabin air filters are now coming standard on most new vehicles since the 2000 model year.  These filters clean the air in the passenger compartment, so the poor air quality outside your vehicle doesn’t come inside.

They can filter particles down to three microns…that’s good enough to clean out dust, pollen and most air pollutants.  If you suffer from allergies, this is certainly good news, but even if you don’t, this is still a good thing.

You can look in your owner’s manual to see if you have a cabin air filter.  If you do, there will be a recommendation for replacing it when it gets dirty.  If you live where there’s a lot of dust, pollen or pollution,  you may need to change it more often than recommended.  You can also ask your Express Car Care service adviser.

The difficulty of changing a cabin air filter depends on your vehicle.  Some are quite accessible, others can take some time getting to them.  They’re usually located in the engine compartment or under the dashboard.

Because cabin air filters are somewhat new on the scene, some drivers haven’t heard of them – even people who have cabin air filters in their vehicles.  Express Car Care service advisers report customers complaining of an unpleasant odor in their vehicle and it usually turned out to be a dirty cabin air filter.

An important note for hybrid owners:  there’s a special air filter that cleans the air that cools the hybrid battery pack.  This filter should be inspected every time the cabin air filter is inspected and replaced.  If this filter gets dirty then the battery pack can overheat.

Minimizing Blind Spots

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Whenever we are out driving around in our cars, each of us must deal with blind spots.  We can greatly minimize blind spots by properly adjusting our vehicle mirrors to give us the widest coverage possible.  We should make the adjustments before we pull out of our driveway or parking spot.

First, adjust your rear view mirror to give the best possible view directly to the rear of your vehicle.  You don’t need to get a better view of either side of the car, the kids in the back seat or your dazzling smile.  The rear view mirror should look to the rear.  Next, lean your head until it almost touches the driver’s side window.  Adjust your side mirror so that you can just barely see the side of your car.  Now, lean your head to the middle of the car and adjust the outside mirror so that you can barely see the right side of the vehicle.

Drivers who adjust their mirrors this way will minimize blind spots and maximize their views.  Of course driving in and through any area is a dynamic process – things change every second.  So it’s wise to take a quick look to the side when passing to make sure that another vehicle hasn’t moved into an area you couldn’t see in your mirrors.

Also be sure your outside mirrors are cleaned off, especially if your car has been sitting out in the snow.  It won’t do you any good to minimize your blind spots if you can’t see out of your mirrors.

As you drive on busy city streets, avoid staying in other driver’s blind spots.  You can’t count on them to be watching their mirrors and looking out for you.  Pass large trucks and buses on the left whenever possible.  Semi-trucks have much larger blind spots on their right.  Lastly, be attentive and wear your seat belts.

For more information about auto safety and automotive services, check out the other posts on the Express Car Care auto care blog.

Is It Cheaper To Rebuild or Replace a Transmission?

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You don’t have to be a mechanic to know that rebuilding or replacing a transmission sounds expensive. Any time someone weighs the difference between installing something new or fixing something already in place, you have an inkling the cost is quickly going to move upward.

And we aren’t going to lie – it is expensive. That’s because your transmission is a major part of your car.

A car’s transmission ensures the proper amount of power is spread to each wheel at whatever speed you decide to go. It converts force from your engine into a controlled power source.

Engines operate at a high speed, while your wheels rotate at a slower rate. It’s the transmission’s job to meet in the middle, marry the two together so that your car operates correctly. It does this all through gear ratios, using toothed gears to interact and control the power between the two mechanics.

Automatic or manual – what’s the difference?

In most cases, we tend to think a car has either a manual or automatic transmission. There are varying levels of automatic transmission, but for this article, we’ll assume only the two.

Manual transmissions use a stick shift to change gear ratios manually. If you’ve ever driven a manual, you know how to “feel” the process. As the engine revs, you push the clutch in to separate the gears. You use the shift to move between several different positions, then engage by pulling back on the clutch. You can hear the engine power reach capacity before engaging the process all over again.

Automatic transmissions do the same thing through the use of fluid pressure. An automatic transmission uses transmission fluid to provide the necessary pressure to activate the clutch and determine which gear the car should be in. It finds the right gear ratio and places the gear in motion.

Transmission fluid

Every vehicle uses transmission fluid to keep the transmission in good operating condition. And like other fluids your car uses for operation, you should ensure your car has the proper amount at all times.

Before you check your transmission fluid levels, read your car’s operating manual. Some cars test transmission fluid levels while the vehicle is running, while others state it should be turned off. This varies by make and model, so ensure you’re checking your levels in the right manner.

Open your hood and find the dipstick for the transmission fluid – don’t confuse it with the oil dipstick. When you find the right location, you test it in much the same way as your oil. Remove it and verify what level the fluid is at. Wipe it off with a rag, re-engage it, and perform the test again. If everything is okay, you can replace the dipstick and continue driving as usual.

Keep in mind that transmission fluid doesn’t run out the same way as motor oil does. While every manufacturer makes different recommendations based on make and model, you can go thousands of miles before transmission fluid needs to be changed.

This isn’t something you should do “just because.” You can null and void your warranty if you change it out at the wrong time. If your transmission fluid isn’t in good condition, topping it off can be just as bad as being low. Sometimes the right thing to do is flush and refill. But again, it depends on your make and model. Every car is different, so it’s important to understand what’s best for your vehicle.

Transmission fluid can be differentiated from motor oil by its distinct color. Transmission fluid is dyed pink or red, so it’s easily recognized. It should be translucent and see-through if it’s still in good quality. Never rely solely on color as it will darken over time. Yet that does make it easy to determine if you have a problem if you find a puddle underneath your car. The distinctive color can be the first clue you have a leak.

This isn’t something you should run down to your auto parts store and buy a can for refilling. If you need more transmission fluid, there’s a good chance there’s a bigger problem. We can carefully diagnose the problem and make sure your vehicle is in great shape before you return to the open road.

Rebuild or replace a transmission

At what point should you consider rebuilding or replacing your transmission? There comes a point when the problems add up and become too great to fix without sinking a lot of money into it. At that point, it’s better to replace.

Have you ever had a water heater or furnace go out? Your mechanic will make recommendations to repair or replace based on a variety of factors – age, cost of new parts, and how many problems there are, to name just a few.

Your transmission works in similar fashion. It’s an expensive replacement – why replace if you can repair?

But you know it’s time when:

Your transmission has lots of problems – if it seems you’re in the shop every few weeks installing a new “band-aid” to keep the transmission operating, it’s indicative of things to come. Several hundred here and there often become better spent on replacement to give yourself a longer lifespan.

Your transmission is difficult to diagnose – sometimes the problems run so deep, they are hard to diagnose. If it takes a mechanic hours to find, it’s often better to replace rather than spending hundreds on labor, knowing you’ll still add hundreds more for the repair.

Your transmission needs a high cost repair – weigh out the option of repair vs replacement costs. Minor repairs are worth the cost to give your vehicle more life. But when the repair moves from minor to major, it’s almost always better to think twice about repairing. Your mechanic can give you a better idea of how long a repair will last, and determining the right path for your vehicle.

Your transmission is failing – your mechanic can determine how much life is left in your current transmission, and tell you if replacement is a better idea. If your transmission wasn’t well cared for, it can have far less than the manufacturer’s guideline mileage. It may be difficult to budget in the expense of a new transmission, but far worse is having to replace shortly after a major repair.

What’s better for your car: rebuild or replace the transmission? We’d be happy to help you make the proper diagnosis.

What Are The Dangers Of Driving With Broken Struts

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

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

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

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

What is a car strut?

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

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

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

Is it safe to drive a car with bad struts?

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

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

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

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

What are the symptoms of bad struts?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do I buy new struts?

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

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

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

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

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

Diesel or No Diesel?

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Let’s debunk some of the myths about diesel powered vehicles.

  1. Diesel Burns Dirty – This was true years ago.  Since 2006, however, U.S. diesel vehicles have been required by law to use ultra-low-sulfur diesel or USLD.  Modern diesels are soot-free and have a smaller carbon footprint.
  2. Diesels Are Sluggish – Not anymore.  They are as fast off the line as similar gasoline-powered cars.  If your idea of fun is to spend an afternoon test-driving new cars, go take a spin in a diesel BMW or Porsche.
  3. Diesels Are Loud – Back in the day, you could hear a diesel motor from a mile away.  Today’s diesel vehicles run quieter than before.
  4. Diesels Have a Bad Resale Value – Actually, diesel vehicles have a lower depreciation rate.

Another often overlooked benefit is lower risk of fire.  Diesel fuel is less flammable and won’t explode like gasoline.

Diesel engines require parts that are heavier and stronger.  At Express Car Care, we occasionally service diesel cars and trucks with over 300,000 miles.  The heavy-duty parts make diesel vehicles a little more expensive new, but due to the extra burliness, diesel engines last a lot longer.  This is one of the reasons Cummins diesels inspire such a loyal following.

Cons?  Cold weather starting.  Diesel engines can be hard to fire up when the temperature drops.  However, an engine block heater can solve this problem.  Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable service adviser for more information.

If you are in the market for a new vehicle that’s easy on fuel, you might want to explore your diesel options.  You’ll save money and may qualify for a tax credit if you buy a clean diesel vehicle.  Of course, diesels require regular maintenance like any other vehicle and the services are usually a little more costly due to the nature of the engines.  But the extra cost can be offset by the better fuel economy and longer engine life.

Bottom line?  The diesel vehicles on our roads today are not your grandfather’s diesel.

Signs Your Car Needs a New Battery

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Have you ever thought about how much you rely on your car? You expect it to work when you leave your home each morning. You expect it to keep running as you move throughout your busy day. You expect it to start and run no matter what the temperature is like outside, whether it’s the hottest day of the summer, or the coldest day of the winter.

Here in Colorado, the variances can be stark. One minute warm and sunny, followed by a whirlwind storm that brings in rain, or even snow. Is your car up for the challenge?Signs Your Car Needs a New Battery

If you’ve ever turned the key and nothing’s happened, you know how annoying that can be. Yes, it can cause you to be late to work. But what if you’re in the middle of unfamiliar territory, and it’s late at night with no one around? It can be downright dangerous.

Do you know the signs your car needs a new battery? If so, this whole scenario could have been avoided. Because batteries rarely fail without a little warning. They have their own unique ways of saying: something is wrong. And if you watch for it, notice it, prepare for it, you can avoid being stuck without a plan.

Slow Engine Crank

When your battery was new, one quick turn of the key had your engine popping into life. The older your battery gets, the longer this process seems to take. When you attempt to start your vehicle, the engine cranks to life with sluggish movements. If you notice this happening on a regular basis, don’t ignore this warning sign.

Clicking Sound When You Turn The Key

Every time you turn the key, your car battery sends power throughout the electrical system. This is designed to get everything going, ready to keep your car functional while you drive. It’s like a burst to the system to power everything up, before turning to a stable current to keeping everything functional. A failing battery will have trouble with this task. The electrical current will send a weaker signal, causing a clicking sound because of insufficient power.

Dim Headlights

In addition to turning your engine over, the battery also powers the electronic features of your car. If you’re traveling down a familiar lane at night and start to think your headlights aren’t doing the job they once did, it could be your battery. If the battery isn’t producing a full charge, all components of your vehicle will weaken over time.

Check Engine Light

Sometimes the check engine light will fire up and stay lit as you drive away. Without full power running through the system, this is your car’s way of saying something is wrong.

Swelling Battery Case

Open up the hood from time to time and take a look inside. Find the batter case; how does it look? Heat build up can cause the case to swell and bloat. Car batteries also have a translucent section so you can peer inside and see the battery fluid level. Does it appear to be in good condition?  Does the fluid seem to be low? Is fluid leaking? If it doesn’t look right, your next stop should be to have it looked at.

Backfiring

When a battery is failing, it can sometimes cause intermittent sparks. These sporadic sparks can lead to a buildup of fuel in the cylinders, and when this fuel ignites, the increased force causes your car to backfire. Backfiring can be caused by several things, not just a failing battery, so it’s important for a service technician to fully evaluate your vehicle to determine the root cause.

Age

How old is your car’s battery? In most cases, a car battery will last anywhere from two to five years. The older your battery is, the more you should consider purchasing a new one, especially if you’ve had other problems described above.

Still have questions about your car battery? Here are a few we answer quite frequently.

Why does the battery drain overnight?

Your car’s battery works fine – until you start the car up again the next morning. What can cause the battery to drain in just a few short hours? In most cases, it’s the car light being left on overnight, or a power adapter plugged in and working throughout the night. Of course, your battery can also drain if there’s a problem with the electrical wiring. If that’s the case, your car needs servicing sooner rather than later.

What shortens the life of a battery?

In a perfect world, your battery will last according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Of course, rarely does your battery lead a perfect life. Several things can shorten a battery’s life, including:

Short trips – those start/stop trips to the grocery store, drop the kids at school, or pick up the dry cleaning, hurt your battery. It doesn’t have proper time to fully charge.

Extreme temperature – Colorado is known for 30, 40, 50 degree drops or more in just a few hours. When temperatures move towards the 100s, or fall well below freezing, something into the negatives, it’s a drain on your battery.

Can a battery put off a pungent smell?

Yes. If you notice a stinky, rotten egg smell, especially when you open up the hood and get closer to your battery, it could be failing. This is caused when the battery leaks. If your battery is leaking, you’ll also notice corrosion around the two posts – where the + and – cable connections are located. This needs to be cleaned away for your battery to continue operating. It’s also a sign that something is wrong with the connections. Your best course of action is to have a service technician check it out.

Can a jump solve the problem?

It’s always a good idea to carry jumper cables with you at all times. If your car dies, a jump may give you the energy you need to make it safely into our shop. However, a dead battery is a sign of a weakening battery. A jump isn’t meant to put life back into your battery and have you ignore the situation. It gives you a chance to service your vehicle before other situations arise.

If you have questions about your battery, your engine, your starting system, or anything else with your vehicle, the best step to take is to make an appointment today.

It’s better to drive in under your terms, rather than having to tow your vehicle in for emergency repair.

Most Stolen Item?

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What do you think is the most stolen item from vehicles?

Is it:  (A) Stereo  (B) Wheels  (C) Airbags  (D) DVD System

Well, if you said stereo – you used to be right.  But now airbags have surpassed stereos as the most stolen item – approximately 50,000 a year are stolen nationally in the United States.  New airbags cost about $1,000 but stolen airbags are sold on the black market for $50 to $200.  Stolen airbags are finding their way into vehicles that have been involved in an accident.    Of course, the danger to the consumer of having a stolen airbag installed is that you can never be sure what may have previously affected them and if they will work correctly when you need them.

There have been reports that 1 in 25 airbag replacements are either stolen or salvaged airbags – or no airbag is installed at all.

That is definitely a part that you don’t want to take a chance with, so we recommend the following guidelines:

  • Use a reputable collision repair center that employs ASE certified mechanics.
  • Inspect the invoice to ensure that the repair shops purchased the airbag from a manufacturer, or dealer.
  • If you can inspect the airbag prior to installation, it should be packaged in a sealed container from the manufacturer or dealer.

You will see the SRS ( Supplemental Restraint System) light come on when you first start your vehicle.  This tells you that the airbag system is activated,  If you don’t see the SRS light, there is a problem with the airbag system.  Have the system checked right away and don’t let yourself become an injured victim.

Used Vehicle Inspection

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It’s always exciting to get a new car – even when it’s used.  But it can also feel like you’re going out on a limb a bit when you’re buying a used vehicle.  I mean, people have a lot of reasons for selling their vehicles.  Maybe they just wanted a new car, or maybe there was something that they personally  didn’t like about the car.  But then again,  maybe there was something wrong with it or maybe there’s something really wrong with it.

It’s a great idea to order a report from a vehicle history service.  This can uncover title problems and may reveal any serious accidents or flood damage as well as any recall notices for the vehicle.  Maintenance and repair records are a plus, but most sellers don’t have them.

Of course the best idea is to get a professional to perform a used vehicle inspection.  The inspection will go much deeper than just how good the vehicle looks and drives.  You’ll get a feel for the vehicle’s overall condition, the status of major safety systems and an indication of how well it has been maintained.  You’ll get a good idea of any work that needs to be done – and that will help you determine an appropriate value for the vehicle and whether or not it’s worth purchasing.

It’s pretty easy to see how a used vehicle inspection is worth the cost.  If problems are uncovered, you can either steer clear of the vehicle or bargain for a better price.  If everything is OK, you’ll have a plan for addressing any routine services that should be done, as well as a whole lot of peace of mind.

It’s easy to fall in love with a vehicle – just don’t let your excitement cloud your judgment.  Bring the car in and have us perform a used vehicle inspection so that you’ll know if you’re getting a peach, or a lemon.

Safe Towing Guide

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Let’s talk about safe towing for drivers.  Too often many drivers will just slap a trailer on the hitch and take off.  But there are safety considerations to protect your tow vehicle, comply with Colorado laws and limit your liability.

First of all, know your tow vehicle.  Your options will affect the tow rating, so you need to carefully read the towing section of your manufacturer’s owner’s manual to know how much your vehicle can tow.

Next, you need to know the weight limits of your trailer hitch.  It will have a maximum tongue limit and an overall limit.

Third, know your hitch type:  a weight-distributing hitch may be required by your manufacturer for certain trailer weights.

And fourth, know the towing laws for the areas in which you’ll be towing, as they may have stricter equipment requirements.

Your owner’s manual will also give you some help in determining how to calculate how much weight you can tow.  It’s more complicated than the maximum weight the marketing guys trumpet.  There are two codes drivers can find on the driver’s side door.  One is GVWR- or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  This is the maximum weight of the tow vehicle, including passengers and cargo.

The other is GCWR – or Gross Combined Weight Rating.  This is the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo and loaded trailer.

Every locality requires safety chains and they also have regulations for when trailer brakes are required in Colorado.  The tires on your vehicle and trailer should be in good condition and have the proper load rating.  Your suspension should be inspected to make sure it can handle the load.  Also your transmission may need additional fluid cooling, so check with your Express Car Care service adviser about adding a transmission cooler and/or performing maintenance.

Carefully follow your vehicle’s towing guidelines to maximize your safety, protect your vehicle from damage and protect yourself from liability.

A quick note on your trailer:  wheel bearings on trailers are often neglected by drivers.  They need to be serviced on schedule to avoid failure.  This is especially important for trailers that are driven through water.

If this safe towing guide has made you aware of any services you might need on your vehicle, come and see us at Express Car Care in Denver, we can help.

 

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