Keller Bros. Car Tips Blog

Littleton Brakes…More Than Just Pads and Shoes

By: Terry Keller

The most important system in the automobile for safety is the brake system.  You change your brake pads when they have outlived their useful life, right?  How about brake fluid?  Many people overlook that component of the brake system, even though it is an integral part.

It has been shown that brake fluid becomes contaminated, on average, every two years.  This is important because with it being a hydraulic fluid, its job is to transmit force and apply the brakes.  As it becomes contaminated with moisture, the once non-compressible fluid now does compress, causing you to press harder on the brakes for the same amount of stopping power.  This means that in a panic stop scenario, the more contaminated the fluid becomes, the longer it will take for you to be able to stop your vehicle.

In modern vehicles with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), there is even more reason to flush the brake fluid regularly.  Dirty brake fluid can damage the sophisticated and expensive ABS control equipment.

To avoid reduced brake efficiency and component damage, have your trusted Auto Repair Parker facility do a system check on your brakes to see what the condition of your brake fluid is.  It is also a good idea to have some other overlooked items performed while they are doing that.  First have a full inspection of all the brake components performed to see not only how the pads and fluid are doing, but also the lines and hoses.  Next, if you have rear drum brakes, these will come out of adjustment so you should make sure to have that corrected too.  And lastly, make sure that the emergency brake is adjusted properly too.

Now that the system has been taken care of, make sure to continue flushing the brake fluid every two years.  In addition, make sure to have the other adjustments made at every brakes Littleton job.  This will ensure that the brake system will be there for you when you need it most and it will work at its peak efficiency.

Avoid a Breakdown: The Importance of Preventative Denver Auto Maintenance

By: Terry Keller

Breakdowns happen. Knowing where you’re going to take your car when such incidences occur is half the battle. Even taking your vehicle to your local Centennial auto repair center for routine maintenance will significantly lower the chances of a breakdown. So don’t let an emergency be the cause of your visit to your local Centennial auto repair center—save the headache, money, and time by getting your car checked out today!

You’re on your way to an appointment. Maybe it’s that job interview you’ve been preparing for the last few weeks. Perhaps you’re on your way to the airport to pick up a friend or loved one for a much-anticipated visit. You could even be on your way to a routine check-up at your local physician. But you know what they say, when it rains, it pours. And just when you rely on your vehicle the most, the engine completely shuts off and smoke begins to seep out from under the hood. With nothing to do but pull off to the side of the road, you are forced to call a tow truck and spend valuable time and money on repairs. You miss the interview, your visitor has to take a cab, or in properly maintaining your body and keeping healthy, you neglect to do the same to your vehicle.

What could you have done?

You could have taken your car into your local Castle Rock auto repair center for preventative maintenance. Let’s be honest, there’s no getting around the normal wear and tear of a vehicle, regardless of how well you treat your car. That’s why it’s imperative to find a local mechanic you can trust that will take the proper time to ensure you stay on the road. By bringing it in to your professional Castle Rock auto repair center, small problems can be quickly and cheaply resolved before they cultivate into bigger issues.

There’s a multitude of options out there your vehicle. There are many shops that try to lure you in with flashy signs and great deals. But beware—many of these deals are misleading and can end up costing you much more that advertised. You need a mechanic that will take the time to get to know your car inside and out—even two people who have the exact same car have different needs for their vehicle. And when you to find that technician who knows exactly what your car needs, you won’t mind bringing it in for routine maintenance.

When searching for a trustworthy Aurora auto repair center, make sure they employ ASE certified mechanics. This means the technicians working on your vehicle are highly educated in the field of automotive repair. To remain certified, all mechanics at your local Aurora auto repair center must be re-tested every 5 years to ensure they are up on the latest and most effective auto repair skills.

Do not Stall on Maintenance, or Your Car May Stall on You

By: Terry Keller

How many times do you see a stalled out car on the side of the road? Once a month? Maybe more like once a week? Depending on how much you drive, you could very well see a different car stalled out every day! Are modern vehicles to blame? Some would say yes, but this is a problem that has been around since the introduction of the automobile, and with the increased number of drivers it stands to reason that there are more break downs.

Some would say that it is just bad luck when your car breaks down and leaves you stranded on the side of the road, but the more likely cause is the neglect of the vehicle’s owner. Rich White, a spokesperson for the National Car Care Council says, “Don’t blame your car. It can’t drive itself to the shop and ask for an oil change in Littleton or new spark plugs.” With how important transportation is to us nowadays, it is surprising to see how often minor maintenance is overlooked.

By simply having periodic check-ups on your car you do much more than just make sure you don’t break down. There is a ripple effect anytime a car stalls out on a roadway. The driver now has to wait for a tow truck, pay for the tow, pay for the repairs, deal with the stress of the whole situation, plus have his or her whole schedule turned upside down. In addition to that, all of the other drivers on that roadway are slowed down either by lane closers or “rubberneckers” trying to see what’s going on.

Keep your car in optimal condition and you will not only have less stress, but you will have a better guarantee of your safety, and the safety of those around you. Your trusted Englewood auto repair shop with ASE certified technicians will help you drive with confidence and give you and your passengers peace of mind wherever you go.

Safety First: How to Prepare for Winter Driving

By: Terry Keller

Winter will bring in snowy and icy conditions on the road, so it is important to check the following items on your vehicle to make sure it is ready to get you safely through the next few cold months.

Battery: Avoid getting stranded in the parking lot when it’s below freezing by recharging or replacing weak batteries. Your professional Aurora auto repair shop can perform a battery load test to determine your battery’s strength.

Tires: Check for proper inflation and the condition of the tires. Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to decrease. Don’t know if you need to replace your tires? Look for “wear bars” that periodically run across the hollow of each tread. If the tread has been worn down to the same height as the wear bar, it’s time for new tires! Safe winter driving in Colorado requires proper tire care.

Engine Oil: Your vehicle may require a different oil weight for cold weather operation. Check oil levels and change them at the interval recommended in your owner’s manual.

Lights: When snow is blowing during the day or night, it’s important all your lights are working so other drivers are aware of your distance and driving direction and can avoid driving too close to you. Check for interior and exterior burned-out bulbs, malfunctioning switches, misdirected beams and clean lenses.

Windshield Wipers, Fluids and Defroster: Make sure your windshield wipers are effectively wiping your front and back windows. Remember to also stock up on no-freeze washer fluid because you don’t want to wait until you and the local stores are out or low on supply!

Heating and Cooling System: Test your heater and defroster so you know your vehicle can properly warm up inside and defrost any ice that develops on your windows. Check radiator hoses for leaks, bulges and cracks. Add antifreeze mixture if low and replenish if the liquid is discolored. Have your coolant checked with a hydrometer to be sure there is adequate cold weather protection, typically a 50/50 mix of coolant and water.

Prepare a Winter Emergency Driving Kit: Include an ice scraper with snow brush, flashlight with extra batteries, cell phone with a car charger, extra set of warm clothes including gloves and boots, first aid kit, tire chains, blanket, jumper cables, non-clumping kitty litter for traction, flares or reflective triangles, a gallon jug of water, non-perishable food items, window washer solvent and shovel.

If you make sure to check the items listed above with your reliable Castle Rock auto repair shop, you will have some peace of mind for the rest of the winter. Remember, your safety is priceless!

Clean Fuel Injectors Improve Your Fuel Efficiency

By: Terry Keller

Did you know that fuel injectors are extremely critical components that keep your car running smoothly? They are important to keep clean so that your fuel ignites easier and burns more evenly and efficiently, which saves you money by improving your gas mileage and increasing horsepower.

Vehicle fuel systems are generally very clean nowadays because today’s gasoline is designed for fuel injection and there are filters in the system that trap a bulk of unwanted dirt. However, some dirt can get past the filters, especially in vehicles driven at low speed for long periods of time. A gummy residue can also form after a hot engine is turned off, which can then leave an uneven spray for its next use. Fixing these problems can save your fuel and increase your horsepower.

Symptoms that could indicate that you have dirty fuel injectors include:

· Hard starting

· Rough idle

· Poor overall performance

· Decreased gas mileage

These symptoms can be resolved with proper fuel injector maintenance! A trusted Englewood auto repair shop with ASE-Certified Technicians can see whether it needs a cleaning or a full fuel injector system service. It is generally recommended that injectors get cleaned at least every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Consider it a tune up for your fuel system because it can improve fuel efficiency and increase horsepower!

By: Terry Keller

What’s the Condition of Your Ignition?

July 2011

A gasoline-powered vehicle requires an ignition system to ignite fuel and turn the motor. When the ignition system is not functioning properly, your vehicle may run rough and may not pass emissions tests. Most ignition systems consist of spark plugs, spark plug wires, a distributor and some supporting equipment.

Spark plugs are usually the first item that need to be replaced. As spark plugs age, they may collect deposits that will hold back the flow of electricity and may cause improper ignition of fuel. Any fuel that is not burned will be expelled to the atmosphere, resulting in lower gas-mileage and an increase in emissions.  The engine will lose power and the vehicle may feel sluggish while accelerating. And make sure your spark plugs are installed by an expert. Some plugs will need to be adjusted to get the best spark for your automobile.

Spark plug cables should also be replaced if they are showing signs of wear.  Cables may lose their insulation as they rub against other engine parts. If there is enough insulation missing, electricity may arc to other parts of the engine before it can reach the spark plug. With the engine off, you can check insulation on the cables for any signs of roughness or holes and will be able to prevent future ignition failure.

A distributor may also need servicing, but is not normally associated with failure.  If the distributor cap is cracked, contaminants may damage the distributor. In this case it is best to check the cap for damage and have it replaced before it causes bigger problems.

If you are driving a diesel vehicle, you do not have the same ignition components as a gasoline vehicle, but you may run into electrical problems as well. In this case, your technician should be able to offer advice for repairs.

If you’re looking for reliable auto repair in Aurora  stop by our facility and have our trusted ASE-Certified Technicians inspect your ignition system and show you ways to keep you and your family safely on the road.

Fluids: the life blood of your car

By: Terry Keller

June 2011

The six fluids that require periodic replenishment or replacement in most vehicles are the engine oil, transmission fluid, anti-freeze/coolant, windshield washer solvent, power steering fluid and brake fluid. Of these fluids, the two most often neglected are power steering and brake fluid. You may top them off, but have you ever thought of flushing them?

It only takes two years or less for brake fluid to become contaminated in a typical vehicle. This is because the fluid absorbs moisture over time, degrading its quality and ability to apply stopping force. Braking efficiency is reduced under certain conditions such as driving in mountainous or hilly environments, or when towing a trailer. Moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes, allowing it to compress. Brake fluid must maintain a stable viscosity throughout its operating temperature range.

Braking is impaired if the fluid is too thick or too thin. Beyond the vaporization hazard, moisture creates an additional problem for owners of vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking (ABS) systems. Rusted and corroded ABS components are very expensive to replace.

Power steering fluid can become contaminated in the same amount of time as brake fluid, but it may cause even more damage. Power steering fluid, like brake fluid, is used in a hydraulic system, meaning it transfers force from one place to another. When moisture and dirt break down these fluids, they don’t transfer the force as well as designed, not to mention that the components they travel through can be damaged. In the steering system, you risk damaging the power steering lines, the power steering pump and the rack and pinion (or simply, the rack). The rack is the most expensive component in the system, costing upwards of $800-900 or more on certain vehicles, with the lines and pump ranging from $300 and up, once again depending on the vehicle. Then you add in the cost of the labor to install these parts and you are looking at a pretty steep penalty for what could have been a $145 power steering fluid flush.

Have your trusted auto mechanic in Littleton inspect the conditions of your fluids and recommend to you which ones should be flushed. These are not time consuming services to have performed and could save you a lot of time, money and headaches in the future.

The Importance of Preventive Maintenance Checks

By: Terry Keller

Although most car maintenance should be left to an ASE Certified Technician, some regular monthly checks will protect your vehicle from incurring any serious unexpected problems on the road. Make sure to take some time to get familiar with what is under the hood of your car.

Check hoses and belts: Check your hoses and belts for cracking. Hoses connect engine parts that don’t always move in relation to each other, so the hoses should be flexible. Brittle or cracked hoses should be replaced by an ASE certified technician to prevent failure. Your belts are also rubber and will wear over time. Check the tension of your belts by giving them a gentle tug. They should have very little play. Examine the belts and look for any sign of cracking or fraying – in either case you should have the belt inspected and replaced.

Check fluid levels: Most vehicles have reservoirs or dip sticks that indicate the proper fluid level of your car’s vital fluids. By topping fluids yourself, you’ll know that your vehicle has the fluids it needs. If you find yourself refilling reservoirs often, you may have a leak. You can possibly find evidence of a leak by pulling out of your normal parking space and checking for fresh fluid deposits on the ground.

Check tire inflation and wear: Properly inflated tires increase your safety and fuel economy. Under-inflated tires will reduce fuel economy, while over-inflated tires will decrease traction and safe cornering speeds. Generally, the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure is a good medium between the two. Check for uneven wearing and pitting, as this is an indication of improper alignment.

Check lights and indicators: If you haven’t checked your car’s lights recently, you may be surprised to see that some have burned out. Be sure the brake lights are on when the brake pedal is depressed, as problems can occur with the pedal switch that activates the lights.

Find a trusted auto repair shop in Centennial with ASE Certified Technicians: An ASE Certified Technician is your best ally in keep your car running and catching any preventative maintenance issues!

Making Sense of Wiper Blades

By: Terry Keller

Are your wiper blades causing you more harm than good? Do they just smear anytime they are used? Or do they screech and cause a racket as they pass across the windshield? Many people overlook replacing their wiper blades, although they are one of the least expensive and easiest to install items for your car.

It may seem as though all blades are created equal, but you truly do get what you pay for. This is a component on your car that you should spend the extra dollar on to ensure a quality product. It isn’t much more expensive to go for the higher quality wiper blades and it will provide you with the peace of mind that your visibility won’t be hindered.

During the winter season, there are special winter wiper blades. These blades have a protective rubber guard that keeps snow and ice from building up on the blade itself. With the life expectancy of wiper blades ranging from six to twelve months, it is recommended that you get a set of winter blades when to cold season comes around, and then replace them with a regular set as spring and summer come around.

At the annual checkup held by the Car Care Council, almost 15% of vehicles on the road had wiper blades that required replacement. Is your vehicle one of those?  Bring your car into an auto repair shop in Littleton where we’ll make sure you can see clearly so you can keep your family safely on the road!

Bad Batteries

By: Terry Keller

Your car battery keeps your car running properly by working in conjunction with the alternator to provide ignition. Even in a diesel automobile which uses no spark for ignition, the engine is designed to not run without a battery.

If your driving conditions are considered harsh (with short trips or extreme weather conditions), your battery may need more frequent replacement. Think about getting stuck at the office or even worse, in the cold, and you’ll begin to realize the importance of monitoring your battery’s performance.

The next time you bring your car in for maintenance, ask your technician to perform a battery test. If there is a problem, he or she will be able to suggest a new battery that will best fit your automobile and driving conditions.

Chances are good that you will experience a battery problem at some point. This is why it is always good to keep a pair of jumper cables in the car. Remember to connect the positive terminals first in both cars and to avoid touching the leads to any other surface. Negative leads may be connected to the car’s chassis or the negative terminal on the battery. Make sure the car with the charged battery is running before starting the car with the drained battery.

Another option is an emergency battery that connects to your car’s internal lighter/electricity outlet. These work well in a pinch, but remember that they may not hold their charge long and must be maintained to be useful.

After you’ve successfully started your vehicle, be sure to drive it on the road to ensure a good charge. If you have any doubts about your battery’s condition at all, be sure to check its condition or obtain a replacement right away.

Other starting problems might occur that are not related to the battery, including a failing alternator or starter. An ASE Certified Technician at a trusted repair shop in Highlands Ranch will be able to diagnose any problems and offer suggestions that will keep your car on the road for years to come.