Denver Auto Repair

Can motor oil go bad sitting in the engine for six months or even a year, even if you don't use the car? The answer is: it depends, but yes. When making an oil selection, you should note the dates listed on the oil container.   Your car's engine oil is intended to keep your engine parts lubricated. This prevents the pieces from rubbing against each other, reducing any friction that leads to wear and tear. When you use your vehicle over time, the exposure to heat and high pressures will cause your oil to deteriorate. Other outside contaminants can also make your oil turn dirty and inefficient.   Your car's motor oil longevity depends on various factors, including the type of oil you use. Conventional motor oil is more likely to break down much quicker at high temperatures, whereas synthetic oils last longer due to their additives.    How Can You Tell When Engine Oil is Expired? Here are some easy steps that can help you conclude whether your car en ... read more

When the starter in your vehicle starts to go wrong, it's terrible news. Besides the unmistakable sign of not being able to go anywhere, what are the other signs of a bad starter? We are going to cover several symptoms today that can indicate you have a failing starter. If you can detect these signs, you may be able to avoid being stuck in the middle of nowhere.    What is a Starter? Your battery powers the starter, and the purpose of the starter is to engage the engine and get the vehicle going. The starter comprises two parts: the primary motor and solenoid. The primary motor turns the crankshaft and starts the engine, and the solenoid (or relay) engages the starter's drive gear and closes the main motor's electrical connections. If either one of the two parts stops working at any given time, you cannot move your car without a jumpstart or tow. A starting problem can be caused by poor maintenance or normal wear and tear. As you can guess, a starter gets a lo ... read more

Your vehicle's timing belt is a fundamental part of the engine that often gets overlooked. This rubbery piece is responsible for synchronizing and regulating the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. Without this pivotal part, the engine valves would not open and close at the proper time. The belt has teeth or ridges to provide consistent movement. If the timing is damaged or the timing belt connection is insufficient, it could spell disaster for your engine. For instance, the pistons can hit the valves, causing irreversible harm to the engine. The timing belt must be correctly fitted and be kept in good condition.   Common Causes of Timing Belt Failure There are various ways a timing belt can fail. Those include: Stripped teeth on the strap Unraveling of the belt's fiber  Belt breakage (most uncommon situation) Incorrect belt tension—too tight or too loose Signs That a Timing Belt Needs Replacement There are several signs that may indicate that your ... read more

Travelers are expected to drive for miles to various destinations to celebrate Independence Day Weekend with their friends and families. The 4th of July is usually one of the most dangerous days for road traffic and congestion. Drivers will be in a hurry to get to their destinations, and they'll be competing with other motorists and pedestrians. Therefore, it's crucial to practice road safety and be on high alert during the 4th of July to enjoy happy, memorable, and safe Independence Day celebrations. Check/Inspect Your Car's Overall Condition Before you embark on your journey, ensure that all your vehicle's major components are in healthy condition. Take the car for professional tune-ups, fluid flushes and oil change, lighting checks, AC servicing, and windshield wiper maintenance. That prevents any potential failures that can occur as you drive. Drive Home Early Avoid problems by driving back home early. Fourth July is a day when people celebrate, and a significa ... read more

The catalytic converter is one of the main parts of the exhaust system. Its place in the vehicle is between the muffler and the engine. The main function is to control and convert pollutants that would come from your car's exhaust into non-polluted air that is then discharged from the muffler. What are the Potential Issues of the Catalytic Converter? While the catalytic converter is a part of the vehicle that is meant to last for about ten years, it can become clogged, overheated, damaged, and contaminated. This can lead to the engine beginning to whine and cause a slug to it. Ultimately, if the catalytic converter dies, your engine could fail altogether. The contaminants that a catalytic converter may face are something of leaded gasoline. This type of gas is not found often in the US. So, in the United States what are the causes of catalytic converter contamination? The CC can become contaminated by coolant leaking, combustion, a faulty head-gasket, or even from engine oil. Th ... read more