HOW TRIPS IMPACT YOUR VEHICLE

Living near the Front Range means many Fort Collins drivers head into the mountains during the summer for hiking, camping, or a scenic drive. High altitude, steep grades, and sudden afternoon thunderstorms all place extra demand on two systems in particular: the cooling system and the brakes. In this month’s blog, we cover basics on how these trips can impact your vehicle’s cooling system and brakes, signs to watch for, and preventative maintenance tips to keep things running smoothly.

How Elevation Affects Your Vehicle

At higher elevations, the air is thinner, which means engines and cooling systems must work harder to keep temperatures steady. On long mountain descents, brakes are used continuously to control speed, which builds up heat quickly. Both systems need to be in good condition before any mountain drive.

Common Issues

Reduced traction: Sudden summer thunderstorms in the mountains can create slick roads with little warning.

Signs and Causes to Watch For

Temperature gauge climbing: A rising gauge on long grades is an early warning sign.

Spongy or soft brake pedal: This can mean the brake fluid is overheating or air has entered the lines.

Burning smell: A burning odor after a long descent often points to overheated brakes.

Worn tire tread: Reduced tread depth becomes a bigger problem on wet or slick mountain roads.

What Repair Looks Like

A technician will inspect coolant condition and level, check the radiator and cooling fan, measure brake pad and rotor thickness, and test brake fluid condition, since brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and can lose effectiveness. Repairs may include a coolant flush, radiator service, or brake pad and fluid replacement.

Preventative Maintenance

1.Have the cooling system checked before summer mountain trips.

2.Use a lower gear on long descents to reduce strain on the brakes.

3.Have brake fluid tested and flushed on a regular schedule.

4.Check tire tread depth before heading into the foothills or higher elevations.

A short visit to your local shop before a mountain weekend can help keep both the engine and brakes working the way they should when the roads get steep. If you are planning a mountain trek, contact the service professionals at Campus Repair before you head out on the road to schedule your vehicle’s inspection.