Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Archives for April 2012

Building A Roadside Emergency Kit

by Leave a Comment

In today’s society, having a vehicle is almost a must – especially in areas without an abundance of public transportation. Owning a vehicle gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want to go.

However, driving a car does not come without its own risks. Automobiles are only machines and they can break down – often at the most inopportune times. If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, a roadside emergency kit is essential.

The following items are must-haves for any roadside emergency kit.

  • Jumper cables – for jump-starting your car if the battery dies
  • Tire repair kit – to make emergency repairs to punctures in your tire
  • Tow rope – in case your car cannot be repaired and you need to be towed to the nearest service station
  • Flashlight with extra batteries – no one wants to be left in the dark
  • Orange cone(s) – to place around your car to warn other motorists that you are on the side of the road
  • Gloves – perfect for freezing temperatures
  • Rain gear – essential for working on your car in rainy weather
  • Blanket – another useful item for freezing temperatures
  • Water – necessary, in case help is not quick to arrive
  • Zip ties – useful plastic ties that can help make temporary repairs to your car
  • Food (granola bars and other items with a long shelf life) – again, necessary in the event of a long wait for help
  • First aid kit – necessary for any minor injuries

Within the first aid kit, you should have:

  • Rubber gloves
  • Gauze
  • Cotton balls
  • Bandages/Band-Aids
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Pain relievers (Tylenol)
  • Antibiotic cream

With a roadside emergency kit, you have one less thing to worry about – if your car breaks down, you will know that you are prepared for the worst. Preparing a roadside emergency kit takes only a few minutes (once you have all of the supplies) and you can pack the items into any backpack, duffel bag or other carrying case for easy transport.

Auto Repair Tip: Why Won’t My Car Start?

by Leave a Comment

Nothing is worse than heading out to your car, expecting a normal day, turn your car key … and nothing. What could it be? And how is this going to impact your day?

Finding the problem is simply trial and error. Start with the most obvious and keep looking until you find out the cause.

Dead Battery

 

The most common reason your car won’t start is due to a dead battery. How long since you’ve replaced it? Batteries won’t last forever, especially with severe cold and hot weather conditions. If you have a battery tester that can measure the cranking amps, test your battery and see if its weak. Or use jumper cables to jump-start your car. If it starts immediately, chances are it is a dead battery.

 

Battery Corrosion

 

Over time, your battery connections can become dirty. This corrosion builds up over time and actually breaks the connection your battery has with the rest of the car. A simple cleaning will remove dirt particles and return your car back to original condition.

Bad Ignition Switch

 

Battery issues are usually the most common reason your car won’t start. Yet if you’ve checked out the battery and it still won’t start, it may be  faulty ignition switch. Turn your key to the on position – not all the way to start up the car. If the warning lights on your dash don’t light up, its probably the ignition switch. Another test would be to turn on your headlights and try to start the car. If they dim or turn off, your ignition switch is okay. If not, the switch needs replacing. [Read more…]

Denver Express Auto Care Celebrates Earth Day 2012

by Leave a Comment

Happy Earth Day 2012. This year Earth Day organizers are focusing in on Renewable energy and a sustainable future for our planet. While there are many things we can do here in Colorado to help our city go “green”, why not start with the one thing you use everyday – your automobile.

When it comes to owning, driving and maintaining a car, there are many things we can do to help the environment. From better driving habits to regular auto repair and maintenance, not only will you be helping your car last longer, you may be giving it better resale value too.

The vital piece within your car is the engine. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent. An engine running with clogged filters or running low of fluids can also make it run twice as hard. [Read more…]

The Difference Between Auto Mechanics And Auto Technicians

by Leave a Comment

We live in a day where job titles are getting a makeover to make them more appealing and politically correct.  Secretaries are becoming administrative assistants, stewardesses are becoming flight attendants, and hairdressers are now stylists.  So when you take your car in to get fixed and you are confronted by an auto technician, is this merely an auto mechanic hiding behind a vamped up name?

Just in case you weren’t sure, the answer is no.  There are several differences between auto mechanics and auto technicians.  One key difference is their area of expertise.  Auto mechanics are very handy at fixing a variety of parts in your car.  Auto technicians are trained to be able to interact with the computers in your car to diagnose the problem. [Read more…]

Car Air Conditioning System

by Leave a Comment

Spring has sprung early here in Denver! The trees and flowers are beginning to bloom and the wind has picked up its speed.  And as those gusty winds begin to blow, they cause those “lovely” little pollens that can cause so much trouble, to fly through the air!  If you are among the thousands of us that suffer with allergies, now would be a good time to check out our blog,  Car Air Conditioning and Allergies,  to see what you can do to help create a small haven of clean air in your car!

7 Things To Think About At The Auto Repair Shop

by Leave a Comment

Running in to your local auto repair shop for a quick oil change is easy. Yet what happens when your oil change turns into something more? Instead of being surprised the next time you are told about a major auto repair from a shop you aren’t familiar with, go in prepared. Instead of saying “yes” to whatever surprises they throw at you, have your own set of responses to make sure you are getting the kind of service you deserve.

1. Start by looking at the condition of the auto repair shop. A good mechanic will make sure his equipment and the area he works in organized, clean and in good working condition. You won’t find old parts stacked in the corner, and trash strewn across the floor. This is his business and he should be showcasing a professional look for his customers.

2. Estimates should be a fact of life. When you drop off your car for one reason, the written estimate should cover work realted to that service alone. If additional problems are discovered, make sure you will be contacted with a quote before any work is done. This should include parts and labor. Never accept surprises. [Read more…]

12 Auto Repair Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Car

by Leave a Comment

The economy is rough and gas prices are on the rise. So it comes as no surprise that you want to keep your car running in tip-top shape for as long as possible. After all, not everyone has the funds to drop on a new vehicle in today’s economy.

Keeping your car in the best running shape possible is not that difficult. It just takes a little time and effort on your part. If you are willing to invest in your investment – your car – your automobile will have a long and happy life.

1.    Use common sense when driving – Instead of adding unnecessary wear and tear on your car by racing away from every stop sign, accelerate gently. Not only will you use less gas, you will lessen the wear on your brakes. Make all of your stops in one, long trip, rather than taking your car out numerous times throughout the day.

2.    Pay attention to your choice of gas stations –Choose a reputable gas station when buying fuel. The damage you can do to your car from cheaper, possibly watered-down gas will cost you much more than a few extra cents on quality fuel.

3.    Take care when choosing an insurance provider – Yes, you can find the minimum required insurance for a low cost – everyone has seen the T.V. commercials. However, you get what you pay for – if your car is damaged in an accident, you want the best coverage possible to ensure repairs are made. [Read more…]

Tire Condition

by Leave a Comment

Did you know that the condition of your tire can tell you a lot about your car?  We can learn quite a bit about our vehicles by the way our tires wear. Tire condition is determined by the wear patterns.  Abnormal wear patterns can often alert us to the need for simple tire maintenance or the need for a front-end alignment.  Being aware of these patterns and how to interpret them can help you lengthen the life of your tires and improve the overall performance of your vehicle.  Below is a list of common tire wear patterns and what they might indicate.

Condition:  A tread cut or puncture is caused when a foreign object penetrates the tread area.  This can lead to air loss or possible tire destruction.

Solution:  If a puncture occurs, have the damage repaired if possible.  Your service technician can determine if the puncture can be repaired.

Condition:  Wear on one side of a tire can be a sign of misalignment or worn parts.  This condition will shorten the life of the tire and may lead to other tire damage.

Solution:  Have the vehicle inspected for possible mechanical or suspension problems that should be repaired.

Condition:  Shoulder wear on both sides of a tire.  This happens when the tire is under-inflated and the outer shoulders are forced to carry most of the weight.  This will lead to extreme shoulder wear and shorten the life of the tire.

Solution:  Keep the tires inflated to manufacturer’s recommended level.

Condition:  Center tread wear.  This type of damage can be caused by over-inflation.  The center of the tread will bulge outward, forcing the majority of the weight to be carried in the center of the tire which causes premature wear.

Solution:  Maintain the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation level.  These are usually found inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Good driving habits and preventative maintenance, which includes proper air pressure, tire balance, alignment and rotation can add miles to the life of your tires as well as safety for you and your family.  If we can help you with any of these or other auto repair needs, call us at (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop.

Can Simple Auto Repair Techniques Add Value To The Life Of Your Car?

by Leave a Comment

Are you one of the many people looking not only for ways to save money, but also for tips on how to extend the life of the things you have?

One great way to extend the life of your car is by having your auto repair technician do a simple service called a transmission flush.

Your engine is filled with a variety of different parts. From gears to hoses and everything in between, your engine is the place that keeps your car moving throughout your busy days. As long as everything runs, you probably don’t give it much thought. Until something breaks. [Read more…]

Basic Auto Repair Safety Rules

by Leave a Comment

Your car is something you rely on every day. And when it comes to trying to save a little money, doing your own auto repair may be the first thing that pops into mind. Yet before you pick up a screwdriver or pop the hood of your car, safety should be your number one concern. Safety is synonymous with planning. If you’ve planned ahead and know what you face, your likely to stay safe in the process.

Keep your work area clean

 

Its hard to work at a desk that’s buried under by paperwork. Likewise its difficult to work in an area cluttered with boxes, cans and “stuff”. When you’re moving around your car, the last thing you want to do is trip over a box and land on a hard surface – its an easy way to break a wrist or ankle. [Read more…]

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks