Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

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One of the most commonly asked question among drivers is, “Why is my check engine light on”?  Although this is a simple question to ask, it’s not always as simple to answer.

All of our vehicles are equipped with a computerized engine management system (ECM) and the check engine light is a part of this system.  The ECM alerts us to possible problems inside the engine or inside the transmission that have an impact on the emissions system.  Check engine lights may be a graphic of an engine or a similar icon.  It can also be words, “check engine” or “service engine”.  Some vehicles use a yellow check engine light as a caution light that tells you to have your vehicle checked soon and a red check engine light that means your vehicle needs immediate attention.  Every car’s display is different, so it’s a good idea to make yourself familiar with how your particular make and model of vehicle works.  The check engine light is usually amber or red in color and has two stages, a steady light or a flashing light.  A steady check engine light signals minor problems, while a flashing check engine light usually means there is a serious problem in the ECM.

The cause of why your check engine light is on depends on your particular issue, but here are some general malfunctions that cause the check engine light to come on.

  • A misfire in your engine.  A misfire can cause catalytic converter damage if it’s not resolved quickly.  The catalytic convertor works to reduce exhaust gases.  It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds.  Replacing a catalytic converter can be costly, so have the engine checked as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.
  • A failure in the emission control system.  The emission control system contains many active sensors that work to reduce the amount of pollution released into the air.  One of those sensors is an oxygen sensor that reads the air and fuel mixture.  If that mixture is out of the acceptable range or if you have  a faulty sensor, it won’t provide the correct data to the computer and the check engine light will go on.
  • Brittle, cracked or worn spark plugs.  Worn spark plug wires can lead to an electric misfire inside the engine.  If the wires are worn out, they should be changed as soon as possible.
  • A loose gas cap.  When it’s loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw off the whole fuel system.  Sometimes when the cap is put on incorrectly the check engine light will come on.  If the light stays on for more than a day or two, have your mechanic run an on-board diagnostic to see if there is a code in the system indicating a more serious problem.

Check engine lights help you and your mechanic to keep your car running smoothly.  So the next time your check engine light goes on, don’t ignore it.  Come in and see us or call (303) 691-2760 and let us help.

 

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

Car Engine Cleaning

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I recently purchased a classic car.  What can I do to make sure the engine will last longer?  I just bought a used car and I don’t know if the previous owner kept up with regular oil changes.  How can I make sure my car engine is clean?  These are just a couple of the reasons why someone would be interested in having a car engine cleaning service.

Over time, your engine can develop sludge, which leads to reduced horsepower and performance, and ultimately a shorter engine life.

Infrequent oil changes, combined with stop and go driving can cause a sludge to form inside the car engine and on its parts.  A formation of sludge can lead to problems such as reduced oil circulation, restricted oil passages.  It can also cause sticky valves, lifters and piston rings.  These symptoms can also occur just by having a car that has a lot of miles on the engine, 75,000 or more.

When anyone comes into our shop and has noticed any of these symptoms going on with their car, we will usually recommend an engine cleaning service.  An engine cleaning service uses pressure to eliminate virtually all of the old motor oil in your engine-rather than relying completely on gravity to drain the oil.  A skilled technician will remove the old oil filter and attach the engine oil system cleaning equipment to your car.  This equipment will circulate the existing motor oil and the engine cleaner through a filter and remove the sludge and contaminants from your car engine.  After all the contaminants have been removed, then our technician will install a new oil filter and refill it with fresh motor oil.

After you’ve had a car engine cleaning service, maintaining regular oil changes at recommended intervals will help you keep your car engine clean.

Come in and see us or give us a call at (303) 691-2760 for all of your auto repair needs.

 

 

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

Replacing Your Timing Belt

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Some parts of your vehicle are easy for you to see and there isn’t any problem deciding if they need replacing.  You can glance at your washer fluid tank and tell if its low and needs to be refilled, it isn’t difficult to tell if your headlight isn’t working or if the tread on your tires is wearing down and you need new tires.  But there are some parts on a vehicle that are more difficult to see and need to be maintained on a regular basis so that they don’t break or stop working unexpectedly.

Replacing your timing belt is one of these parts.  Your timing belt usually gives you no indication of wear or that it is about to fail- it simply snaps when you’re driving and leaves you stranded.  This can be a major inconvenience and cost quite a bit of cash, if you have to have the car towed to an auto repair shop.   So how can this be avoided?  Regular maintenance checks.

The timing belt is a ribbed band of rubber,  reinforced with strands of fiberglass, which controls the timing of your engine’s camshafts.   The camshaft is the shaft that opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves.  These valves let in the air that creates the combustion and also vents the exhaust that is created by the combustion.   The timing belt connects the crankshaft with the camshaft and is the only part that keeps them in sync with one another.  If the timing belt breaks, the car has no other option than to shut down. Replacing your timing belt at the proper time can save yourself a lot of problems.  Most vehicles recommend replacing the timing belt between 60,000 to 75,000 miles, but it’s a good idea to check the recommendations made specifically for your car by its manufacturer.

If you discover it’s about time you replaced your timing belt, click here for a special coupon and come in and see us.

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

Engine Tune-up

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I’m finding it hard to except that summer is almost over and it’s time to get back into a “normal” routine!  It is only a week away from Labor Day and that, for the majority of us,  signals the official end of summer.  This seems to be the time of the year that we try to collect ourselves, get our head back in the game and make a mental or physical list of the things that need to be accomplished before we can finally ” settle in” to our every day lives.  One of the first things I have put on my list is an engine tune-up!  Maybe that’s because I run an auto repair shop, but I’d  like to think that it’s because I realize the value of my engine and I want to keep it in peak condition.  The best way, I believe, to do that is by having regular oil changes and service checks and by having an engine tune-up performed on my vehicle at least once a year.

Although engine “tune-up” is considered by some an outdated term, we still know and understand what it means.   Our engines need to be inspected carefully and checked out to make sure they are running properly.  Most of today’s  cars  are equipped with an electronic ignition and at least one, on-board computer that automatically adjusts the fuel mixture, ignition timing and the idle speed.  All of these components need a thorough inspection to make sure they are working correctly.  This is the best way to maintain peak engine performance or to restore the engine to its original operating efficiency.

During a tune-up, your engine goes through a process of inspecting, diagnosing and testing.  As well as having parts adjusted or replaced depending on whatever is necessary.  A tune-up also includes removing and checking the spark plugs, cleaning or replacing them and installing them in the engine.  The car’s distributor cap and rotors are checked for wear and cracks.  If there are any cracks, moisture is allowed to seep in and can cause corrosion of the metal, which can cause the car to misfire.  It’s important that these parts are replaced at regular intervals or if they show excessive wear.  The idle speed will also be set to your vehicle’s specifications.  Each of these procedures are included in an engine tune-up, but now would be the perfect time to have the other systems in your car checked out as well, such as brakes, clutch, fuel lines, belts and hoses.  That would make your ” To-do” list a little bit shorter!

Come in and see us or give us a call at 303-691-2760 and let us help you take care of your car.

 

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

How is Your Car Cooling System Working?

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We have been having record breaking heat here in Denver and throughout our state.  There have been major wildfires and severe drought conditions and it doesn’t look like the record heat is going to be changing any time soon.  Since we usually use our air conditioning a lot more during the hot weather, it’s even more important we find out, “how is our car cooling system working?”  Is it functioning properly so it can do the job it was designed to do?

A typical car driving down the highway will produce enough heat to warm two average-sized homes! That is a lot of heat!  This is the amount of heat that needs to be diverted away from your car’s engine to keep it running the way it is suppose to run.  The job of your car cooling system is to maintain a constant engine temperature whether the  air temperature outside is 100 degrees or 5 degrees below zero.  If the temperature of the engine is too low the car’s emissions will go up and you will get lousy gas mileage.  But if the temperature of the engine gets too hot and stays that way for too long,  it will cause costly damage and great inconvenience to you.  If you would like to avoid all the inconvenience and damage that a faulty cooling system can cause or you would like to know more about how a car cooling system works, read our blog “Is It Time For a Cooling System Flush?  Then give us a call at (303) 691-2760 or come in and see us and let us know what we can do to help.

 

 

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

Timing Belt Service

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We all want to do our best to maintain our cars and do everything that we can to keep them running smoothly.  And one of the parts that needs to be maintained is the timing belt. The timing belt has an extremely important part in making your engine run.  The timing belt controls the camshafts in the engine.  The camshaft is the shaft that opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves that let the air in that creates combustion and also vents the exhaust created by the combustion. This opening and closing of the valves has to be perfectly synchronized with the movement of the pistons.  The instant at which the valves open and close affects the engine performance, fuel economy and emissions.  This is why the timing belts function is so important.  The timing belt is the only part that keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in sync.  In some engine designs, the timing belt may also drive other engine parts like the water pump and oil pump.

Timing belts are typically made out of rubber that has been reinforced with strands of fiberglass, this makes them nearly unstretchable and extremely strong. But after rotating around the crankshaft and camshaft  millions of times, the strands become brittle and may begin to break.  The reinforced strands crack and give way, the belt snaps, and your engine stops.  This can happen without a lot of warning.  Sometimes there might be a rattling noise from the front of the engine but that isn’t always the case.  The best way to avoid being stranded is to check your  manufacturer’s recommendation for a timing belt service and have it replaced when they recommend it.  If you drive an older car or put a lot of miles on your car, it might be a good idea to have the timing belt service sooner rather than later.   Some manufacturers may also recommend replacing other parts, such as the water pump, at the same time as the timing belt because the additional cost to replace the water pump is small compared to the cost of having to access the timing belt twice.

If you would like more information or a coupon for a timing belt service, look at our When to Replace Your Timing Belt blog.  For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care.  Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

 

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

Worst Car Break Down Stories

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It was the end of June and we were anticipating a relaxing but fun vacation.  We were on our way to small lake cottage in Michigan, near Indiana, to spend some time with family.  We had dreams of water skiing, sailing, swimming and just winding down from a stressful work environment.  Little did we know, we were about to embark on one of the worst car break down stories we had ever experienced.                                                   

We set out on our trip expecting that our vehicle  was running properly and that all would be well, but shortly after we passed the Kansas border the engine started to run a little hot.  We were feeling a bit hungry and decided it would be a good time to stop and get a bite to eat and give the engine and ourselves  a chance to cool off, since the outside temperature was about 90 degrees at the time.  We enjoyed our lunch and set out on the road again, not anticipating any problems.  And we didn’t have any,  until we had just driven through Joliet, Illinois.  It was late afternoon, traffic was extremely heavy, and it was beginning to get very hot!  Both under the hood and in the front seat!  Did I mention we were driving a truck with a camper?  Here we are, in the middle of rush hour traffic in unfamiliar territory, driving an overheating truck with a camper.   There weren’t any shoulders wide enough for us to pull over for any extended length of time and we didn’t have any water bottles.   So we emptied out our milk jugs, filled them with water to pour in the radiator, and attempted to get to the next exit ramp.  We continued this very slow and tiring process for several miles until we were finally able to reach an exit ramp, only to discover we were in one of the worst parts of the city! What a lousy place to break down!  This isn’t the end of the story, but we are interested to hear about YOUR worst car break down stories!  Write to us by clicking on the comments line and tell us your stories so we can post them for others to read.  We can’t wait to hear from you!

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

Reasons for a Car to Overheat

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In recent weeks, we have had a few customers who have gone through the  trying experience of having their car overheat.  Unfortunately, they didn’t all have the same positive outcome from their experience, but they each wanted to know the reason their car overheated and how they could avoid it in the future.  We’ll share with you the information we passed on to them.

One of the main reasons for a car to overheat is a lack of coolant in the car’s cooling system.  This happens when there is a leak somewhere in the system and the coolant is escaping or if fresh coolant hasn’t been put in the radiator. Cooling systems are often neglected.  If your coolant isn’t changed, the hoses and passages get dirt and sludge built up in them and the coolant can’t flow rapidly enough to cool the engine.  Keep your eye on your car’s temperature gauge.  If there is a possibility of your car overheating, the needle on the temperature gauge will move toward the “H” (for hot) to alert you to what is happening.

Another common reason for a car to overheat is a thermostat that is stuck.  The thermostat can freeze or stick in the closed position which blocks the coolant from flowing to your engine.

There are several other reasons for a car to overheat, such as a damaged water pump or cooling fan or possibly a clogged radiator.  These are all things that should be looked at and diagnosed by a professional mechanic and not something that you should try to figure out on your own.

But no matter what is causing your car to overheat, the most important thing to remember is don’t continue to drive the car!  Overheating can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage!  If you experience any of the signs your car is overheating, the temperature gauge is high, or there is steam and/or a burning smell coming from the engine, pull over as soon as possible and turn the car off!  Call a tow truck but don’t drive the car when it’s overheating!   By putting yourself through some slight inconvenience now, you can avoid major inconveniences and costly repairs later.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

Check Engine Lights

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A question we often hear at our shop is “why is my check engine light flashing?”  There is not always a simple and quick answer to this question.

Check engine lights are a part of the computerized engine management system (ECM).  This system alerts us to possible problems inside the engine or transmission that have an impact on the emissions system.  Check engine lights may be a graphic of an engine or a similar icon.  It could also be words “check engine” or “service engine”.  Some vehicles use a yellow check engine light as a caution light that tells you to have your car checked soon and a red check engine light that means your vehicle needs immediate attention.  Every car’s display is different, so you should make yourself familiar with how your particular make and model works.  The check engine light is usually amber or red in color and has two stages, a steady engine light or a flashing check engine light.  A steady check engine light signals minor problems, while a flashing check engine light means there is a serious problem in the ECM.

The specific causes a check engine light flashes are different for each vehicle but these are some general causes.

  • A misfire in your engine.  A misfire can cause catalytic converter damage if you don’t resolve it quickly.  Replacing a catalytic  converter can be costly, so have the engine checked as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.
  • A failure in the emission control system.  The emission control system contains many active sensors that work to reduce the amount of pollution released into the air.  One of those sensors is an oxygen sensor that reads the air and fuel mixture.  If that mixture is out of the acceptable range the check engine light will flash.
  • Brittle, cracked or worn spark plugs.  Worn spark plug wires can lead to an electric misfire inside the engine.  If the wires are worn out, they should be changed as soon as possible.
  • A loose gas cap.  If the gas cap isn’t tight enough or twisted correctly it can cause the check engine light to flash.  Sometimes when the cap is put on correctly the check engine light will go off.  If the light stays on for more than a day or two have your mechanic run an on-board diagnostic to see if there is a code in the system indicating a more serious problem.

Check engine lights help you and your mechanic keep your vehicle running smoothly, so when they light up have your vehicle checked and don’t ignore them!

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

Quick Lube

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Today I’m attempting to refute a myth that has been circulating about Quick Lubes and how we do business.  We quick lube owners and employees have been accused of recommending “unneeded”  oil changes just to make more money.  That may be true at some quick lubes, but when we service your car, we only suggest services that we believe are necessary to keep your car running at its best.  Let me explain why we recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles or every three months.

In recent years, many vehicle manufacturers have extended their recommended oil change intervals to try to help reduce the cost of maintenance for car owners, but have run into trouble.  The Center for Auto Safety  has gotten thousands of complaints from motorists who thought they were following the correct service intervals in their owners manuals but ended up with a crankcase full of sludge.   Motor oil does more than lubricate the engine.  It also forms a film on surfaces  that separates moving parts so they don’t rub against one another so friction and wear is reduced.  Oil also serves as a coolant for critical engine parts like the crankshaft and valve train.  It also helps to prevent rust and corrosion inside the engine, and keeps surfaces clean by dissolving and carrying away dirt and deposits.  Oil life depends on many factors; driving conditions, temperature, humidity, airborne dirt, and engine wear.

Extended oil change intervals of 7,500 or 10,000 miles are based on ideal operating conditions, not stop and go driving, or driving our cars for  several short trips, like most drivers do each day.  So most drivers should follow a “severe” service schedule rather than a “normal” schedule to protect their engines.  Most experts still consider a 3,000 miles or six month oil change for “severe” drivers.

We have also heard the argument at our quick lube that since motor oils are of higher quality than they once were, we don’t need to change our oil as often.  Yes, motor oils are better than they once were, but oil filters have not kept up.  An engines main line of defense against abrasion and the wear it causes is the oil filter.  The oil filter’s job is to remove solid contaminants like dirt, carbon, and metal particles from the oil before they can damage surfaces in the engine.  If your oil filter is clogged, it can’t do its job and unfiltered oil is allowed to enter the engine.  Contaminants that find their way into the crankcase will be pumped through the engine and accelerate wear.

Although motor oils have been improved and are continuing to be improved, there has been little done to improve oil filters.   The majority of oil filters still need to be replaced every 3,000 miles.   So until the oil filters are equal in their quality to the  motor oils, we will continue to recommend a 3,000 mile or three month oil change at our quick lube.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Are you tired of visiting the auto dealers and chain stores for your automotive needs, where you are nothing more than a number? Looking for that honest and friendly customer service you can usually only find in a small town? Look no further – that’s why we created Express Car Care Denver. Some of our services include no wait Oil Change - Brakes Service - Clutches - Tune-Ups but we provide additional services for your car, just stop by and let us take a look.

Call us with any questions - (303) 691-2760

Express Car Care is family owned and operated, and you will always see the same faces when you visit. While I own Express Car Care, I work here as well. You’ll always see me somewhere in the building, and I’m always around to answer your questions, or just to say hi.

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