Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Tips For Keeping Your Car In Top Shape For A Summer Vacation

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Summer means barbecues, sunshine and vacations. For many families, summer also means multiple or extended car trips that could take a toll on the family vehicle. A few simple maintenance and driving tips before could save you a trip to the mechanic and several hundred dollars with extensive car repairs later. Before you hit the road, spend some time getting your vehicle ready for those blissful summer trips.

1. Check those fluids. Change or check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid and even your windshield washing fluid. A fresh supply of fluids can have a huge impact on your gas mileage and help prevent engine damage.

2. Keep an eye on your tires. Use a gauge to check the tire pressure; you car’s manual should provide specification for ideal PSI for your tires. Check the tread on your tire to be sure you have adequate grip in slick conditions.  Make sure your spare is accessible and you have a jack and extra bolts in your car.

3. Have a mechanic inspect your car to make sure all of your systems are functioning properly, especially your cooling and air conditioning systems. Overheating can be a big problem, especially in hot summer traffic. Ask the mechanic to check your fans and oxygen sensors to avoid overheating.

4. Pack lightly. An overloaded car can decrease gas mileage and make a car run less efficiently. Over packing can also create dangerous road conditions if bag obstruct your mirrors and decrease your visibility.

5. Keep you emergency kit well stocked. A small kit in your glove box or trunk should contain bandages, jumper cables, a flashlight with batteries, water and nonperishable food items.

6. Increase the lifespan and efficiency of you engine with conscious driving. Avoid stop and go driving; if you drive a manual, use shifting to your advantage by maintaining consistent speeds. Utilize your cruise control to increase your fuel economy. Not only will you improve your gas mileage but you’ll also lengthen the life of your engine and brakes.

Shocks and Struts-How You Know When They Need Replacing

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Have an older car? Want to keep it in the best shape possible?

It’s time to purchase new shocks and struts if your original shocks and struts are worn out, damaged or leaking. Leaking is easy enough to see – just look for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut. Damage is also fairly easy to see – look for a broken mount, badly dented housing, etc. But wear is often more of a subjective thing to judge. There are also instances where the original equipment shocks may not be worn, damaged or leaking, but may not be adequate for the job they’re being asked to do. In such cases, upgrading the suspension with stronger, stiffer or some type of special shock and strut may be recommended to improve handling (for trailer towing, hauling overloads or other special uses).

Shocks and struts do not require replacing at specific mileage intervals like filters or spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually have to be replaced. How long a set of original equipment shocks and struts will last depends on many factors. Some original equipment shocks may be getting weak after only 30,000 or 40,000 miles. Struts usually last upwards of 50,000 or 60,000 miles.

Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often passes unnoticed. If you begin to notice the need for shocks and struts, it’s usually way past the point when they should have been replaced.

One way to evaluate your need for new shocks or struts is to consider how your vehicle has been handling and riding. Does it bounce excessively when driving on rough roads or after hitting a bump? Does the nose dip when braking? Does the body roll or sway excessively when cornering or driving in crosswinds? Does the suspension bottom out when backing out of the driveway or when hauling extra passengers or weight?

A “bounce test” is still a valid means of checking the dampening ability of shocks and struts. If the suspension continues to gyrate more than one or two times after rocking and releasing the bumper or body, your shocks or struts are showing their age and need to be replaced.

The Importance Of Finding A Family Owned Auto Repair Shop

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Car repairs can drive you crazy, and the thought of the cost can make your stomach swell with butterflies.  The first question that enters your mind is, “can I trust this shop to do right by me?”  If the answer is “no” then you need some tips on how to find the right repair shop for your needs.

Start by asking family or friends where they take their cars for repair and what their experience was like.  You will probably discover that the majority of them used a family owned local shop because they can trust the advice – the owner is there and has to build up his reputation.

Dealerships or franchise repair shops may be locally owned but they have a corporate bottom line that a family owned shop does not.  The family owned shop has a vested interest in the community it operates in, their professional reputation depends on providing fair quotes and repairs that are done right the first time and are more likely to happen than with a dealership or franchise operated business.

The local mechanic is more familiar with his customer base, the types of cars his customers drive and he has the ability and interest in developing a relationship with each individual he comes in contact with.  He is also more apt to be honest about whether a particular repair is necessary or if it can be done at all.  He is not likely to risk his business or reputation doing unnecessary repairs just to make a dollar.  Word of mouth carries a great deal of weight and it doesn’t take but one unhappy customer to damage a business.

Using a family owned repair shop allows both the business and customer to develop a sense of trust that is hard to find these days.  If something is not repaired correctly, on time and in accordance with the original cost quote, your redress would not include having to deal with a corporate structure that can be confusing and irritating, you can have a face to face and come to a mutually satisfactory resolution and still be friends.

Where To Look For Auto Repair Advice

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Got an older car? Chances are you’ll have a problem or two along the way. Because you’re saving money by not having a car payment every month, an occasional repair can far outweigh the costs of having a new car.

Yet even an older car can be a good, reliable means of transportation. You just have to keep it well maintained month after month, and know how to troubleshoot along the way.

Start by knowing and listening to your car. Because you drive it every day, you’re the first person that should recognize when something is wrong. Is it making a new sound? Does it perform differently with the changing seasons? Pay attention to anything your car is trying to tell you.

Do a little research online. Google can provide you with a wealth of information – do a quick search and your questions can be answered in no time. Also find a local auto shop that cares enough to put quality information up on their website, to help provide you with the necessary information to keep your car healthy.

Make regular appointments for routine maintenance. Fill all your fluids periodically. Change your oil. Replace worn parts such as belts and wiper blades. Keep tires at their optimum level. Stick to manufacturers guidelines to ensure the best chance for a well running car.

And keep a local repair shop at hand for quality auto repair advice. It’s nice having someone you can rely on for great advice, knowing they will never steer you wrong.

How To Determine If Your Car Transmission Needs Repair

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No one likes to hear the dreaded words, “Your transmission is blown.” Your cars transmission is responsible for most of its engine functions and capabilities. As soon as a car’s transmission requires repair, most car owners see dollar signs adding up. Catching a transmission problem before it becomes a transmission disaster could be the difference between a five hundred dollar fix and a five thousand dollar overhaul. Stay on top of your transmission by keeping an eye out for key signs of transmission trouble.

One of the tell-tale signs of transmission problems is trouble on starting. A transmission in need of repair will have trouble turning over or may grind upon ignition. If your car stutters before turning over, it could be simple problem like moisture in the electrical wires or a much bigger problem like a transmission in need of repair. If your car seems to have trouble starting, it’s best to have a mechanic test the electrical system and check the transmission.

When a car is in motion, acceleration problems or stuttering are signs of a problem with the transmission. Vibrating, stuttering or trembling during acceleration or deceleration could indicate serious transmission trouble instead of the simpler problem of poor tuning of the engine. You might also notice that the engine fails to engage even though you apply pressure to the gas pedal. Any of these experiences during driving could lead to a more serious problem like complete engine failure.

Usually fluid leaking from beneath the car is oil, but occasionally a car may leak transmission fluid used to lubricate gears inside the engine. A transmission fluid leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause permanent damage to electrical systems. Small leaks can be repaired by mixing a stop leak solution into the fluid while major problems needs to be handled by a mechanic.

If all else fails, you can always refer to your check engine light to alert you to any problems in your engine. Most cars use electrical and computer systems to monitor the proper functioning of the transmission. If the check engine light comes on, assess the rest of the car’s performance to determine if the engine trouble is related to a transmission problem. When in doubt, take your car to a qualified mechanic to determine whether or not your transmission is in need of repair.

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How To Tell When Your Brakes Are In Need of Repair

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Your car’s brakes may be the most important safety component of all of your car’s systems. Because brakes are hidden from plain view, many drivers don’t consider their brakes until they need repairing. Most people don’t realize that their brakes are in need of repair until a serious problem pops up during a driving situation.  Though brake failure is a glaringly obvious sign of brake problems, there are several other indications that it may be time to take your car to a mechanic to have the brakes checked.

Difficulty Stopping
It’s very rare for a braking system to fail entirely without presenting any previous stopping problems. If you feel like you need to apply more pressure than usual to stop your car, you should have your brakes checked. Difficulty stopping is most often indicative of leaking brake fluid.

Squealing or Grinding Noises
If your brake pads are worn or damaged, your brakes will start to squeal. Squealing is actually a sign that your car is doing what it’s supposed to! When your brake pads wear down, the brake itself rubs against a wear indicator in your car, which causes squealing to alert you to the problem. If you hear squealing, get your brakes repaired through a simple pad replacement. If your brakes are making a grinding noise, it’s likely that they had been squealing but had gone unrepaired; grinding brakes can cause more serious damage or even brake failure, so get to a mechanic right away!

Vibrations
If you feel like your brakes are vibrating, throbbing or pulsing when you apply pressure, you need to have your brakes repaired. When brakes are exposed to heat or water over long periods of time, they can become misshapen or warped which causes them to vibrate. Warped brakes are more likely to perform inadequately; you’ll need to have your brakes replaced to avoid serious danger.

Brake Light
Unless you have an electrical problem, your brake light is your best bet in alerting you to a need for brake repair. Antilock braking systems use wire sensors that detect problems with a braking system. A lit ABS light indicates a brake problem in need of repair or a faulty ABS wire sensor. Either situation requires repair to keep you safe on the road.

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7 Ways To Find The Best Local Auto Repair In Denver

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Whether you are looking for a convenient place to have your oil changed every few months, or need a reputable local auto repair center to help you maintain your older car, where do you look?

1. Start by doing a little research. The online world is the best place to look because you can find a wealth of information at your fingertips. Finding a site like this one is your first step towards finding a reliable auto repair center. If a repair center cares enough to spend the time sharing quality information with you, he cares about the customer service he provides as a company.

2. Ask your neighbors and friends. People don’t refer unless they have a great opinion of a company or service. So a referral should give you an added trust level when you bring in your car for service.

3. Watch your mail for coupons, or get online and search for auto repair coupons. A coupon gives you a reason to try out a service at a reduced rate, and get to know the personality of the service center.

4. Check for accreditations. A website is a great place to start; a company can’t use logos from the BBB or other groups unless they belong. A logo stands for quality, and also shows a company cares about their reputation within the community.

5. What are people saying about a company? If a website has testimonials, you can read through them to find out what people are saying. Also use social sites and other rating sites to determine the buzz about a company.

6. Ask other service providers. Did you get new glass put in your car recently? How about your local auto detailer? Many related service providers can make great recommendations for providers within their own industry.

7. Do business with those in your local community. What local auto repair center is on your way to work? Can you do business with a company close to your home or by your kids’ school? Local businesses like to do business with people in their community. They also like to refer within their local community. So building a relationship could help you both with keeping your car safe, and helping you build ties within your own community.

[Give us a try – check out our auto repair coupons section, and save on your next auto repair. We can’t wait to earn your business.]

Car Maintenance Tips For Your Older Car

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I have an older car. What type of car maintenance tips can you offer to make sure my vehicle stays in top shape? I’m not ready to jump into a new car, so I want to keep my older car in the best shape possible.

We’re hearing a lot of this these days. Instead of replacing a car on schedule every three to four years, people are pushing the window of ownership, and are choosing to keep their older cars an extra year or two. Not only will it save you money on monthly payments, but it also can save you on insurance rates as well.

Keep a car maintenance log
Keep a small spiral notebook and pen in your glove compartment, and keep track of all of your car related maintenance. You may also want to record your gas fill-ups and mileage – a reduction of mileage can be an early warning sign of a future problem. Also use the same service location for all your car maintenance items – they will track your maintenance and be able to monitor potential problems along the way.

Take the time to clean your car thoroughly
Clean your car inside and out. While everyone likes a clean car on the outside, the inside is just as important. Clean off the magnesium chloride from your wheel wells and undercarriage, which Colorado uses to keep the streets ice free in the snowy months.

Fix and fill your washer fluid tank
With Colorado’s variable weather patterns, you may notice a cracked washer fluid tank on an older car. Fix immediately, and keep it filled with plenty of window washer fluid, especially on those cold, slushy days.

Check your tires regularly
Ever find one of your tires missing the tire valve cap? It may cause your tire to leak. Tire valve caps keep out dirt and moisture that can cause leaks over time. Also make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires create excessive heat and stress, and lead to failure in a much shorter period of time that the manufactures expected life. Check your tires periodically for uneven wear and proper tread, and make sure you rotate your tires on a regular schedule.

When To Replace Your Timing Belt

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Some parts on your automobile are easy to see when they need replacing. The tread may wear down on your tires, or the fluid in your washer tank runs low. For other parts, its more important to maintain them on a regular basis based on an interval specified by your car’s manufacturer.

Replacing your timing belt is one such part. For most vehicles, your timing belt needs to be changed between 60,000 to 75,000 miles.

Your cars timing belt is a ribbed band of rubber and fiber that controls the timing of your engine’s valvetrain. In connects the crankshaft with the camshaft. It’s a necessary piece of your engine, and if it breaks, your car shuts down. Whether you’re at home, at work, or hundreds of miles from home on vacation, you’ll need to repair your car immediately after the timing belt breaks.

Your timing belt gives no indication of wear or impending failure – it simply snaps when you’re driving and leaves you stranded. While it may seem unfounded to change something with no problems, the alternative can cause you nothing but headaches.

In the case of replacing your timing belt, an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure.

How Often Should I Change My Automotive Brakes?

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Have a question about how long your automotive brakes will last on your car? There are a couple of things to consider.

Brake Pads
Brake pads typically come with a warranty – you may see a lifetime warranty, or a warranty based on mileage, such as a 10,000 mile warranty. Lifetime warranties aren’t meant to last a lifetime. Auto parts manufacturers use that terminology because brake pads do last a long time, and most car owners will trade and purchase a new car long before their brake pads need replacing.

Regardless of the terminology, it’s more important to listen to your car instead. When you apply the brakes, you can hear the sounds of a worn brake pad. If you hear a grinding noise or a squeak, its time to replace the brake pads regardless of the mileage.

Rotors
Brake rotors, or brake discs, are what your vehicle’s brake pads clamp down on, and what stops the wheels from spinning. Like brake pads, there are different types of rotors, depending on your car and driving needs.

Unlike brake pads, rotors do not need to be changed on a regular basis, and should last indefinitely if you provide regular maintenance routines on your automobile. Rotors will be damaged if you allow your brake pads to wear down, and drive without the use of pads for an extended period of time. The grinding noise you begin to hear from the brake pads is an indication of the screws in the base of the brake pads grinding into the groove of your rotor. The more it continues to grind, the greater your chance of having to replace your rotors.

[Want to keep your automotive brakes in top condition? Have them checked and replaced on a regular basis.]

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks