Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Transmission Trouble

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Has your car lost its get up and go?  Here are five things to look for if you think your car might have transmission trouble.

  1. Lack of Response- Your car shouldn’t hesitate when shifting or refuse to go into gear.  If the engine speeds up when you step on the gas pedal but the car doesn’t, or if the car’s passing gear won’t engage, those could be signs of trouble.
  2. Whining, Clunking or Humming- Your car should shift quietly when it’s running correctly.  The sounds can vary but you should have your car checked if you notice new noises that can begin irregularly then grow in frequency.  If caught early you can avoid costly repairs.
  3. Grinding or Shaking- Your car should shift smoothly from gear to gear.  If you are experiencing any jarring or shimmying when your car shifts you might have transmission trouble.
  4. Check Engine Light- Newer cars have sensors that pick-up small irregularities in the engine and notify the computer that something is wrong.  These sensors can detect vibrations and early problems that you can’t even feel or see.  The check engine light can  also alert you to other issues that might be going on with your car.
  5. Leaking Fluid- Transmission fluid is vital to your car’s shifting ability and should be checked regularly.  The transmission fluid should be bright red, clear and smell sweet if parts are working correctly.  The fluid shouldn’t be dark in color or have a burnt smell.  Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid isn’t burned up so if the fluid level is low it is very possible you could have a leak.  The transmission fluid runs through a filter to help keep it clean.  This  filter should  be replaced according to your manufacturers recommendations so it doesn’t become clogged.   

Just being aware of the signs of possible transmission trouble and looking out for them can help you keep your car on the road and running smoothly.

Do You Need New Brake Pads?

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Brakes are one of, if not the most important safety devices on your car!  They should be maintained and inspected regularly to insure your safety and the safety of your passengers.  There is a simple way to determine if you need new brake pads.  Just stop, look and listen!  If your car doesn’t stop when you press on the brake pedal, that is a sign you might  need new brake pads!   If your car pulls to one side or the other when braking, or if the brakes grab or vibrate, those are also signs you might  need new brake pads.   Look at the brake pads. In order to really see the condition of the brake pads the wheels on the car need to be removed.  If the pad depth is less than 1/4 inch, they need to be replaced soon.  If you don’t trust your own judgment have them inspected by a professional. When the safety of your family is riding on your decision, don’t take chances.   Listen for a high pitched squeal.  Manufacturers have built a soft-metal wear indicator into the brakes to alert the driver when the brake pads need changing.  Unfortunately, if you hear a grinding sound that means the brake pad replacement is long overdue and the worn brake pads may have damaged the brake rotors.  Replacing your rotors can be a very costly job; so don’t let your brake pads get to this point!

We are quickly approaching the time of year when snow is a good possibility and no one wants to be driving in the snow with brakes that might not work!  So have your brake pads checked and replaced if needed.  You’ll be glad you did!

Finding a Good Auto Repair Shop

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None of us want to be looking for an auto repair shop when our car is in need of major repairs, but finding a good repair shop can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming!  Here are some tips to help you find a good auto repair shop. 

  1. Ask trusted friends, family and co-workers if they know a reputable repair shop.  Word of mouth is usually the best form of advertisement.  Ask them if the service they received was done on time and at the quoted price.  Following the advice of people you trust is always wise.
  2. Check consumer reports online. The internet is a good source of information and you can find other opinions regarding certain auto repair shops, whether the experience was good or bad.
  3. Check with the Better Business Bureau.  Once you find a shop you are interested in trying, they can tell you if there have been any reports filed against them.  Simply log onto www.betterbusinessbureau.com for information free of charge.
  4. Ask about the mechanics training and credentials. Most mechanics will have a general certification and some mechanics have gone on to specialize in certain fields.
  5. Compare rates.  There can be significant price differences between auto repair shops when it comes to parts and labor.  Make sure you know and are comfortable with what you will be charged for their services.
  6. On your first visit to your chosen repair shop, look for a clean well-organized work area and office. This will give you an idea as to how they run their business.   Do you expect to get good and dependable service if the place is a mess?

Once you find a good auto repair shop and are pleased with your  decision, let them know!  We so often complain about the things we don’t like but fail to mention the things we do!  Tell your repair shop when you’re happy with them and don’t forget to say a simple thank you when you pick up your car.  A few kind words can change a “good” auto repair shop into a “Great” one!

Fall Tune-Up

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As the kids are heading back to school, now is the perfect time to “tune-up” your car!  Since you will more than likely be chauffeuring your children back and forth from their fall activities or school, it’s a good idea to make sure your car is running  in peak condition.

The phrase “tune-up” is an old-fashioned maintenance term that only applies to older cars.  For today’s cars that are equipped with electronic ignition and at least one on-board computer which automatically adjusts fuel mixture, ignition timing and idle speed, ” engine performance maintenance” is a more accurate term.  But whatever you call it, it is necessary to have your car serviced at least once a year to maintain peak engine performance or restore the engine to its original operating efficiency.            

A tune-up is a process of inspecting, diagnosing, testing, and adjusting or replacing parts on your car that if left unchecked could cause decreased performance or other problems.  A basic tune-up includes removing and checking the spark plugs,  cleaning or replacing the spark plugs and installing them in the engine.  Your car’s distributor cap and rotor are checked for wear and cracks.  If there are cracks, moisture can get in and cause corrosion of the metal, which causes your car to misfire.  These parts should be replaced at recommended intervals or if they show excessive wear.  A tune-up also includes setting the idle speed to your car’s specifications.  These are the basic procedures performed during a tune-up but you can take this opportunity to have other systems checked out as well, such as brakes, clutch, fuel lines, hoses and belts.

The terminology used and services performed on our cars may have changed with time, but the importance of having your car serviced regularly hasn’t, so call your automotive technician and make an appointment for your fall “tune-up” today!

My “Check Engine” Light Is On, What Do I Do Now?

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You are  driving along enjoying the ride and suddenly the “check engine” light comes on and you say to yourself, what do I do now?  There is a good chance that the problem is simple and easy to fix but to err on the side of caution is usually best.My Check Engine Light Is On, What Do I Do Now?

Before 1981, the dashboard indicators on cars monitored basic problems, fuel level, oil pressure and the temperature of the engine.   In 1981 federal clean air statues were instituted that required catalytic converters on all domestic cars and trucks to help reduce the level of pollutants in the air.  The computer that performs this emission system is called an on-board diagnostic (OBD) computer.  Then in 1996 the government required automakers to upgrade to OBD II, this is a sophisticated system of sensors that conduct diagnostic emissions tests as you drive.  When the OBD II detects a problem, your ” check engine” light goes on and the computer stores a “trouble code” in its memory that identifies the source of the problem.  These codes can then be read with an electronic scan tool or a diagnostic computer, which is standard equipment in auto repair shops.  Once the codes are read, they direct your repair technician to the source of the problem.

A “check engine” light can signal many different things, something as simple as a loose gas cap to a seriously misfiring engine.  So what do you do now?  First of all, you should read your owner’s manual and be familiar with your cars gauges and indicator lights and the purpose of each of them.  Some lights are yellow to give  you a warning, and some are red, meaning  a problem needs immediate attention!  Know what your dashboard is telling  you! Look for indicators of a serious problem that might require quick action.  Check the dashboard for indications of low oil pressure or overheating.  If either of these conditions exists, pull over and shut off the engine as soon as possible!

If nothing serious is indicated, check your gas cap and make sure it’s tight.  Sometimes a loose gas cap can cause the “check engine” light to come on, but the most important thing is don’t ignore it.  It doesn’t always mean a big problem or an expensive repair is ahead, but driving with the light on could end up damaging expensive components and causing further damage to your engine.  Have your vehicle checked by a trusted mechanic as soon as possible when the light goes on. That way you can avoid any costly repairs and that little “check engine” light has done it’s job!

Auto Repair: How Much Should It Cost?

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How many times have you gone into an auto repair shop for a repair that in your mind shouldn’t cost very much and then been shocked by the actual cost?  Auto repair isn’t cheap and we shouldn’t expect it to be. Auto Repair: How Much Should It Cost? The cost of repairing a  vehicle is based on several factors.   The make, model and year of the vehicle affect the cost of repairing it.  Lack of accessibility on some cars raises the cost.  Of course, type of auto repair needed determines how much it will cost.  Some repairs cost more because the parts involved are more expensive.  The cost of auto repair is also determined by the labor rates in your area.  The average shop charges between $60-$100 per hour for labor.  Finally, where you take the vehicle for repair affects the cost.  Dealerships usually charge more than independent repair shops because they have more overhead costs to cover.  As with all your auto repair needs, it’s important to look for a trustworthy shop that will give you honest advice, quality service and fair prices.

We can’t avoid auto repair!  Sooner or later, something is going to break, wear out or fail.  We can try to  prevent major repairs by good preventative maintenance but auto parts still wear out.  Most frequently, tires, brakes, belts and hoses.  And the more miles on your car the greater the possibility you may have engine or transmission problems.  Nothing lasts forever, so when your vehicle needs repair, you want to know how much it should cost before the work begins.  A reputable shop will give you an estimate that lists the parts that need replacing and their cost, the labor charged to replace those parts, any charges for diagnostic time (this covers the time it takes to connect a scan tool to your vehicle and read out any fault codes that may be in the vehicle’s computer) and any additional charges for miscellaneous items such as hazardous waste disposal fees, or shop supplies.

The labor you are charged is usually based on a standard “flat rate” and it most often the most expensive item on auto repairs.  The labor time required to perform a certain task will vary depending on accessibility of the part, the degree of difficulty of the job, and whether special procedures or tools are required to complete the job.  All of these are taken into account when a vehicle manufacturer or manual publisher determines the flat rate tables for various repair jobs.  This information is published and then used by repair shops in preparing their auto repair estimates.  The longer it takes a technician to replace a part, the higher the charge.  Auto repair is difficult, messy, back-breaking work that requires skill, training, and experience.  Cars today are just as technical as a PC, and when they crash, they’re just as costly to repair.  Most of us don’t expect to have our computers repaired for nothing but somehow we have the idea that  auto repair should only cost us pennies! Maybe it’s time to think again!

Do You Want Adventure? Try Off-Roading!

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After spending a few days in the beautiful high country of Colorado off-roading, I can say without a doubt, it was a true adventure!  The scenery was spectacular and the weather was great, but I wish I could say the same for the skills and knowledge of my fellow adventurers!  Going off-road can be a fun and exciting experience but you need to know some basics before you hit the trail.

First you need to find a location for your off-roading adventure that is right for your level of experience.  Since we live in Colorado our choices of trails are endless, but if the trail is too difficult you can put yourself and others in danger.  So choose a trail that matches with your skill level.

You also need to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and ready for the off-road experience. Have your vehicle thoroughly inspected by a trusted auto technician.  Tell him your plans so they can help you avoid any potential problems before they arise.  Check your tires (including the spare) to see if they have good tread and are properly inflated.  It is also important to know how all the controls in your 4×4 work and how to use them.  Don’t wait till you’re on a narrow trail to try them out!  It’s always a good idea to know your vehicles dimensions; height, width, length, and the lowest point of clearance.  Trails can be wide in some spots and very narrow in others, it’s important to know if your vehicle can maneuver through those tight places and clear rocks as you drive over them.

It’s a lot more fun to share this adventure with friends, so get someone to go with you.  If you get stuck it’s easier to get out and the “buddy system” is always safer.

There are unwritten rules or trail etiquette that you should know.

  1. Stay on the established paths.
  2. Be aware of the damage you and your vehicle can do to the environment and do everything you can to prevent it.
  3. Keep your ego in check.  Every vehicle and driver has limitations.  Be aware of yours and don’t go beyond them.
  4. Don’t disturb the wildlife, just observe, don’t touch!
  5. Pretend you’re a tortoise. Just as in the old fable “the tortoise and the hare” slow and steady wins the race!  You will enjoy the scenery and prevent damage to your vehicle.

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind as you hit the trail.  If your interest has been peaked and you want more information visit 4wheeldrive.about.com We live in a beautiful State and an off-road adventure is just one of the ways to enjoy it!

Cheap Oil Changes, Are They Worth It?

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During this economic crunch, we are all looking for ways to save money.  But when it comes to the condition of our cars, those valued objects that get us to our jobs, the grocery store, school and social events do we want to risk getting a cheap oil change?  Saving a little money now by using cheap oil can cost you a lot in the future when the oil fails to do its job.

There are two important things that oil does for your engine.  First it provides lubrication.  Inside your car’s engine there are many moving parts that would rub against one another, creating extreme levels of friction and wear. If these parts come into contact with one another without oil between them to create a cushion, there would be severe damage to your engine.  Without quality oil your engine’s performance is greatly  affected.  Your car won’t run smoothly and your gas  mileage will be much lower.    Secondly motor oil cleans the engine and prevents contaminates or “sludge” from building up.  Quality oil will contain detergents that help clean the engine and additives that help inhibit corrosion.Cheap Oil Change, Are They Worth It?

You might think that you are saving money by going to a shop that advertises a $19.99 oil change.  But in order to give you that price they have to sell you cheap oil and a low quality oil filter that doesn’t meet with manufacturer’s specifications.  When the cost of an average oil change is $35-$45 at a reputable shop that uses high quality oil and high quality oil filters and it’s recommended that you change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles, if you do the math that comes to 50 cents a day to change the oil in your car.  Most of us can afford 50 cents a day!  We spend more than that on our morning coffee!  If we skip one coffee trip a week and put that money toward our oil change, our wallets wouldn’t even notice! Considering all the benefits our cars provide when they run well, don’t you think it’s worth it?

Why & When Should I Rotate My Tires?

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In order to get the maximum life out of  your tires, it is important that you rotate them regularly.  Rotating tires evens out the wear and when it is properly done, it can extend the life of your tires, improve gas mileage and enables your car to handle sudden stops and turns properly.

The best indicator that it is time to rotate your tires is uneven tread wear.  When you look closely at your tires is the inside or outside of one tire showing more wear than another? Uneven tread wear is unavoidable because the weight of a car isn’t evenly distributed to all four corners.  Most engines are in the front and since the engine is the heaviest thing in the car, the front tires carry more weight.  That means that your front tires will wear out faster than the rear tires.  By rotating the tires, you are moving each tire to a different corner of the car so each tire is worn more evenly.  Also if you notice that your car begins to handle poorly when braking.  Or your tire traction is poor in slippery or wet road conditions, these are also indicators that your tires should be rotated.

A general rule of thumb for rotating tires is every 3,000 to 7,000 miles.  You can also pair tire rotation with oil changes and rotate tires every other oil change, if you change your oil every 3,000 miles.  Your car’s manufacturer manual will also have recommended times to rotate tires.  Maintaining a log or spreadsheet of when you perform tire rotations will help keep you up to date and your car running smoothly.  Store the log in your glove compartment or garage for a quick handy reference.

Ten Tips for Improving Fuel Economy

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Fuel economy is always important.  But it’s even more important in the summer months when the weather is warm and we are spending more time driving to extra summertime activities.  Here are ten simple tips to follow so you can spend less money on gasoline and more on other things.

  1. Regular Recommended Maintenance- Making sure your vehicle is well maintained will keep it operating more efficiently.  Regular maintenance not only improves your cars performance, it also improves your fuel economy.  Using the proper fuel (right octane) and the recommended grade of motor oil will save you money on repairs and improve your fuel economy.  Check your owner’s manual for that information.  Have your car serviced regularly by a trusted mechanic.
  2. Plan Your Trips- Make a list of your errands and combine as many as possible.  When your engine is cold, it uses more fuel than when it is warm.  Combining errands can improve your fuel economy because your engine is warm more of the trip.
  3. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated- Properly inflated tires can reduce your gas consumption up to 3%.  Tires that don’t have the proper inflation don’t roll as well which causes your car to use more fuel.  Having the proper air pressure also helps you avoid uneven wear on your tires.
  4. Reduce Your Load- The heavier the vehicle the more energy is required to move it, so get rid of any unnecessary weight.  An extra 100 lbs. will reduce your fuel economy as much as 2%. Empty your trunk and lose the roof rack if possible.  A roof rack increases aerodynamic drag and therefore reduces your fuel economy.
  5. Maintain a Steady Speed- Sudden starts and stops decrease your fuel economy.  Braking wastes energy from fuel that you’ve already burned and accelerating after braking consumes more fuel than driving at a steady speed.  Driving at a steady pace improves your gas mileage and also reduces the wear on your brakes.
  6. Avoid Excessive Idling- When you leave your car running while you are waiting in line or in a parking lot fuel is being wasted.  Your car is using fuel when it’s running even if it’s not moving.
  7. Be Smart About A/C- Whether or not you  should use your air conditioning is determined by what kind of driving you are doing.  If you are driving in the city with frequent stops for lights and at slower speeds, then lower your windows rather than using the air-conditioning.  For highway driving it is more fuel efficient to close the windows and use the air-conditioning.  Driving with your windows down increases the drag on your vehicle and burns more fuel.
  8. Check Your Air Filter- A dirty air filter will reduce fuel economy; it can also cause your engine to stall when idling.  Your air filter should be changed at least once a year, more frequently if you live in a high pollution area or drive on dirt roads.
  9. Keep Your Tank Full- When you fill up your tank fill it completely, but don’t overfill, then try to keep it above one third full.  If your fuel becomes too low your engine might not receive a steady supply of gasoline which causes your engine to run less efficiently.  Buy your gasoline during the coolest times of the day if possible, the gasoline is denser when it is cool and denser gas helps your car run more efficiently.
  10. Use Synthetic Oil- Using synthetic oil can save you on average 5% gas.  Remember to change it according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for any oil.  Extending oil change intervals can be harmful to the life of your engine and fuel saving benefits are lost as oil gets dirty.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks