Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

What Is Regenerative Braking?

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Every once in a while, new technology is introduced into the automotive world, meaning new concepts are added to the world of purchasing cars and maintaining them over a lifetime.

Regenerative braking systems is one of those concepts. Regenerative braking was introduced when hybrid technology was introduced to the world of cars.

On a normal car, when you apply the brakes, the energy and heat of the action of braking dissipates and is wasted away. Not so with regenerative braking. Instead, when you apply the brakes, regenerative braking uses a mechanism that allows the vehicle to slow down while converting the resulting kinetic energy that is normally wasted into a useful form of energy. The energy and heat that is dissipated is instead converted and returned to the battery and reused in other systems throughout the vehicle. Because of this action, the battery is constantly being recharged, meaning the hybrid vehicle can go further on a charge without having to be returned to its outlet.

The concept of regenerative braking is still new and confusing to many. Imagine your car and what happens to it once you apply the brakes. The brake pads slowly apply pressure, creating heat from the friction of the pads and the tires slowing down. Energy is accumulated as the brake pads wear against the rotors. This energy is transferred to the vehicles electric motor, charging the battery in the process.

What Is Regenerative Braking?Regenerative braking does however have its limitations. Typically this system is only available on the wheels that drive the vehicle – so for a front wheel driven vehicle, it only applies to the two front wheels. This means your vehicle is only generating power on these two wheels. Because more action and power is associated with these wheels, they will have more wear and tear on both the wheels and tires, and on the brakes and brake pads. Which means you may be replacing tires, brakes and brake pads on a more frequent basis than those on the rear of the vehicle.

Regenerative braking works best at greater speeds. The more friction needed to stop the vehicle, the more energy is created. So to get the most benefit from this system, a person should be more apt to driving at high speeds on an ongoing basis than slower, city driving.

Have any questions about your regenerative braking system? Stop by or give us a call. We can make sure your car is in top condition, no matter how old or new, green or otherwise.

Do Hybrids Still Need Car Maintenance?

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So you’re looking for a new car. Do you spend a little extra and go with one of the latest “green” models on the road today? Would an electric or a hybrid car need car maintenance like your old model? Or could you save money on future repairs as well just by buying a hybrid today?

Do Hybrids Still Need Car Maintenance?When it comes down to it, a car is a car. Yes, hybrids operate a little differently than your standard gasoline model. But hybrids still have a regular gas engine along with their electric aspects. Which means they will need routine maintenance just like any other gas vehicle on the road today.

This includes changing out oil and air filters.

This includes oil changes.

This includes brake pads.

However the one thing that will change is the frequency.

With a hybrid, the electric side of the engine operates daily just like the gasoline side. Because the two work together, the electric side takes some of the load off the engine. Which means the car further between oil changes – 5,000 to 10,000 is a good ball park.

For air filters, a hybrid car typically needs to be changed closer to 40,000 miles.

Brake pads will also increase their wear because of the regenerative braking properties associated with hybrid cars.

All other aspects of a hybrid car work in a similar manner to a gasoline car, and as such need approximately the same level of maintenance on the same routine cycle.

How Your Neighborhood Car Repair Shop Can Help You Stay Safe

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You’ve had your car for a few years. Its paid off – why spend the extra right now in today’s economy? But keeping a car that is several years old comes with its own set of problems.

How Your Neighborhood Car Repair Shop Can Help You Stay SafeIn order to make sure your car is in top shape, don’t wait for a problem to occur. Instead, find a neighborhood car repair shop you can trust; one that will help you keep your car in great shape, and one that will give you reliable transportation for many years to come.

When it comes to car repair, you have a lot of choices. Should you go back to the dealer? Should you trust a national chain? Or should stick to your own community and go with your neighborhood car repair shop?

When it comes to developing a relationship that will help you maintain your car over time, the neighborhood shop may be the way to go.

Imagine bringing your car in and always being able to talk with the owner. He knows you, knows your family, and understands your car. Have a problem? Call him up – he’ll be able to provide expert advice at any time. Yes, in many cases you will be on a first name basis – and its easy to trust a friend and ask for advice any time.

Above all, your goal is to keep your car safe, no matter how old it is. By working with your neighborhood car repair shop, you can work together to make sure things are in top shape at all times. And to get you started, here are a few tips to talk over the next time you bring your car in.

  • Have the repair shop take a look at your tires. The tires are a crucial part of your car. If your tires fail in any way, it can lead to serious injury. It is a good idea to have your repair shop check the air pressure to ensure they are properly inflated, as well as the tread to ensure that they are not going bald. Under and over inflation can be dangerous, as well as driving around on bald tires.
  • Give your car’s glass a once-over. Your repair shop technician can make sure your windows, mirrors and even your headlights are free from dirt, dust and grime. You need your windows to see where you are going and what is behind you. You need your mirrors to see what is around you. You need your headlights to see where you are going. Grime, dirt and dust and inhibit your vision, so have all glass cleaned regularly.
  • Don’t forget the belts. The belts under the hood are not made to last a lifetime. They can become worn and cracked. If this happens, they can easily break – even when you are driving down the road. Have your technician examine all of your car’s belts on a regular basis and replace any that show signs of wear and tear.

Car Maintenance for Seniors – Avoiding The Scams

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It’s true, senior citizens are often the targets of scams, fraud and financial crimes. Many seniors have substantial financial assets, own their own home, and have large savings accounts at their disposal. They are often at home, easy to talk with, and in some cases are ready and willing to open up to a friendly face ready to give them some time.

Car Maintenance for Seniors - Avoiding The ScamsUnfortunately, criminals are getting more sophisticated in the way they prey on those that may be disadvantaged in some way. If a 75 year old woman always relied on her husband for maintaining the cars, her new “job” may be completely overwhelming, and she quickly trusts anyone who provides a smile and a simple “I understand”. Which of course may not be in her best interests.

With car maintenance, there are typically two common types of cons designed to trick consumers into giving up more money then is truly necessary.

1. The first is the door to door salesman or cold caller. Someone calls on the phone or knocks on the door, offering a super deal to repair your car. Only after you hand over a substantial amount of money and the person is on their way do you discover the work hasn’t been completed, its of poor quality, wasn’t needed in the first place, or in some cases, the work was never performed at all.

2. The second is a dishonest car repair shop that sees “opportunity” when they discover a gullible consumer has walked into their location. They will be friendly in the beginning, waiting for the chance to pull the car into the garage. And after a short period of time, “problems” began to arise rapidly. The oil change turns into a series of repairs that can range from the hundreds to the thousands of dollars. And of course the car can’t leave the repair shop – its not in good working order.

If you’re nervous about finding a reputable car maintenance shop that you can rely on again and again, keep these two tips in mind.

First, start with a local shop that has been around for years. Go into the garage and talk with the owner. Have them perform a simple service in the beginning to test out the relationship.

Second, ask questions. If you don’t understand, keep pressing for answers you can relate to. You can even follow up and see if the answers stay the same over time.

While it may seem in your best interest to price shop and find the place with the best deal today, you’ll wind up paying more over time. A car repair shop that you can trust, and you know will always steer you in the right direction, is much more valuable than saving a few dollars here and there. Its peace of mind.

Car Maintenance To Make Your Old Car Like New Again

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It is no secret that times are hard. More and more people are watching what they spend and finding ways to save money. One major way people are saving money is by avoiding a new car purchase. Buying a new car means taking out a loan – unless you have the cold, hard cash and most people do not have that kind of money.

Car Maintenance To Make Your Old Car Like New AgainSo, instead of buying new, people are finding ways to take better care of their current car to extend its life. The maintenance is worth the money because more and more cars are staying on the highway well past 100,000 miles. Here are some tips to help you keep your current car rolling down the road.

  • Take care of your muffler, catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. When your check engine light comes on, that is your car’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Pay attention to what it is saying. If it is determined that you need a new oxygen sensor, go ahead and replace it. However, if the same problem keeps happening, it is time to replace the catalytic converter, muffler and the sensors. Your car will run smoother, have more power, and get better gas mileage. Let us check the condition of your car to ensure running longer. Express Car Care of Denver auto repair can help if you do break down.
  • Flush more than just your radiator. Everyone knows that a radiator system should be flushed. However, your power steering fluid and your brake fluid should also be flushed to get rid of any build-up that may have developed over time.
  • Have your air conditioning system cleaned and deodorized. This will help keep your system running efficiently and keep it from having an obnoxious odor (a common problem after several years of use).
  • Replace your ball joints and struts or shocks. Your car may not be exhibiting signs that those items need replaced, but when you start racking up the miles, it pays to prevent a problem, rather than wait for a problem to occur. Not only will you be riding in a safer car, your car will ride much better.
  • Have your wheels (not your tires) aligned or replaced. Over time, your wheels can wear down in spots. Having someone align them and fix all the areas of wear and tear will improve the ride.

Why Car Repair Can Save You Money

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Whether your car is the love of your life, or simply a means to get from point A to point B; car repairs are a consistent part of owning a car. For many of us, time or money issues cause us to put off these repairs as long as possible. But did you know that timely car repairs can actually save you money in the long run?

Why Car Repair Can Save You MoneyRegular maintenance can keep your car running at maximum efficiency. Just like everything in life, your car needs a little TLC to keep it at max performance. Performing regular, scheduled maintenance can keep your engine cleared out and running well, your tires full and functioning properly, your transmission in peak performance, etc.

Regular upkeep can keep help your car’s efficiency. Replacing the air filters, checking tire pressure, changing the oil, and the like can all go a long way to improving the lifespan of your car and save you money down the line. These details help keep the car functioning properly and help avoid unnecessary issues and breakdowns. For auto repair in Denver that is family owned contact us today.

Early repair could save you hundreds. Even when we discover a problem, we tend to stall dealing with it. This can be a costly decision. A broken or malfunctioning part in your car can create a domino effect. What may start out as a simple fix, when ignored, could become a massive problem. Deal with little problems early to avoid making the problem even worse.

Early repair can lead to early detection. Taking your car in for little fixes or regular maintenance gives your mechanic a chance to look over the car as a whole. This is a great time for them to inspect the condition of potential problem areas and make adjustments to avoid bigger issues in the future.

Proactive Car Repair – Keeping Your Car In Working Condition

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Proactive Car Repair - Keeping Your Car In Working ConditionSome cars are fancy, some are not; but they all have one thing in common…they get us where we want to go. Unfortunately, we tend to underestimate the needs of the car until much too late. Sometimes this means we are stuck with a costly bill that could be avoided, and other times, this means we are stranded at the side of the road wondering what to do. If you want to keep your car in good working condition, start being proactive in your car repair needs.

Do a walk around – When it’s time to go, we typically run out to the car and jump in. If you really want to keep tabs on how your car is doing, take some time as you approach it to examine key aspects. Is there a puddle under your car that might indicate a leak? Are the tires all well inflated? Are the tire treads still good?

Perform regular, routine maintenance – Your car has regular needs from oil changes to fluid flushes. Be sure to keep track of what your car manufacturer recommends regarding maintenance of the vehicle. These regular checks are intended to catch problems before they start and before they become a huge expense.

Know your stopping power – Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car. The more frequently you use your vehicle, the more frequently you should have your brakes checked. Also, if you tend to do a lot of towing or similar rough riding in your vehicle, your brakes will be more susceptible to early failure.

Gage your battery – Your battery is essential to the functionality of your car, but unfortunately, it gives little or no warning when it is wearing out. Get your battery charge checked regularly to keep you informed regarding when you need to pull the plug and provide a new one.

Understanding Your Car’s Fuel System

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What do you know about your car’s fuel system? For most people, probably not much more than heading to the gas station and filling up the tank with fuel.

Understanding Your Car’s Fuel SystemYet your fuel system is actually a sophisticated system that keeps your entire automobile in good working condition. Think of it as the food to keep your car running. If any one of the parts breaks down, your engine will not run.

Fuel tank: Your car’s fuel tank is the holding tank for fuel. When you fill up at the gas station, the gas travels down through a filler tube into the tank. A gauge in the tank tells the system how much gas is in the tank.

Fuel pump: Fuel pumps can be located in different areas on your car, depending on its age. On newer cars, the fuel pump is usually installed in the fuel tank. On older vehicles, its attached to the engine or on the frame rail between the tank and the engine. Pumps in the tank or on the frame rail are electric and run by your car’s battery. Pumps mounted to the engine use the motion of the engine to pump the fuel.

Fuel injector: The fuel injector is a tiny electric valve which opens and closes with an electric signal, letting fuel into the engine. By injecting fuel close to the cylinder head, the fuel stays atomized so it will burn better when ignited by spark plugs.

Fuel filter: Just like you wouldn’t drink dirty water, your car can only handle clean fuel. Fuel injectors have tiny opening which clog easily. A fuel filter is designed to separate out tiny particles that may harm your engine.

What can go wrong with your fuel system?

The most common problem is a clogged fuel filter. These filters need to be changed on a regular basis, or according to your driving conditions. You can usually tell if your fuel filter is bad if you here sputtering at high speeds or the engine won’t start.

The next most common problem is the fuel pump failing. When you start your engine, you can hear the pump. If you don’t hear it, your car won’t start. An auto mechanic will check the relay, which sends power to the pump. If this is in good working condition, the fuel pump will have to be replaced.

Finally, even the the fuel filter does a good job of filtering fuel, its not perfect. Over time tiny particles will lodge themselves into the injectors. Eventually these may clog, preventing the delivery of fuel the engine needs to operate.

Things you can do:

Watch where you buy your gas. Yes, off-brand gas stations usually end up with leftover supplies, meaning their gas comes from a variety of sources. And in some cases, water may be added to the gas they supply, which immediately can cause problems with your system. Stick with the brand name gas stations.

Fill the tank with proper gas octane ratings. Your owner’s manual will suggest a proper octane level to maintain your engine. Stick with this rating. If it says 87 octane, do it. No sense in putting in premium unless its specifically recommended for your vehicle.

Be proactive with your maintenance. If you work regularly with an auto mechanic, he can recommend maintenance before you have buildups and break downs. A fuel line flush can save you money on more severe problems later on, but only if they catch it in time.

Summer Heat Can Take Its Toll On Your Car Battery

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Summer Heat Can Take Its Toll On Your Car Battery

The 90 degree days are back once again. When your car sits outside all day in the baking sun, if the battery was weak to begin with, you may find yourself stranded with a car that simply won’t start.

One of the most basic parts to your car is your battery. Yet its also one of the easiest things to assume “out of sight, out of mind”. If it works, why worry about it?

Excessive heat shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then will damage the internal structure of the battery. And when the components of the charging system start to malfunction, it could allow an excessive charge rate, which eventually destroys the battery all together.

To get the most out of a battery:

  • Be sure your electrical system is charging at the correct rate. Overcharging your battery can damage the internal components, weaken the system, and damage the battery until the point of non-function.
  • Always replace a battery with the same or higher quality than the one you are currently operating with. Look for one that has a CCA (cold cranking amps) rating at least as high as your current battery.
  • Always keep the top of the battery and the battery terminals clean. Dirt and corrosion can accumulate, which will inhibit current flow.
  • Check your car’s battery and belts on a regular basis, and replace when they show wear or are cracked.

Don’t put off your car’s maintenance schedule. If you keep up with regular maintenance on a regular basis, you’ll have a car you can depend on at any time of the year.

What You Don’t Know About Your Air Conditioning System Maybe Hurting Your Car

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What You Don’t Know About Your Air Conditioning System Maybe Hurting Your Car

It’s a hot day. You jump in your car, turn on the air conditioning, and sit back waiting for a cool ride. But if all of your vents never cool down and continue blowing a hot stream of air, you’ll quickly find the only thing to do is to pull into your local auto repair shop.

There are a few things you should know about your A/C system long before the heat of the summer is upon us.

  • The old standby R-12 refrigerant – trade name DuPont Freon – has been replaced by R134a.
  • Never allow anyone to mix refrigerants – the two are not interchangeable. You cannot add R134a to your older air conditioner without flushing the system first.
  • Not every auto repair shop will offer you top quality service. In order for some car repair shops to save money, they substitute a volatile mix of propane, butane and flammable hydrocarbons.
  • If your car is leaking refrigerant, you’re damaging the ozone layer.
  • Your car should undergo an annual maintenance inspection every year to check on the condition of the A/C system. It is estimated you can lose as much as 20 to 30 percent charge over a two year period, meaning your A/C unit isn’t operating at full capacity.
  • By using your air conditioning system on a hot day, it does use more gas (not by much). But the alternative may be worse. If you roll down your windows, you are actually increasing wind resistance, which can add up to 10 percent to your fuel consumption, especially the faster you go.
  • If you see a puddle of water on the ground, don’t be alarmed. This is a normal function of the air conditioning system, and will continue to drip water from the air conditioning evaporator. The evaporator has a drain tube to allow the condensation from the evaporator to drain away from the vehicle.

The only way to keep your car in top shape year round is to have your car properly maintained and repaired on a regular basis. As the Colorado heat kicks into gear, head in for a complete checkup of your A/C system, and make sure its functioning at maximum efficiency.

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