Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Replacing Shocks and Struts

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If you visit any auto repair shop regularly there is a good chance you’ve seen ads for replacing shocks and struts.  But is there a way to tell if your shocks and struts need replacing without taking your car to a repair shop? 

One way to evaluate if they need replacing is to look for damage or leaking.  Leaking is easy 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, or dented housing.

Another way to evaluate your need for new shocks or struts is to consider how your vehicle has been handling and riding.  When you drive on rough roads or hit a bump, does it bounce excessively?  Does the nose dip down when braking?  Does the body roll or sway too much when cornering or driving in crosswinds?  Is it easy to bottom out the suspension when backing out of the driveway or when you’re  hauling extra passengers or cargo?

Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often passes unnoticed.  When you begin to notice the signs,  it’s usually way past the point when your shocks or struts need replacing.

Shocks and struts do not require replacing at specific mileage intervals like filters or spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually need to be replaced.  Monroe engineers, America’s leading brand of shocks and struts, suggest following a 50,000-mile replacement plan just to be safe.  Driving on worn out shocks can be a hazard over time.  Worn out shocks and struts may cause your stopping distance to increase, especially on rough surfaces.  They can have a negative impact on your driving capabilities, especially in adverse conditions.  Worn out shocks and struts can also cause damage to your tires prematurely, meaning you’ll have more expense than is truly necessary.

Express Care is a family owned auto repair shop in the Denver, Colorado area that offers a variety of services, including shock replacement.  Conveniently located at Evans and I-25, we look forward to doing business with you.

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

Memorial Day Holiday in Colorado

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As the Memorial Day Holiday approaches here in Colorado, we have been experiencing very unusual weather for this time of year.  The Memorial Day weekend is usually the unofficial start of summer and summertime activities like hiking, mountain biking and golf.   But because of heavy Spring snowfall and cold temperatures those activities might have to be put on hold for a while.  Skiers and snowboarders have the opportunity to spend the  long weekend enjoying a little more time on the slopes because Aspen and Arapahoe Basin have reopened some of their trails.   Since I am not a skier and have been looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the sunshine and plant some flowers, this Memorial Day Holiday was looking like it was going to be a big disappointment.   Then  it suddenly dawned on me what Memorial Day is really about!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day set aside to honor those who have died in service to our nation.  Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868.  It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May.  Traditional observance of Memorial Day has really  declined over the years.  Many Americans today have forgotten or have never been taught the real meaning and traditions of Memorial Day.  While some towns and cities still have parades, many haven’t held a parade in years.  Some people think the day is for honoring all the dead and not just those who have died in service to our country.

To help remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the ” National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed in December 2000.  This resolution asks that at 3p.m. local time, all Americans “to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.”  I think that a minute of my time to remember those who have fought and died for my freedom is a small price to pay!  How about you?

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

Armed Forces Day

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Today is Armed Forces Day!  Many Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday of May.   It is a day we all should observe and remember!   This is simply a day to pay tribute to all the men and women who serve in all the branches of the United States armed forces and protect our country and its citizens.

On August 31, 1949, the Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson, announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day.  Before that time, the three major branches of the United States armed forces, Army, Navy and the Air Force held separate celebrations on three different days during the year.  Armed Forces Day was created to celebrate the unification of the three branches under one department, the Department of Defense.  Although each service unit continues to celebrate their own days, usually confined to their military bases, they all unite, along with the Marine Corp. in celebrating Armed Forces Day.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950.   In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman “praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas” and said, “it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace.”   The theme for that day was “Teamed for Defense”, which expressed the unification of all military forces under one government department.  According to the U.S. Department of Defense, that day was designed as a type of “educational program” for civilians that would increase awareness of the Armed Forces and expand the public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life.  It was a day when the military could show their “state of the art” equipment to the civilians that they were protecting.  It was also a day established to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Many events across the United States take place to honor Americans in uniform who served or are serving their country in times of war or peace.  Some celebrate with parades, open houses, receptions and air shows, but regardless of how they are recognized, it is important that they are recognized!  As it was stated in a New York Times article, “this is the day on which we have the welcome opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces…to all the individuals who are in the service of their country all over the world.  Armed Forces Day won’t be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them.  They will all be in the line of duty and some of them may give their lives in that duty.”

Since our country is now at war, let’s all join together to honor those who are serving in our Armed Forces, let them know that we appreciate and are grateful for their service!  Let’s take this opportunity to recognize the high price so many have paid to keep our country free and to thank them while we can!

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

Car Service Checklist For Summer

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Summer is just around the corner and if you’re like most people, you have some big plans as to how you’re going to spend it.  You might be planning a road trip this summer.  Or you might be thinking you’re just going to spend time relaxing, maybe taking in a ball game or two.  Either way, it’s important to prepare your car for the summer ahead.  A car service checklist might be the last thing on your mind, but if you take a little time to perform some simple steps, you’ll be glad you did!  

Replace your Air Filter: Your car’s air filter should be changed at least twice a year.  If you change it before summer and then before winter,  your car has a clean filter and it is easier to remember when the filter was last changed.

Replace your Windshield Wipers: Winter weather can be brutal on your windshield wipers making them virtually useless in a sudden summer rain shower.  Replace them at the beginning of the summer and eliminate any chance of problems later on.

Check your Tires: Summer travel can usually include driving in the rain.  The tread on your tires needs to be adequate to keep you on the road in rainy weather.  Check the tread depth to make sure it’s deep enough and check the tire pressure too.

Check your Battery: Corrosion can begin to build up during winter weather driving.  Have your battery posts and cables checked for corrosion and if necessary have them cleaned to avoid any problems starting your car.

Check your Headlights: We don’t always notice if a headlight bulb is out.  Putting this service on the checklist will make it safer to drive during the nighttime and twilight hours.

Check your Brakes: Just like replacing your air filter, it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected twice a year also.  Have your brakes checked to make sure they are working properly and aren’t worn.  It’s also a good time to have your brake fluid checked.

Radiator Flush: Summer weather really puts your car’s coolant to the test.  By flushing your radiator of the old coolant and replacing it with fresh coolant, you are giving your radiator a better chance of keeping your car running like it should.

Now, once  your car service checklist for Summer is completed, you will be able to get on with the business of living life!  As you do, take a moment to reflect on this quote from Lillian Dickson, “Life is a coin.  You can spend it any way you wish, but you can spend it only once.”

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

StressBusters

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After returning from a much needed and relaxing vacation, only to feel “stressed” a day later.   I have decided to deviate from our usual subjects and share with you some  “stress buster”  techniques instead.  Stress is an unfortunate fact of life and we have all experienced it.   But possessing a healthy sense of awareness and control can help us influence stress by shortening its duration or avoiding it altogether.  Here are some simple methods to help you deal with stress.

  1. Practice Breathing Slowly and Deeply– Anytime you feel tense, simply inhale deeply for two seconds, and then exhale for four seconds.  Repeat several times.  Momentarily relax yourself.  Let your shoulders and jaw drop.  A wave of relaxation will flow downward through your body.
  2. Practice Letting Go– Watch for the next instance  in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant.  Then make a conscious choice not to get angry or upset.  Change your perception of the event and don’t waste energy thinking about it.   Effective anger management is a proven stress buster.
  3. Practice Slowing Down your Speech– Whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual.  You’ll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations.  Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly, by slowing down your speech you’ll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.
  4. Breathe in Some Fresh Air-Our grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air.  Even five minutes outside on a balcony or sidewalk can be rejuvenating.  So don’t let time or weather stand in your way.
  5. Eat Right-Drink plenty of water and eat small nutritious snacks.  Hunger or dehydration can provoke aggressiveness and increase feelings of anxiety and stress.
  6. Turn Off The TV and  Computer-The TV and the computer disrupt the senses and can cause depression.  Don’t let them control you.  Don’t aimlessly channel surf or watch violent or depressing shows, including the news.
  7. Reward Yourself At the End of the Day-Put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before bedtime and allow yourself to fully relax.  You need time to recharge and energize yourself. You’ll be more fully prepared to face another stressful day.
  8. Consciously Choose to Be Happy-Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are about as happy as they choose to be.”  Choose to be happy by thinking about the positive events, people and situations in your life.  If you choose happiness day after day, it will soon become a habit.  A habit that you won’t have to break

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

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.

Power Steering Flush

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The power steering system is one of the most critical parts of your vehicle.  Rack and pinion steering is the most common type of steering system in cars and minivans and you can also find it on some SUVs and trucks.   Rack and pinions are, simply put, a pair of gears that work together to steer the vehicle.  In order to operate smoothly, the gears need hydraulic fluid, also called power steering fluid, to transmit power to your car’s power steering system.  If the power steering fluid is dirty and isn’t flushed, the risk of damage to the entire power steering system is increased.  A power steering flush is simply draining out your car’s old power steering fluid and replacing it with fresh power steering fluid.  The function of the fluid is to transmit hydraulic pressure so you can steer your car easily in every driving situation, from frigid cold to scorching heat.  It also lubricates the pump, controls the valves, and ensures  a quiet operating  system.

Over a period of time, the internal power steering components, as well as the seals and O-rings have been subjected to wear and tear and begin to wear out.  When this happens the power steering fluid gets contaminated with broken down debris, this forces the power steering pump to work harder.  The power steering pump now has to pump the debris as well as the fluid and it eventually breaks down.  We have noticed that the 1996-1999 Toyota 4-Runners and Toyota Tacomas are more prone to leaks if their systems aren’t flushed routinely.   If you drive one of these vehicles you might want to have the fluid checked to make sure you don’t need a power steering flush.   The power steering fluid should appear either an amber or pink in color when it is fresh.   When it appears significantly darker than its color when it was fresh, it’s time for a change. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicles recommendations.  If they aren’t available,  a good rule of thumb is to change the power steering fluid as often as you change your engine coolant.   Since  the fluid is the least expensive part of your power steering system and flushing it can help to prolong the life of the other, more expensive parts of the system, it is something that should be seriously considered.

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

How to Improve Gas Mileage

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Whether you are shopping for a new car or just trying to maintain the one you have, you can take some steps to get the best mileage out of your gas purchases.  The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, offers these tips to use fuel efficiently.

On the Road:  Drive More Efficiently

  • Stay within posted speed limits.  Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
  • Stop aggressive driving.  You can improve your gas mileage up to five percent around town if you avoid “jackrabbit” starts and stops by anticipating traffic conditions and driving gently.
  • Avoid unnecessary idling.  It wastes fuel, costs you money, and pollutes the air.  Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait.
  • Combine errands.  Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
  • Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate.  They improve the fuel economy of your car when you’re driving on a highway.
  • Remove excess weight from the trunk.  An extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce a typical car’s fuel economy by up to two percent.
  • Avoid packing items on top of your car.  A loaded roof rack or carrier creates wind resistance and can decrease fuel economy by five percent.

At the Garage:  Maintain Your Car

  • Keep your engine tuned.  Tuning your engine according to your owner’s manual can increase gas mileage by an average of four percent.  Increases vary depending on car’s condition.
  • Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned.  It can increase gas mileage up to three percent.
  • Change your oil.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy( DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), you can improve your gas mileage by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.  Motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the performance symbol of the American Petroleum Institute contains friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.

At the Pump:  Use the Octane  Level Your Need

  • Your owner’s manual recommends the most effective octane level for your car.  For most cars, the recommended gasoline is regular octane.  In most cases, using a higher octane gas than the manufacturer recommends offers no benefit.  Unless your engine is knocking, buying higher octane gasoline is a waste of money.

In the Showroom:  Consider the Alternatives

  • Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVS) operate on alternative fuels, such as methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, and other designated by the DOE.  Using these alternative fuels in vehicles may reduce harmful pollutants and exhaust emissions.  FTC Rules require labels on all new AFVs to give the vehicle’s estimated cruising range and general descriptive information.  Find out how many miles a new AFV travels on a tank or supply of fuel because gallon for gallon, some don’t travel as far as gasoline-powered vehicles.
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles offer another option for car buyers.  According to DOE And EPA, these vehicles combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motor and can be configured to achieve different objectives, such as improved fuel economy and increased power

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

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Antilock Brake Systems

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It wasn’t until we almost had a major accident on a recent trip in the mountains that I realized the importance of antilock brake systems.  We were on our way home from a day of skiing.  We were moving along at a pretty good speed, considering we were on I-70 at the same time as thousands of other cars, when almost instantly the car in front of us stopped.  If we didn’t  have antilock brakes (ABS) we would have had one big mess!

This is how antilock brake systems work.  ABS works with your regular braking system by automatically pumping them.  In vehicles not equipped with ABS, the driver has to manually pump the brakes to prevent the wheels from locking up.  When your wheels lock up on wet and slippery roads or during a panic stop, (like ours) you may lose traction and control, causing your vehicle to spin.  Antilock brakes keep your wheels from locking up, so your car maintains directional control and you can steer around hazards, if you can’t make a complete stop in time.  If your vehicle has ABS, your foot should remain firmly planted on the brake pedal, while ABS pumps the brakes for you so you can concentrate on steering to safety.  An ABS automatically changes the brake fluid pressure at each wheel to maintain optimum brake performance.  There is an electronic control unit that regulates the brake fluid pressure in response to the changing road conditions or an impending wheel lockup.

There is more than one kind of antilock brake system.  Four-wheel systems, including those found on cars and minivans, are designed to keep all four wheels from locking up.  Rear-wheel only systems, found on some pickups, vans and SUV’s, keep the vehicle from spinning out of control, but the front wheels may lock up, resulting in a loss of steering control.

Some of you may be asking if vehicles with ABS stop more quickly than those without.  Perhaps, but the main purpose  the Antilock brake system was designed for is to help you maintain control of the vehicle during emergency braking situations,  not necessarily make the car stop more quickly.  ABS may shorten stopping distances on wet or slippery roads and most systems may shorten stopping distances on dry roads.  On very soft surfaces, like gravel or unpacked snow, ABS may actually lengthen stopping distances.  In wet or icy conditions, you should still keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you and drive carefully keeping the road conditions in mind.

To find out whether your car has an antilock brake system and what type, check your owner’s manual.  You can also check your instrument panel for a yellow ABS indicator light that appears after you turn on the ignition.   For more information about driver’s safety call the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9153

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

Is It Time For A Cooling System Flush?

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More than the comfort and convenience of being able to control the temperature inside your vehicle, your car’s heating and cooling systems are necessary in preventing your vehicle from breaking down due to extremely high operating temperatures.  Is It Time For A Cooling System Flush?Your cooling system is what keeps your car from having a meltdown, so have it checked every time you have a routine service.   All of the parts that make up the cooling system have one goal, moving coolant around the engine so it can absorb and dissipate heat.  The system is made up of the following parts:  radiator, radiator top hose, radiator bottom hose, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, electric cooling fan, and a thermo-time switch.

The radiator is the most prominent part of the cooling system.   Every time you drive, your radiator uses up a coolant and water mixture to help lower the temperatures in your vehicle’s engine system.  The coolant that has traveled through the engine is pumped through the tubes of the radiator and is cooled off for another round.  Coolant, like all the other fluids used by your vehicle, has a tendency to break down over time.  This is why it is important to replace or “flush” your coolant mixture.  When the coolant breaks down there is more stress on your radiator and your engine runs hotter than normal.  Dirt and deposits also build up and reduce your vehicle’s performance.  A prolonged use of bad coolant can result in damage to your radiator that would require you to have to replace  it.  Also today’s engines are built with aluminum, the radiator and heater are also aluminum and aluminum needs much more corrosion protection to keep it in good condition.

How often you should flush your cooling system depends on the type of driving you do and the weather conditions where you live.  If you live in an area that has moderate climates, you can flush your system less often.  But if you live in an area known for its harsh winter and/or hot summers, and do a lot of driving than you might need to change your coolant twice a year, at the beginning of the summer and the beginning of winter.  A basic rule of thumb is every two years or 30,000 miles.  But no matter what, you need to ask yourself  the question, “is it time for a cooling system flush?”

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

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks