Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

When To Replace Tires

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The condition of the tires on your car greatly affects your safety while driving.  Here are some tips to help you determine when to replace your tires.

  1. Look at the tread pattern. Most tires are manufactured with “tread wear indicator bars” built right into the tire itself.  They usually look like small bridges in between the tread.  When these indicator bars become flush with the tire’s tread that is a sign it’s time to replace the tires.       When To Replace Tires
  2. Check the tread depth. The “penny test” has been a popular method for a while, this is how it works.  Take a penny and place it upside down with the picture of the head facing you in the center of the thickest part of the tire tread.
  • If you can see the very top of the head, or the copper above it, replace the tires as soon as possible.
  • If the hair on the top of the head is somewhat visible, this mean you should begin looking for replacement tires.
  • If you can’t see the hair on the top of the head, then this means your tires don’t need to be replaced yet.

This is a simple method that works well if you are driving mainly on dry roads.  If you drive on wet, slushy and snow-covered road you should maintain a deeper tread depth on your  tires and replace them at the second bullet above.  You need enough tread depth (4/32″) to allow the water or slush to escape through the tire’s grooves.  If the water can’t escape fast enough your car’s tires will hydroplane or float on top of the water causing a loss of control and possibly an accident.  Test all of your tires at the same time and once you’ve decided when to replace the tires make sure they are all replaced at the same time.  Mismatched tires won’t give you the adequate safety or performance levels that a matched pair of tires will.  If you see wires on your tread or notice wear on the sidewalls of the tire, don’t waste time with a penny, replace the tires!  If any of this checklist gives you a headache just thinking about it.  Have your auto repair shop do the work for you, that’s their job!

What Is Antifreeze?

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Antifreeze is the colored fluid, usually red or green, found in your radiator.  It can also be referred to as coolant and serves a few purposes.     What Is Antifreeze? The main purpose for placing antifreeze/coolant in your radiator is to keep the water that is in the engine from freezing in cold temperatures and boiling over in hot temperatures.  The engine of a car produces high levels of heat when it is running, the fluids flowing through the radiator system help to draw some of the heat away from the engine so it doesn’t overheat.  Antifreeze/coolant also has corrosion inhibiting chemicals that prevent rust build up that can take place in the engine of a car.  Radiators are usually filled with a 50/50 mix of water and coolant, since antifreeze/coolant doesn’t evaporate like water does it keeps the levels of evaporation to a minimum.   An added purpose of antifreeze is lubrication, it lubricates the moving parts it comes in contact with, like the water pump.

By properly servicing your car’s cooling system, (which includes changing the antifreeze at recommended intervals), you will help to avoid major engine problems.  If you wait too long to change the antifreeze/coolant, the used coolant can harm cooling system components because the corrosion inhibiting chemicals have been used up and are no longer able to do their job.  The idea is to change the coolant before the corrosion inhibitors reach dangerously low levels.

For regular antifreeze the vehicle manufacturers generally recommend coolant changes every 30,000 miles or every two to three years.  There are also “extended life” coolants that are designed to last 100,000 miles or five years.  But be aware that these “extended life” coolants only provide extended life when used in a clean system mixed with water.  If they are mixed with regular antifreeze or old antifreeze in a system, the corrosion protection is reduced to that of regular antifreeze.

If you are unsure as to whether or not the antifreeze/coolant needs to be changed you can have your service center test it to determine its condition.

What Is a Cabin Air Filter & When Should It Be Replaced?

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Many car owners have never even heard of a cabin air filter and would have no idea when it needs to be replaced if they had!  Hopefully the information here will answer the questions you might have about this unknown filter.

Cabin Air Filter

Dirty Cabin Air Filter

A cabin air filter is a part of your car’s ventilation system that removes pollutants from the air before they can enter the passenger compartment.  Cabin air filters can also be referred to as pollen or dust filters, interior ventilation filters, ACC filters, or passenger compartment filters.  A cabin air filter purifies the air as well as protecting the heater and AC components.  If the cabin air filter is dirty or clogged, the heating or air conditioning performance will suffer as well as the inside air filtration.  When this filter looses its effectiveness, you might notice unpleasant odors or reduced air flow from the cabin vents.  It is recommended to replace this filter at least once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.  It should be replaced more often if your car is driven in places with heavy pollution or dusty conditions.  Two types of filters are offered for replacement, single stage and multi-stage filters.  Single stage filters trap dust, large soot, and allergens.  Multi-stage filters use activated carbon that reduces toxic gases and odors as well as dust and allergens.  Multi-stage filters are usually the better quality filter and more often recommended.

This filter is a relatively new feature and not all vehicles have one.   If you own a 2000 or newer car, it probably has one.  Cars and trucks in the U.S. began using cabin air filters around 1995, so check your owner’s manual or talk to your repair technician.  Most repair technicians  will be able to tell you whether or not your vehicle has one.   The ease or difficulty of replacing the filter depends on the make and model of your vehicle.  You might have to have it replaced by a technician.  Once you know whether your car is equipped with one or not, then you’ll know if you need to add” check cabin air filter” to the list the next time your car is serviced!

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!

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