Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Most Stolen Item?

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What do you think is the most stolen item from vehicles?

Is it:  (A) Stereo  (B) Wheels  (C) Airbags  (D) DVD System

Well, if you said stereo – you used to be right.  But now airbags have surpassed stereos as the most stolen item – approximately 50,000 a year are stolen nationally in the United States.  New airbags cost about $1,000 but stolen airbags are sold on the black market for $50 to $200.  Stolen airbags are finding their way into vehicles that have been involved in an accident.    Of course, the danger to the consumer of having a stolen airbag installed is that you can never be sure what may have previously affected them and if they will work correctly when you need them.

There have been reports that 1 in 25 airbag replacements are either stolen or salvaged airbags – or no airbag is installed at all.

That is definitely a part that you don’t want to take a chance with, so we recommend the following guidelines:

  • Use a reputable collision repair center that employs ASE certified mechanics.
  • Inspect the invoice to ensure that the repair shops purchased the airbag from a manufacturer, or dealer.
  • If you can inspect the airbag prior to installation, it should be packaged in a sealed container from the manufacturer or dealer.

You will see the SRS ( Supplemental Restraint System) light come on when you first start your vehicle.  This tells you that the airbag system is activated,  If you don’t see the SRS light, there is a problem with the airbag system.  Have the system checked right away and don’t let yourself become an injured victim.

Don’t Be A Stranger

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You wouldn’t walk into a different dentist’s office every time you needed your teeth cleaned.  You wouldn’t pick someone at random every time you needed your hair cut, would you?  And on tax day, would you trust your taxes to a stranger?

There are some professionals for whom you feel your relationship is more than just client and customer.  They’re almost like friends…and since you know them well after years of going to them, you know the quality of their work and that they have a track record of doing their best for you.

You may not realize it, but the relationship with your automotive service professional should have that personal connection too.  It may take some time to find the one place where the rapport just feels right.  But when you do, you know as you walk in the door, and your service adviser greets you with a smile, things are going to be done right.  You’re also confident that they’ll only recommend and perform work that your vehicle really needs.

Just as with your hairstylist, accountant, or lawyer, the relationship with Express Car Care is a two-way street.  The longer we get to know you, the more we understand your needs and expectations of us.  We’re no longer strangers.  You get to know our work, our professional ethics and the quality of our work.  That mutual trust if something we both value.

People who have been in business for a long time know how important that long-term relationship is, that’s why we hire and train professional technicians who take their job and training seriously…but also recognize the human side of automotive repairs and trust.

So, don’t be a stranger.  It’s a relationship that is a win-win for both of us.

Give your friends at Express Car Care a call for all your automotive needs.

Battery Replacement

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Car batteries wear out just like any other battery and need to be replaced.  There are a couple of things vehicle owners should know when looking for a battery replacement:  one is cold cranking amps and the other is reserve capacity.

Let’s start with cold cranking amps.  This can be thought of as the power serge used to start a cold vehicle engine.  The number of cold cranking amps you need depends on your vehicle and where you live…specifically how cold it is where you live.  The two factors being that the colder an engine is, the more power it takes to turn it over and get it started.  It has a lot of cold, sluggish oil to fight against.  The other factor is that the chemical reaction in the battery that creates electrical energy is less efficient in the cold.

So the colder the weather gets, more power is needed, but less is available.  If you live where it’s cold, you need a battery replacement with more cold cranking amps than you would where there are moderate or hot temperatures.  You should always get at least as many cold cranking amps as the manufacturer recommends but you may want to upgrade if you live where it gets real cold.

An important note:  Batteries may also list the Cranking Amps-CA -number.  It is the Cold Cranking Amps – or CCA – that is the important number here.  CCA is the number to use in your comparisons.

After all this talk of cold temperatures, it’s important to note that heat is the real enemy of long battery life.  In other words, the damage that’s done over the hot summer months shows up with the increased demands on the battery when the weather turns cold.

Now let’s talk about reserve capacity:  It’s the measurement of the number of minutes of reserve power the battery has at a given load.  The number is more important these days because of parasitic drain.  Parasitic drain is the battery energy that’s used when the key is off.  So the power drawn by the vehicle security system, the remote start system – even the power the vehicle computers require to maintain their memory.

Reserves are also needed when you make very short trips around town.  You’re not driving long enough for the battery to recover the energy it used to start the engine.

So go with the minimum recommended by your manufacturer and upgrade if you need more.  Talk with your Express Car Care service adviser about options.  If you need more from your battery replacement, a larger capacity battery may be the answer.

Batteries are a big ticket item for most motorist, so the warranty gives peace of mind.  Be sure to ask about the car battery warranty so you know what you’re getting.  At Express Car Care, we have been providing quality auto service since 2000.  Come in and see us.

Simple Answers About Selecting Tires

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Question:  I need new tires, but how do I know which tires to select?

Express Car Care Answer:  Let’s look at selecting new tires in light of three factors:  Function, Fit, and Value.

Function:  This deals with what your needs are for new tires.  Weather conditions, terrain, temperatures, etc.

New family vehicles sold in Colorado come with all-season tires.  They can be used all year long and do pretty well on average road conditions – but they aren’t ideal in extreme conditions.

Winter tires have a more aggressive tread for handling snow and ice and they have a rubber compound that helps them have better traction as temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit/ 7 degrees Centigrade.  In Colorado winter weather, that means better stopping and road-holding characteristics for driving than all-season tires.

Dedicated summer tires enhance warm weather performance driving.

If you drive off-road in the foothills and mountains around Denver, there is a spectrum of tire choices, from all-terrain ( a good mix of highway and off-road capability) to dedicated off-road tires.

The key to selecting tires is to discuss the function you’re looking for with your tire professional, so you get the type of tire, load rating, speed rating and wear rating you need.

Fit:  The easiest thing is to select tires in the same size that were installed at the factory.  If you want a different size wheel or tire profile, be sure to work with a professional that can make sure that your new wheels and tires fit properly and don’t rub when your vehicle bumps or turns.  It’s also important to make sure that safety systems like anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control aren’t adversely affected by the new tire size. ( The computer may need to be recalibrated in order to make the necessary adjustments.)

Value:  Notice I didn’t say price.  The tire that meets all your needs and has the warranty and tread life you expect will probably not be the cheapest option – but it may well return the best value for your tire dollar.

Your friendly and helpful Express Car Care service adviser is ready and willing to discuss the options with you before you make this automotive decision.

5 Reasons To Keep Your Car Well-Maintained

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Thanks for visiting the Express Car Care auto care blog.  Today’s post lists 5 important reasons Denver drivers should follow recommended maintenance schedules.

  1. Be Safe  A well-maintained car doesn’t put you and your passengers at unnecessary risk.  Think brakes, headlamps, tires.
  2. Get Better Fuel Economy  Regular maintenance is an investment in optimum fuel economy.  Inadequate tire pressure, a dirty fuel system and a clogged air filter are just a few things that reduce fuel economy.
  3. Preserve Resale Value  How many used car buyers will pay full Blue Book price for a car with a filthy engine, clogged filters and bald tires?
  4. Don’t Void Your Warranty  Your warranty claims may be denied if your service history doesn’t fulfill the minimum requirements recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
  5. Save Money  Regular maintenance reduces the chance of catastrophic failures and repairs.

Here are some Express Car Care tips to help you remember the main items:  Fluids first.  Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, etc.  We can take care of all of these for you at Express Car Care in Denver.

Then think Tires.  Air, rotation, balancing and alignment.  And while you’re thinking tires, think brakes and shock absorbers.

Air and Fuel.  Air filter replacement, fuel filters and fuel system cleaning.

This list doesn’t cover all the recommended maintenance,  but we can help you decide what you need when you come in and see us.  Or give us a call and set up an appointment.

Headlamps

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You may be surprised to learn that 40 percent of traffic fatalities in Colorado take place at night even though there’s 60 percent less traffic.  It goes to show you how important proper visibility is to nighttime driving in our community.

Obviously, a clean windshield is important – so are good wiper blades.  Your headlights play a big role as well.  There are two main concerns.  One is the headlamp, or bulb.  The other is with the lens.

The truth of the matter is that headlamps go dim over time on your car or other vehicle.  You just need to replace them.  Some vehicles come with a standard bulb which you can replace or you can upgrade to a halogen bulb that’s much brighter.  Halogen bulbs cost a little more but you’d be amazed at the difference.

It’s a good idea to replace your headlamps once a year.  The idea is that your lamps never dim to the point that they become a safety issue.  Just take care of it at a fall oil change so that your lights will be bright for the coming long winter nights.

The other big issue is the headlamp lens.  For the last couple of decades, most lenses are made of plastic which can get cloudy or yellow.  That blocks a lot of light.  You can replace the lens, but each lens assembly can cost as much as $350 to $400.  It’s much less expensive to restore the lens if it isn’t broken.

At Express Car Care, we use a process of special cleaners and polishes to remove the yellowed and hazy layer of the lens.  We then apply a hard protective finish.  When we’re done, your lenses really are as good as new.

The price depends on the size of the lens and how yellowed or cloudy it has become.  You can even restore taillights and turn signals.

So combining a headlamp restoration with new bulbs will light up the road like a new car.  Can you clearly see the advantage?

At Express Car Care we install quality NAPA replacement parts.  Give us a call if we can help you.

Used Vehicle Inspection

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It’s always exciting to get a new car – even when it’s used.  But it can also feel like you’re going out on a limb a bit when you’re buying a used vehicle.  I mean, people have a lot of reasons for selling their vehicles.  Maybe they just wanted a new car, or maybe there was something that they personally  didn’t like about the car.  But then again,  maybe there was something wrong with it or maybe there’s something really wrong with it.

It’s a great idea to order a report from a vehicle history service.  This can uncover title problems and may reveal any serious accidents or flood damage as well as any recall notices for the vehicle.  Maintenance and repair records are a plus, but most sellers don’t have them.

Of course the best idea is to get a professional to perform a used vehicle inspection.  The inspection will go much deeper than just how good the vehicle looks and drives.  You’ll get a feel for the vehicle’s overall condition, the status of major safety systems and an indication of how well it has been maintained.  You’ll get a good idea of any work that needs to be done – and that will help you determine an appropriate value for the vehicle and whether or not it’s worth purchasing.

It’s pretty easy to see how a used vehicle inspection is worth the cost.  If problems are uncovered, you can either steer clear of the vehicle or bargain for a better price.  If everything is OK, you’ll have a plan for addressing any routine services that should be done, as well as a whole lot of peace of mind.

It’s easy to fall in love with a vehicle – just don’t let your excitement cloud your judgment.  Bring the car in and have us perform a used vehicle inspection so that you’ll know if you’re getting a peach, or a lemon.

Question on Tire Wear

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Express Car Care Question:  My name is Dan. The tires on my vehicle wore out early and I had to replace them.  What can I do to make my tires last longer?

Express Car Care Answer:  Dan’s problem, premature tire wear, is a very common problem for Denver drivers.  Here are several suggestions on ways to lengthen your tire wear:

First, tires lose air pressure over time, so check the tire pressure at least once a month and fill them up as necessary.  A sticker on the driver’s side door jamb has the recommended tire pressure listed for your vehicle.

Another suggestion for lengthening tire wear is tire rotation.  Tire rotation is an important step in increasing the life of tires.  Your front tires take the brunt of stopping and steering forces, so they wear out faster than rear tires.  They should be rotated regularly so that all four tires are allowed to wear more evenly.  Talk to us at Express Car Care if you’d like more information on tire rotation.

Out of balance wheels can also cause a tire to wear out too fast. If you feel a vibration in your seat or steering wheel when you’re driving, you may have a wheel out of balance. It’s important to have your wheels balanced properly so the tires wear as evenly as possible.

Finally, a poor wheel alignment and worn or damaged suspension can chew through a tire very quickly.  Ask your friendly pros at Express Car Care to have your tires inspected for signs of premature tire wear.  Your technician will be able to pinpoint the cause and take care of it.

These are just some simple steps you can take to prevent premature tire wear.  Give us a call and let us know how we can help.

Safe Towing Guide

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Let’s talk about safe towing for drivers.  Too often many drivers will just slap a trailer on the hitch and take off.  But there are safety considerations to protect your tow vehicle, comply with Colorado laws and limit your liability.

First of all, know your tow vehicle.  Your options will affect the tow rating, so you need to carefully read the towing section of your manufacturer’s owner’s manual to know how much your vehicle can tow.

Next, you need to know the weight limits of your trailer hitch.  It will have a maximum tongue limit and an overall limit.

Third, know your hitch type:  a weight-distributing hitch may be required by your manufacturer for certain trailer weights.

And fourth, know the towing laws for the areas in which you’ll be towing, as they may have stricter equipment requirements.

Your owner’s manual will also give you some help in determining how to calculate how much weight you can tow.  It’s more complicated than the maximum weight the marketing guys trumpet.  There are two codes drivers can find on the driver’s side door.  One is GVWR- or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  This is the maximum weight of the tow vehicle, including passengers and cargo.

The other is GCWR – or Gross Combined Weight Rating.  This is the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo and loaded trailer.

Every locality requires safety chains and they also have regulations for when trailer brakes are required in Colorado.  The tires on your vehicle and trailer should be in good condition and have the proper load rating.  Your suspension should be inspected to make sure it can handle the load.  Also your transmission may need additional fluid cooling, so check with your Express Car Care service adviser about adding a transmission cooler and/or performing maintenance.

Carefully follow your vehicle’s towing guidelines to maximize your safety, protect your vehicle from damage and protect yourself from liability.

A quick note on your trailer:  wheel bearings on trailers are often neglected by drivers.  They need to be serviced on schedule to avoid failure.  This is especially important for trailers that are driven through water.

If this safe towing guide has made you aware of any services you might need on your vehicle, come and see us at Express Car Care in Denver, we can help.

 

Exhaust Service

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Driving down the road or around town, we’ve all heard a car or truck that sounds like it needs a new muffler.  But there’s more to the exhaust system than just the muffler.  The exhaust system has three main functions:

 

  1. Safely get hot exhaust gas from the engine out the tailpipe.
  2. Treat the exhaust to remove harmful pollutants.
  3. Muffle the engine noise.

Exhaust gas is poisonous.  Drivers don’t want it getting into their passenger compartments.  Most of us know that carbon monoxide can be deadly.  That’s why you should never run your engine in a closed garage.  If you have a leak somewhere in the exhaust system, exhaust could get into the passenger cabin and make you sick or even kill you.

If you smell exhaust in the vehicle, roll down your windows and get it inspected at Express Car Care in Denver.  You may smell or see exhaust coming from the engine compartment or under the vehicle if you have a leak.  Sometimes the sound from an exhaust leak is loud and obvious.  Sometimes it’s a ticking sound when you start the engine that goes away as you drive.  That could be a small crack or a bad fitting that leaks when it’s cold but seals up when the metal heats and expands.

Then there are the environmental issues to consider.  Exhaust gas contains a number of pollutants and particulates.  The catalytic converter scrubs some of those harmful substances.  Diesel vehicles have systems that deal with soot.  Catalytic converters eventually wear out and need to be replaced.  They’re expensive,  so you want to help them last as long as possible by keeping the fuel system clean and replacing your air filter.  These components need to be tested for proper functioning with an emissions test from time to time.  Then there’s the muffler.

The beauty of getting a new muffler is that you can suit your own taste.  Some drivers want whisper quiet, some like a little rumble, and others like a roar.  Give us a call and let us know how we can help.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmission Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks