Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Timing Belt Replacement

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Timing Belt ReplacementLet’s address a very important maintenance item for everyone in Denver – timing belt replacement.  It’s important because letting this one slide can lead to very expensive engine damage.

Your timing belt choreographs the timing of your combustion process.  Your pistons travel up and down in the cylinder.  Intake valves open at the right time to let in air and fuel, they close at the right time to allow the fuel to burn and then the exhaust valves open at the right time to let out the exhaust.  All these things happen thousands of times a minute and it’s your timing belt that makes sure the valves are opening and closing at precisely the right time.  If the timing is off, your engine won’t run.  And that’s the best case scenario.

The worst case is that a valve is opening at the wrong time and collides with the piston.  The result is bent valves and maybe even more damage to the cylinder head.  Repairs can run into several thousand dollars.

Timing belts just wear out naturally so you want to replace a worn belt before it slips or breaks.  Check your owner’s manual or with your service adviser at Express Car Care in Denver to see when they recommend you replace the timing belt.  If you’ve never replaced your timing belt and have 60,000 or more miles on the clock, talk with your service adviser right away to see if you’re due.

On some engines, the water pump is driven by the timing belt as opposed to the serpentine belt.  If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to replace the water pump when you’re replacing the timing belt, and vice versa since much of the same work has to be done for either.  The same is true for the timing belt tensioner – it should be inspected and possibly replaced.

Timing belt replacement is one of the more expensive routine maintenance items on your service schedule.  But not replacing your timing belt can lead to some of the most expensive repairs you’re likely to ever have.

Disc Brake Maintenance

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Disc Brake MaintenanceYour brakes are extremely important as you drive around Denver.  Having good brakes just keeps you out of trouble.  You’ll want to carefully maintain your brakes.  With disc brakes, brake pads rub on a disc – or rotor – to slow the wheels.  The brake pads are attached to a caliper that squeezes the pads against the rotor.  It’s kind of like how squeezing the handbrake on a bicycle pushes the brake pads against the wheel of the bike.

Now brake pads just wear away with use – like a pencil eraser wears out.  The good news is that replacing brake pads is a straight-forward repair.

If you hear squealing or grinding when you use the brakes, have your Express Car Care service adviser check them out.  He’ll have a technician perform a thorough brake inspection to see what needs to be done.  He’ll check for signs of brake problems and go over other brake components to see that they’re working properly.  He can tell you if it’s time to replace the pads or if there are other issues with your brakes that should be addressed.  Some people make the mistake of ignoring the warning signs and keep on driving long after the pads are completely worn out.  When that happens, metal brake components will grind on the rotor, damaging it enough that it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.

Rotors can also warp or crack, in which case they’ll need to be replaced.  Brake calipers also wear out over time.  They can develop leaks or the caliper pistons can freeze open or closed – either way it’s not good.  When this happens it’s time to replace the calipers.  A thorough brake inspection will reveal worn bearings or seals as well.

The new brake pads we put on your vehicle will restore your brakes to manufacturers’ specifications.  Or, we can install upgraded parts to increase your stopping power and reduce brake noise and brake dust.  We have several options to meet your braking requirements and your budget.

Taking care of your brakes keeps them working safely – and you could prevent premature brake repairs down the road.  At Express Car Care in Denver, we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

Driving and Texting

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Driving and TextingDriving and texting, we’ve all witnessed it and at some time or other maybe even done it ourselves.  But let’s wake up people!  Nearly nine in ten motorists think driving and texting is a bigger problem now than it was three years ago.  And almost eighty-nine percent believe that drivers that are talking on a cell phone while driving are posing a serious danger to other drivers.  When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, their primary focus should always be driving!

Too many people today seem to be operating their cars like they are playing a video game.  Whipping in and out of lanes, cutting people off without any regard for other drivers or the consequences of their actions.  They seem to think that the action stops when they aren’t paying attention, and they don’t seem to realize that their actions have a drastic effect on other drivers.

According to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (aaafoundation.org)  96% of drivers believe driving and texting or e-mailing is a serious threat to public safety.  But one of the surprising findings in their research is that the drivers most distracted by their mobile devices aren’t teenagers.  Even though the public often cites teens as being the most common offenders, according to AAA’s research, high school-aged teens report using their phones or driving and texting substantially less often than adults.  Here are some of the results of their research:

  • 43% of adults ages 25-39 reported using their cell phone fairly often or regularly while driving.
  • 20% of teens reported using their cell phone fairly often or regularly while driving.
  • 10% of fatal accidents involve distraction.

Here in Colorado, all drivers are banned from driving and texting.  Also drivers under the age of 18 are banned from all use of cell phones, including text messaging.  You might think you’re safe in using your phone while driving, but since there are 3,000 deaths a year blamed on distracted driving, why don’t we all just hang up and drive?

Since we try to give you a lot of ideas about keeping you and your car safe here at Express Car Care, this idea only takes a moment for you to do and doesn’t cost you a cent!  Think about it.

 

 

Deciphering the Menu Board at Express Car Care

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Deciphering the Menu BoardYou may not be familiar with all of the items on Express Car Care’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed.  Remember, the board is there for reference; speak to your Express Car Care Service Adviser about other possible needs or services.

Express Car Care Fuel System Cleaning:  Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish built up.  A fuel system cleaning at Express Car Care gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors.  This saves you gas as you drive around Denver and on the freeways.

Express Car Care Headlamp Replacement:  Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade.  When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness.  Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to an almost new-condition.  Ask your friendly Express Car Care adviser for information.

Express Car Care Inspections:  Denver drivers get inspections for many reasons.  Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter in Denver.  Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over.  An inspection at Express Car Care may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Express Car Care Oil Change Service:  There are several options, some Denver auto service centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option.  We will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change.  We also have options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

Express Car Care PCV Valve Service:  PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve.  It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine.  It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. It just needs to be changed now and then.

Express Car Care Power Steering Service:  Often overlooked.  Your Express Car Care technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid.  Keeps the system running well for a long time.

Express Car Care Serpentine Belt Replacement:  This starts with an inspection of the suspension components.  Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Denver motorists don’t notice when it’s time to change them.  If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Express Car Care Transmission Service:  This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid.  It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Express Car Care Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing:  The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern.  This helps tires wear more evenly.  Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce.  Helps the ride and saves tire wear as you drive around Denver.

Give us a call at 303-691-2760 and let us help.

 

 

Check Engine Light Diagnosis at Express Car Care in Denver

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Check Engine DiagnosisMany Denver drivers have had their check engine light come on.  It’s an amber colored light that shows on your dashboard.  In newer vehicles it might just be a problem with your gas cap not being screwed on tight enough (or a worn gas cap), causing the vehicle to fail the self-diagnostic emission test.  All you need to do is go to your gas cap and verify that it is tight.  If that was the problem, the light will turn off and everything will be fine within one or two days.

Resist the temptation to have someone “clear” the codes to turn off your vehicles check engine light.  This erases important diagnostic information that your helpful Express Car Care technician needs to diagnose the underlying problem for the check engine light – and any other pending problems that may be stored in the car computer.

If the problem is still there – you still see the light – bring your vehicle in to Express Car Care in Denver and have your check engine light diagnosis as soon as possible.

Come in and see us at 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, or give us a call at 303-691-2760 and we’ll see what we can do to help you.

At Express Car Care in Denver we install quality NAPA replacement parts.  To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com

A Long Lasting Cooling System for Denver Driving

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A Long Lasting Cooling System for Denver Driving e PadsOur vehicles operate in a wide range of outside temperatures in Colorado.  That’s why vehicle manufacturers use testing grounds from the frozen tundra to the blistering desert.  Your engine coolant must be able to perform in these extreme temperatures, even if we don’t always get the extremes in Denver.

Coolant has to move heat away from the engine to prevent costly damage.  Water does a very good job of holding heat, but it freezes at thirty two degrees (Fahrenheit).  That’s why we mix anti-freeze with water – it lowers the freezing point of the coolant, and raises the boiling point as well.  A fifty/fifty blend of water and anti-freeze is the usual recommendation from Express Car Care.

And on top of that, coolant has to protect the components of the cooling system from corrosion.  Your owner’s manual will tell you what kind of coolant you should use.  Of course, your Express Car Care service representative in Denver will know what you should put in your car.

Coolant system failure is one of the most common mechanical problems people experience.  Much of that can be avoided by following factory schedule service intervals.  Check your owner’s manual or with your service adviser at Express Car Care for recommendations.  We can also conduct a cooling system inspection to look for leaks, weak hoses or bad connections.

Give us a call at 303-691-2760, or stop by Express Car Care at 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, 80222.

 

Need A Suspension Inspection at Express Car Care in Denver?

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Need a Suspension InspectionYour suspension system keeps your car up off the road.  From there, it’s responsible for a smooth and comfortable ride around Denver.  It also keeps your car wheels firmly planted over bumps and through curves on roads and highways.

Your suspension system has many important parts that do a big job.  They should be inspected routinely for damage and excessive wear at least once a year.  A good time would be when you get an alignment check in Denver.

Here are some warning signs of suspension problems:  the vehicle pulls to one side, wandering, erratic steering, uneven tire wear, leaning, shocks bottom out, poor ride or handling, oil leaking from shocks, and excessive bouncing.

All of your vehicle’s suspension parts wear out over time.  Shocks and struts eventually lose their ability to control your ride.  If you’re in an accident, your suspension can be damaged or knocked out of alignment.  Even a minor accident, like hitting a curb, pothole or large rock can mess things up.

If you suspect you might have suspension problems, ask for an automotive analysis and let the cheerful service professional at Express Car Care in Denver set things right.

Give us a call at 303-691-2760 or come in and see us.

At Express Car Care in Denver we install quality NAPA replacement parts.  To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com

Replace Your Engine Air Filter

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Replace Your Engine Air FilterWhen you are driving around town, your car engine needs clean air to burn the fuel – and it needs a lot.  In fact, a typical vehicle needs about 216,000 gallons of air for every tank of gas.

All that air passes through a filter that catches the dust and dirt.  Eventually the filter will get completely full.  Because the filter can only hold so much, the dirt starts getting through.  This dirty air passes through the mass airflow sensor and starts to accumulate on the delicate sensor element.  The mass airflow sensor measures how much air is getting into your engine.  When the airflow reading is incorrect, your car engine doesn’t get the proper amount of fuel.  The engine runs rough and doesn’t perform as well as it should.

Eventually, the sensor is so damaged it needs to be replaced – which is expensive.  In fact you could buy a case or two of air filters for the price of a sensor replacement.

Of course, that dirty air keeps on going through to your engine where it is burned along with the fuel, which gets your combustion chamber dirty and increases harmful exhaust emissions – not a good thing for Denver air quality, not to mention our lungs.

When your Express Car Care service adviser brings out your dirty air filter and recommends a replacement, remember the cost and poor performance that can be waiting for you down the road if you neglect this simple Express Car Care service.  Ask your friendly service tech if it’s time to replace your engine air filter.

Express Car Care in Denver has been providing quality auto repair services for auto owners for eleven years.  Our specialties include brake and transmission service, windshield wipers, and tire rotation.

Come by and see us at 4200 E. Evans Ave. or give us a call @ 303-691-2760

Express Car Care Tech Question on Engine Failure

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Express Car Care Tech Question on Engine FailureExpress Car Care Tech Question: 

My name is Collins from Denver.  I had my engine go out and had to have it completely re-done at Express Car Care in Denver.  What could I have done to prevent this?

Express Car Care Tech Answer:

You’ve got to feel for Collins; an expensive major engine rebuild is pretty extreme.    It’s a tough situation for Denver auto owners to be in:  maybe you’re still making payments on your vehicle and nobody wants to buy it with a blown engine, so you really don’t have any choice but to pay the money to get it fixed.  This is why your auto manufacturer and Express Car Care have preventative maintenance schedules – to help you avoid major repairs.  Suppose you don’t change your timing belt on schedule and it breaks.  That can mean bent valves and a damaged cylinder head.

Maybe you’ve made the mistake of skipping over the service recommendation to replace your coolant and end up with catastrophic overheating.  It could be you’ve skipped a few too many oil changes and now sludge has built up in your engine to the point that expensive parts in your vehicle are being damaged.

The best way to prevent having to have your engine completely redone is to check your vehicle’s oil level every month and follow your auto manufacturer’s recommended service schedules.  And if you’re behind on any services, just ask your helpful Express Car Care tech to help you work out a plan to get you back on schedule.  We’re here to help you,  so give us a call @ 303-691-2760 or come in and see us.

Fuel Injector Cleaning At Express Car Care in Denver

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Fuel Injector CleaningSomething we hear quite frequently from Denver drivers is that their fuel efficiency is down and their vehicle just doesn’t have the pep that it had before.  When that happens, one of the things we look for is clogged fuel injectors.

The engine management computer tells your fuel injectors exactly when to squirt fuel into your engine.  It is vital that clean fuel injectors spray the right amount of gasoline or diesel fuel in an even, specific spray pattern.  A dirty or clogged injector can’t spray enough fuel and it comes out in an uneven, weak pattern.

When Denver drivers’ fuel injectors are dirty or clogged, the fuel just can’t burn as efficiently, which causes gas mileage to drop and your vehicles engine can’t produce as much power.

Fuel injectors just get dirty over time.  Gas and diesel fuel cause varnish and gum to build up in your fuel injectors, especially if you buy bargain gasoline.  If your fuel injectors get too dirty, they can be damaged and will need to be replaced – which can be pretty costly.

The good news is that a professional fuel injector cleaning at Express Car Care in Denver can get all of that gunk out of your injectors.  They’ll be able to spray the right amount of fuel, at exactly the right time, and in the right spray pattern.  Your gas mileage will be restored along with your engine performance.  Fuel injectors are cleaned as a part of a comprehensive fuel system cleaning service that includes the induction system ( throttle plates, intake manifold, idle air by-pass passages and – if applicable – the mass airflow sensor).

So ask your friendly service tech about a fuel injector cleaning at Express Car Care in Denver to get your engine running like new.  Give us a call @ 303-691-2760 or come in and see us.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

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