Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

What Customers Like About Us at Express Car Care in Denver

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What Customers Like About Us at Express Car CareAt Express Car Care in Denver, a big part of the service we provide for our customers is education.  We want you to feel confident with your service decisions and we’re always open to questions.  Even though we try to be proactive in our education, we sometimes get busy fixing cars and need a reminder.  Please, just ask.

We’ve  found our Denver customers like the service reminders.  This is especially true of our returning customers.  They’ve grown to trust that our recommendations are based on the vehicle manufacturer’s published maintenance schedules and that we’re not just pulling them out of the air.

We know that you live a busy life in Denver with a lot more to think about than wondering if it’s time to replace your PCV valve.  Part of our process when you come in to Express Car Care is checking the manufacturer’s schedule to make sure we don’t overlook an important service for your car or truck.

We hope you appreciate your courtesy inspection when you come into Express Car Care for service.  If we find something unexpected, it’s good for you to know and if we don’t find anything wrong,  than you still get a little peace of mind.

You know, customer satisfaction is very important to us at Express Car Care.  We want to run a friendly and professional Denver automotive service operation.  When we do, then you’ll keep coming back, as well as recommend us to your friends and family.

At Express Car Care in Denver, we install quality NAPA replacement parts.  Give us a call at 303-691-2760 and let us know how we can help you.  If you’d like to learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com

The Maintenance Mindset: Full-Service Oil Change

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The Maintenance MindsetPeople generally accept that many things in life require regular maintenance:  their teeth, clothes, homes, yards and so on, but Colorado motorists don’t often apply the same idea of maintenance to their vehicles.  If you never brush your teeth or go to the dentist, you’ll become painfully aware of your neglect when you get a big cavity.  Once the damage is done, we learn our critical lesson and start to take better care of things.

Unfortunately, Denver people too often learn the hard automotive lesson only after they bring their vehicle to Express Car Care on a tow truck.  So many times, a little routine maintenance would have prevented an expensive breakdown.

So how do Denver car owners get into the habit of taking care of their vehicles?  It’s so easy to forget it’s not like cutting the grass which you can see every time you pull in the driveway.

Here’s something that will help:  The key to good vehicle maintenance starts with the oil change.  Think about it – when you go in for a full-service oil change in Denver, your cheerful Express Car Care service adviser will check all your fluids.  If one of them is low, he can look for the reason why.  If your serpentine belt is worn, he’ll see it and let you know.  Corroded battery cable – they’ve got you covered.  And they’ll check to see if your manufacturer has recommended any critical services at your current mileage.

The oil change becomes kind of a focal point, a way to check in to see what needs to be done.

The fact is that vehicle inspection surveys consistently reveal that over 80% of vehicles have one or more needed repair or maintenance service that goes undone.  Vehicles are generally very reliable and can take a lot of abuse and neglect – but you can only press your luck for so long.

So when you come into Express Car Care for an oil change, you get a visual inspection of your car and a reminder for recommended services so you can avoid a total failure.  Also keep in mind that your service professional can help you work out a maintenance and repair plan for your vehicle, prioritizing and scheduling the work to make sure you and your family are safe and help you avoid expensive breakdowns.

In addition to full-service oil changes, at Express Car Care we also offer air conditioning service, transmission service and tire rotation.

Give us a call.  Express Car Care 303.691.2760

 

 

 

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

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Why Is My Check Engine Light On?The Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some Denver drivers and is totally ignored by just as many.  Just what it means is a mystery to most of us in Colorado.

First, if your vehicles check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe damage to the catalytic converter or other components.  Get that taken care of right away.  If your check engine light is flashing, you shouldn’t drive at Denver highway speeds, tow, or haul heavy loads.  Take it easy all the way to Express Car Care of Denver.

If the light is glowing steadily, you should keep an eye on it for a day or two.  If the light doesn’t go off, schedule an appointment with your Denver service adviser to get it checked out.

Some more information from Express Car Care on how the check engine light works may be informative.  Most of your  engine functions are controlled by a computer, not surprisingly, called an engine control computer.  The computer is able to adjust many engine parameters for environmental conditions, engine condition and even the way you drive in Denver.

In order to make these adjustments, the vehicles computer relies on a network of sensors to provide data.  The computer knows the proper operating range for each sensor.  When a sensor reading is out of range, the computer runs some tests and may turn on the check engine light.  The computer will also try to make adjustments to compensate for some readings.  If it can do so, it will then turn off the check engine light.

If the problem can’t be resolved then the light will remain on and you should get your car or truck looked at at Express Car Care.  Your service technician will plug a scanner into the on-board diagnostic port and read the trouble code stored in the computer.  The trouble code will give your Express Car Care technician a starting place as he diagnoses the cause of the problem.

We also offer air conditioning service and transmission service at Express Car Care.  Give us a call at 303-691-2760 if we can help with these or any other services.

 

Used Car Inspections at Express Car Care

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Used Car Inspections at Express Car Care

It’s natural to be a little anxious when you buy a used car in Denver:  you worry that it has something wrong with it or that it hasn’t been well maintained.  If it’s possible, bring the car or truck into Express Car Care for a used car inspection.  We can tell you if there are current or emerging problems.  Your peace of mind is well worth the price of the inspection service.

It’s also a good idea to get on track with a maintenance schedule at Express Car Care and stay on track.  If you don’t have maintenance records for the vehicle, assume the worst and start out with an oil change.  Then the inspection by a qualified Denver service technician that comes with a full service oil change, will reveal any basic problems.  Be sure to bring up any specific concerns you might have with your Express Car Care service consultant.

A more intense inspection at Express Car Care can find hidden problems such as body damage and sealer in A/C units which can be a major expense down the road.  Purchasing a Carfax report may let you know if the Denver vehicle has been in a major accident and give you a little history.  You can find out if that “71 Barracuda really was owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church in Denver on Sundays.  If you’ve bought well, there’s no reason to believe that with proper maintenance your “new” used vehicle won’t last a long time.

At Express Car Care, we’ve been providing professional quality automotive services(including used car inspections ) for 12 years.  Give us a call.

At Express Car Care in Denver, CO,  80222 we install quality NAPA replacement parts.  Give us a call at 303-691-2760.  To learn more about NAPA Autocare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com

The Express Car Care Guide to Synthetic Oil

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The Express Car Care Guide to Synthetic OilSynthetic motor oil has been around for a long time in Denver and more and more new cars are leaving the auto manufacturers factories with synthetic oil in their engines.  But a lot of car owners still don’t really know much about it.

Let’s start with conventional oil – the kind Denver folks are familiar with using in their engines.  Conventional oil is made up of naturally occurring hydrocarbon chains, which means its molecules are long and have various lengths, ( like a pile of pencils ), some of them are new and some of them are used.

Synthetic oil is man-made.  Its molecules are more uniform and regular in shape -more similar to marbles than pencils.  Some synthetic oil starts with a petroleum base that’s modified and others are entirely synthesized from other materials.

Synthetic motor oil works best in both hot and cold Denver temperatures.  It’s more chemically stable so it doesn’t readily evaporate or breakdown in the high heat produced inside your vehicles engine.  This means it resists turning to sludge, which is a real engine killer.

Remember the marbles and pencils thing we were talking about?  Well, that makes synthetic oil more slippery than conventional oil which means less friction in your engine when you use synthetic oil.  Your vehicle’s engine runs cooler, wears less and lasts longer.  You also get a boost in power and maybe even an improvement in fuel efficiency.   Synthetic oil also lasts longer so you change it less often – which is great for the environment.  With longer oil change intervals, you will need to use an oil filter specifically built for the longer service life of synthetic oil.  Talk with your cheerful Express Car Care service professional about synthetic oil and synthetic blends -they might be just what you need to improve engine performance and extend the life of your vehicle.

Give us a call at 303-691-2760 or stop by and see us.

On-Board Diagnostics in Denver

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On-Board Diagnostics in DenverSome people in Denver are confused by charges for diagnostic services for a vehicle repair, even though many other services in life include diagnostic fees- things like computer service and appliance repair in Denver.  Even when we go into the doctor for a medical problem, we’re paying them to diagnose our ailment and of course for the tests that go along with it.  So receiving a diagnostic charge for a tricky automotive problem shouldn’t be a surprise.

Automotive diagnostics can cover quite a range.  If you hear a noise in your brakes, a quick visual check is usually enough to know what needs to be done.  If you’re having an intermittent problem with your engine, diagnosis may be much more involved.

Some think that when the check engine light comes on, the engine computer tells the technician exactly what the problem is.  The reality is much different.  The trouble code just tells your Denver technician what engine parameter is out of range, not what’s causing it.  Your Denver technician at Express Car Care needs to determine the underlying problem that’s causing the symptom.

As you can imagine, some automotive diagnoses are quick and easy.  Other are more involved and difficult.  Of course, we at Express Car Care want to figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

At Express Car Care in Denver we install quality NAPA replacement parts.  Give use a call at 303-691-2760.  To learn more about NAPA parts, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com

Extend the Life of Your Cooling System in Denver

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Extend the Life of Your Cooling System in DenverOur vehicles  need to operate in a wide range of temperatures.  That’s why vehicle manufacturers use testing grounds from the frozen tundra to the blistering desert.  The engine antifreeze/coolant in your cooling system must be able to perform in these extreme temperatures.

Antifreeze/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.

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 antifreeze/coolant is the usual recommendation for Colorado motorists.

And on top of that, antifreeze/coolant has the job of  protecting the components of your vehicles cooling system from corrosion.  Your manufacturers owners’ manual will tell you what kind of antifreeze/coolant you should be using in your car.  Of course, at Express Car Care, we can advise you on what coolant to put in your vehicle.

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

Give us a call

Express Car Care   303-691-2760

 

How to Avoid Flood-damaged Cars

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How To Avoid Flood-damaged CarsWeather has been changing all over our nation and unfortunately Colorado residents got a bitter reminder of that with the recent floods.  High water from overflowing rivers and streams ruined homes and businesses.  Sadly, pictures like these are all too common right now.  Cars that are buried in mud and water.  When exposed to deep flood levels, soaked cars are often classified as totaled and then demolished.  It is too bad that sometimes unethical and dishonest people take advantage of the situation and flood-damaged cars end up on used car lots.  Here are some steps you can take to avoid buying  flood-damaged cars.

  1. Be a smart shopper.  Always shop at a reputable dealership.  Dealerships with good reputations won’t risk losing them by cheating their customers.  Always ask if the car you’re interested in has been damaged by floods, and get the answer in writing.  If there is any hesitation, you should be concerned.  Also ask to see the title, some states are required by law to  stamp the title of a damaged car that reads “Flood” or “Salvage” .
  2. The Sniff Test.  The quickest way to tell if a car has had flood-damage is to smell it.  If the car smells musty or moldy, it probably has had some type of water damage.  It is very difficult to get rid of a moldy aroma and if there is any mildew formation, you should walk away.
  3. Corrosion Clues.  Corrosion is common in flood-damaged cars and continues to eat away at materials long after the car is dry.  Look for signs of corrosion on metals both inside and out.  Concentrating on door hinges, trunk latches, and hood springs.
  4. Take a test drive.  A compromised electrical system is a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard that is natural in cars exposed to high waters for extended periods of time.  You want to make sure all the electrical components are operational.  Take the car on a test drive and try out all the electronics, dashboard lights, headlights, turn signals, emergency blinkers, air conditioning, heater, wipers, cigarette lighter, and radio.
  5. Check the oil.  Oil in a flood-damaged car will have changes in the color and thickness.  The oil may be pale when it should be dark or runny when it should be thick.  Also take a look at the air filter and check for water stains, that’s another sign that water might have been where it shouldn’t be.

Even if you have completed each of these steps and feel good about the car, you should still take it to a good mechanic so he can fully inspect the parts of the car that aren’t clearly visible, like the brakes and wheel components, wiring mechanisms and the alternator.  All these steps can help you avoid flood-damaged cars.

 

The 411 on Cabin Air Filters

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The 411 on Cabin Air FiltersThe cabin air filter is a filter that is placed in the vehicles ventilation system to remove pollutants from the air before they enter the passenger compartment.  Cabin air filters can also be called pollen or dust filters, interior ventilation filters, ACC filters, or passenger compartment filters.  Since cabin air filters are a fairly recent addition to automobile equipment, this filter can often be overlooked.  The cabin air filter purifies the air as well as protecting the heater and air conditioning components.  If your filter becomes dirty or clogged it can greatly reduce the effectiveness of the vehicle’s air conditioning and heating performance and significantly reduce air flow from the cabin vents.  You might also notice unpleasant odors coming from the cabin vents.  The recommendations for replacing this filter are 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 areas with heavy pollution or dusty conditions.

There are two types of filters that are offered for replacement, a single stage filter and a multi-stage filter.  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 recommended more often because of their higher quality.

Since this filter is a relatively new feature, not all vehicles have them.  If your car is a 2000 or newer, it probably has a cabin air filter.  Cars and trucks in the U.S. started using cabin air filters around 1995, so if you aren’t sure whether you have one or not, check your owner’s manual or talk to your repair technician.  Most repair technicians should be able to tell you whether or not your car has one.   The ease or difficulty of replacing the filter depends on the make and model of your vehicle.  There might be some models that would be a lot less trouble to have an auto repair technician replace it , rather than trying to replace the filter on your own.

Seasonal Car Care Tips – What Colorado Weather Does To Your Car

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Here at Denver Express Car Care, we believe that following a good maintenance schedule is the key to getting exceptional performance year round from your car.

By sticking with a seasonal maintenance schedule, it will ensure your car, truck or SUV runs smooth no matter what the extremes are here in Colorado. From cold winter mornings to hot summer afternoons, here are just a few tips that can help keep your car reliable year round.

Spring

The next time you stop by for an oil change, change out your air filter as well. People rarely think about a car’s air filter, but it can help protect those with allergies from airborne particles that make it into your car through the ventilation system. Dust, pollen and other contaminants are high this time of year – do everything you can to protect the one’s you love.

Spring means slushy snow falls and the beginning of rain. Are your wipers in top shape after the cold winter months?

Your heating system has been running all season; now you may be switching back and forth between air and heat as the Colorado days can fluctuate 30, 40, even 50 degrees or more within a 24 hour period. Are the liquids in you cooling system clear and topped up to full capacity? If its been a while since you’ve had your air conditioning system, now is the perfect time for a check up.

Summer

Summer means road trips. And as you’re traveling throughout Colorado and beyond, your tires will face many conditions, from slick wet roads, to some of the highest temperatures on earth. Do your tires have proper tread depth? Is the tire pressure at the recommended levels?

With more traveling means more risk. With your car filled up with family and friends, don’t take a chance by putting them at risk – check your brakes to make sure they are working properly. With a quick brake and fluid check, you’ll know your family will be safe in the coming months.

One of the top reasons motorists are stranded is because of a dead battery. Hot weather is harder on your car than the cold months. Come in for a battery test and we’ll check your battery posts and cables to ensure you’ll have no starting problems in the coming months.

Fall

Your radiator won’t last forever. Over time, it can break down and start corroding. Which leads to cooling problems and a radiator repair. A radiator flush is a quick and easy fix to avoid bigger problems down the road.

Seasonal Car Care Tips - What Colorado Weather Does To Your CarAre your headlights working? Every day brings darkness to us a bit earlier – and good working headlights will light your path and keep you safe. A simple headlight bulb may be the solution.

Belts and hoses won’t last forever. Now is the perfect time to check and ensure that they are not work or cracked, and the fittings are tight and in place.

Winter

When was the last time you topped off your car with antifreeze? This is an essential part of your car’s winter protection system.

Colorado winters can be brutal. Our norm is to have cold, wet periods followed by quick warming trends. All of which mean more melting on the roads, and more “stuff” on your windshield. Washer fluid is in great demand during these few months of the year. You do have an extra gallon or two in your garage, don’t you?

Check your spark plugs. A cracked plug wire will affect performance and gas mileage, and greatly decrease the reliabity of your car. Be sure your are in great shape.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks