Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Radiator Flushes

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During the winter months when there is a possibility the temperatures will drop below zero, and during the summer when the temperatures can be extremely hot, those are the times that radiator flushes are very important!  When you’re driving your vehicle in extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, it’s crucial that your heating and cooling system is working correctly.  Radiator flushes can help your vehicle perform to the best of its ability during extreme temperatures as well as all other times.

Today the engines in our vehicles are filled with a lot of parts that are made of aluminum.  Engine blocks, manifolds, water pumps, the heater and radiator are all made of aluminum.  In order to protect the aluminum in these fundamental parts from corrosion,  the anti-freeze in your engine needs to be fresh and clean.  Your anti-freeze should be checked during routine maintenance visits, but you should also have radiator flushes at least once a year, possibly twice a year, depending on the type of vehicle you drive and how you drive it.

Every time your car is driven, your radiator is using up a coolant (anti-freeze) and water mixture to help bring down the temperatures in your vehicles engine system.  The longer and the faster your car is driven the more stress is put on the engine, causing temperatures to go extremely high.  These high temperatures increase the potential for your vehicle to overheat.  One of the ways to avoid overheating your engine is to keep fresh coolant in the radiator.

Coolant, like the other fluids used in your vehicle, will become dirty and break down over time.  This is why radiator flushes are important, they flush and replace the old coolant mixture.  When the coolant breaks down, there is more stress placed on your radiator and your engine tends to run hotter than it should.  Dirt and deposits also build up and can reduce your vehicle’s performance.  Prolonged use of dirty coolant can result in costly damage to your radiator.  So if you haven’t had a radiator flush in the last year, take the time to get one and keep yourself and your car from overheating!

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

When To Change Your Car Battery

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One of the most essential parts of your car is the battery.  A car will not start without it!  Even though the car battery is important, sometimes its care and maintenance can get overlooked.  Since we are heading into the months of February and March, typically colder months for Colorado, and winter cold can zap the strength out of a battery, it’s crucial to know when to change your car battery!

When we initially turn the key to start the engine, the battery needs to work to start the car, and then continues to work to start the ignition system.  If your car battery is functioning properly, the initial electricity from the charging system of the car is adequate to keep it running, as well as power all the “extras” that we have in our cars.  Remember that your car battery also powers your MP3 players, GPS receivers, and DVD players, and for some of us, that can be very taxing on our batteries!

You may not always have noticeable signs of when you need to change your car battery, it may just die.  But if you notice a “clicking” sound when you try to start your car or if your headlights seem to be dim or dimmer than usual, that can be a warning that your battery might need to be changed.   Before you change your battery, have the battery cables tightened or tighten them yourself and have the cable terminals and posts cleaned, or clean them yourself, with a baking soda and water paste, this might help.  But since a battery doesn’t always give us a warning before it stops working, we suggest a few “checklist” tasks that can help you avoid having a dead battery.

  • Have the battery fluid checked.  Some batteries have removable filler caps and the heat evaporates the fluid more rapidly.  If this is the type of car battery you have you might want to consider replacing it with a newer, flush-top battery.
  • Have the battery case inspected.  It shouldn’t have any cracks or bulges or be leaking fluid.  If any of these are present, it should be changed immediately.
  • If your car battery is more than three years old, get it tested by a trained technician, they should be able to give you a good idea if you should change it or not.  The life of the average car battery is about 4 years, so keep that in mind also as you consider when you should change your car battery.

Come in and see us or give us a call at (303) 691-2760 for any of your Denver Auto Repair needs.

Power Steering Problems

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Are you having power steering problems with your car?  All vehicles with power steering only need a small amount of effort on our part to turn the wheel if everything is working properly.  Each power steering system is made up of the power steering pump, valves, gears and power steering fluid, that all work together to ensure that you can steer your car quickly and easily.  Power steering pumps can develop large leaks or begin to fail just from every day wear and tear and if left alone can cause serious power steering problems.  Also the power steering fluid can become dirty and starts to break down by the heat generated in the gears.  This can lead to increased wear in the pumps, valves and gears and eventually will lead to expensive repairs.   Here are a few signs to watch out for:

Sluggish or stiff steering.  Stiff steering in cold temperatures or when turning at slow speeds can be a sign of a power steering problem.

Squeals or squeaks–  A squealing sound when you’re turning, or driving slowly can be a sign of power steering problems.

Chattering in the steering system– A chattering or squeaking noise from under the hood when you first start your car can be a sign of power steering problems.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms recently, we recommend bringing your car in for a power steering system service.  This is a preventative service that is done to flush the power steering system and remove sludge and contaminants from the entire system, including the pump, rack and pinion, and lines.  Once the old fluid is flushed, new power steering fluid is added.  The new fluid performs in subzero temperatures and optimizes cold weather performance and reduces squealing and hard or inconsistent turning.  As I said before, this is a preventative service.  A preventative service only benefits us if we use it before there is serious damage done!  If you have had any of these symptoms for an extended length of time, it is very possible that your vehicle already has serious power steering problems.  So don’t wait any longer, give us a call at (303) 691-2760 or bring your car into the shop.

 

CV Joint Replacement

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Since front-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles are very popular here in Colorado, having the CV joints and boots checked should be a regular part of our car maintenance routine.  We need to make sure that we aren’t in need of a CV joint replacement.

Torn CV Boot

Front-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles work by transferring the power from the transmission to the wheels through a drive axle assembly.  These drive axles have constant-velocity (CV) joints at each end.  A CV joint is a group of bearings and cages that allow the axle to rotate and deliver power at different angles so that the axle can change its length as it moves up and down.  The CV joints are protected by rubber boots that keep dirt and contaminants out and a protective layer of lubricant inside.  These rubber boots can crack or tear over time and torn CV boots and worn CV joints or axles can cause damage to your transmission as well as other components.  If moisture and dirt get inside a CV joint and the lubricant leaks out, the potential for a complete CV joint failure is greatly increased.  If a failure occurs, than it will be necessary to have an entire CV joint replacement.

The signs of a possible CV joint replacement are a clicking or crackling sound while turning, or a clunking sound during accelerating or sudden deceleration.  You might also notice some front-end vibrations.

CV joint replacement can be a costly service, so if you haven’t noticed anything unusual, you should still have the CV joints checked routinely to stay ahead of the repairs.  But if you think that your vehicle is showing any of these signs,  come in and see us or give us a call  at (303) 691-2760 before the damage becomes more costly.

 

 

Car Engine Cleaning

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I recently purchased a classic car.  What can I do to make sure the engine will last longer?  I just bought a used car and I don’t know if the previous owner kept up with regular oil changes.  How can I make sure my car engine is clean?  These are just a couple of the reasons why someone would be interested in having a car engine cleaning service.

Over time, your engine can develop sludge, which leads to reduced horsepower and performance, and ultimately a shorter engine life.

Infrequent oil changes, combined with stop and go driving can cause a sludge to form inside the car engine and on its parts.  A formation of sludge can lead to problems such as reduced oil circulation, restricted oil passages.  It can also cause sticky valves, lifters and piston rings.  These symptoms can also occur just by having a car that has a lot of miles on the engine, 75,000 or more.

When anyone comes into our shop and has noticed any of these symptoms going on with their car, we will usually recommend an engine cleaning service.  An engine cleaning service uses pressure to eliminate virtually all of the old motor oil in your engine-rather than relying completely on gravity to drain the oil.  A skilled technician will remove the old oil filter and attach the engine oil system cleaning equipment to your car.  This equipment will circulate the existing motor oil and the engine cleaner through a filter and remove the sludge and contaminants from your car engine.  After all the contaminants have been removed, then our technician will install a new oil filter and refill it with fresh motor oil.

After you’ve had a car engine cleaning service, maintaining regular oil changes at recommended intervals will help you keep your car engine clean.

Come in and see us or give us a call at (303) 691-2760 for all of your auto repair needs.

 

 

Suspension Problems In Denver?

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Suspension Problems In Denver?Suspension systems should continue to operate effectively for many years and tens of thousands of miles, holding your tires footprint on the road.  Eventually components do wear out, but how long that takes depends a lot on how you drive.

As you can imagine, if most of your driving is done on smooth Colorado highways, your vehicles shock absorbers will last a lot longer than if you do most of your driving on bumpy Denver roads or hauling heavy loads.  In addition to just wearing out, upgraded shock suspension components can be damaged in an accident or by a hard impact – like a pothole, hitting a curb or rock in the road.

Because the life span of the suspension system can vary so widely, your vehicle manufacturer recommends periodic inspections.  During a car inspection at Express Car Care, your Denver service technician will check for worn, broken or missing suspension parts.  If the inspection reveals any problems, don’t neglect to take care of this important safety and handling work.   When you replace your shocks, it’s usually a good idea to replace all four at the same time.  This will give you even handling at all four corners of the vehicle.

If you have special road handling needs like improved cornering or towing or hauling requirements in Denver, your Express Car Care adviser can recommend an upgraded shock or strut to help with your specific needs.

At Express Car Care, we have been providing quality auto repair in Denver for over 10 years.  Ask the manager, Rob, about transmission service and windshield wipers.

For all your auto repair needs come in and see us or give us a call @ 303-691-2760

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

Automatic Transmission Flush

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Since we live in Colorado, a state known for its various outdoor activities.  Many of us use our vehicles for mountain driving or towing a trailer.  These extreme driving conditions will make an automatic transmission work even harder than usual.   It’s important to schedule an automatic transmission flush as a part of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Your automatic transmission creates an enormous amount  of heat  because of all the friction created  within  its parts.  Every time your transmission shifts up and down and with every start and stop, it is generating more and more heat.  In today’s transmissions, there are a number of electronic components necessary in order to keep the transmission operating properly.  Transmission fluid is also needed to reduce the heat that is produced by these components when the vehicle is running.  Low levels or dirty transmission fluid can clog the components and the tight spaces in its interior.  It doesn’t take the automatic transmission fluid long to heat up even under normal driving conditions, so towing a trailer, mountain driving, stop and go city driving, or trying to get your car out of a snowbank, will make your transmission work even harder.  This causes the fluid to overheat, break down and oxidize.  Transmission fluid that is oxidized turns brown and can smell like burnt toast.  Excessive heat will destroy the transmission fluids ability to lubricate or reduce friction and will ultimately cause damage to components.  This is the main reason why car manufacturers and auto repair shops recommend an automatic transmission flush every 30,000 miles–more often if you use your vehicle for frequent towing.

If we can help you with a transmission flush or any other automotive service, please come by or call us at (303)691-2760

 

Car Heater Not Working?

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Is your car heater not working?  Now is not the time to have problems with a car heater that blows out cold air!  The temperatures are getting colder and should continue to get colder, since the winter weather has only just began.  So it is very important that we take the necessary steps to prevent our car heater from not working or have it repaired if it’s not working.

The car heater uses excess heat from the engine and transfers that heat into the passenger compartment through the heater core.   Some of the heat created by the engine escapes through exhaust, but most of the heat is circulating a mixture of water and coolant.  The coolant or anti-freeze, heats up and flows through the radiator hoses and the heater core,  as the fan blows air through the heater core.  As the air blows through the heater core, it is warmed and warms up the passenger compartment.  If your coolant is low or dirty, it makes it extremely difficult for it to flow through the heater core.  Coolant, like other fluids used in your car, breaks down over time.  So it is important to replace or flush your coolant mixture.  You should have your coolant checked during routine maintenance visits, but it’s also recommended to have a radiator flush done at least once a year.  If your coolant is dirty, it can create a blockage in the heater core.  If there is a blockage in the heater core, the car heater will not work.

If you have had your coolant checked as well as had the heater core checked to make sure it isn’t blocked, and your car heater still is not working, than it might be a more serious problem.  We don’t want anyone to have to spend too much time in a car with no heat, so come in and see us or give us a call at (303)691-2760

Car Winterizing

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Well, here it is, the snow has finally arrived!  It seems like it has taken its time this year, especially for anybody that enjoys participating in winter sports.  And since the snow has come, it brings with it the task of car winterizing.  Even though you’ve probably heard it all before, it is a task you don’t want to ignore.  Modern technology has simplified car winterizing so it isn’t as difficult as it once was, so there is no excuse for not getting it done.

Take your car in and have it serviced.  The oil in your engine needs to be changed on a regular basis in order to keep your car running smoothly, so if you haven’t had an oil change recently, now is the time.

Car winterizing also involves your cooling system.  Now is a good time to have it flushed out.  Your car’s cooling system not only keeps the engine from overheating in the summer but also from freezing in the winter.  It’s very important to flush the system and have the old coolant replaced with fresh coolant.

Your battery cables, terminals and fluid should be thoroughly inspected for damage or wear.  It also should be checked to make sure it is able to hold a charge in the colder weather.  If your battery is more than four years old, you should seriously consider replacing it as a part of the car winterizing process.

Replacing your windshield wiper blades with snow blades and making sure you have enough windshield washer fluid ( not plain water) in the windshield washer reservoir is also important.

Checking your tires to make sure they are in good condition for the winter weather should be part of your checklist.  You may want to consider using snow tires during the winter months.  They do a much better job than an all-weather tire in the snow.

One of the most important tasks of car winterizing is having your brakes checked!  There isn’t anything more frightening than not being able to stop in the snow when you push on the brake!  If your brakes haven’t been checked out in the last six months, now is a perfect time to have them checked.

Well, that covers the most important tasks in car winterizing, but there are a few smaller details you might want to include, like an emergency kit for your car that includes a blanket, gloves, ice scraper, a small shovel, flashlight and sand or kitty litter, (for traction).  And check the lights, heater and defroster to make sure they are all working properly.  Also keep your gas tank as full as possible to prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines.

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

Automotive Brakes

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One of the questions we hear in our shop is “how often do I need to change my automotive brakes?”  If you are asking the same question, here are a few things to consider.

It is very important to determine the condition of your brake pads.  Brake pads typically come with a warranty, sometimes a lifetime warranty, but more commonly, it will be a warranty based on mileage, such as a 10,000 mile warranty.  A lifetime warranty isn’t meant to last a car’s lifetime.  Automotive part manufacturers use this terminology because brake pads do last a long time, but most car owners will trade in a car and purchase a new one long before their brake pads need to be replaced.  Regardless of how you say it, it’s important to listen to your car instead.  When you apply the brakes, you can hear the sounds of a worn brake pad.  If you hear a grinding noise or a squeak, it is time to replace the brake pads, regardless of the mileage.

The condition of the brake rotors also needs to be determined.  Automotive brake rotors, or brake discs, are what your vehicle’s brake pads clamp down on and stop the wheels from spinning.  Similar to brake pads, there are different types of rotors.  The type of rotor used depends on your car and your driving needs.

Unlike brake pads, rotors do not need to be changed on a regular basis, and should last indefinitely,  if you provide regular maintenance routines on your automobile.  Rotors will be damaged if you allow your brake pads to wear down and drive without the use of pads for an extended period of time.  The grinding noise you begin to hear from the brake pads is a sign that the screws in the base of the brake pads are grinding into the groove of your rotor.  The longer you allow it to continue to grind, the greater your chance of having to replace your rotors.

If you want to keep your automotive brakes in top condition, have them checked and replaced on a regular basis.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Car.  Come in and see us or give us a call at (303) 691-2760.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks