Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Auto Repair Estimate

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There are a number of different ways that you might end up taking your car to the mechanic.  It might be that subtle clanking noise suddenly turns into an aggressive roar.  Or perhaps that dripping you always thought was just condensation from the air conditioner has now taken on a distinctive rainbow glow.  Whatever the reason might be, heading to an unfamiliar mechanic can be a stressful experience, especially for you wallet.

The purpose of an auto repair estimate is to inform both the mechanic and the owner of the car about the kind of work needed to repair it,  either repairs after an accident or just repairs that come with everyday wear and tear.  There are several kinds of auto repair estimates available.  Some websites offer repair estimates online.  The sites take into account the year, make and model of the car as well as the extent of the damage.

An online estimate, however, should not be used as a replacement for an auto repair estimate from a qualified mechanic.  When you bring your car to a repair shop, you should expect that a reputable mechanic will provide you with a detailed estimate that includes the cost of parts, the cost of labor and a time-line for the job.  Some mechanics may try to convince you that they cannot provide an estimate until they are part way through the job and can examine the full extent of the damage, but a reputable mechanic will be able to provide you with an outline of the expected repairs before extensive work is done on the vehicle.

A written repair estimate protects both the mechanic and the customer from potential problems.  When you sign off on an estimate, you are agreeing to pay reasonably within the figure you’ve been quoted.  If a mechanic performs the repairs included in the estimate and charges you around the same amount as the estimate, you cannot insist that you didn’t know how much the repairs would cost as a means of avoiding payment.

Likewise, mechanics are held to the amounts listed in their estimate.  States issue their own guidelines for adhering to estimates, but a standard rule is that a mechanic cannot perform repairs that would result in more than a twenty percent increase in cost without your consent.  That means that if a mechanic quotes you $400 for a repair, he cannot perform any work that would end up costing you more than $500 unless they specifically get your consent to do so.

If you are looking for a mechanic and they avoid offering you a written estimate for repairs, you need to move on.  Reputable mechanics understand the value of a written estimate and should incorporate them into their regular business practices.

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

Power Steering Flush

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Have you ever had a dream where you’re racing down the highway with the wind in your face and then all of a sudden it becomes a nightmare, and you lose your ability to steer your car?  I have, and I decided at that moment, I never wanted to have that experience in my real life!

The power steering system is one of the most critical parts of your vehicle.  Rack and pinion steering is the most common type of steering found in cars and minivans, but you can also find it on some SUVs and trucks.  To put it simply, rack and pinions are a pair of gears that work together to steer the vehicle.  In order to operate smoothly, the gears need hydraulic fluid, which is also called power steering fluid, to transmit power to your vehicles power steering system.  If the power steering fluid is dirty and isn’t flushed, there is an increased risk of damage to the entire power steering system.  A power steering flush is simply draining out your car’s old power steering fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.  The function of the fluid is to transmit hydraulic pressure so you can steer your car easily in every driving situation no matter the temperature, from frigid cold to scorching heat.  Power steering fluid also lubricates the pump, controls the valves, and ensures a quiet operating system.

Over a period of time, the internal power steering components, as well as the seals and O-rings are subjected to wear and tear and they will begin to wear out.  When this happens the power steering fluid gets contaminated with broken down debris.  This forces the power steering pump to work harder.  Now the power steering pump has to pump the debris as well as the fluid and it eventually breaks down.  We have noticed that the 1996-1999 Toyota 4-Runners and Toyota Tacomas seem to be more prone to leaks if their systems aren’t flushed routinely.  If you own one of these vehicles you might want to have the power steering fluid checked to make sure you don’t need a power steering flush.  The fluid should appear either an amber or pink in color when it is fresh.  It is time for a change when the color appears significantly darker than when it was fresh.  Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your particular vehicle.  If they aren’t available, a good rule of thumb is to change the power steering fluid as often as you change your engine coolant {anti-freeze}.  Since the fluid is the least expensive part of your power steering system and flushing it can help prolong the life of the more expensive parts of the system, a power steering flush is something that should be seriously considered.

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

Love Cars?

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What do you think?  Do you love cars?  You might think that someone who spends nine hours a day, six days a week with cars would get really tired of them.  But surprisingly, the opposite is true.  I love cars!  I love cars and trucks of all shapes and sizes.   I love to listen to the roar of the engine when I turn the key in the ignition.  I enjoy watching the wheels on my car spin and shine as I drive past a wall of glass or mirrors.   And seeing a sleek, shiny car hurling toward me on the highway makes me grin.   I love to sit at a stoplight with the knowledge that if I wanted to show off, my car has the power to beat the car next to me off the line every single time!

I also enjoy repairing cars.   Figuring out why a car is running poorly and then repairing it gives me a huge sense of satisfaction!  Working on and repairing cars  can be like solving a very difficult puzzle.  And I like puzzles!

If you love cars like I do and have some extra time, than you might want to check out the Denver Auto Show that is taking place this week.  The Denver Convention Center will be filled with cars and the people who love them!  So if you just enjoy looking at cars or if you’re in the market for a new car and would like to see what’s available, consider taking some time and join them!

If you love looking at cars, but not repairing them, and you need to have your car repaired,then come in and see us or give us a call at (303) 691-2760.

Fuel Octane

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At this time in our nation, when fuel prices are increasing at an alarming rate, we can save money at the pump if we understand fuel octane and how it affects our vehicles.

Modern engines use fuel  injectors run by computers to accurately control their air/fuel mix.  In order to get an accurate air/fuel mix in the fuel injectors and computers, the proper fuel must be used for that engine.  The difference in the name and price of the fuel is based on the gasoline’s “octane”.  In order to determine a fuel octane rating, the fuel is subjected to two testing methods, the motor method and the research method.  The motor method runs the gas in an engine running under load, and the research method runs the gas in a free-running engine.  The fuel octane rating is the average of those two tests.

The fuel octane rating tells you how much the fuel can be compressed before it spontaneously ignites.  In internal combustion engines, the compressed fuel-air mixtures have a tendency to ignite prematurely rather than burn smoothly, and when gas ignites by compression rather than because of the spark from the spark plug, it creates engine knock, a rattling or pinging sound in one or more cylinders.   The fuel octane rating is a measure of a fuel’s resistance to engine knock.

Regular fuel has a an octane rating of at least 87.  The octane rating of  “mid-grade”  gasoline ranges from 88-90.  “Premium”  fuel octane can vary depending on the state where it is purchased but is usually higher than 90 in most states.

Most vehicles today are designed to run on Regular 87 octane fuel, but it’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual for the correct fuel octane rating recommended for your vehicle.  Some people have the mistaken idea that if you use a higher octane fuel in your car, you’ll increase the engine’s power or get better mileage.  High octane fuel doesn’t do a better job than regular octane gas in preventing engine deposits from forming, or removing them, or in cleaning the engine.  If your vehicle is designed to run on 87 octane, a higher octane fuel won’t improve mileage or increase its power.  If your engine runs well and doesn’t knock or ping on low octane fuel, than you don’t need to spend more money on a higher octane.  Don’t pay a premium price for something that you don’t need.

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

Oil Pressure Warning

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Today’s vehicles are equipped with several gauges and lights on the dashboard that are suppose to help us determine if our cars are working properly.  There is a fuel gauge, a check engine light, and an oil pressure warning light.  It is very important to pay careful attention to the oil pressure warning.

The oil pressure warning light in your vehicle is the warning system that alerts you to low oil pressure.  A low oil level can cause the oil pressure warning light to appear, so always check your oil level first to see if the oil level is correct.   If you’ve checked the oil level and it seems to be fine and the warning remains on, there might be a more serious problem.

Sometimes when your vehicles engine comes to a stop, or drops to an idle, the oil pump, which is powered by your engine, slows down too much and is not pumping enough oil to keep the oil pressure up.  If the oil pump is wearing out or isn’t working correctly your oil pressure warning system will engage.

Low oil pressure may also be caused by debris that gets sucked up into the oil pump.  The oil pump is the only engine component that is continually lubed with unfiltered oil.  The oil doesn’t pass through a filter until after it leaves the pump, so any abrasive debris can pass through the pump before it is trapped by the filter.  This debris can restrict the flow of oil and reduce oil pressure.

A plugged oil filter can be another cause of low oil pressure.  When the oil leaves the pump, it passes through the filter before going on to the bearings.  All filters create a certain amount of resistance to oil flow, but if the filter becomes too clogged with debris, oil flow will be blocked and cause damage to your engine.

The oil pressure warning system may also be activated if the engine is leaking oil from its gaskets or seals.  These are  a few things that can cause an oil pressure warning.  Some are simple or minor repairs if they are caught and dealt with early, but they can become more serious and cause extreme damage to your engine if they are ignored.  So have a trusted mechanic or auto repair technician check it out right away.

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

 

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

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One of the most commonly asked question among drivers is, “Why is my check engine light on”?  Although this is a simple question to ask, it’s not always as simple to answer.

All of our vehicles are equipped with a computerized engine management system (ECM) and the check engine light is a part of this system.  The ECM alerts us to possible problems inside the engine or inside the transmission that have an impact on the emissions system.  Check engine lights may be a graphic of an engine or a similar icon.  It can also be words, “check engine” or “service engine”.  Some vehicles use a yellow check engine light as a caution light that tells you to have your vehicle checked soon and a red check engine light that means your vehicle needs immediate attention.  Every car’s display is different, so it’s a good idea to make yourself familiar with how your particular make and model of vehicle works.  The check engine light is usually amber or red in color and has two stages, a steady light or a flashing light.  A steady check engine light signals minor problems, while a flashing check engine light usually means there is a serious problem in the ECM.

The cause of why your check engine light is on depends on your particular issue, but here are some general malfunctions that cause the check engine light to come on.

  • A misfire in your engine.  A misfire can cause catalytic converter damage if it’s not resolved quickly.  The catalytic convertor works to reduce exhaust gases.  It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds.  Replacing a catalytic converter can be costly, so have the engine checked as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.
  • A failure in the emission control system.  The emission control system contains many active sensors that work to reduce the amount of pollution released into the air.  One of those sensors is an oxygen sensor that reads the air and fuel mixture.  If that mixture is out of the acceptable range or if you have  a faulty sensor, it won’t provide the correct data to the computer and the check engine light will go on.
  • Brittle, cracked or worn spark plugs.  Worn spark plug wires can lead to an electric misfire inside the engine.  If the wires are worn out, they should be changed as soon as possible.
  • A loose gas cap.  When it’s loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw off the whole fuel system.  Sometimes when the cap is put on incorrectly the check engine light will come on.  If the light stays on for more than a day or two, have your mechanic run an on-board diagnostic to see if there is a code in the system indicating a more serious problem.

Check engine lights help you and your mechanic to keep your car running smoothly.  So the next time your check engine light goes on, don’t ignore it.  Come in and see us or call (303) 691-2760 and let us help.

 

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.

 

 

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Transmision Service

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