Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Replacing Your Timing Belt

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Some parts of your vehicle are easy for you to see and there isn’t any problem deciding if they need replacing.  You can glance at your washer fluid tank and tell if its low and needs to be refilled, it isn’t difficult to tell if your headlight isn’t working or if the tread on your tires is wearing down and you need new tires.  But there are some parts on a vehicle that are more difficult to see and need to be maintained on a regular basis so that they don’t break or stop working unexpectedly.

Replacing your timing belt is one of these parts.  Your timing belt usually gives you no indication of wear or that it is about to fail- it simply snaps when you’re driving and leaves you stranded.  This can be a major inconvenience and cost quite a bit of cash, if you have to have the car towed to an auto repair shop.   So how can this be avoided?  Regular maintenance checks.

The timing belt is a ribbed band of rubber,  reinforced with strands of fiberglass, which controls the timing of your engine’s camshafts.   The camshaft is the shaft that opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves.  These valves let in the air that creates the combustion and also vents the exhaust that is created by the combustion.   The timing belt connects the crankshaft with the camshaft and is the only part that keeps them in sync with one another.  If the timing belt breaks, the car has no other option than to shut down. Replacing your timing belt at the proper time can save yourself a lot of problems.  Most vehicles recommend replacing the timing belt between 60,000 to 75,000 miles, but it’s a good idea to check the recommendations made specifically for your car by its manufacturer.

If you discover it’s about time you replaced your timing belt, click here for a special coupon and come in and see us.

How a Do It Yourself Auto Repair can Backfire

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It is common for car owners to find ways to cut corners on expenses. The price of gas and repairs can be enough to put financial stress on anyone.

Many car owners are trying to find ways to do their own repairs in order to save money. It seems easy enough after all. How hard could it be to change the oil, or install a new belt.

While it could save you money initially, depending on the type of repair, if it does not go right, it could cost you more money in the long run.

In years past, it was much easier to repair cars than it is today. Auto manufacturers have taken advantage of the technological advances available, making parts today very advanced and requiring special knowledge and tools for repair. The repair techniques that used to work in the past no longer work on today’s vehicles. Even oil changes have become more sophisticated, requiring the expertise of an experienced mechanic. [Read more…]

Engine Tune-up

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I’m finding it hard to except that summer is almost over and it’s time to get back into a “normal” routine!  It is only a week away from Labor Day and that, for the majority of us,  signals the official end of summer.  This seems to be the time of the year that we try to collect ourselves, get our head back in the game and make a mental or physical list of the things that need to be accomplished before we can finally ” settle in” to our every day lives.  One of the first things I have put on my list is an engine tune-up!  Maybe that’s because I run an auto repair shop, but I’d  like to think that it’s because I realize the value of my engine and I want to keep it in peak condition.  The best way, I believe, to do that is by having regular oil changes and service checks and by having an engine tune-up performed on my vehicle at least once a year.

Although engine “tune-up” is considered by some an outdated term, we still know and understand what it means.   Our engines need to be inspected carefully and checked out to make sure they are running properly.  Most of today’s  cars  are equipped with an electronic ignition and at least one, on-board computer that automatically adjusts the fuel mixture, ignition timing and the idle speed.  All of these components need a thorough inspection to make sure they are working correctly.  This is the best way to maintain peak engine performance or to restore the engine to its original operating efficiency.

During a tune-up, your engine goes through a process of inspecting, diagnosing and testing.  As well as having parts adjusted or replaced depending on whatever is necessary.  A tune-up also includes removing and checking the spark plugs, cleaning or replacing them and installing them in the engine.  The car’s distributor cap and rotors are checked for wear and cracks.  If there are any cracks, moisture is allowed to seep in and can cause corrosion of the metal, which can cause the car to misfire.  It’s important that these parts are replaced at regular intervals or if they show excessive wear.  The idle speed will also be set to your vehicle’s specifications.  Each of these procedures are included in an engine tune-up, but now would be the perfect time to have the other systems in your car checked out as well, such as brakes, clutch, fuel lines, belts and hoses.  That would make your ” To-do” list a little bit shorter!

Come in and see us or give us a call at 303-691-2760 and let us help you take care of your car.

 

Auto Maintenance Tips

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We all know the better you take care of something, the longer it tends to last.  When it comes to a pricey investment like your car, there is no exception.  If you want to keep you car on the road, purring mile after mile, here are a few things you should make a habit of checking.

Tires – Tire manufacturers have a suggested PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) for the optimal life and use of your tires.  Driving on tires over or under inflated can cause them to wear improperly and require more frequent replacement.

Oil – If your car isn’t purring, when was the last time you gave it something to purr about?  Maximum engine efficiency calls for changing the oil every 3,000 miles or three months.

Coolant – Just as the car needs oil to keep it properly lubricated, it needs coolant to keep it from overheating.  You should replace the coolant every 30,000 miles (approximately every two to three years).  Keep an eye on the coolant level, since your car may need a top off before it needs a flush.
[Read more…]

Auto Repair Starts At The Bottom With Your Tires

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When you use something every day, its easy to take it for granted.

That is the life of your car. Whether inside your garage or outside your door, you never give it a thought as you run out to head to an appointment.

Yet like everything else in your life, your auto’s condition is dependent upon how well you maintain it throughout the year. A little TLC along the way will ensure its in top shape every time you need it.

Repairs can take place under the hood – but they also take place on other parts of your car. The tires of your auto are essential to the operation of your vehicle. Without good tires, no matter how well your car runs, you cannot get from place to place. It is essential to your safety and the safety of others that you make sure your tires are in good shape for driving. [Read more…]

Rotating Tires

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If you are interested in getting the maximum life from your tires, whether you do the job yourself or have it done by an auto repair shop, rotating your tires regularly is very important.  Rotating tires evens out the way the tires wear and when it is done properly can extend the life of your tires, as well as improve the way the car handles sudden stops and turns. 

The best indication that it’s time for rotating your tires is when you notice an uneven tread wear.  When you look closely at your tires, is there more wear showing on the inside or outside of one tire more than another?  Uneven tread wear is unavoidable since the weight of a car isn’t distributed evenly to all four corners.  Most engines are in the front and because the engine is the heaviest thing in the car, the front tires carry more weight.  This means that the front tires will wear quicker than the rear. This is the reason it’s necessary to rotate the tires, front-to -rear several times during the life of your tires, to equalize tread wear and maximize their life.   This is what we mean when we recommend “rotating tires”. Tires will develop wear patterns as they age.  Some of these patterns are caused by the suspension system and the alignment of each car, this is why the tires are kept on the same side of the car when they are rotated.  By rotating the tires,  moving each tire to a different corner of the car, then each tire wears more evenly and the life of the tires is extended.  Other indications of a needed tire rotation are:  noticing trouble handling your car when you are braking, or if your tire traction isn’t good in slippery or wet road conditions.  These are all signs you should be aware of and not ignore.

The general rule for how often to rotate tires is every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, but your vehicle’s manufacturer manual will also have their recommended times.  If you are in the habit of changing your oil every 3,000 miles, you can also pair the tire rotation with your oil changes and rotate the tires every other oil change.  You can also maintain a log or spreadsheet to help you keep track of when you perform tire rotations, this will help you stay up to date and keep your car running smoothly.  If you store the log in your glove compartment, you’ll have a handy reference with you.

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

8 Tips For Finding a Great Auto Repair Center

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When your car is in need of repair, it can be tough to find a repair center. You want one that is affordable, yet will provide quality service. With so many repair centers available, it can be hard to figure out which ones are actually worthwhile – and which ones should be avoided at all costs. The following tips will help you find a great auto repair center:

1.    Find an auto repair center in your community. If they are in your community, they will be more focused on their reputation, as word spreads fast. Don’t be afraid to go in and talk with the sales team and/or mechanics before you need repair. Start with something small to begin to build a relationship.

2.    Make sure your chosen auto tech is trained to service your vehicle. Try to choose one that is A.S.E. certified – this means that he or she is certified for Automotive Service Excellence.

3.    When you go in for service, have all of your maintenance and repair records handy. You want your new auto tech to know exactly what work has been performed on your car, as well as your maintenance history. [Read more…]

The History Of The Car Computer

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If you own a car, chances are it is run and operated by a computer.

Cars of today are not the same as cars of previous generations. Technology has come so far and it has not missed the automobile industry. Car computers make many of today’s vehicles safer, faster and easier. If you have ever wondered about the computer in your car, you might be interested in its history. Car computers have come a long way since they first came into use in the ’80s.

Auto manufacturers began to experiment with car computers during the ’70s. At this time, the government began creating mandates related to a car’s emissions. It became clear that better control over the fueling system was needed. Efficiency began to take precedence over power and “muscle”.

Gas shortages led manufacturers to dabble with circuit boards that controlled timing and spark. In the early ’80s, they began trying a computer-controlled carburetor – but success was minimal. Manufacturers determined the answer was in fuel injection and that is the area they began to focus on.

During the ’90s, car computers were delegated more responsibilities beyond timing and fuel mixtures. They started to take over most of the electrical systems of a car, such as the climate control, the brakes and the dashboard gauges.

Today, car computers handle a huge assortment of systems within your car. Car computers not only handle many of your motor’s operations, they also take care of advanced climate control (remember how your car monitors the temperature of the cabin and adjusts the air flow accordingly), entertainment and communication devices, and navigation systems.

The average car computer has more power than an ’80s desktop computer – and the future is only looking brighter for these technological wonders.

Auto Repair – Chain or Independent?

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Owning an automobile is a responsibility. You have to maintain your vehicle to keep it in the best condition. You want to ensure that each time you drive your car, it gets you from point A to point B without trouble.

Neglect the maintenance on your car and it is more likely to break down. Even with the utmost care, a vehicle is still going to run into some sort of mechanical problem at some point during ownership. When you have to seek repairs, you have an important decision to make – a chain or an independent auto repair shop.

Taking a closer look at chain repair shops reveals advantages and disadvantages. Chain repair shops often offer special deals and values, such as value-priced oil changes. While you can get a good deal on these initial repairs, others might cost you more than you planned on. They bring you in with the low price deals on basic repairs, only to raise the prices on more detailed or complicated repairs. [Read more…]

Auto Care Tips For Hot Weather Driving

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Summer is here full-force and with it are the rising temperatures. Summer brings heat waves and record-breaking temperatures. The heat can be quite hard on the human body. Of course, you take care of yourself by staying hydrated and cool. But what about your car?

The one thing you may not take such good care of is your car. Hot weather driving can have an effect on your car and on how well it operates. The following tips will help you take care of your car in the sweltering months of summer.

Pay attention to your battery. The heat of summer can cause the acid and fluid inside a car battery to expand. This expansion can lead to leakage – and that leads to a battery that no longer works. Have your battery tested to ensure that it is charging properly and if it is more than a few years old, have it replaced.

Check your tire pressure. Heat will make your tire pressure rise. If you have worn tires, this expansion can lead to a blow-out. Have the pressure inside your tires checked. If your tires are worn, consider having them replaced.

Have your cooling system inspected. The last thing you want to experience is an overheated car – this can leave you stranded on the side of the road in the heat. Have your hoses and belts inspected for wear and tear. Heat can cause them to stretch and even break. Make sure your coolant is also at an appropriate level.

Have your car’s air conditioning system inspected. Make sure it is working properly to avoid putting additional strain on your car’s cooling system. You will be using your air conditioner a lot more during the summer, so it is essential that it work right – not only for your car, but also for your physical comfort.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks