Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Best Tires For Snow

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Well, here it is, the first snow of the season, and it certainly won’t be the last!  Since we live in a state where the winters are very unpredictable, sometimes we have a lot of snow and other times, not so much.  We need to make a smart decision about which are the best tires for us.  All-season tires or snow tires, which do we choose?

Driving in the snow can be the biggest challenge that a driver will ever face.  If our vehicles aren’t equipped with the best tires for snow, we could be in real trouble.  We are driving with less daylight and colder temperatures, as well as in snow, slush, and ice.

Most tire experts, including Tire Rack, say that only dedicated snow tires will actually improve your vehicle’s grip in winter conditions.  All-seasons tires are intended to provide traction in a wide variety of weather conditions but have fallen short in their performances during tests on ice and snow.  An inexpensive snow tire has proven to perform better in ice and snow tests than an all-season tire.

Many of today’s vehicles are also equipped with anti-lock brake, traction control and stability systems that help them get more from their tire’s potential.  But none of these aids actually causes traction, traction is provided by the tires, and snow tires provided better traction than all-season tires.  Although the all-season tire performed well, in driving situations with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles the snow tires had a distinct advantage.  The results were especially striking during braking and cornering.  Snow tires improved performance by as much as 20%.

Narrow snow tires are better for driving on ice and in the snow.  They are better at cutting a path through the snow and slush.  It is always best to use the tire size that has been specified for your vehicle.  This information can be found in your owner’s manual or on the sidewalls of the tires that are already on your vehicle.

Once you have decided the best tires for you, make sure you buy four tires.  It was once a common practice to install just a pair of snow tires in the rear of a vehicle, this isn’t recommended now because of all the advanced technology that has gone into the new designs of snow tires.   Putting snow tires only on the rear tires can cause unpredictable handling and could be dangerous.  So don’t scrimp when it comes to your safety!

 

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

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During these times when we are dealing with the economic crunch as well as concerns over the environment, the answer to a common question has even more significance.  Synthetic vs. conventional oil, which is better?

Conventional oil comes from crude oil that is pumped out of the ground.  The crude oil is refined at an oil refinery and becomes the base stock for conventional oil.  Even though it goes through a refining process, conventional oil still contains small amounts of contaminants that can’t be removed.  Unlike conventional oil, synthetic oils are made through chemical reactions.  Even though they are considered “artificial”, synthetic oils still have the same natural ingredients found in “real” oil, but these ingredients are recombined like a Lego set to create the characteristics desired.  These oils are purer and cleaner, custom designed to provide the “ideal” lubrication. Typically, the best synthetic oils use a combination of up to three different synthetic base fluids.

Because of the higher purity properties of synthetic oil, it can stand up to heat and withstand colder temperatures much better than conventional oil.  This is a huge advantage when you first start your car in the cold weather.

Both synthetic and conventional oil have additives to help prevent sludge and deposit build-up, but synthetic oil also has performance additives that provide superior protection for the life of your engine and in extreme driving conditions such as extremely cold or hot temperatures.

Synthetic oil flows easier in colder weather, so if you live in an area where it gets really cold in the winter, synthetic might be the better choice for you.

Because synthetic oil doesn’t break down as readily as conventional oil, there will be longer intervals between oil changes.  Synthetics can last almost three times longer than conventional oil, but still not forever,  as some people may think.  Eventually the additives in the synthetic will break down just like in the conventional oil and it will need to be changed.

The higher cost of synthetic oil has been a major deterrent for some people, but the fact that they extend drain intervals, provide better fuel economy and reduce engine wear, can offset the cost and make them more economical than you might think.

Take a look at your vehicle’s owner’s manual and see what the recommendations are and then come in and see us or give us a call at (303) 691-2760

Air Filters In Cars

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Have you ever gone running during a dust storm?  Most of us know better than to try to run while there is dirt in the air that we can breathe into our lungs.  And just as sucking dirt into your lungs can ruin your ability to run or force you to stop running, if your car’s air filter gets clogged and dirty it will cause your engine to  “lose its breath,” and ruin its ability to run as well.

Cars need about 9,000 gallons of air for every gallon of gas in order to run properly.  Since most of the air surrounding a car comes from the dirty, dusty roads we drive on, we are most certainly  guaranteed that dust particles will be sucked into the engine and cause costly problems, especially if we don’t have air filters in our cars.

Air filters in cars today are manufactured using high-tech cloth or paper and typically trap up to 98 percent of particulate matter.  But even high- quality air filters in cars will eventually become clogged by all the dirt and dust that is trapped, this clogging  drastically cuts down on needed air flow.  When your engine isn’t allowed to ” breathe”  it is robbed of its necessary horsepower as well as fuel economy.  With gasoline prices as high as they are and since they seem to be on the rise, it’s important to have a clean air filter so that you aren’t burning up costly gasoline unnecessarily.  We usually recommend that the air filters in cars be replaced at least once a year for the average driver.  But if you and your car spend a lot of time on the road, the air filter may need to be replaced more often.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs come into Express Car Care or call us at (303) 691-2760

Car Maintenance Checklist

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It’s hard to believe that summer has passed, it’s now September, the leaves are changing and it’s time to get our car ready for the changing weather!  This is the perfect time of year to go over your car maintenance checklist and make sure that your car is prepared for the coming winter.

  1. If you haven’t had the oil in the engine of your car changed recently, now is the time to have it serviced.  Regular oil changes are very important in your car maintenance.  Having clean oil in the engine helps to keep your car running smoothly.
  2. Battery Service–  The cables and terminals on your car battery should be thoroughly inspected for wear or damage.  The battery fluid should also be checked along with the batteries ability to hold a charge.  Colder weather can really deplete the battery.  If you’ve had the same battery for 4 years or more, you might want to think seriously about having it replaced.
  3. Check Tires– Your tires should be checked to make sure they are in good condition and will provide the traction you’ll need in the winter months.  Checking for proper tire pressure is another step on our car maintenance checklist.  In some of the newer cars, the tire pressure sensors can be triggered by the colder temperatures.  So if your car’s sensors have alerted you, have the tire pressure checked, so you’re sure the tires have the correct pressure they need.
  4. Replace Windshield Wiper Blades– Proper car maintenance includes replacing worn out wiper blades and refilling windshield washer fluid in the washer reservoir.  You might want to use snow blades during the winter months, they are designed for better snow removal.   Please don’t put plain water into your windshield washer reservoir!  It will freeze and crack the reservoir.
  5. Cooling System Flush–  Your car’s cooling system needs maintenance.  Not only does it keep the engine from overheating but it also keeps it from freezing.  It’s important to have the system flushed and replaced with fresh coolant.
  6. Have Your Brakes Checked-There is nothing more frightening than trying to bring your car to a stop in bad weather and the brakes don’t do their job.  If you haven’t had your brakes checked in the last six months, now is the time to have it done.

Before you know it, the leaves will be off the trees, and the snow will be falling.  Don’t get caught off-guard,  complete your car maintenance checklist today.  Let us help you with all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, you can trust Express Car Care.  Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Auto Repair Cost

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In these tough economic times, none of us want to pay more for auto repair than necessary.  None of us wants to walk out of the shop holding an empty wallet!  That being said, we’re still left with the question, how much should auto repair cost?

When you drive your car into an auto repair shop for some needed repairs, the cost of those repairs are determined by several factors.  The make, model, and the year the vehicle was manufactured will be one of the first things that the mechanic will look at and has a significant  affect on how much the repair will cost.  Most of the time, European and foreign cars like Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and BMW are more expensive to repair than domestic cars.  The parts on foreign cars almost always cost more than domestic car parts,which raises the auto repair cost.  Foreign cars and some domestic cars have engine designs that make their parts more difficult for your mechanic to access, this will also have an affect on the cost.

The type of auto repair needed will determine auto repair cost.  If your car needs a new part rather than a repair on an existing one, than the cost of the new part will be factored into the price.  Some repairs cost more because the replacement parts are more expensive.

Auto repair cost is also determined by labor rates.  The average independent auto repair shop has a labor rate between $90-$130 per hour.  If you take your vehicle to a dealership for repair, their labor rate will most likely be higher.  Dealerships usually charge more than independent repair shops because they have higher overhead costs to cover.  The labor charged is based on a standard “flat rate” and is usually the most expensive item on the bill.  The labor time required to perform a certain task varies depending on accessibility of parts, the degree of difficulty of the job, and if special procedures or tools are required to complete the job.  All these factors are taken into account by a vehicle manufacturer in order to determine and publish the flat rate tables for various repair jobs.  Cars today are just as technical as a personal computer, and when they crash, they’re just as costly to repair.  So use this information to look for a trustworthy shop that will give you honest advice, quality service and a fair price.

5 Signs You Need New Brake Pads

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Since as a rule, we don’t normally think about the brakes on our cars until they don’t work, we thought we would share with you five signs you need new brake pads.       

  1. High- pitched squealing or screeching sound.  If you hear a high-pitched squealing, this sound is coming from a small piece of metal called an indicator.  The indicator rubs up against the brake rotor creating the squeal to alert you to the fact that you need new brake pads.  If you hear this sound regularly you should have your car inspected as soon as possible.  Your brakes can also squeal if your car has been exposed to water and then left sitting.  This squealing should clear up after a few stops and isn’t anything serious.
  2. Pulling.  If your car pulls to one side or another when you press the brake, that can be a sign that the brake pads are wearing unevenly and need to be replaced.
  3. Lack of Response.  If your brakes don’t respond like they should when you step on the brake pedal or if the brake pedal feels soft, it might be a sign of a leak in the braking system.  You could have an air leak in the brake hose or a brake fluid leak.  If you see a small puddle under your car when it is parked, it could be leaking brake fluid and you should have a mechanic look it over.
  4. Grinding.  This is one of the signs that the brake pads have very serious wear and are in danger of damaging the brake rotors.  The grinding sound is caused by the disc and the caliper rubbing together.  New brake pads sit between the disc and the caliper and keep them from rubbing together.  When you allow your brake pads to wear down completely then they don’t “cushion” the metal parts as they should.
  5. Grabbing or vibrating.  If your brake pedal grabs or vibrates, this is often a sign of warped rotors, but it can also mean that your car is out of alignment.  If it’s a sign of warped rotors, the grabbing or vibration happens when the anti-lock brakes aren’t engaged.  Rotors can be warped by severe driving conditions where you are using your brakes for longs periods of time, like steep mountain driving or towing.  This type of driving causes huge amounts of friction which heats up the rotors and causes them to warp.  If you drive in these conditions, stop periodically and let the brakes cool off.

As you can see, properly maintaining brake pads happens progressively.  Be aware to the early signs of brake pad wear.  It can save you time and money.

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.
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Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks