Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

The Difference Between Auto Mechanics And Auto Technicians

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We live in a day where job titles are getting a makeover to make them more appealing and politically correct.  Secretaries are becoming administrative assistants, stewardesses are becoming flight attendants, and hairdressers are now stylists.  So when you take your car in to get fixed and you are confronted by an auto technician, is this merely an auto mechanic hiding behind a vamped up name?

Just in case you weren’t sure, the answer is no.  There are several differences between auto mechanics and auto technicians.  One key difference is their area of expertise.  Auto mechanics are very handy at fixing a variety of parts in your car.  Auto technicians are trained to be able to interact with the computers in your car to diagnose the problem. [Read more…]

Car Air Conditioning System

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Spring has sprung early here in Denver! The trees and flowers are beginning to bloom and the wind has picked up its speed.  And as those gusty winds begin to blow, they cause those “lovely” little pollens that can cause so much trouble, to fly through the air!  If you are among the thousands of us that suffer with allergies, now would be a good time to check out our blog,  Car Air Conditioning and Allergies,  to see what you can do to help create a small haven of clean air in your car!

7 Things To Think About At The Auto Repair Shop

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Running in to your local auto repair shop for a quick oil change is easy. Yet what happens when your oil change turns into something more? Instead of being surprised the next time you are told about a major auto repair from a shop you aren’t familiar with, go in prepared. Instead of saying “yes” to whatever surprises they throw at you, have your own set of responses to make sure you are getting the kind of service you deserve.

1. Start by looking at the condition of the auto repair shop. A good mechanic will make sure his equipment and the area he works in organized, clean and in good working condition. You won’t find old parts stacked in the corner, and trash strewn across the floor. This is his business and he should be showcasing a professional look for his customers.

2. Estimates should be a fact of life. When you drop off your car for one reason, the written estimate should cover work realted to that service alone. If additional problems are discovered, make sure you will be contacted with a quote before any work is done. This should include parts and labor. Never accept surprises. [Read more…]

12 Auto Repair Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Car

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The economy is rough and gas prices are on the rise. So it comes as no surprise that you want to keep your car running in tip-top shape for as long as possible. After all, not everyone has the funds to drop on a new vehicle in today’s economy.

Keeping your car in the best running shape possible is not that difficult. It just takes a little time and effort on your part. If you are willing to invest in your investment – your car – your automobile will have a long and happy life.

1.    Use common sense when driving – Instead of adding unnecessary wear and tear on your car by racing away from every stop sign, accelerate gently. Not only will you use less gas, you will lessen the wear on your brakes. Make all of your stops in one, long trip, rather than taking your car out numerous times throughout the day.

2.    Pay attention to your choice of gas stations –Choose a reputable gas station when buying fuel. The damage you can do to your car from cheaper, possibly watered-down gas will cost you much more than a few extra cents on quality fuel.

3.    Take care when choosing an insurance provider – Yes, you can find the minimum required insurance for a low cost – everyone has seen the T.V. commercials. However, you get what you pay for – if your car is damaged in an accident, you want the best coverage possible to ensure repairs are made. [Read more…]

Tire Condition

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Did you know that the condition of your tire can tell you a lot about your car?  We can learn quite a bit about our vehicles by the way our tires wear. Tire condition is determined by the wear patterns.  Abnormal wear patterns can often alert us to the need for simple tire maintenance or the need for a front-end alignment.  Being aware of these patterns and how to interpret them can help you lengthen the life of your tires and improve the overall performance of your vehicle.  Below is a list of common tire wear patterns and what they might indicate.

Condition:  A tread cut or puncture is caused when a foreign object penetrates the tread area.  This can lead to air loss or possible tire destruction.

Solution:  If a puncture occurs, have the damage repaired if possible.  Your service technician can determine if the puncture can be repaired.

Condition:  Wear on one side of a tire can be a sign of misalignment or worn parts.  This condition will shorten the life of the tire and may lead to other tire damage.

Solution:  Have the vehicle inspected for possible mechanical or suspension problems that should be repaired.

Condition:  Shoulder wear on both sides of a tire.  This happens when the tire is under-inflated and the outer shoulders are forced to carry most of the weight.  This will lead to extreme shoulder wear and shorten the life of the tire.

Solution:  Keep the tires inflated to manufacturer’s recommended level.

Condition:  Center tread wear.  This type of damage can be caused by over-inflation.  The center of the tread will bulge outward, forcing the majority of the weight to be carried in the center of the tire which causes premature wear.

Solution:  Maintain the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation level.  These are usually found inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Good driving habits and preventative maintenance, which includes proper air pressure, tire balance, alignment and rotation can add miles to the life of your tires as well as safety for you and your family.  If we can help you with any of these or other auto repair needs, call us at (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop.

Can Simple Auto Repair Techniques Add Value To The Life Of Your Car?

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Are you one of the many people looking not only for ways to save money, but also for tips on how to extend the life of the things you have?

One great way to extend the life of your car is by having your auto repair technician do a simple service called a transmission flush.

Your engine is filled with a variety of different parts. From gears to hoses and everything in between, your engine is the place that keeps your car moving throughout your busy days. As long as everything runs, you probably don’t give it much thought. Until something breaks. [Read more…]

Basic Auto Repair Safety Rules

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Your car is something you rely on every day. And when it comes to trying to save a little money, doing your own auto repair may be the first thing that pops into mind. Yet before you pick up a screwdriver or pop the hood of your car, safety should be your number one concern. Safety is synonymous with planning. If you’ve planned ahead and know what you face, your likely to stay safe in the process.

Keep your work area clean

 

Its hard to work at a desk that’s buried under by paperwork. Likewise its difficult to work in an area cluttered with boxes, cans and “stuff”. When you’re moving around your car, the last thing you want to do is trip over a box and land on a hard surface – its an easy way to break a wrist or ankle. [Read more…]

Should You Try Auto Repair Yourself?

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If you are doing a little research and trying to determine if you should do auto repair yourself, the most likely reason for this is because you are trying to save money. With a little knowledge and skill, you may be able to do a few of the most common auto repairs yourself.

Yet a professional auto repair shop isn’t there to take all of your money; instead they are there to save you time AND ensure your repair is done correctly the first time. They have the tools, parts, knowledge and skills to get the job done quickly without leaving you questioning what truly is wrong.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while now, you know I fill it with tips to keep your auto in great condition. In many cases your problem could require a simple solution. Below are a variety of auto repair articles I’ve written over the last few months, each designed to provide you with specific information on the upkeep of your car. Take a look to determine what is the right answer for you and your auto. And if you have any questions, just call. We would be happy to provide you with expert advice and help you make an informed decision on what it will truly cost to do your own auto repair.

How Often Should I Change My Automotive Brakes?
Have a question about how long your automotive brakes will last on your car? There are a couple of things to consider.

What’s So Important About An Oil Filter?
In the course of our business, we are often confronted with customers who don’t understand the importance of their oil filter.  They are usually focused on the quality of the oil and the cost of the oil change and don’t really see what’s so important about an oil filter? [Read more…]

Spring Auto Repair Tips – Troubleshoot Your Air Conditioner Before The Heat Sets In

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Spring is officially here – and soon to follow is summer. With a mild winter behind us, there is a good chance that the summer weather could be a doozy! To prepare for the sweltering temperatures, think a little ahead and make sure your car’s air conditioner is working correctly now before you need it. Some of the possible problems you might encounter with your car’s AC unit include the following:

Leaks – if your car’s air conditioning system has any leaks, you will lose the coolant that makes the system work. Your car’s AC. system contains coolant that helps make the air cool before it reaches your vents. If you have leaks, you will lose coolant and have warm air blowing through the vents. [Read more…]

Aggressive Driving

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As the weather gets warmer and warmer this spring, we see more and more drivers emerging from their winter cocoons and taking flight to the streets.  Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of this rebirth is the growing problem of aggressive driving.  We have all experienced the stress of driving at one time or another when we’re on the roads, but it seems like drivers have become more aggressive in their driving habits than ever before! The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that aggressive driving is a serious factor in up to 56% of all fatal car crashes, so it is definitely having a negative affect!

What is classified as aggressive driving, you might ask?  Aggressive driving includes such things as speeding, tailgating, improper or erratic lane changes (usually without signaling), running red lights or driving illegally on road shoulders or sidewalks. This is just the short list of “aggressive behaviors”. There is also passing (when it is prohibited by posted signs, highway markings or school bus warning lights) , making improper turns, talking on your cell phone while driving,  or honking the horn and using angry or obscene gestures at other drivers.  All of these behaviors threaten every single driver on the road.

Our streets would be a lot safer and we would have a much more pleasant driving experience if we would all follow some simple steps to avoid aggressive driving and its consequences.

  • Avoid cutting off other drivers and apologize if you do
  • Avoid tailgating and honking the horn
  • Avoid making offensive or inappropriate gestures
  • Steer clear of other aggressive drivers, don’t engage with them
  • Avoid eye contact if you are confronted
  • Seek help if you are being followed by driving to a safe or crowded location or call 911

As drivers, we each have a responsibility to control our own emotions and behaviors and not allow them to control us.  Maybe if we all do our part, by driving according to the law and showing consideration for our fellow drivers, aggressive driving and its consequences could be a “thing of the past.”

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