Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Cheap Oil Changes, Are They Worth It?

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During this economic crunch, we are all looking for ways to save money.  But when it comes to the condition of our cars, those valued objects that get us to our jobs, the grocery store, school and social events do we want to risk getting a cheap oil change?  Saving a little money now by using cheap oil can cost you a lot in the future when the oil fails to do its job.

There are two important things that oil does for your engine.  First it provides lubrication.  Inside your car’s engine there are many moving parts that would rub against one another, creating extreme levels of friction and wear. If these parts come into contact with one another without oil between them to create a cushion, there would be severe damage to your engine.  Without quality oil your engine’s performance is greatly  affected.  Your car won’t run smoothly and your gas  mileage will be much lower.    Secondly motor oil cleans the engine and prevents contaminates or “sludge” from building up.  Quality oil will contain detergents that help clean the engine and additives that help inhibit corrosion.Cheap Oil Change, Are They Worth It?

You might think that you are saving money by going to a shop that advertises a $19.99 oil change.  But in order to give you that price they have to sell you cheap oil and a low quality oil filter that doesn’t meet with manufacturer’s specifications.  When the cost of an average oil change is $35-$45 at a reputable shop that uses high quality oil and high quality oil filters and it’s recommended that you change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles, if you do the math that comes to 50 cents a day to change the oil in your car.  Most of us can afford 50 cents a day!  We spend more than that on our morning coffee!  If we skip one coffee trip a week and put that money toward our oil change, our wallets wouldn’t even notice! Considering all the benefits our cars provide when they run well, don’t you think it’s worth it?

Why & When Should I Rotate My Tires?

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In order to get the maximum life out of  your tires, it is important that you rotate them regularly.  Rotating tires evens out the wear and when it is properly done, it can extend the life of your tires, improve gas mileage and enables your car to handle sudden stops and turns properly.

The best indicator that it is time to rotate your tires is uneven tread wear.  When you look closely at your tires is the inside or outside of one tire showing more wear than another? Uneven tread wear is unavoidable because the weight of a car isn’t evenly distributed to all four corners.  Most engines are in the front and since the engine is the heaviest thing in the car, the front tires carry more weight.  That means that your front tires will wear out faster than the rear tires.  By rotating the tires, you are moving each tire to a different corner of the car so each tire is worn more evenly.  Also if you notice that your car begins to handle poorly when braking.  Or your tire traction is poor in slippery or wet road conditions, these are also indicators that your tires should be rotated.

A general rule of thumb for rotating tires is every 3,000 to 7,000 miles.  You can also pair tire rotation with oil changes and rotate tires every other oil change, if you change your oil every 3,000 miles.  Your car’s manufacturer manual will also have recommended times to rotate tires.  Maintaining a log or spreadsheet of when you perform tire rotations will help keep you up to date and your car running smoothly.  Store the log in your glove compartment or garage for a quick handy reference.

Ten Tips for Improving Fuel Economy

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Fuel economy is always important.  But it’s even more important in the summer months when the weather is warm and we are spending more time driving to extra summertime activities.  Here are ten simple tips to follow so you can spend less money on gasoline and more on other things.

  1. Regular Recommended Maintenance- Making sure your vehicle is well maintained will keep it operating more efficiently.  Regular maintenance not only improves your cars performance, it also improves your fuel economy.  Using the proper fuel (right octane) and the recommended grade of motor oil will save you money on repairs and improve your fuel economy.  Check your owner’s manual for that information.  Have your car serviced regularly by a trusted mechanic.
  2. Plan Your Trips- Make a list of your errands and combine as many as possible.  When your engine is cold, it uses more fuel than when it is warm.  Combining errands can improve your fuel economy because your engine is warm more of the trip.
  3. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated- Properly inflated tires can reduce your gas consumption up to 3%.  Tires that don’t have the proper inflation don’t roll as well which causes your car to use more fuel.  Having the proper air pressure also helps you avoid uneven wear on your tires.
  4. Reduce Your Load- The heavier the vehicle the more energy is required to move it, so get rid of any unnecessary weight.  An extra 100 lbs. will reduce your fuel economy as much as 2%. Empty your trunk and lose the roof rack if possible.  A roof rack increases aerodynamic drag and therefore reduces your fuel economy.
  5. Maintain a Steady Speed- Sudden starts and stops decrease your fuel economy.  Braking wastes energy from fuel that you’ve already burned and accelerating after braking consumes more fuel than driving at a steady speed.  Driving at a steady pace improves your gas mileage and also reduces the wear on your brakes.
  6. Avoid Excessive Idling- When you leave your car running while you are waiting in line or in a parking lot fuel is being wasted.  Your car is using fuel when it’s running even if it’s not moving.
  7. Be Smart About A/C- Whether or not you  should use your air conditioning is determined by what kind of driving you are doing.  If you are driving in the city with frequent stops for lights and at slower speeds, then lower your windows rather than using the air-conditioning.  For highway driving it is more fuel efficient to close the windows and use the air-conditioning.  Driving with your windows down increases the drag on your vehicle and burns more fuel.
  8. Check Your Air Filter- A dirty air filter will reduce fuel economy; it can also cause your engine to stall when idling.  Your air filter should be changed at least once a year, more frequently if you live in a high pollution area or drive on dirt roads.
  9. Keep Your Tank Full- When you fill up your tank fill it completely, but don’t overfill, then try to keep it above one third full.  If your fuel becomes too low your engine might not receive a steady supply of gasoline which causes your engine to run less efficiently.  Buy your gasoline during the coolest times of the day if possible, the gasoline is denser when it is cool and denser gas helps your car run more efficiently.
  10. Use Synthetic Oil- Using synthetic oil can save you on average 5% gas.  Remember to change it according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for any oil.  Extending oil change intervals can be harmful to the life of your engine and fuel saving benefits are lost as oil gets dirty.

Questions To Ask Your Automotive Repair Technician Before You Leave Your Car

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Today’s cars are more complicated than ever, using computers and sensors to run virtually everything within your car.  From navigational systems, to videos, and even WiFi connectivity, when something goes wrong, it can have a major impact on your daily life.

Your automobile is a big investment. And with today’s increasing technology, even a small repair can be a big investment as well. It’s important to find an automotive repair technician you can trust, and will give you honest feedback on the condition of your vehicle, and what your options are. Here are some questions to ask before you leave your car with an automotive repair technician:

  • How safe will my car be? Certain cars are more susceptible to theft and break-ins. Do they keep your car safe and locked up if you must leave it over night? Do they have an alarm systems in place and a well lit area?
  • How much experience do you have? Review the credentials of your automotive technician, as well as the qualifications of the company as a whole. A company should stand behind their work, no matter what technician works on your car, and should guarantee the work they perform.
  • What type of certification do you have? Again, both the company and the technician should have certification to work on vehicles. Find out if your automotive technician is ASE certified or has comparable training.  Ask if mechanics have received updated training that supports the technological advances found in today’s cars.
  • Is there a guarantee policy and what are the conditions under which it is implemented?  While every good mechanic strives to offer the best service possible, occasionally something may happen with the work performed. Find out what the guarantee policy is.
  • Do you have a web site, and do you post specials or discounts?  If there are discounts, is it necessary to clip coupons to receive the discounted price?

The better working relationship you have with your automotive repair technician, the more you can rely on them to ask questions, and keep your car in top shape. They are there as a resource for you, not simply to repair your car. They build their business by being an expert, and sharing their expertise with you. Just ask.

Auto Repair Estimate

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There are a countless number of ways you may end up at a mechanic. Maybe that subtle clanking noise suddenly turns into an aggressive roar. Perhaps that dripping you always thought was condensation from the air conditioner has now taken on that distinctive rainbow glow. Whatever the reason, heading to a mechanic you’re unfamiliar with can be a nerve wracking experience, especially for your wallet.

Auto repair estimates are designed to inform both the mechanic and the customer about the kind of work needed to repair a car after an accident or normal 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, is not 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 insist that they cannot provide an estimate until part way through the job so that they can examine the extent of the damage, but a reputable mechanic will be able to provide you with an outline of the expect repairs before extensive work is done on the vehicle.

Written estimates protect 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 in the estimate and charges you around the same amount as the estimate, you cannot insist that you did not know how much the repairs would cost as a means of avoiding payment.

Likewise, mechanics must be 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 20 percent increase in cost without your expressed consent. That means that if a mechanic quotes your $500 for a repairs, he cannot perform any work that would end up costing you more than $600 unless he specifically gets your consent to do so.

If you are looking for a mechanic, move on if he attempts to avoid offering you a written estimate for repairs. Reputable mechanics understand the value of a written estimate and should incorporate them into regular business practice.

Why A Car Overheats

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What would we do without a car? Cars are our freedom. They allow us to drive five miles to the store, or 500 miles to a retreat where we can get away from it all.

We are all aware of the many conveniences of having an automobile, and how it makes life so much easier.  The time and money saved by owning a car are enormous as opposed to relying on public transportation or carpooling.  But along with owning a car comes the responsibility of maintaining it too.

Now that summer is upon us, we must be diligent in having our cars checked before hitting the road for vacations or weekend get aways.  One common malfunction with cars during summer months is overheating.  There are several reasons why a car overheats, some being very simple and others requiring the knowledge of a trained mechanic.  Listed below are five reasons that frequently cause cars to overheat:

1. The car is losing anti-freeze due to a leak in the radiator. Or the radiator is clogged.  Either one of the problems results in the engine not getting enough coolant, ending up with an overheated car.  Ideally the liquid in the radiator should be a mixture of 50% anti-freeze and 50% water.

2. Loose belts and/or hoses may cause the engine to run hot.  Hoses wear out over time and may develop small “pinholes” which cause leaks.  Belts should be checked regularly as they can become frayed over time and could possibly break.

3. The radiator cap may need replacement or tightening.  Sometimes a very simple solution such as checking the radiator cap is the answer to the problem.  The seal on the cap gets brittle and may cause pressure to escape from the radiator.

4. The water pump may need to be replaced.  Unless you have a considerable amount of experience in repairing cars, this is an item that is best suited for a mechanic.  Today’s cars are extremely complex with computerized parts. A simple scan from the diagnostic tools found in a mechanic’s shop can give you an immediate answer.

5. The radiator is low or completely out of coolant.  As we drive our cars, the heat generated can cause evaporation of fluids.  It is important to frequently check the coolant level in the radiator, especially during the summer months when running the air conditioner.

With proper maintenance our cars will deliver dependable service and keep us running smoothly throughout the year.  Take the time to inspect your vehicle and keep lots of coolant on hand before hitting the road.

Tips For Keeping Your Car In Top Shape For A Summer Vacation

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Summer means barbecues, sunshine and vacations. For many families, summer also means multiple or extended car trips that could take a toll on the family vehicle. A few simple maintenance and driving tips before could save you a trip to the mechanic and several hundred dollars with extensive car repairs later. Before you hit the road, spend some time getting your vehicle ready for those blissful summer trips.

1. Check those fluids. Change or check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid and even your windshield washing fluid. A fresh supply of fluids can have a huge impact on your gas mileage and help prevent engine damage.

2. Keep an eye on your tires. Use a gauge to check the tire pressure; you car’s manual should provide specification for ideal PSI for your tires. Check the tread on your tire to be sure you have adequate grip in slick conditions.  Make sure your spare is accessible and you have a jack and extra bolts in your car.

3. Have a mechanic inspect your car to make sure all of your systems are functioning properly, especially your cooling and air conditioning systems. Overheating can be a big problem, especially in hot summer traffic. Ask the mechanic to check your fans and oxygen sensors to avoid overheating.

4. Pack lightly. An overloaded car can decrease gas mileage and make a car run less efficiently. Over packing can also create dangerous road conditions if bag obstruct your mirrors and decrease your visibility.

5. Keep you emergency kit well stocked. A small kit in your glove box or trunk should contain bandages, jumper cables, a flashlight with batteries, water and nonperishable food items.

6. Increase the lifespan and efficiency of you engine with conscious driving. Avoid stop and go driving; if you drive a manual, use shifting to your advantage by maintaining consistent speeds. Utilize your cruise control to increase your fuel economy. Not only will you improve your gas mileage but you’ll also lengthen the life of your engine and brakes.

Shocks and Struts-How You Know When They Need Replacing

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Have an older car? Want to keep it in the best shape possible?

It’s time to purchase new shocks and struts if your original shocks and struts are worn out, damaged or leaking. Leaking is easy enough to see – just look for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut. Damage is also fairly easy to see – look for a broken mount, badly dented housing, etc. But wear is often more of a subjective thing to judge. There are also instances where the original equipment shocks may not be worn, damaged or leaking, but may not be adequate for the job they’re being asked to do. In such cases, upgrading the suspension with stronger, stiffer or some type of special shock and strut may be recommended to improve handling (for trailer towing, hauling overloads or other special uses).

Shocks and struts do not require replacing at specific mileage intervals like filters or spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually have to be replaced. How long a set of original equipment shocks and struts will last depends on many factors. Some original equipment shocks may be getting weak after only 30,000 or 40,000 miles. Struts usually last upwards of 50,000 or 60,000 miles.

Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often passes unnoticed. If you begin to notice the need for shocks and struts, it’s usually way past the point when they should have been replaced.

One way to evaluate your need for new shocks or struts is to consider how your vehicle has been handling and riding. Does it bounce excessively when driving on rough roads or after hitting a bump? Does the nose dip when braking? Does the body roll or sway excessively when cornering or driving in crosswinds? Does the suspension bottom out when backing out of the driveway or when hauling extra passengers or weight?

A “bounce test” is still a valid means of checking the dampening ability of shocks and struts. If the suspension continues to gyrate more than one or two times after rocking and releasing the bumper or body, your shocks or struts are showing their age and need to be replaced.

The Importance Of Finding A Family Owned Auto Repair Shop

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Car repairs can drive you crazy, and the thought of the cost can make your stomach swell with butterflies.  The first question that enters your mind is, “can I trust this shop to do right by me?”  If the answer is “no” then you need some tips on how to find the right repair shop for your needs.

Start by asking family or friends where they take their cars for repair and what their experience was like.  You will probably discover that the majority of them used a family owned local shop because they can trust the advice – the owner is there and has to build up his reputation.

Dealerships or franchise repair shops may be locally owned but they have a corporate bottom line that a family owned shop does not.  The family owned shop has a vested interest in the community it operates in, their professional reputation depends on providing fair quotes and repairs that are done right the first time and are more likely to happen than with a dealership or franchise operated business.

The local mechanic is more familiar with his customer base, the types of cars his customers drive and he has the ability and interest in developing a relationship with each individual he comes in contact with.  He is also more apt to be honest about whether a particular repair is necessary or if it can be done at all.  He is not likely to risk his business or reputation doing unnecessary repairs just to make a dollar.  Word of mouth carries a great deal of weight and it doesn’t take but one unhappy customer to damage a business.

Using a family owned repair shop allows both the business and customer to develop a sense of trust that is hard to find these days.  If something is not repaired correctly, on time and in accordance with the original cost quote, your redress would not include having to deal with a corporate structure that can be confusing and irritating, you can have a face to face and come to a mutually satisfactory resolution and still be friends.

Where To Look For Auto Repair Advice

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Got an older car? Chances are you’ll have a problem or two along the way. Because you’re saving money by not having a car payment every month, an occasional repair can far outweigh the costs of having a new car.

Yet even an older car can be a good, reliable means of transportation. You just have to keep it well maintained month after month, and know how to troubleshoot along the way.

Start by knowing and listening to your car. Because you drive it every day, you’re the first person that should recognize when something is wrong. Is it making a new sound? Does it perform differently with the changing seasons? Pay attention to anything your car is trying to tell you.

Do a little research online. Google can provide you with a wealth of information – do a quick search and your questions can be answered in no time. Also find a local auto shop that cares enough to put quality information up on their website, to help provide you with the necessary information to keep your car healthy.

Make regular appointments for routine maintenance. Fill all your fluids periodically. Change your oil. Replace worn parts such as belts and wiper blades. Keep tires at their optimum level. Stick to manufacturers guidelines to ensure the best chance for a well running car.

And keep a local repair shop at hand for quality auto repair advice. It’s nice having someone you can rely on for great advice, knowing they will never steer you wrong.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks