Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Fall Tune-Up

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As the kids are heading back to school, now is the perfect time to “tune-up” your car!  Since you will more than likely be chauffeuring your children back and forth from their fall activities or school, it’s a good idea to make sure your car is running  in peak condition.

The phrase “tune-up” is an old-fashioned maintenance term that only applies to older cars.  For today’s cars that are equipped with electronic ignition and at least one on-board computer which automatically adjusts fuel mixture, ignition timing and idle speed, ” engine performance maintenance” is a more accurate term.  But whatever you call it, it is necessary to have your car serviced at least once a year to maintain peak engine performance or restore the engine to its original operating efficiency.            

A tune-up is a process of inspecting, diagnosing, testing, and adjusting or replacing parts on your car that if left unchecked could cause decreased performance or other problems.  A basic tune-up includes removing and checking the spark plugs,  cleaning or replacing the spark plugs and installing them in the engine.  Your car’s distributor cap and rotor are checked for wear and cracks.  If there are cracks, moisture can get in and cause corrosion of the metal, which causes your car to misfire.  These parts should be replaced at recommended intervals or if they show excessive wear.  A tune-up also includes setting the idle speed to your car’s specifications.  These are the basic procedures performed during a tune-up but you can take this opportunity to have other systems checked out as well, such as brakes, clutch, fuel lines, hoses and belts.

The terminology used and services performed on our cars may have changed with time, but the importance of having your car serviced regularly hasn’t, so call your automotive technician and make an appointment for your fall “tune-up” today!

My “Check Engine” Light Is On, What Do I Do Now?

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You are  driving along enjoying the ride and suddenly the “check engine” light comes on and you say to yourself, what do I do now?  There is a good chance that the problem is simple and easy to fix but to err on the side of caution is usually best.My Check Engine Light Is On, What Do I Do Now?

Before 1981, the dashboard indicators on cars monitored basic problems, fuel level, oil pressure and the temperature of the engine.   In 1981 federal clean air statues were instituted that required catalytic converters on all domestic cars and trucks to help reduce the level of pollutants in the air.  The computer that performs this emission system is called an on-board diagnostic (OBD) computer.  Then in 1996 the government required automakers to upgrade to OBD II, this is a sophisticated system of sensors that conduct diagnostic emissions tests as you drive.  When the OBD II detects a problem, your ” check engine” light goes on and the computer stores a “trouble code” in its memory that identifies the source of the problem.  These codes can then be read with an electronic scan tool or a diagnostic computer, which is standard equipment in auto repair shops.  Once the codes are read, they direct your repair technician to the source of the problem.

A “check engine” light can signal many different things, something as simple as a loose gas cap to a seriously misfiring engine.  So what do you do now?  First of all, you should read your owner’s manual and be familiar with your cars gauges and indicator lights and the purpose of each of them.  Some lights are yellow to give  you a warning, and some are red, meaning  a problem needs immediate attention!  Know what your dashboard is telling  you! Look for indicators of a serious problem that might require quick action.  Check the dashboard for indications of low oil pressure or overheating.  If either of these conditions exists, pull over and shut off the engine as soon as possible!

If nothing serious is indicated, check your gas cap and make sure it’s tight.  Sometimes a loose gas cap can cause the “check engine” light to come on, but the most important thing is don’t ignore it.  It doesn’t always mean a big problem or an expensive repair is ahead, but driving with the light on could end up damaging expensive components and causing further damage to your engine.  Have your vehicle checked by a trusted mechanic as soon as possible when the light goes on. That way you can avoid any costly repairs and that little “check engine” light has done it’s job!

Auto Repair: How Much Should It Cost?

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How many times have you gone into an auto repair shop for a repair that in your mind shouldn’t cost very much and then been shocked by the actual cost?  Auto repair isn’t cheap and we shouldn’t expect it to be. Auto Repair: How Much Should It Cost? The cost of repairing a  vehicle is based on several factors.   The make, model and year of the vehicle affect the cost of repairing it.  Lack of accessibility on some cars raises the cost.  Of course, type of auto repair needed determines how much it will cost.  Some repairs cost more because the parts involved are more expensive.  The cost of auto repair is also determined by the labor rates in your area.  The average shop charges between $60-$100 per hour for labor.  Finally, where you take the vehicle for repair affects the cost.  Dealerships usually charge more than independent repair shops because they have more overhead costs to cover.  As with all your auto repair needs, it’s important to look for a trustworthy shop that will give you honest advice, quality service and fair prices.

We can’t avoid auto repair!  Sooner or later, something is going to break, wear out or fail.  We can try to  prevent major repairs by good preventative maintenance but auto parts still wear out.  Most frequently, tires, brakes, belts and hoses.  And the more miles on your car the greater the possibility you may have engine or transmission problems.  Nothing lasts forever, so when your vehicle needs repair, you want to know how much it should cost before the work begins.  A reputable shop will give you an estimate that lists the parts that need replacing and their cost, the labor charged to replace those parts, any charges for diagnostic time (this covers the time it takes to connect a scan tool to your vehicle and read out any fault codes that may be in the vehicle’s computer) and any additional charges for miscellaneous items such as hazardous waste disposal fees, or shop supplies.

The labor you are charged is usually based on a standard “flat rate” and it most often the most expensive item on auto repairs.  The labor time required to perform a certain task will vary depending on accessibility of the part, the degree of difficulty of the job, and whether special procedures or tools are required to complete the job.  All of these are taken into account when a vehicle manufacturer or manual publisher determines the flat rate tables for various repair jobs.  This information is published and then used by repair shops in preparing their auto repair estimates.  The longer it takes a technician to replace a part, the higher the charge.  Auto repair is difficult, messy, back-breaking work that requires skill, training, and experience.  Cars today are just as technical as a PC, and when they crash, they’re just as costly to repair.  Most of us don’t expect to have our computers repaired for nothing but somehow we have the idea that  auto repair should only cost us pennies! Maybe it’s time to think again!

Do You Want Adventure? Try Off-Roading!

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After spending a few days in the beautiful high country of Colorado off-roading, I can say without a doubt, it was a true adventure!  The scenery was spectacular and the weather was great, but I wish I could say the same for the skills and knowledge of my fellow adventurers!  Going off-road can be a fun and exciting experience but you need to know some basics before you hit the trail.

First you need to find a location for your off-roading adventure that is right for your level of experience.  Since we live in Colorado our choices of trails are endless, but if the trail is too difficult you can put yourself and others in danger.  So choose a trail that matches with your skill level.

You also need to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and ready for the off-road experience. Have your vehicle thoroughly inspected by a trusted auto technician.  Tell him your plans so they can help you avoid any potential problems before they arise.  Check your tires (including the spare) to see if they have good tread and are properly inflated.  It is also important to know how all the controls in your 4×4 work and how to use them.  Don’t wait till you’re on a narrow trail to try them out!  It’s always a good idea to know your vehicles dimensions; height, width, length, and the lowest point of clearance.  Trails can be wide in some spots and very narrow in others, it’s important to know if your vehicle can maneuver through those tight places and clear rocks as you drive over them.

It’s a lot more fun to share this adventure with friends, so get someone to go with you.  If you get stuck it’s easier to get out and the “buddy system” is always safer.

There are unwritten rules or trail etiquette that you should know.

  1. Stay on the established paths.
  2. Be aware of the damage you and your vehicle can do to the environment and do everything you can to prevent it.
  3. Keep your ego in check.  Every vehicle and driver has limitations.  Be aware of yours and don’t go beyond them.
  4. Don’t disturb the wildlife, just observe, don’t touch!
  5. Pretend you’re a tortoise. Just as in the old fable “the tortoise and the hare” slow and steady wins the race!  You will enjoy the scenery and prevent damage to your vehicle.

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind as you hit the trail.  If your interest has been peaked and you want more information visit 4wheeldrive.about.com We live in a beautiful State and an off-road adventure is just one of the ways to enjoy it!

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.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks