Denver Auto Repair

Thermostat

January 18, 2021 by admin

The thermostat is part of your cooling system. The thermostats in your vehicle perform a similar function to the thermostats in your home. At home, you set your thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature range. Then when your home gets too hot, the air conditioning kicks on or when it gets too cool, the heater turns on.

So your engine also has an optimal temperature range: warm enough to run efficiently and not so hot as to cause engine damage. Your vehicle’s thermostat is a valve between the engine and the radiator. When Denver residents first start a cold engine, the valve (thermostat) is closed, allowing the coolant surrounding the engine to warm up to the proper operating temperature. As the coolant gets hotter, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow through to the radiator to be cooled. The thermostat opens and closes to keep the engine within a certain temperature range.

Now thermostats are rated for a specific temperature depending on the engine – not a one size fits all proposition. Thermostats are subject to normal wear. Proper operation depends on a special wax that expands as it heats up to open a spring-loaded valve. A worn thermostat could stick in the open position causing the engine to run too cool. This is inefficient and could affect performance and fuel economy. If a thermostat sticks in the closed position, the engine can be subject to the results of overheating.

There isn’t a specific routine for drivers to maintain their thermostat, but maintaining the cooling system by changing the coolant/antifreeze on a regular schedule will make sure the coolant has enough corrosion inhibitors to protect the thermostat and other system components. Cooling system experts and the team at Express Car Care in Denver recommend replacing your thermostats when you do a coolant flush or exchange. Also, thermostats usually wear out faster than your hoses, so if a worn hose replacement is performed, replace the thermostat at the same time.

If your temperature warning light comes on, have an inspection of your cooling system right away. This could be a thermostat. The thermostat could also be the culprit for Denver residents who aren’t getting hot air when they turn on their heater.

The thermostat is a relatively inexpensive part that stands guard between you and catastrophic engine damage. Follow your owner’s manual instructions or check with your friendly and knowledgeable Express Car Care service adviser to see if it’s time for a cooling system inspection or service.

Easy Ways To Repair Your Car Without The Stress

December 18, 2020 by admin

If you look up the word maintenance in the dictionary, it means:

Upkeep or support, the process of keeping something in good condition by regularly checking it and repairing it

Maintenance is something we spend a lot of our time working on. Your house and your car are your two biggest investments; it only makes sense to spend the time necessary to keep them in good working condition.

But therein lies the problem. Both your house and your car are large investments, you use them in a variety of ways every day. We tend to ignore the little things that might not seem like such a big deal, pushing it off for later “when we have the time.” And they go on our to-do lists, sitting there, waiting.

There are two approaches you can take to repair your car and keep it in good working condition:

Scheduling it
Waiting for emergencies

Think about your own patterns; drivers usually fall in one of the two categories. Regular maintenance is obviously the wiser choice, both to keep you safely on the road, and to spend less time, money, and energy on repairs.

Imagine for a minute, a driver who replaces their motor oil regularly. They replace the oil several times a year with fresh, high quality oil. Their car works well, and it operates as efficiently as possible. Compare that with the driver who forgets to change out the oil. What will that car look like two years down the road?

Creating a stress-free way to repair your car and keep it in good working condition doesn’t have to be difficult. But it does require you to set yourself up for success. Here’s how.

Create a car maintenance schedule and stick with it

Did you know every make and model comes with a handy guide that provides guidelines for how to repair your car over the years? Who better to keep you on track for maintaining your vehicle than the people that built your car?

When you signed the paperwork and drove away, you were presented with an owner’s manual filled with details about your car. Did you read it? If you bought a used car, you can also find this information online. Just Google it.

Most of us know we have to change the motor oil frequently, keep the windshield washer fluid tank filled, and install new tires as they wear down. That’s the easy stuff. But just like your motor oil or tires eventually wear down, so do the rest of the parts on your car. All 30,000 of them.

While you don’t have to check every part of your car frequently, it is a good idea to understand the major systems, and realize what parts need cleaning, changing, or replacing, and how often you should perform the task. If you find a reliable mechanic, they can also provide you with regular support – think of them as a general doctor for your vehicle. That’s especially important now as cars are increasingly more technology-driven.

Remember, all maintenance schedules are guidelines for how often they should be looked at. It’s equally important to pay attention to the way your car performs, noting any changes in the way it drives or handles on the road.

Create an auto repair log

Do you really need to create a log of all the repairs performed on your car? It may sound like a waste of time, but it can be a helpful tool. Here’s why.

A log of repair work can help you understand the needs of your car. It can help you:

Track fixes and repairs
Help troubleshoot problems and make it easier to find solutions
Provide proof of expenses
Help separate personal and business usage
Log mileage
Add value to your car when it comes time to sell

If you’ve ever purchased a used car before, a log of all repair work would make your faith in the vehicle that much higher, wouldn’t it? The proof of good maintenance would be right there. You can buy an inexpensive journal and keep it in your glove compartment, or consider downloading an app, so it’s always with you.

With your logbook in hand, you can keep a better eye on the repairs performed throughout the years. It helps you be better informed about how your car is operating.

Fix things sooner rather than later

Problems don’t go away by themselves. Instead, they build over time, escalating, until you have an emergency situation on your hands.

Take the example we used from above about changing out your motor oil. Pulling into a service station every few thousand miles for fresh motor oil keeps your car running smoothly. It costs a few dollars, and is a smart way to keep your car in good condition. If you don’t change the oil regularly, dirt begins to build, and over time can lead to extreme engine wear. If you run out of oil, your engine will fail. The parts will grind, seize up, and stall your vehicle. What would have been a few dollars for an oil change is now thousands of dollars in repair bills.

Of course, some car parts are more dangerous to leave unchecked than others. Determining the difference is something you’ll learn over time. You can consult with your owner’s manual to establish a guide of what to replace, and rely on a good mechanic to keep your vehicle in good running condition.

You can also use good judgment regarding what you replace quickly, and what you can leave until later. Common sense tells you that an oil leak is something that can’t wait, while a scratch in the paint can. In general, leaks, noises, smells, or changes in the way your car performs are things you should check immediately.

Follow the instructions – don’t delay

We’ve said it before in this article, but we’ll repeat it. The best way to repair your car and keep it in good working condition is to follow the guidelines established by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

It will explain the meaning of the dashboard lights as they flicker on, warning you of potential problems.

It will give you guidelines as to what to repair and when.

It will provide you with tips on making your vehicle operate better.

It will give your car the longest life possible.

Your car is one of your biggest investments. Isn’t repairing your car regularly worth it to make the most of your purchase?

Will Electric Cars Make Auto Mechanics Obsolete?

December 14, 2020 by admin

As a society, we have a nostalgic vision of what auto mechanics is all about.

We picture a scene from a movie, where a person drives into an auto shop with their vehicle. A smiling face in a pair of coveralls meets them at the door. They bring the car in and get to work.

They have a toolbox nearby filled with screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers. You might see them slide under the vehicle, tapping and banging around as they get to the heart of the problem. Hours later, with grease smears everywhere, the happy mechanic waves as the customer drives away.

Those days are gone.

Instead, today’s auto mechanics deal with modern cars and high tech tools.

If you’ve purchased a vehicle recently, how many new “bells and whistles” are included on the car?

Like Automatic Parking Assistant. This modern technology makes parallel parking easy. Using ultrasonic sensors located at the front, rear, and sides of the car, it detects the parking spot, the vehicles around it, and guides it into place.

And that’s just the beginning. We’re already looking forward to a day where autonomous cars allow us to sit back and relax instead of keeping an eye on the road.

Or a day where electric cars are the norm.

What does all of this mean to auto mechanics? Is there a place for a vehicle servicing shop in the future?

Auto Mechanics – Past, Present, and Future

When you head back in time, fixing a car was a very hands-on job. The vehicle servicing station was a busy place, with lots of mechanics needed to work several hours on each job. Every turn of a wrench, every twist of a bolt was done by hand, and it could take a mechanic hours to complete one simple job. While hundreds – thousands – of little pieces fit together to build complex systems, it was necessary for a mechanic to check and service them all by hand.

This may sound like something right out of the 1950s, but it really wasn’t that long ago. Even cars built ten years ago required a lot more hands-on maintenance.

But with the advances in technology over the past few years, we’ve also seen changes in the way cars operate.

Remember when automatic locks on the doors was the latest technology? Now each system is interwoven together and controlled by a centralized motherboard. Instead of pulling things apart with a screwdriver or wrench, new cars are more likely to be connected to a laptop to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies. And only then is a fix attempted, often with newer, more high-pressured tools.

Yep, today’s cars are no longer a bunch of nuts and bolts, instead, they are computers on wheels.

Still, we are nowhere near where technology will take us next. Self-driving vehicles, electric cars, and more sophisticated technology will forever change the way we get around. While we may have a nostalgic view of what an auto mechanic has in their toolbox, in truth, the toolbox of the future will be little more than a series of computerized programs.

What Does That Mean for an Auto Mechanic?

With everything we’ve mentioned so far in this article, it’s natural to question the future of auto mechanics – will it disappear completely from view? The answer is: no, it’s not going to happen anytime soon.

Instead, like every industry, it will continue to evolve over time.

Cars will always need tires, and a way to connect to the road. They will always need a braking system, a way to safely control the vehicle and bring it to a stop. Who drives it and how it functions might change, but the basic requirements won’t – not for a very long time.

What will change is the way an auto mechanic approaches their job.

An auto mechanic may keep their screwdriver and wrenches in their toolbox on a shelf. But the toolbox itself may stay on the shelf, collecting dust, nothing more than memorabilia from a bygone era.

Instead, future toolboxes will include diagnostic tools that are run by technology. They’ll use things like code readers and laptops to tweak a computer’s settings.

And you as a driver will be part of the solution. Ever noticed all the codes that flash when you start your car, or numbers dancing across your dashboard as you drive? That’s due to the continual diagnostics going on underneath the hood, using sensors to tell what’s working and what’s not. When things vary even just a little, it alerts you to a potential problem.

It’s important to note that auto mechanics are not going to be a thing of the past. There will still be a need for a highly trained auto mechanic. But the way they approach analyzing a vehicle and making adjustments will.

A New Approach To Repair

Auto repair itself is getting more sophisticated all the time. As more things become automated, auto mechanics will find new ways of working for a new generation of vehicles.

They won’t approach a car in the same manner as before. Think of it more in terms of hiring an engineer, working with code, using programmed software to make a diagnosis, and utilizing various tools to get to the root of the problem.

While auto mechanics of yesteryear went to school to learn the nuts and bolts of how a car is put together, tomorrow’s technicians will work more with technology to tweak and get to the root of the problem. Popping the hood won’t mean pulling pieces apart to determine their condition. Instead, it’ll be about hooking up the main computerized dashboard and looking at reports online.

Instead of guessing at where a problem lies, diagnostics will show you exactly where it begins.

Things may change for all those who love tinkering with cars, and have always been mechanically inclined. But it can never stop the love for what a great car has to offer.

Technology has changed everything. That’s never going to stop. Peering under the hood may change in the coming years as we make significant progress in the way our automobiles operate, but keeping them safe will always be our number one priority.

Do you have a trusted auto mechanic who can help you stay safe no matter what kind of car you drive?

5 Tips For Choosing The Best Auto Repair Shop in Denver

September 24, 2020 by admin

Part of living in a community is finding reputable people to do business with. A friendly face can make a routine chore just a little easier.

Plus, when you walk away, you feel good about the work that was done. You don’t feel like you were taken advantage of, or you paid more than the service was worth.

You have a hairdresser, a general practitioner, and someone to mow your lawn. Now it’s time to find the best auto repair shop in Denver to provide you with the best care for your car.

But with so many choices out there, how do you know where to start? How do you find an honest mechanic who will tell you the truth about your car?

Reputation

One of the easiest ways to find a repair shop is by reputation. Ask your neighbors, your co-workers, and your friends. Ask who they use for repairs, and whether they’d recommend them to a friend.

You’d be surprised how many people drop their car off for convenience, not because they like the work that’s done.

Don’t stop there. Head online too. A good auto repair shop will pay attention to their online presence as well. That’s how you ended up right here on this blog post. It’s because we’ve been in business for years and have the desire to be in business many more. So we care about the information that’s making its way to you.

You can check online reviews, and look at what people have to say about a shop. Very quickly you’ll start to discover a pattern forms, and you can tell how well they’re standing up in the community.

We also recommend starting with a small service. An oil change or rotating your tires is the perfect task to put an auto repair shop to the test. Small services can allow you to meet the mechanics and see the business from the inside.

And for us, this is where we thrive. You can get to know all of us – we’re a family-run business.

Inspection

Are you in need of a brake job? Do you know your shocks and struts need replacing? If you don’t have a regular auto repair shop you use, you might decide the best way to find one is to call around.

If you give ten different repair shops a call, you might hear ten different courses of action. And ten different quotes that go along with it. All with the “coupon” special, of course.

That’s because it’s nearly impossible to give you a quote over the phone. We can tell you how much brakes are for a car similar to yours. But until we take a look at it, we have no idea of the work that needs to be done.

If you notice a squeak, you might think it’s your brake pads. But with a little more investigation, we might discover the rotors are damaged.

A reputable auto repair shop will be happy to take a look and figure out what’s wrong before finalizing a quote. They will also give you options based on the condition of your car. The more you know the mechanics at the shop, the more they get to know your car, the more they can provide you with courses of action that make sense to your lifestyle and your budget.

Customer service

One of the reasons we suggest starting with a small service to check out an auto repair shop early is to learn how they treat you, no matter what the service. You can tell a lot about a company by the customer service they bring, no matter how much you spend.

Do they call you with recommendations? Do they give you options? Are they all about upselling? Or do they give you the truth, even if it means reducing the sale?

Only you can judge what you think good customer service is about. But we recommend taking the time to talk about your car, listen to explanations and recommendations before you decide to move forward. It’s the best way to get a feel for the type of company you’re dealing with.

Training

How old is your car? Do you care for it well, hoping to make it last for years?

Or maybe you’re the type who likes to trade in your car for a new one every few years?

No matter how old your current vehicle is, you probably realize how much cars have changed over the years. Even a vehicle from a few years ago doesn’t have the technology that today’s modern car has.

https://denverexpresscare.com/why-a-car-diagnostic-test-can-be-important-to-your-wallet

While you might be able to look under the hood and determine what’s wrong from an older car, many newer cars have complicated diagnostic systems. The easiest way to determine where problems lie is to hood it up and let technology tell you.

Of course, you can’t work on an older car in quite the same way as one built just a year ago. With increased technology comes more wires and connections. And if you don’t take that into consideration as you make repairs, you could cause even more problems down the road.

To be a good mechanic today means staying up to date with the industry news. It means learning more about technology and how to implement it in each make and model.

You’ll find that with a car repair shop that cares about reputation.

Convenience

Of course, one of the most important things to you when finding an auto repair shop in Denver is convenience. If you have to drive miles out of your way, or have a difficult time finding a shop, why would you continue to go there?

That’s one of the reasons we selected our location. We’re just off the highway, close to everything you do around town.

We get selecting an auto mechanic is an important decision. If you select wisely, it’ll help you keep your car in great condition.

And that’s what we’re really about. We’re a family-run business with years of dedication to the profession.

If you’re looking for someone you can trust to keep your vehicles on the road, winter, spring, summer, and fall, give us a call.

Car Repair Services Drivers Often Ignore, But Shouldn’t

September 18, 2020 by admin

There are only twenty-four hours in a day, and for most of us, we fill each and every one of them as fully as possible. We schedule meetings close together. We double up on errands, trying to fit everything in. Why do one thing when you can multitask?

It’s no wonder we overlook the most obvious things.

Take your vehicle, for example. You know there are certain car repair services you should perform on a regular basis. There are certain things you should watch out for, and act fast to save yourself from higher service repair bills and the risk of being stranded without a car. Yet most of us push forward, ignoring situations until we no longer can.

General maintenance is important to keep your car working well. If you put a little time and money into basic services along the way, you’re more likely to catch car problems long before they materialize into something bigger.

What does that include? What should you watch for?

Differential service

While you might understand how important regular oil changes are for your car, differential fluid replacement is something a little more vague.

Your vehicle uses differential fluid to deliver power from your engine to each axel that turns each wheel. A four-wheel-drive vehicle will have four differentials – one at each wheel.

Consider for a moment how your wheels move as you drive. As you drive straight, all four wheels move at the same speed and distance. But if you take a turn, the outside wheels will experience more revolutions than the inside wheels to get you safely through the turn. The gears and fluid that allows that to happen is the differential.

Over time, differential fluid can break down. Yet it’s one of the important lubrication fluids that keeps your car running smoothly in all conditions. If you start to hear a whir as you pick up speed, or a banging sound when rounding a corner, it could be a sign you have a problem with the differential gears or fluid. Even if you don’t experience anything out of the ordinary, it’s important to have it checked according to your manufacturer’s guidelines, to ensure your driving experience is safe year round.

Tire check and wheel alignment

One of the scariest experiences you can have is a tire blow out as you’re traveling at high speeds. Rarely does this happen without a little advanced warning.

While newer vehicles often have automatic tire pressure checks built in, alerting you to when your tire is under or over inflated, older models require self checks as you drive. Test your tire pressure regularly. Also, do a walk around periodically to check the condition of your tires. If you notice a problem, stop by and have us evaluate it before you drive on it further.

Tire bulges, for example, can occur if your tire is overinflated, or if you hit certain debris in the road. A bulge forms when air bubbles move through the inner lining, causing a weak spot in the casing. The more you drive on it, the weaker it becomes. This is when it has the opportunity to burst unexpectedly.

If your tires don’t connect well with the road, it can allow jarring and bumps to impact and wear down the wheel alignment too. If wheels aren’t properly aligned, it can cause your car to pull to one side. If you continue to drive on it, the situation worsens, and will start to impact other components of your steering system. Not only can this wear down your tires faster, but it can also increase the cost of repair work, taking a bigger bite out of your budget.

Squeaky belts

All of those noises your vehicle makes are designed to warn you of potential problems. Your drive, serpentine, and timing belts all control various parts on your car, from keeping the engine running to powering the electrical systems inside your vehicle. And because they are only designed for so much resistance, they wear down over time.

If they break or snap, it can hit other parts of your car, costing you much more in repair bills. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule a maintenance visit periodically to have a mechanic evaluate every system underneath the hood. They can keep you advised on how many miles you have left on certain systems, and give you easy ways to head off issues that may happen without replacement.

The timing belt, for instance, should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. They don’t give you a lot of warning, but can do irreparable harm, depending on how they break.

Transmission system

While the engine is designed to create energy, the transmission is needed to actually get your car to move. It:

Transfers power into the wheels
Allows the engine to move the vehicle forwards and backward
Enables the car to shift gears

Without a proper level of maintenance, each of these processes could fail, bringing your vehicle to a halt.

To avoid damage, and the possibility of needing a tow, a regular checkup can determine it the transmission system is working correctly. Check with your manufacturer’s guidelines to determine how frequently you should change the transmission fluid. Also, check with your vehicle’s warranty, as some extended warranties offer transmission coverage and could prevent a costly repair.

Is it time for car service repair?

These are just a few of the car repair services that a quality service shop will offer, to help keep you on the road.

Putting off services like these could cost you in the long run, and lead to dangerous, potentially deadly driving situations.

If it’s been a while since your car has had a maintenance check, even if it’s been sitting in your garage for weeks at a time, now is the time to check it and be sure it’s ready for winter driving.

We’re here to help you keep your car on the road.

Simple Answers for Water Pump

August 31, 2020 by admin

Question: My water pump went out and it costs much more to replace than the ones I’ve replaced in the past. My technician said it’s because of where it’s located. Why is that?

Simple Answer: Some water pumps are driven by the serpentine belt and are bolted on out in the open with the alternator, air compressor and such…other water pumps are driven by the timing belt. These water pumps take a lot of labor to access and replace. We suspect your current vehicle has a water pump that is driven by the timing belt.

Water pumps are fairly simple devices that circulate engine coolant/antifreeze around the engine and out to the radiator. Like every mechanical device, they eventually wear out. Although having a cooling system service done on schedule at Express Car Care will extend the life of your water pump and its seals and gaskets, it will eventually fail and need to be replaced.

The water pumps that are driven by the timing belt (the belt that controls when your engine intake and exhaust valves open) are attached directly to the engine block. The timing belt system has a protective cover. The serpentine belt and all the accessories are located over the timing belt cover. So getting to the water pump requires removing a lot of parts which then need to be replaced.

When the water pump must be replaced, we at Express Car Care, think it is a good idea to go ahead and also replace the timing belt, timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys. First, because the timing belt may have been contaminated by leaking coolant; second, there is a schedule for replacing your timing belt and you might as well make the modest additional cost while everything is taken apart so you can avoid the same labor cost down the road.

By the way, the reverse is true as well: When you are replacing your timing belt on schedule, go ahead and replace the water pump at the same time. It would be a shame to spend the money on one of these replacements only to have to do it all again in a few months because the other part then needs to be replaced. Do them at the same time and start the clock over for both.

Why a Car Diagnostic Test Can Be Important To Your Wallet

August 7, 2020 by admin

Every year, you schedule cleanings with your dentist, check-ups with your general physician.

Why? To ensure you stay in good health.

During your routine visit, a doctor can assess what’s going on inside by taking a few standardized tests. They poke and prod in the right places, looking for clues that will tell them something is wrong.

Your goal is to receive an a-okay, knowing you’ll be fine in the coming months. But if they find something small – just an inkling of a potential problem – they can explore further, knowing they’ve caught it early. And catching it early can be the difference between life and death.

A car diagnostic test works in a similar manner. It warns you of potential problems somewhere within your car, problems you might not see, or even detect. But they are there, waiting. They can increase quickly, requiring expensive repairs. Or worse, strand you at the least inconvenient time.

What is a car diagnostic test?

One of the greatest advancements in the auto industry was the addition of technology. As cars became more computerized, it allowed mechanics to connect with each system more effectively. Instead of guessing as to what causes a problem, mechanics can now pinpoint exactly where the problem lies, making it easier than ever to fix the problem and get you back on the road again in no time.

A car diagnostic test can either be performed at the dealer or at a reputable service station. Using specialized software, a trained auto mechanic can use the results from the car diagnostic test to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies. Thanks to built-it processors, microchips, and sensors, this computerized program will show where the problem lies. It makes it easier than ever to discover even the smallest problem within the major systems such as the engine, transmission, ignition cells, throttle, and more.

Does a car diagnostic test look at every part of the vehicle?

There is a misconception about just how accurate a diagnostic test can be.

When you receive the results from a blood test at your doctor’s office, it can tell the doctor something is wrong. But it’s up to the doctor to interpret the results, conduct further testing, and eventually get to the root of the problem.

Diagnostic testing works in a similar manner.

Through testing, problems can be revealed with a car’s engine, transmission, exhaust system, brakes, performance issues, problems with air flow, coolant, throttle issues, and more. If you have your “check engine” light come on the dashboard, for instance, it can be a warning of a small problem, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as an engine misfiring.

The diagnostic test may provide certain clues that lead a mechanic to dig in a little further. But it’s up to his skill and knowledge levels to determine exactly what’s wrong with the car. The problem will only be fixed appropriately if the mechanic makes the right diagnosis. And that’s where it benefits you to choose your mechanic wisely.

Why should you schedule a car diagnostic test periodically?

If you’ve recently had your annual physical, you know the benefits of scheduling it once a year. In most cases, you’ll be in and out with no worries. You’ll receive a “clean bill of health,” and you’ll be on your way.

There’s a good feeling about that. You can put your fears aside if you’ve been feeling a little under the weather. You can talk with your doctor about any challenges you might have been facing throughout the year. And leave with more confidence, getting back to life.

Before car diagnostic tests, a car’s health was often left to chance. You drove the car hard until a problem presented itself. And by the time you noticed the problem, it usually turned into a major repair. It may have even left you stranded by the side of the road. That puts you at risk. It also signaled there must be a better way.

The diagnostic test helps keep you on the road trouble-free. It helps you feel more confident no matter if you’re driving on dark roads late at night, or traveling cross-country on the family road trip.

In addition to diagnosing potential problems within the systems of your car, it can also check the computer system for manufacturers’ notifications and other detailed messages about your car. It can reveal the history, and signal information about when is the best time to replace or repair.

Should I bring in my car for a diagnostic test today?

Creating a snapshot of your car’s health sounds beneficial, doesn’t it? Maybe you’re wondering when you should schedule a diagnostic test for your vehicle. You don’t have to wait for a light to pop up on your dashboard to signal it’s time for a test. This is where it pays to pay attention to how your vehicle sounds and feels.

If you notice an unusual sound, bring it in. If it just doesn’t drive the way it used to, a diagnostic test may reveal the reason.

Of course, it’s also good to schedule a “check up” at least once per year.

Are you heading out of town on the epic family road trip? A diagnostic test can help you do so with peace of mind.

Or maybe you choose to have a diagnostic test performed right before we head into the winter months. It’s a great way to ensure your vehicle is performing at peak performance, before the temperatures fall below freezing.

An annual test will help reveal small problems that aren’t yet triggered by a light on your dashboard.

It can also be a useful tool if you’re in the market for a good used car. Before you sign on the dotted line and commit your hard-earned cash, schedule a diagnostic test and it will ensure you’ve found a great car, and not a lemon-in-waiting.

Is it time to schedule your car diagnostic test?

Keeping your vehicle in good working condition takes more than new tires and an occasional oil change. To stay on top of potential problems, a diagnostic test can alert you to trouble long before it appears, giving you trouble on your daily drive. Give us a call or stop by today, and we’ll let you know exactly how well your vehicle is performing.

Low Engine Oil – What It Does To Your Car

July 28, 2020 by admin

What is the most important fluid to keep your car running smoothly? Gas? Oil? Something else?

Your car stays operational by ensuring all pieces are properly maintained, it’s hard to imagine how long your vehicle would run if you stopped putting motor oil into it.

Regular maintenance includes a trip to the service station every few months or few thousand miles, depending on your vehicle and driving patterns. Without replacing the motor oil, the lifeline to your car will be severed. Eventually, many problems will start showing up, such as reduced fuel economy, serious engine damage, leading to complete engine destruction.

What is engine oil?

Engine oil – motor oil – is a thick fluid that provides lubrication for your vehicle’s engine.

All motor oil is not created equal. If you head into an auto parts store, you’ll see a variety of makes and options sitting on the shelf. That’s because all motors were not created equal. If you purchased a high performance vehicle, that’s different than the family sedan. A car purchased ten years ago will also have different requirements than one you drove off the lot earlier this year.

Engine oil is sold by type and weight. That’s to keep your car running smoothly in all driving conditions. Newer cars use oil for better gas economy and oil consumption. It’s not only something drivers demand, but it’s also federal regulation. If you compare today’s engine oil to oil from twenty or thirty years ago, you’ll find it thinner. That’s for flow through. It keeps your engine running well no matter what you dish out as you drive.

There are two different categories of motor oil: mineral oil and synthetic oil. Mineral oil is petroleum based, similar to how gasoline is produced from crude oil. Synthetic oil is developed in a lab, designed for specific requirements. While mineral oil is often less expensive, it also won’t last as long once in the engine. Because mineral oil is also derived from a finite resource, there is also a question about carbon footprint.

Engine oil is designed to be a specific weight. You’ll see it rated like 0W20 or 5W30. It’s important to stick with manufacturers’ guidelines, as your vehicle was designed with a specific weight in mind. Going with another weight could reduce your fuel economy, or even impact your engine to the point of seizing your engine.

Why is engine oil important?

Engine oil is important for a variety of reasons.

Lubrication – the most important reason is for lubrication. The right engine oil keeps all of the moving parts protected, preventing them from rubbing against one another, causing wear. Metal on metal is never good. Not only would it wear individual parts out, but it can also wreck your engine. Preventing friction from having these parts wear on each other should always be your biggest consideration.

Cooling – every time you turn your engine on, it creates heat. If that heat builds, it can cause damage to the inner workings of your car. While most of the cooling is handled by the coolant system ( your radiator), motor oil provides supplemental cooling for parts of the engine where coolant can’t reach.

Cleaner – engine oil also acts as a cleaner to keep the engine clean. Over time, debris can accumulate in the engine compartment and start eroding various parts. Motor oil cleans those damaging deposits.

Why you should change your engine oil on a regular basis

When you take your vehicle in for a motor oil change, they’ll remind you to do so on a regular basis, either based on mileage or time. While service stations will do so based on simple guidelines, check with your manufacturer to determine the right course of action for your vehicle. With higher quality oils, it often means you can drive longer between oil changes. Newer weighted oil can often last up to 10,000 miles or more in between changes.

However, this isn’t an area you should skimp on. If you aren’t sure, sticking with the 3 months/3,000 miles rule is your best course of action. You can also speak with one of our mechanics and set up a time period that works well for your style of driving.

How do I know if I have low engine oil?

There are several issues that can cause low engine oil.

A faulty sensor

If the warning light turns on in your vehcile, signaling you have low engine oil, your first course of action can be to check your oil levels if you think it might be amiss. A simple oil check may be an indicator it’s a faulty sensor, not a problem with your engine oil. However, if your engine oil sensor is illuminated on your dashboard, it’s a good idea to let one of our mechanics take a look as soon as possible.

Improper engine oil

All motor oils are not created equal. That’s why it’s a good idea to go to a reputable shop where you know you’re vehicle will receive a high grade engine oil. Your car was created with specific grade levels in mind. If it doesn’t receive the proper grade, with time, it will break down faster, reduce lubrication within your engine compartment, and impact both the parts and performance of your vehicle.

Bad oil filter

The oil filter works to remove dust and metal from the oil. Without a good oil filter in place, particles can flow back into the engine. If the oil filter is bad, it can inhibit the oil from flowing freely, potentially setting off a warning signal on your dashboard as well.

Oil pump malfunction

The oil pump is designed to generate pressure and ensure the oil moves freely throughout the system. If the oil pump malfunctions either because of age or wear and tear, it bubbles into the oil, which in turn reduces the pressure within the system.

Oil leaks

Pay attention to the ground underneath your car. As you pull out of the parking space, do you notice wet marks underneath? Any leaks should be checked out by one of our mechanics immediately to further prevent damage to your vehicle.

The best way to prevent low engine oil in your vehicle is to perform maintenance and schedule regularl oil changes on a timely basis. Ignoring any of the warning signs can shorten the lifespan of your vehicle, make it less reliable, and cause you more money in the long run.

Call now if you have a question about your vehicle.

Fuel Pump

July 20, 2020 by admin

Help your fuel pump last longer. One pump killer is contamination in the fuel tank. Sometimes this comes from the fuel itself. Buying fuel at a reputable Denver station will help make sure you are putting clean fuel into the tank. Older vehicles tend to have more sediment in the tank from years of rust or corrosion from the tank itself. The tank may need a thorough cleaning or replacement.

Another thing you can do to help your fuel pump last longer is refill your tank when it gets down to about a quarter full. The fuel pump is submerged in the fuel which cools it and lubricates it. When the fuel in the tank runs low, the pump has to work harder to suck up the fuel from the bottom and there is not enough fuel in the tank to cool it. This can lead to premature wear.

When the day comes that your fuel pump needs to be replaced, Express Car Care of Denver will use a quality replacement pump that meets or exceeds your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. The entire assembly should be replaced. Your Express Car Care service adviser will be sure to install a replacement pump that is compatible with your fuel type. For example, if you have a FlexFuel vehicle that can run on gasoline with up to 85% ethanol content, your fuel system components – including the fuel pump – must be able to withstand the corrosive effects of high alcohol content fuel.

We’d like to help you with all your car repair questions, give us a call or come in and see us.

Get Ready For Summer: Truck Maintenance Tips For Towing Your Gear

July 18, 2020 by admin

All across America, the great road trip is on. Albeit differently than any summer before.

Because very few of us relish the thought of hopping on a plane in the coming weeks, more are pulling out their maps and planning an old-fashioned kind of vacation. Why not see what America has to offer? Pack your bags, hook your camper up to your truck, and let’s go!

Of course, pulling your campers, boats, water toys and more takes a lot of work. Is your truck up for the job? Here are a few truck maintenance tips to ensure your vehicle is up to the task.

Towing capacity

Have you decided this is your year to invest in new camping gear? Did you pick up a boat at a bargain price on Craigslist? Or maybe your dream of owning watercraft has finally come true. Surely your current truck can do the job, right?

Maybe not.

Don’t assume your truck has the proper towing capacity for the job. Check your owner’s manual instead. It will tell you how much pulling capacity you have without damaging your vehicle or impacting the ability to handle the load safely as you travel up and down hills and around tight corners. Too much weight on your tow could damage wheel bearings, brakes, transmission, axles, or even your engine.

Towing equipment

If you’re new to towing, be sure to invest in the right towing equipment for the job. In most towing situations, you’ll need four pieces of equipment:

Hitch

Hitch receiver

Drawbar

Hitch ball

If you have the right equipment, you’ll safely tow your equipment behind you wherever the road takes you. If you don’t, you could be staring at crushed campers and watercraft at the bottom of a ravine.

Every setup is created for a specific weight and size class. The mini camper you towed last summer isn’t necessarily the same as the boat you recently purchased. Check with your owner’s manual for classification, as well as read up on the new equipment you’ve purchased.

Trailer details

When you’re towing various toys for camping and having fun on the water, it’s no longer just about your truck. You have a trailer to think about too. That means in addition to caring for your truck before you head out on the road, you’ll have to have your trailer checked out too. Make sure you have:

Trailer lights – ensure the electrical wiring is properly attached to ensure taillights and brake lights are in good working condition.
Secure load – whether it’s simply pulling a mini trailer, or if you have a variety of toys spread out in the back of your truck, ensure it’s all properly covered or tied down. You don’t want to reach your final destination, only to discover you’ve lost half your load along the way.
Check your tires – while trailers and other towable equipment may not have a lot of running internal parts, you will be dependent on the wheels and tires to get you where you’re going. Sometimes you off-road it, being more vulnerable to things that can flatten or blow a tire. Are they in good shape before you leave?

Safe truck checkup

When you’re about to head out on vacation, it’s a good idea to give your truck a thorough checkup before you leave home. When you drop off your truck for an inspection, mention your vacation plans and what you’ll be towing. That will give our mechanics a better idea of what to look for, and make recommendations based on your plans.

While these aren’t the only things you should check, it’s a starting point.

Brakes – not only will you be using your brakes to stop your truck, but you’ll also be adding weight behind you in what you’re towing. Having brakes that are even slightly worn could be a hazard to your safety.

While it might be a natural tendency to ride the brakes with the added weight behind you, especially as you navigate turns and hills, this can only increase the chance of overheating them. Instead, choose to drive at a slower speed. Some trailers come with their own braking system. While this takes practice to be able to coordinate the two tougher, it can reduce the likelihood of putting too much pressure on your own braking system.

Cooling – no matter where you’re driving to this summer, chances are you’ll be using your air conditioner to help you stay cool. This intensifies the possibility of your truck breaking down. That extra load puts more stress on your vehicle, so ensure all of your cooling system parts are working well before you head out. That includes the radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, and other systems attached to your vehicle.

Suspension – check both your truck’s suspension system and whatever you’re towing as well. For driving around town, your truck may have lighter duty shocks that can present problems when you start to pull a heavy load. A heavier duty shock absorber will help keep your vehicle stable while towing. Plus it will make your ride smoother too.

Fluids – not only will you be pulling a heavier load wherever you go, but you’ll also be doing it on potentially some of the hottest days of the year. It’s time to check all of the fluid levels throughout your vehicle to ensure you’re topped up and ready to go.

Start with motor oil. This isn’t a time to skimp and look for bargains. Instead, trust brand name synthetic motor oil and transmission fluid to give your engine added protection throughout the summer and beyond. Replace oil filters to improve performance. Top up things like windshield washer fluid – those roads can become muddy and dirty from brief rainstorms and more.

It’s summer – get out there and have fun!

Before heading out on your summer adventure, spend a little time preparing your truck for the process.

It’s been a stressful year. No matter if you’re heading off the beaten path, or will be following others into some of the most well-loved monuments in this country, following a few truck maintenance tips before you head out will ensure you arrive safely, and that you don’t spend more time on the side of the road then you do having fun at your final destination.

Book your appointment today. We’ll ensure your truck is in perfect condition before your vacation begins.