Denver Auto Repair

Growling that Grates

March 29, 2021 by admin

A driver who uses his or her ears has a leg up on those who don’t. Noises, in addition to helping us to be aware of traffic, can also give us clues to potential problems in our vehicles. One noise to pay special attention to is growling.

Growling is a universally recognizable noise; you know it when you hear it. In a vehicle, it’s usually the sound of metal contacting metal, and not in a good way. So, what is your vehicle telling you if you hear growling when you are turning your steering wheel?

There are a few possibilities. One is the mechanical linkage that helps your steering wheel turn your wheels and tires. This system frequently has a hydraulic system that makes turning the steering wheel easier for you. This can be one source of growling sounds you might hear. An auto technician can check your power steering fluid to see if it’s at the correct level and still has a good consistency.

There are a few things that can go wrong with your power steering. If your fluid is low, that might be a sign of a leak in the pump, hose, or somewhere else in the system. It’s important to have your power steering working properly since losing the ability to turn precisely can sharply reduce the safety of your vehicle.

If that growling sound is coming from around the wheel area, it could be a suspension issue. That growling is giving you a warning that a component such as a constant velocity (CV) joint or a wheel hub may be on the verge of failing, so it’s a good idea to get it checked right away. Another reason you may be hearing growling when you turn your steering wheel is that your brakes are engaging when they shouldn’t.

Growling noises are trying to tell you something, and they can tell a trained technician a great deal. Inform your service adviser about the symptoms you’re hearing or seeing. Your Express Car Care service provider can put that growling to a an end. Your ears will thank you.

Is Your Car Worth Fixing?

March 7, 2021 by admin

There used to be a time when cars wouldn’t last more than a few years. The parts would wear out. The systems would cease to work. There wasn’t a choice – you had to replace your car out of necessity.

Over time, manufacturers have gotten better at building reliable parts and cars. No longer can you expect a car to last a handful of years. In fact, according to a recent IHS Markit study, the number of pre-2005 cars and trucks on the road today has climbed to an all-time high. One in four vehicles on American roads are at least 16 years old.

One-hundred thousand miles on a vehicle used to be considered a breaking point. Now, many car owners who hit that milestone say their vehicles are just getting started.

Still, if you’ve driven your current vehicle for years, it’s hard not to wonder at what point it’s better for your wallet to invest in something new. You like not having car payments. Your car may have been cost-effective up until now. But how do you choose whether to keep your car or replace it? Is your car worth fixing, or should you start shopping for something new?

Start with a simple question: Is it cosmetic or mechanical?

People often start considering a new car for one of two reasons: The car may no longer appeal to them visually, or repair bills are starting to escalate.

Why are you considering investing in a new car? Is it for cosmetic reasons? Is the paint chipping? Do you have scratches and dents all over the car?

Maybe a little bodywork could improve its looks. Yet before you take your car in for estimates on sprucing up the outside, think about the inside for a moment. Does your car shake, rattle, and roll? Do you continuously smell gas fumes when you’re near the rear?

As a driver, paying attention to the way your car handles is part of being a good driver. It helps you recognize what’s happening underneath the hood, and make good choices before your vehicle leaves you stranded by the side of the road.

If you’ve put money into repairing it before small fixes turn into larger problems, it might be worth fixing a few car dings, or even repainting your car. It can make you feel happier when you walk up to your car in the parking lot, and drive it on the city roads. It can even add to the value, becoming something someone else wants to drive rather than an eyesore they hide from their friends.

Mechanical problems are an entirely different issue. Small repairs that can be easily made maybe a decent trade-off, especially if you no longer have a monthly car payment. But when small repair bills grow in size, it’s time to start questioning their value.

Where do you draw the line?

Get a car repair estimate

The good news is if you bring your vehicle in, and trust a neighborhood mechanic rather than a dealer, you’ll get an estimate before we even start the work. Neighborhood mechanics almost always charge less for repairs than dealers – it’s just one of the ways they keep their large lots in business.

Before you decide what repairs to make to your car, take a look at the estimate and see what work needs to be done. Transmission assembly can be well over $6,000. Replacing an engine begins at $5,000, depending on make and model. Replacing a hybrid battery and reprogramming and engine control model can be in access of $4,400.

Once you have your estimate in hand, talk with your mechanic. Is there a way to make the process less expensive? Are there certain parts of the process you can forgo, or at least put off, spreading the costs over several months? Can you use salvaged parts? Or can you rebuild rather than replace?

That’s where working with a neighborhood mechanic stands apart from working through a dealer. Neighborhood mechanics understand it takes a lot to budget everything in your life. They are more willing to give you options and help you make the right – and safest – choice for your needs.

Run the numbers

With an estimate in hand, you can now run the numbers. Use Kelley Blue Book to determine the value of your car if you were to sell it to a private buyer.

If your car is worth $3,500, for example, and the repair estimate is in excess of that amount, it would be hard to justify the repair. Edmunds makes a simple rule of thumb that applies to this situation: If the cost of repairs will be greater than either the bluebook value of your car or one year’s worth of monthly payments, it’s time to consider a new vehicle.

Remember, though, that repairing a car will ultimately be less expensive than purchasing a new one. It’s not always the money alone you should consider.

Do you want to take on several years of car payments?
Are you worried your car will break down even after this repair?
How is the outlook of your job?
What changes are occurring in your life right now?

If a repair could bring you several more years of reliable transportation, it might be your best choice.

You know this car, and its history. It might be better than going with another used potential problem.

Make the right choice for you

As you’re making your final decision, remember reliable transportation is always crucial. And there are still ways around getting a reliable car.

If you’ve had your heart set on a specific car, can you lower your expectations for the time being? Instead of a Honda Accord, will a Honda Civic be a better choice for now?

Or maybe you can purchase a used car. We offer an inspection service that will check out the major systems and give you more assurance you’re investing in a quality car rather than a lemon.

No matter which direction you choose, regular maintenance is critical in keeping your vehicle on the road without leaving you stranded.

Have further questions about repairs for your car? Just ask.

Buying Auto Parts or Visiting a Mechanic – Which Is Better?

February 24, 2021 by admin

No matter what type of vehicle you own, you’ll eventually have to replace a few parts to keep it running. Whether it’s a can of oil, a new belt or hose, or replacing an entire system, you have a choice:

Buying auto parts yourself and handling the fix yourself
Visiting a mechanic and letting an expert handle the repair

There’s never a right or wrong answer every time. It depends on your knowledge, your skills, and how much time you have to invest in the outcome.

Buying auto parts may seem like a great way to save money. But so much can go wrong.

There are no guarantees or warranties to help you down the road

There are two scenarios at work here.

Let’s say you buy the auto parts necessary to repair your vehicle. The part itself may come with a guarantee, but it often is limited to the part; it will not cover a potential problem when you install it yourself. A manufacturer can’t take that risk – what if you install it incorrectly? It’s limited to what you spend on the part itself.

Some budget-minded drivers attempt to buy parts at a low cost, then take them to a mechanic in an attempt to counter this problem. In this case, it depends on the mechanic helping you out.

Mechanics often won’t use auto parts supplied by the driver because they can’t guarantee the parts are in good working order. This is their reputation on the line. They don’t want to be held liable for using a part that simply won’t work.

An expert will want to take control over the entire situation, to ensure your car is safe as you drive away.

You might not buy the right equipment

One trip to the auto parts store will tell you there are dozens – hundreds – of parts for your vehicle, and when it comes right down to it, they all look the same.

The size may change slightly. Ratios may be off. Parts often vary from make, model, and year.

Imagine ripping your car apart, running to the auto parts store, buying a part, and coming home only to realize it isn’t the right part. Rinse. Repeat.

In some cases, you might not have the right tools for the job either. Different parts have different installation methods – do you have the right wrench?

It’s a matter of time, expertise, and money. Bringing your car to a mechanic will get the job done the right way. Trying it yourself is always a hit or miss at best.

Are you convinced visiting a mechanic is in your best interest?

Want your visit to run smoothly from beginning to end?

Communicate clearly

A mechanic can’t guess at what’s wrong with your car. They don’t drive it every day like you do. Instead, they rely on you to help them determine where the problem is.

Whether you’re bringing it in for a routine checkup, or have a larger problem that can no longer be ignored, spend a few moments creating a list of the things you want the mechanic to check out. Even if you aren’t sure if something is a problem or not, a working list will help a mechanic get to the root of the problem. Noises, smells, rattles, leaks, sensations – even if it seems to be little, it’s better to bring it to a mechanic’s attention to help determine where the problem is.

Be prepared

Cars cost money to operate. Too often, drivers attempt to ignore problems until they become so bad they can’t drive. That ends in a very large bill repairing multiple problems and big-ticket items.

Often, a regular maintenance schedule can find problems as they start, and make minor repairs that will keep your car operating well for the life of the vehicle. Still, cars will eventually need larger services, such as brake replacement and new tires. If you understand how each system is wearing on your vehicle, and you monitor it as you drive, you can save for the larger repairs.

Your car isn’t a storage unit

Today’s vehicles are bigger than ever. That means we see many drivers come in that use their vehicles as storage units. There are golf clubs in the back, boxes stacked from bottom to top. There are leftover papers everywhere, even a stroller tucked behind the front seat.

Trouble is, in some cases, a mechanic will have to remove those items to get where they need to be.

All of that extra equipment adds weight to your vehicle. That might impact the overall quality of the repair. While you might need some of it for your weekly trips and errands, before you bring it into the shop, spend a few minutes decluttering it for your repair visit.

Trust the mechanic to do their job

While you may know how your vehicle drives from day to day, a mechanic is trained to find where potential problems lie, and understands how to fix them. Tell them your concerns, even give them your list, then let them take over and do their job the right way.

If they have questions, they’ll be in touch. Do they have your cell number to reach you at any point during the repair visit? This can speed up the process, and allow you to make decisions as they come up.

Is it time for visiting a mechanic that can help you keep your car in good working order?

When it comes time to finding the right mechanic, sometimes trusting a local service will ensure you learn how to work with the people, and that they understand working with you.

It gives you a chance to build a team to help you keep your car in as good of condition as possible. No matter what.

Whether you’re looking for an oil change, need your tires balanced, or are in need of new brakes on your car, our family-owned business is ready and waiting to help you.

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.