Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Check Engine Lights

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A question we often hear at our shop is “why is my check engine light flashing?”  There is not always a simple and quick answer to this question.

Check engine lights are a part of the computerized engine management system (ECM).  This system alerts us to possible problems inside the engine or transmission that have an impact on the emissions system.  Check engine lights may be a graphic of an engine or a similar icon.  It could also be words “check engine” or “service engine”.  Some vehicles use a yellow check engine light as a caution light that tells you to have your car checked soon and a red check engine light that means your vehicle needs immediate attention.  Every car’s display is different, so you should make yourself familiar with how your particular make and model works.  The check engine light is usually amber or red in color and has two stages, a steady engine light or a flashing check engine light.  A steady check engine light signals minor problems, while a flashing check engine light means there is a serious problem in the ECM.

The specific causes a check engine light flashes are different for each vehicle but these are some general causes.

  • A misfire in your engine.  A misfire can cause catalytic converter damage if you don’t resolve it quickly.  Replacing a catalytic  converter can be costly, so have the engine checked as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.
  • A failure in the emission control system.  The emission control system contains many active sensors that work to reduce the amount of pollution released into the air.  One of those sensors is an oxygen sensor that reads the air and fuel mixture.  If that mixture is out of the acceptable range the check engine light will flash.
  • Brittle, cracked or worn spark plugs.  Worn spark plug wires can lead to an electric misfire inside the engine.  If the wires are worn out, they should be changed as soon as possible.
  • A loose gas cap.  If the gas cap isn’t tight enough or twisted correctly it can cause the check engine light to flash.  Sometimes when the cap is put on correctly the check engine light will go off.  If the light stays on for more than a day or two have your mechanic run an on-board diagnostic to see if there is a code in the system indicating a more serious problem.

Check engine lights help you and your mechanic keep your vehicle running smoothly, so when they light up have your vehicle checked and don’t ignore them!

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Car Air Conditioning and Allergies

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If you suffer at all with seasonal allergies or asthma, you are more than likely very serious about trying to prevent triggering their symptoms.  You have probably followed all the recommended guidelines for reducing the risk of triggering your allergies.  You keep your windows and outside doors closed as much as possible.  You use air-conditioning to cool your home and avoid using window and attic fans during pollen season.  You avoid being outdoors in the early morning when the pollen is more prevalent and you keep your car windows rolled up and use your car air conditioning when driving.  But each time you enter your car and turn on the air conditioning, something very unpleasant happens.  Your eyes start to water and your nose starts running, then you begin to sneeze while your throat starts itching.  What is happening?!

Common allergens and irritants found inside the average car can make driving a real challenge for people who suffer with allergies.  Dust mites and mold can grow in cars and linger for long periods of time.  A car air conditioner doesn’t harbor mold because it is a sealed unit that outside air can’t penetrate.  But mold can grow in your air conditioner’s vents and the hoses that connect it.  This happens when moisture becomes trapped and can’t escape through the venting, like the  showers in our homes.  Mold loves humidity and thrives in moist conditions.  To help prevent mold in your car’s air conditioning vents, here are some steps to try.  As you near your destination, after running your air conditioning, switch your air conditioning system off and turn on the vent.  Do this at least two miles from your destination.  Turn the vent on high so there is a lot of air blowing through the vents.  The air won’t be as cool as it is when the air conditioning is on but it will dry out any moisture that might be trapped in your vents.  If you do this each time you use your air conditioning it will help prevent mold and pollens from accumulating and triggering your allergies.

If you practice these guidelines and still notice allergy problems when you are in your car, we offer a service here at Express Car Care, that can clean your car air conditioning so you can enjoy driving again.  Ask one of our service technicians for more information.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Differential Service

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Summer has arrived and for many of us that means we will be spending a lot of time in our cars.  We drive to sporting events, concerts, camping and fishing trips,  and some of us head to the mountains for a little off-roading!  But no matter how you spend your summer, you want your car to get you where you want to go!  To help you make that happen, we suggest you have your vehicle checked to  see if it’s  in need of a differential service.

Whether your vehicle is a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive, it has a differential, maybe even two or three.  The differential is a special gear box located between the drive wheels of your car.  The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while still providing power.  Without a differential, our tires would rub and hop along the pavement, instead of gliding smoothly during turns.  Rear wheel drive vehicles have a differential in back.  The majority of four-wheel drive trucks and SUVs will also have a similar differential on the front axle. But no matter where they are located, all of the engine’s power is routed through your car’s differentials.  In order to perform their purpose, they need to be properly lubricated.  You can accomplish this by having a differential service done regularly on your vehicle.

A differential service is simply having the used fluid drained and replacing it with clean fluid.  Neglecting to change the differential fluid can cause poor performance, premature wear, noise and even failure.  Replacing a differential assembly can cost as much as $1500, so don’t let that happen to you.

The benefits of having a differential service are numerous.  It removes metal shavings and other contaminants that naturally enter the differential during normal operation.  A differential service reduces heat levels inside the differential and protects against friction, rust and corrosion.  It extends the life of your differential and provides protection especially under extreme conditions.   To keep the expensive metal parts of your vehicle protected, it’s important to have the differential fluid checked and changed at recommended intervals.

The mileage interval for servicing your differential can vary according to the type of vehicle you drive, and how and where you drive it.  Check with your service adviser or your owner’s manual for recommendations.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Replacing Shocks and Struts

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If you visit any auto repair shop regularly there is a good chance you’ve seen ads for replacing shocks and struts.  But is there a way to tell if your shocks and struts need replacing without taking your car to a repair shop? 

One way to evaluate if they need replacing is to look for damage or leaking.  Leaking is easy to see – just look for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut.  Damage is also fairly easy to see – look for a broken mount, or dented housing.

Another way to evaluate your need for new shocks or struts is to consider how your vehicle has been handling and riding.  When you drive on rough roads or hit a bump, does it bounce excessively?  Does the nose dip down when braking?  Does the body roll or sway too much when cornering or driving in crosswinds?  Is it easy to bottom out the suspension when backing out of the driveway or when you’re  hauling extra passengers or cargo?

Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often passes unnoticed.  When you begin to notice the signs,  it’s usually way past the point when your shocks or struts need replacing.

Shocks and struts do not require replacing at specific mileage intervals like filters or spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually need to be replaced.  Monroe engineers, America’s leading brand of shocks and struts, suggest following a 50,000-mile replacement plan just to be safe.  Driving on worn out shocks can be a hazard over time.  Worn out shocks and struts may cause your stopping distance to increase, especially on rough surfaces.  They can have a negative impact on your driving capabilities, especially in adverse conditions.  Worn out shocks and struts can also cause damage to your tires prematurely, meaning you’ll have more expense than is truly necessary.

Express Care is a family owned auto repair shop in the Denver, Colorado area that offers a variety of services, including shock replacement.  Conveniently located at Evans and I-25, we look forward to doing business with you.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Memorial Day Holiday in Colorado

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As the Memorial Day Holiday approaches here in Colorado, we have been experiencing very unusual weather for this time of year.  The Memorial Day weekend is usually the unofficial start of summer and summertime activities like hiking, mountain biking and golf.   But because of heavy Spring snowfall and cold temperatures those activities might have to be put on hold for a while.  Skiers and snowboarders have the opportunity to spend the  long weekend enjoying a little more time on the slopes because Aspen and Arapahoe Basin have reopened some of their trails.   Since I am not a skier and have been looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the sunshine and plant some flowers, this Memorial Day Holiday was looking like it was going to be a big disappointment.   Then  it suddenly dawned on me what Memorial Day is really about!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day set aside to honor those who have died in service to our nation.  Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868.  It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May.  Traditional observance of Memorial Day has really  declined over the years.  Many Americans today have forgotten or have never been taught the real meaning and traditions of Memorial Day.  While some towns and cities still have parades, many haven’t held a parade in years.  Some people think the day is for honoring all the dead and not just those who have died in service to our country.

To help remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the ” National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed in December 2000.  This resolution asks that at 3p.m. local time, all Americans “to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.”  I think that a minute of my time to remember those who have fought and died for my freedom is a small price to pay!  How about you?

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Armed Forces Day

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Today is Armed Forces Day!  Many Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday of May.   It is a day we all should observe and remember!   This is simply a day to pay tribute to all the men and women who serve in all the branches of the United States armed forces and protect our country and its citizens.

On August 31, 1949, the Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson, announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day.  Before that time, the three major branches of the United States armed forces, Army, Navy and the Air Force held separate celebrations on three different days during the year.  Armed Forces Day was created to celebrate the unification of the three branches under one department, the Department of Defense.  Although each service unit continues to celebrate their own days, usually confined to their military bases, they all unite, along with the Marine Corp. in celebrating Armed Forces Day.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950.   In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman “praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas” and said, “it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace.”   The theme for that day was “Teamed for Defense”, which expressed the unification of all military forces under one government department.  According to the U.S. Department of Defense, that day was designed as a type of “educational program” for civilians that would increase awareness of the Armed Forces and expand the public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life.  It was a day when the military could show their “state of the art” equipment to the civilians that they were protecting.  It was also a day established to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Many events across the United States take place to honor Americans in uniform who served or are serving their country in times of war or peace.  Some celebrate with parades, open houses, receptions and air shows, but regardless of how they are recognized, it is important that they are recognized!  As it was stated in a New York Times article, “this is the day on which we have the welcome opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces…to all the individuals who are in the service of their country all over the world.  Armed Forces Day won’t be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them.  They will all be in the line of duty and some of them may give their lives in that duty.”

Since our country is now at war, let’s all join together to honor those who are serving in our Armed Forces, let them know that we appreciate and are grateful for their service!  Let’s take this opportunity to recognize the high price so many have paid to keep our country free and to thank them while we can!

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Car Service Checklist For Summer

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Summer is just around the corner and if you’re like most people, you have some big plans as to how you’re going to spend it.  You might be planning a road trip this summer.  Or you might be thinking you’re just going to spend time relaxing, maybe taking in a ball game or two.  Either way, it’s important to prepare your car for the summer ahead.  A car service checklist might be the last thing on your mind, but if you take a little time to perform some simple steps, you’ll be glad you did!  

Replace your Air Filter: Your car’s air filter should be changed at least twice a year.  If you change it before summer and then before winter,  your car has a clean filter and it is easier to remember when the filter was last changed.

Replace your Windshield Wipers: Winter weather can be brutal on your windshield wipers making them virtually useless in a sudden summer rain shower.  Replace them at the beginning of the summer and eliminate any chance of problems later on.

Check your Tires: Summer travel can usually include driving in the rain.  The tread on your tires needs to be adequate to keep you on the road in rainy weather.  Check the tread depth to make sure it’s deep enough and check the tire pressure too.

Check your Battery: Corrosion can begin to build up during winter weather driving.  Have your battery posts and cables checked for corrosion and if necessary have them cleaned to avoid any problems starting your car.

Check your Headlights: We don’t always notice if a headlight bulb is out.  Putting this service on the checklist will make it safer to drive during the nighttime and twilight hours.

Check your Brakes: Just like replacing your air filter, it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected twice a year also.  Have your brakes checked to make sure they are working properly and aren’t worn.  It’s also a good time to have your brake fluid checked.

Radiator Flush: Summer weather really puts your car’s coolant to the test.  By flushing your radiator of the old coolant and replacing it with fresh coolant, you are giving your radiator a better chance of keeping your car running like it should.

Now, once  your car service checklist for Summer is completed, you will be able to get on with the business of living life!  As you do, take a moment to reflect on this quote from Lillian Dickson, “Life is a coin.  You can spend it any way you wish, but you can spend it only once.”

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

StressBusters

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After returning from a much needed and relaxing vacation, only to feel “stressed” a day later.   I have decided to deviate from our usual subjects and share with you some  “stress buster”  techniques instead.  Stress is an unfortunate fact of life and we have all experienced it.   But possessing a healthy sense of awareness and control can help us influence stress by shortening its duration or avoiding it altogether.  Here are some simple methods to help you deal with stress.

  1. Practice Breathing Slowly and Deeply– Anytime you feel tense, simply inhale deeply for two seconds, and then exhale for four seconds.  Repeat several times.  Momentarily relax yourself.  Let your shoulders and jaw drop.  A wave of relaxation will flow downward through your body.
  2. Practice Letting Go– Watch for the next instance  in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant.  Then make a conscious choice not to get angry or upset.  Change your perception of the event and don’t waste energy thinking about it.   Effective anger management is a proven stress buster.
  3. Practice Slowing Down your Speech– Whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual.  You’ll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations.  Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly, by slowing down your speech you’ll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.
  4. Breathe in Some Fresh Air-Our grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air.  Even five minutes outside on a balcony or sidewalk can be rejuvenating.  So don’t let time or weather stand in your way.
  5. Eat Right-Drink plenty of water and eat small nutritious snacks.  Hunger or dehydration can provoke aggressiveness and increase feelings of anxiety and stress.
  6. Turn Off The TV and  Computer-The TV and the computer disrupt the senses and can cause depression.  Don’t let them control you.  Don’t aimlessly channel surf or watch violent or depressing shows, including the news.
  7. Reward Yourself At the End of the Day-Put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before bedtime and allow yourself to fully relax.  You need time to recharge and energize yourself. You’ll be more fully prepared to face another stressful day.
  8. Consciously Choose to Be Happy-Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are about as happy as they choose to be.”  Choose to be happy by thinking about the positive events, people and situations in your life.  If you choose happiness day after day, it will soon become a habit.  A habit that you won’t have to break

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Quick Lube

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Today I’m attempting to refute a myth that has been circulating about Quick Lubes and how we do business.  We quick lube owners and employees have been accused of recommending “unneeded”  oil changes just to make more money.  That may be true at some quick lubes, but when we service your car, we only suggest services that we believe are necessary to keep your car running at its best.  Let me explain why we recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles or every three months.

In recent years, many vehicle manufacturers have extended their recommended oil change intervals to try to help reduce the cost of maintenance for car owners, but have run into trouble.  The Center for Auto Safety  has gotten thousands of complaints from motorists who thought they were following the correct service intervals in their owners manuals but ended up with a crankcase full of sludge.   Motor oil does more than lubricate the engine.  It also forms a film on surfaces  that separates moving parts so they don’t rub against one another so friction and wear is reduced.  Oil also serves as a coolant for critical engine parts like the crankshaft and valve train.  It also helps to prevent rust and corrosion inside the engine, and keeps surfaces clean by dissolving and carrying away dirt and deposits.  Oil life depends on many factors; driving conditions, temperature, humidity, airborne dirt, and engine wear.

Extended oil change intervals of 7,500 or 10,000 miles are based on ideal operating conditions, not stop and go driving, or driving our cars for  several short trips, like most drivers do each day.  So most drivers should follow a “severe” service schedule rather than a “normal” schedule to protect their engines.  Most experts still consider a 3,000 miles or six month oil change for “severe” drivers.

We have also heard the argument at our quick lube that since motor oils are of higher quality than they once were, we don’t need to change our oil as often.  Yes, motor oils are better than they once were, but oil filters have not kept up.  An engines main line of defense against abrasion and the wear it causes is the oil filter.  The oil filter’s job is to remove solid contaminants like dirt, carbon, and metal particles from the oil before they can damage surfaces in the engine.  If your oil filter is clogged, it can’t do its job and unfiltered oil is allowed to enter the engine.  Contaminants that find their way into the crankcase will be pumped through the engine and accelerate wear.

Although motor oils have been improved and are continuing to be improved, there has been little done to improve oil filters.   The majority of oil filters still need to be replaced every 3,000 miles.   So until the oil filters are equal in their quality to the  motor oils, we will continue to recommend a 3,000 mile or three month oil change at our quick lube.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Power Steering Flush

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The power steering system is one of the most critical parts of your vehicle.  Rack and pinion steering is the most common type of steering system in cars and minivans and you can also find it on some SUVs and trucks.   Rack and pinions are, simply put, a pair of gears that work together to steer the vehicle.  In order to operate smoothly, the gears need hydraulic fluid, also called power steering fluid, to transmit power to your car’s power steering system.  If the power steering fluid is dirty and isn’t flushed, the risk of damage to the entire power steering system is increased.  A power steering flush is simply draining out your car’s old power steering fluid and replacing it with fresh power steering fluid.  The function of the fluid is to transmit hydraulic pressure so you can steer your car easily in every driving situation, from frigid cold to scorching heat.  It also lubricates the pump, controls the valves, and ensures  a quiet operating  system.

Over a period of time, the internal power steering components, as well as the seals and O-rings have been subjected to wear and tear and begin to wear out.  When this happens the power steering fluid gets contaminated with broken down debris, this forces the power steering pump to work harder.  The power steering pump now has to pump the debris as well as the fluid and it eventually breaks down.  We have noticed that the 1996-1999 Toyota 4-Runners and Toyota Tacomas are more prone to leaks if their systems aren’t flushed routinely.   If you drive one of these vehicles you might want to have the fluid checked to make sure you don’t need a power steering flush.   The power steering fluid should appear either an amber or pink in color when it is fresh.   When it appears significantly darker than its color when it was fresh, it’s time for a change. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicles recommendations.  If they aren’t available,  a good rule of thumb is to change the power steering fluid as often as you change your engine coolant.   Since  the fluid is the least expensive part of your power steering system and flushing it can help to prolong the life of the other, more expensive parts of the system, it is something that should be seriously considered.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks