Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Exhaust Service

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Driving down the road or around town, we’ve all heard a car or truck that sounds like it needs a new muffler.  But there’s more to the exhaust system than just the muffler.  The exhaust system has three main functions:

 

  1. Safely get hot exhaust gas from the engine out the tailpipe.
  2. Treat the exhaust to remove harmful pollutants.
  3. Muffle the engine noise.

Exhaust gas is poisonous.  Drivers don’t want it getting into their passenger compartments.  Most of us know that carbon monoxide can be deadly.  That’s why you should never run your engine in a closed garage.  If you have a leak somewhere in the exhaust system, exhaust could get into the passenger cabin and make you sick or even kill you.

If you smell exhaust in the vehicle, roll down your windows and get it inspected at Express Car Care in Denver.  You may smell or see exhaust coming from the engine compartment or under the vehicle if you have a leak.  Sometimes the sound from an exhaust leak is loud and obvious.  Sometimes it’s a ticking sound when you start the engine that goes away as you drive.  That could be a small crack or a bad fitting that leaks when it’s cold but seals up when the metal heats and expands.

Then there are the environmental issues to consider.  Exhaust gas contains a number of pollutants and particulates.  The catalytic converter scrubs some of those harmful substances.  Diesel vehicles have systems that deal with soot.  Catalytic converters eventually wear out and need to be replaced.  They’re expensive,  so you want to help them last as long as possible by keeping the fuel system clean and replacing your air filter.  These components need to be tested for proper functioning with an emissions test from time to time.  Then there’s the muffler.

The beauty of getting a new muffler is that you can suit your own taste.  Some drivers want whisper quiet, some like a little rumble, and others like a roar.  Give us a call and let us know how we can help.

Express Car Care Technician Training

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Our vehicle is a very important part of our life and when it breaks down drivers need to get it back on the road as soon as possible – with the problem fixed right the first time.

If you’ve ever checked into some of the training Express Car Care technicians receive, you may be surprised at how much knowledge and skill goes into diagnosing and repairing a modern day vehicle.

Our engines are more and more powerful, fuel efficient and reliable.  This is all due to engineering.  But the advances in technology come at the price of simplicity.  Modern cars are so much more complex from a mechanical and electronics standpoint, that it can make a drivers head spin.  Vehicles have several networked computers controlling most of the engine functions and many other vehicle functions as well.  Most drivers take all of this sophistication for granted – but somebody has to fix it when it breaks.

It requires a high level of commitment on the part of your friendly and knowledgeable pros at Express Car Care as well.  In addition to the auto mechanic training, there’s also the financial commitment to purchase the diagnostic and repair tools that are needed to complete the repair.

The ability to repair your vehicle requires a strong combination of training and resources and at Express Car Care we are committed to both.  So try to relax the next time you bring in your vehicle for our services.  You’re in good hands.

Axles

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The axle assemblies in your vehicle transfer power out to the drive wheels.  On the rear-wheel drive vehicle, there is an axle shaft that goes from the differential in the center of the axle to each of the rear wheels.  On the front-wheel drive vehicle, the axle shafts go from the transmission to each front-wheel.  All-wheel drive vehicles have axle shafts connected to all four wheels.

Axle assemblies are pretty tough parts: they transfer torque from the engine to the wheels to move the vehicle.  Tough as they are, they are still subject to normal wear and tear.  The axle shafts are in a sealed housing with lubricant that protects the axle shaft.  When there is a leak anywhere in the axle assembly, lubricant gets out and dirt, water and other contaminates can get in.  This can greatly accelerate axle wear.  If an axle assembly fails, you’re not going anywhere.

A worn or damaged axle assembly on the front will make a clunking sound during low speed turns – often just when turning one way.  A worn rear axle also makes noise but may be more difficult for the driver to hear.  Also, if you see any oily leaks around your wheels, have them checked out.

If you have a bad axle assembly, your Express Car Care technician can make the repair.  It is often more cost effective to replace an axle assembly than it is to take it apart and rebuild it.

If you are hearing strange sounds coming from your front or rear wheel area, have Express Car Care inspect your vehicle.  We can determine if it is an axle problem or perhaps a worn steering, suspension or brake component.

Estimates: How They Work

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Estimates: How They WorkThe purpose behind an estimate is to inform the vehicle owner as well as the mechanic, the kind of work needed to repair the vehicle and provide an idea of how much it will cost.  In order to find out what is wrong, there needs to be an inspection and testing of the vehicle to isolate and identify the problem and then determine what it will cost to perform the repair.

Auto repair technicians can’t estimate a job, and tell you how much it will cost to fix a problem without actually looking at the vehicle.  Without the technician actually inspecting and possibly testing the vehicle all you would be getting is a guess…not an estimate.  Just as we give our doctors an opportunity to examine and test us before they give us a diagnosis, we have to give our auto repair technicians the same opportunity.

An estimate for repair is only one of the factors in the repair process and it actually occurs in the middle of the process and has at least six prior steps that must be taken in order to reach a successful outcome.

First, we must gather data about the vehicle and the problem.  We generally have to drive the vehicle to verify the symptom and to get a physical sense of what’s really going on.  We have to inspect the vehicle and perform whatever tests might be necessary to provide the information we need.  Information that allows us to compare actual performance with desired performance.  Then, we need to analyze that data and evaluate it, which we hope will lead us to an accurate diagnosis.  It is on this diagnosis that the estimate is built.

A written estimate protects both the mechanic and the customer from potential problems.  When you sign off on an estimate, you are agreeing to pay reasonably within the figure you’ve been quoted.  If a mechanic perform the repairs included in the estimate and charges you around the same amount as the estimate, you can’t insist that you didn’t know how much the repairs would cost.  Likewise, mechanics are held to the amounts listed in the estimate.  This is how estimates work.

Simple Answers About Wheel Bearings

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Simple Answers About Wheel BearingsQuestion:  I remember my dad having the shop “pack the bearings” on the family car.  Is this something I need to have done?

Express Car Care Answer:  That’s a really good question.  At one time, all wheel bearings were “serviceable” and needed to be taken care of from time to time.  It’s a little bit trickier these days.

First off, the wheel bearings in your vehicle make sure your wheels rotate smoothly.  As you can imagine, with all those revolutions per minute your wheels can generate a lot of heat.  The bearings keep that heat down as much as possible.  They’re packed in grease for lubrication.  The term “packing the bearings” refers to putting fresh grease around the bearings.

On many modern vehicles, the wheel bearing assembly is sealed.  These wheel bearings are not serviceable , so there isn’t  maintenance that can be performed on them.  When the bearings wear, the entire assembly is replaced.  Your helpful Express Car Care technician can perform a check of your bearings to make sure they are still functioning safely and he can also tell you if your bearings need service.  If you hear strange noises from your wheels – which may come and go at different speeds – it’s vital to have your tech inspect them.

Now wheel bearings on trailers are almost always serviceable.  This means anything from a monster sized fifth-wheel camper to a small utility trailer.  Boat trailers are especially susceptible because the hot wheel bearings are plunged into cold water when launching a boat into the lake.  This temperature difference can draw water into the bearings.  Have the bearings repacked at the end of the season to prevent corrosion.

It would be a good idea for Denver trailer owners to have an automotive analysis on their trailer wheels every year or so – it can be hard to hear when they are groaning.

When wheel bearings fail, the wheel can seize up and even break off, of course no motorists wants that to happen, so follow a regular inspection schedule.  Let your Express Car Care technician help, just give us a call.

Express Car Care: Question on Your Water Pump

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Question on your Water PumpExpress Car Care Tech Question:  I was driving on the freeway in Colorado and my truck engine started to get hot.  I turned off my air conditioner and was able to drive about 80 miles to my meeting and then found a shop in Denver.  It turns out that my water pump was leaking.  It cost me hundreds of dollars to get it fixed.  What could I have done to avoid this?

Express Car Care Answer:  This guys’ story really did have a happy ending.  When you continue driving when your engine is overheating,  you run the risk of a catastrophic engine failure.  It really is a good idea to pull over and let your vehicle’s engine cool down before you drive again.  If you add water or coolant, be sure your engine is cool or you risk getting serious burns.

Now there is no way for auto owners to predict when their water pump will fail – they just wear out.  This guy’s water pump replacement was more expensive because his truck’s water pump is driven by  his timing belt.  That requires a lot of labor hours to get to the water pump and then put everything back on the engine.

A money saving tip from Express Car Care in Denver is:  If your water pump is driven by your timing belt – replace the pump when you have your scheduled timing belt replacement.  That way most of the work is already done and you don’t have to pay for it twice.

Check with your helpful Express Car Care service specialist about when your timing belt should be replaced so you can stay on top of it and hopefully avoid it breaking when you’re on the road.

Simple Answers from Express Car Care: Exhaust Service

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Exhaust ServiceQuestion:  My car failed its emissions test – what do I need to do?

Express Car Care Answer:  First of all, let’s make this clear:  A leak in your exhaust system could be deadly!  If Denver drivers smell exhaust in the passenger cabin or hear an unusual exhaust sound, they should get their exhaust system checked and repaired as soon as possible!  Talk to your helpful Express Car Care service adviser. And this is information is critical – Carbon monoxide in your exhaust is odorless, colorless and tasteless and can be fatal to you and your passengers!  So don’t delay if you suspect an exhaust leak.

There could be a number of reasons for a failed Colorado emissions test,  so some important diagnostic work is in order.  A common reason for Denver drivers is that the catalytic converter has failed.  The catalytic converter removes some of the harmful elements in exhaust.

When a catalytic converter fails it must be replaced, which isn’t cheap for an auto owner.  Many people stop there – but the converter failed for a reason.  There may be any number of engine-run conditions that led to the failure.  It would certainly be smart to have your Express Car Care service professional diagnose the cause so that you don’t end up with another expensive catalytic converter replacement down the road.

And let’s not forget that check engine light that so many car owners ignore.  It might just be illuminated for a critical condition that could lead to catalytic converter damage.  Have your service professional get to the bottom of any check engine light situation.

Fuel Injector Cleaning At Express Car Care in Denver

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Fuel Injector CleaningSomething we hear quite frequently from Denver drivers is that their fuel efficiency is down and their vehicle just doesn’t have the pep that it had before.  When that happens, one of the things we look for is clogged fuel injectors.

The engine management computer tells your fuel injectors exactly when to squirt fuel into your engine.  It is vital that clean fuel injectors spray the right amount of gasoline or diesel fuel in an even, specific spray pattern.  A dirty or clogged injector can’t spray enough fuel and it comes out in an uneven, weak pattern.

When Denver drivers’ fuel injectors are dirty or clogged, the fuel just can’t burn as efficiently, which causes gas mileage to drop and your vehicles engine can’t produce as much power.

Fuel injectors just get dirty over time.  Gas and diesel fuel cause varnish and gum to build up in your fuel injectors, especially if you buy bargain gasoline.  If your fuel injectors get too dirty, they can be damaged and will need to be replaced – which can be pretty costly.

The good news is that a professional fuel injector cleaning at Express Car Care in Denver can get all of that gunk out of your injectors.  They’ll be able to spray the right amount of fuel, at exactly the right time, and in the right spray pattern.  Your gas mileage will be restored along with your engine performance.  Fuel injectors are cleaned as a part of a comprehensive fuel system cleaning service that includes the induction system ( throttle plates, intake manifold, idle air by-pass passages and – if applicable – the mass airflow sensor).

So ask your friendly service tech about a fuel injector cleaning at Express Car Care in Denver to get your engine running like new.  Give us a call @ 303-691-2760 or come in and see us.

What’s A Serpentine Belt?

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What's A Serpentine Belt?All of us in Denver have those days when we’ve got a bunch of errands to run all over town.  Suppose on your day off you need to get gas, pick up some groceries, swing by your local ATM and pick the kids up from school.  Now you could make four separate trips, but that would be a waste of time and money and totally inefficient.  Instead you get organized and hit the ATM first and get some gas next.  Then you go to your Denver supermarket and pick up the kids on your way home.  That’s a much better use of your time.

Now you may wonder what this has to do with a serpentine belt.  Well, back in the day, each of your engine’s accessories, such as the alternator and air conditioner, were powered by separate belts.  A vehicle might have five or six belts.  These days, vehicles have a single belt to run all the accessories.  It’s called the serpentine belt because it snakes around everything, efficiently connecting each accessory.  Just like bundling your errands.

A pulley attached to the engine’s crank provides the power to turn the serpentine belt.  The belt  provides the power for the power steering pump, which makes it easier to steer your vehicle.  Next comes the alternator which generates electricity to run the vehicle’s electrical system and charge the battery.  On to the air conditioning compressor.  This helps make the cold air to keep you comfortable all during the summer here in Denver.

On some vehicles – the water pump, radiator fan and the power brakes are also run by the serpentine belt.  Some even have two serpentine belts.  No matter how your engine is arranged, you won’t get very far without a serpentine belt.  Your auto manufacturer has a recommended interval for inspecting your belt and your Denver service adviser can inspect it for any damage or wear.

Finally, there is the belt tensioner.  Its job is to apply pressure on the belt to keep it tight.  Several years ago, manufacturers started making serpentine belts out of a new material.  It is much more durable, but it’s harder to tell when the belt needs to be replaced.  The old style belts would crack and chunks would fall off so you could easily see when you needed a new one.

On the new style belt, if the ribs wear too deep, it’s time to replace it.  Your service technician uses a simple gauge to tell when the belt is worn and you need a serpentine belt replacement.  A worn belt stresses your engine’s expensive accessories and causes them to wear out prematurely.  So change your serpentine belt and belt tensioner as recommended by your helpful Express Car Care tech and extend the life of your accessories and  prevent future breakdowns.

At Express Car Care in Denver we install quality NAPA replacements parts.  Give us a call @ 303-691-2760.  To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com

Chilling In Denver With Winter Tires

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Chilling In Denver With Winter TiresThere is more to winter tires than Denver drivers may think.  Those days of clunky, tractor-like snow tires are long gone in Colorado.  They have been replaced by high-tech winter tires with special rubber compounds and advanced tread designs.

In Denver winter temperatures, the rubber in summer tires becomes hard and inflexible and they don’t grip the road as well.  In contrast, winter tires use special rubber compounds that are more pliable when the thermometer drops below 45 degrees, giving you better road contact; so even if you don’t get much snow, winter tires will really add to your cold weather safety in Denver.

Winter tires may also use a micro-pore rubber compound that increases surface area so they can bite into ice and packed snow on Denver roads and highways.

The tread on winter tires needs to clear out water, snow and slush as the tire turns so it’s ready to take another bite when it comes back in contact with the road.  But summer tires can actually be dangerous because they get packed with snow, making them very slick, so your vehicle will be hard to control.  Winter tires have a lot of thin slits in the tread which help the tire grab ice and packed snow, providing extra traction.

Many new vehicles in Denver come with all-season tires which are good for a wide range of Denver weather and road conditions, but don’t provide top performance in Colorado snow and ice.  For example, winter tires provide 25 to 50% more traction than all-season tires.  And all-season tires take up to 42% longer to stop than winter tires in slick conditions.  For all these reasons, the tire experts at Express Car Care in Denver recommend you put winter tires on all four wheels because it makes sense to have equal traction and handling at all four corners of your vehicle.  Uneven traction could result in loss of control for Denver motorists.

Your vehicle may be equipped with stability control, anti-lock brakes and traction control – all important safely systems for Colorado auto owners.  But in order to do their job you still need good traction.  Winter tires help you start, stop and corner when things get cold and slippery.

So when temperatures drop below 45 degrees, be sure you have a set of four winter tires for maximum performance in snow, ice and wet Denver roads.  Your Express Car Care professional can help you find the right winter tire for your vehicle and driving needs.  Give us a call @ 303-691-2760 or come in and see us.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks