Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

EGR Valve

by

Have you ever stopped to think how amazing it is that auto makers have been able to consistently build more powerful engines in vehicles that get better fuel economy while at the same time meeting increasing environmental standards.  One of the little miracles that helps make this happen is the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve or EGR Valve.

The EGR valve routes some exhaust back into the air intake system in both gasoline and diesel engines.  The exhaust gas takes up some space in the engine cylinders, replacing some of the oxygen-rich air that would otherwise be in there.  This means that the fuel burning event is cooler.  Cooler combustion means fewer harmful nitrous oxides are produced.

Your EGR valve can get gummed up, messing up the timing and the amount of exhaust that is supposed to be recirculated in the engine.  Symptoms of EGR valve problems are a rough idle and poor engine performance.  Performance can be restored by cleaning or replacing the EGR valve, depending on how dirty it is.

EGR valves in diesel engines are particularly susceptible to becoming clogged because of the high soot content in diesel exhaust.  ( The soot is ultimately filtered out of the exhaust further down the exhaust system, but not before it passes through the EGR valve).

There are a couple of things you can do to lengthen the life of the EGR valve in your diesel engine.  First, extended idling allows for more soot buildup because the engine operating temperature is reduced as it idles; the valve is not opening and closing, allowing particulates to accumulate in the valve.  Next is fuel quality.  Diesel fuel has a cetane rating:  the higher the rating, the better the combustion.  Unfortunately, the cetane rating is rarely posted on the pump and can vary from location to location.  Adding a cetane booster to the fuel tank can help with this problem.

So, if you’re experiencing rough idling or poor performance in your gas or diesel vehicle, have one of our Express Car Care technicians diagnose the problem.  They can set things right and restore your vehicle’s performance.

Don’t Be A Stranger

by

You wouldn’t walk into a different dentist’s office every time you needed your teeth cleaned.  You wouldn’t pick someone at random every time you needed your hair cut, would you?  And on tax day, would you trust your taxes to a stranger?

There are some professionals for whom you feel your relationship is more than just client and customer.  They’re almost like friends…and since you know them well after years of going to them, you know the quality of their work and that they have a track record of doing their best for you.

You may not realize it, but the relationship with your automotive service professional should have that personal connection too.  It may take some time to find the one place where the rapport just feels right.  But when you do, you know as you walk in the door, and your service adviser greets you with a smile, things are going to be done right.  You’re also confident that they’ll only recommend and perform work that your vehicle really needs.

Just as with your hairstylist, accountant, or lawyer, the relationship with Express Car Care is a two-way street.  The longer we get to know you, the more we understand your needs and expectations of us.  We’re no longer strangers.  You get to know our work, our professional ethics and the quality of our work.  That mutual trust if something we both value.

People who have been in business for a long time know how important that long-term relationship is, that’s why we hire and train professional technicians who take their job and training seriously…but also recognize the human side of automotive repairs and trust.

So, don’t be a stranger.  It’s a relationship that is a win-win for both of us.

Give your friends at Express Car Care a call for all your automotive needs.

Used Vehicle Inspection

by

It’s always exciting to get a new car – even when it’s used.  But it can also feel like you’re going out on a limb a bit when you’re buying a used vehicle.  I mean, people have a lot of reasons for selling their vehicles.  Maybe they just wanted a new car, or maybe there was something that they personally  didn’t like about the car.  But then again,  maybe there was something wrong with it or maybe there’s something really wrong with it.

It’s a great idea to order a report from a vehicle history service.  This can uncover title problems and may reveal any serious accidents or flood damage as well as any recall notices for the vehicle.  Maintenance and repair records are a plus, but most sellers don’t have them.

Of course the best idea is to get a professional to perform a used vehicle inspection.  The inspection will go much deeper than just how good the vehicle looks and drives.  You’ll get a feel for the vehicle’s overall condition, the status of major safety systems and an indication of how well it has been maintained.  You’ll get a good idea of any work that needs to be done – and that will help you determine an appropriate value for the vehicle and whether or not it’s worth purchasing.

It’s pretty easy to see how a used vehicle inspection is worth the cost.  If problems are uncovered, you can either steer clear of the vehicle or bargain for a better price.  If everything is OK, you’ll have a plan for addressing any routine services that should be done, as well as a whole lot of peace of mind.

It’s easy to fall in love with a vehicle – just don’t let your excitement cloud your judgment.  Bring the car in and have us perform a used vehicle inspection so that you’ll know if you’re getting a peach, or a lemon.

Exhaust Service

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by Leave a Comment

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

by Leave a Comment

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.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks