Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Summer Heat Can Take Its Toll On Your Car Battery

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Summer Heat Can Take Its Toll On Your Car Battery

The 90 degree days are back once again. When your car sits outside all day in the baking sun, if the battery was weak to begin with, you may find yourself stranded with a car that simply won’t start.

One of the most basic parts to your car is your battery. Yet its also one of the easiest things to assume “out of sight, out of mind”. If it works, why worry about it?

Excessive heat shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then will damage the internal structure of the battery. And when the components of the charging system start to malfunction, it could allow an excessive charge rate, which eventually destroys the battery all together.

To get the most out of a battery:

  • Be sure your electrical system is charging at the correct rate. Overcharging your battery can damage the internal components, weaken the system, and damage the battery until the point of non-function.
  • Always replace a battery with the same or higher quality than the one you are currently operating with. Look for one that has a CCA (cold cranking amps) rating at least as high as your current battery.
  • Always keep the top of the battery and the battery terminals clean. Dirt and corrosion can accumulate, which will inhibit current flow.
  • Check your car’s battery and belts on a regular basis, and replace when they show wear or are cracked.

Don’t put off your car’s maintenance schedule. If you keep up with regular maintenance on a regular basis, you’ll have a car you can depend on at any time of the year.

Safe Roads

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Spring has arrived here in Denver and as all of us who live here know, spring weather always brings along with it more annoying road construction!  It seems that the process of building and rebuilding safe roads also includes having to endure an undetermined length of time driving through and around construction zones.  According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and AAA Colorado, there are more than 150 projects on state and interstate highways in Colorado this year.  Since work-zone crashes kill an average of 11 people per week, nationwide, it is so important that we do everything we can to keep our roads safe.

In a recently published article by AAA, they share these tips that they would like drivers to keep in mind when driving through “cone zones”.

  • Slow down and move over when road workers and emergency responders are present.  It’s a Colorado law and it can save lives.
  • Expect the unexpected.  The work zone you’ve driven through before may have changed since the last time you visited.  Out-of-state drivers won’t be familiar with lane changes, uneven surfaces and lower speeds and may take sudden evasive actions.
  • Obey road crew flaggers.  Ignoring them, racing past them or expressing anger towards them only endangers them and aggravates other drivers.
  • Don’t tailgate even when other motorists cut into the safe space you’ve created behind the car in front.  This requires patience on your part.
  • Minimize distractions.  Focus, focus, focus!  Store your phone, make your call later and don’t reach for food or drinks.  To put it simply, drop anything and everything that would prevent you from seeing and obeying road signs, steering clear of roadside workers or hearing emergency vehicle sirens.
  • Be patient and stay calm.  This is by far the most difficult step of all, because who doesn’t want to reach their destination sooner rather than later?

We can all contribute to having safe roads in Denver and Colorado and also have a positive impact on roadside workers and other drivers by simply following a few friendly guidelines.  So I guess the question is, ” How will you respond?”

Auto Repair Estimate

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There are a number of different ways that you might end up taking your car to the mechanic.  It might be that subtle clanking noise suddenly turns into an aggressive roar.  Or perhaps that dripping you always thought was just condensation from the air conditioner has now taken on a distinctive rainbow glow.  Whatever the reason might be, heading to an unfamiliar mechanic can be a stressful experience, especially for you wallet.

The purpose of an auto repair estimate is to inform both the mechanic and the owner of the car about the kind of work needed to repair it,  either repairs after an accident or just repairs that come with everyday wear and tear.  There are several kinds of auto repair estimates available.  Some websites offer repair estimates online.  The sites take into account the year, make and model of the car as well as the extent of the damage.

An online estimate, however, should not be used as a replacement for an auto repair estimate from a qualified mechanic.  When you bring your car to a repair shop, you should expect that a reputable mechanic will provide you with a detailed estimate that includes the cost of parts, the cost of labor and a time-line for the job.  Some mechanics may try to convince you that they cannot provide an estimate until they are part way through the job and can examine the full extent of the damage, but a reputable mechanic will be able to provide you with an outline of the expected repairs before extensive work is done on the vehicle.

A written repair 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 performs the repairs included in the estimate and charges you around the same amount as the estimate, you cannot insist that you didn’t know how much the repairs would cost as a means of avoiding payment.

Likewise, mechanics are held to the amounts listed in their estimate.  States issue their own guidelines for adhering to estimates, but a standard rule is that a mechanic cannot perform repairs that would result in more than a twenty percent increase in cost without your consent.  That means that if a mechanic quotes you $400 for a repair, he cannot perform any work that would end up costing you more than $500 unless they specifically get your consent to do so.

If you are looking for a mechanic and they avoid offering you a written estimate for repairs, you need to move on.  Reputable mechanics understand the value of a written estimate and should incorporate them into their regular business practices.

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

Love Cars?

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What do you think?  Do you love cars?  You might think that someone who spends nine hours a day, six days a week with cars would get really tired of them.  But surprisingly, the opposite is true.  I love cars!  I love cars and trucks of all shapes and sizes.   I love to listen to the roar of the engine when I turn the key in the ignition.  I enjoy watching the wheels on my car spin and shine as I drive past a wall of glass or mirrors.   And seeing a sleek, shiny car hurling toward me on the highway makes me grin.   I love to sit at a stoplight with the knowledge that if I wanted to show off, my car has the power to beat the car next to me off the line every single time!

I also enjoy repairing cars.   Figuring out why a car is running poorly and then repairing it gives me a huge sense of satisfaction!  Working on and repairing cars  can be like solving a very difficult puzzle.  And I like puzzles!

If you love cars like I do and have some extra time, than you might want to check out the Denver Auto Show that is taking place this week.  The Denver Convention Center will be filled with cars and the people who love them!  So if you just enjoy looking at cars or if you’re in the market for a new car and would like to see what’s available, consider taking some time and join them!

If you love looking at cars, but not repairing them, and you need to have your car repaired,then come in and see us or give us a call at (303) 691-2760.

Fuel Octane

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At this time in our nation, when fuel prices are increasing at an alarming rate, we can save money at the pump if we understand fuel octane and how it affects our vehicles.

Modern engines use fuel  injectors run by computers to accurately control their air/fuel mix.  In order to get an accurate air/fuel mix in the fuel injectors and computers, the proper fuel must be used for that engine.  The difference in the name and price of the fuel is based on the gasoline’s “octane”.  In order to determine a fuel octane rating, the fuel is subjected to two testing methods, the motor method and the research method.  The motor method runs the gas in an engine running under load, and the research method runs the gas in a free-running engine.  The fuel octane rating is the average of those two tests.

The fuel octane rating tells you how much the fuel can be compressed before it spontaneously ignites.  In internal combustion engines, the compressed fuel-air mixtures have a tendency to ignite prematurely rather than burn smoothly, and when gas ignites by compression rather than because of the spark from the spark plug, it creates engine knock, a rattling or pinging sound in one or more cylinders.   The fuel octane rating is a measure of a fuel’s resistance to engine knock.

Regular fuel has a an octane rating of at least 87.  The octane rating of  “mid-grade”  gasoline ranges from 88-90.  “Premium”  fuel octane can vary depending on the state where it is purchased but is usually higher than 90 in most states.

Most vehicles today are designed to run on Regular 87 octane fuel, but it’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual for the correct fuel octane rating recommended for your vehicle.  Some people have the mistaken idea that if you use a higher octane fuel in your car, you’ll increase the engine’s power or get better mileage.  High octane fuel doesn’t do a better job than regular octane gas in preventing engine deposits from forming, or removing them, or in cleaning the engine.  If your vehicle is designed to run on 87 octane, a higher octane fuel won’t improve mileage or increase its power.  If your engine runs well and doesn’t knock or ping on low octane fuel, than you don’t need to spend more money on a higher octane.  Don’t pay a premium price for something that you don’t need.

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

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

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One of the most commonly asked question among drivers is, “Why is my check engine light on”?  Although this is a simple question to ask, it’s not always as simple to answer.

All of our vehicles are equipped with a computerized engine management system (ECM) and the check engine light is a part of this system.  The ECM alerts us to possible problems inside the engine or inside the transmission that have an impact on the emissions system.  Check engine lights may be a graphic of an engine or a similar icon.  It can 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 vehicle checked soon and a red check engine light that means your vehicle needs immediate attention.  Every car’s display is different, so it’s a good idea to make yourself familiar with how your particular make and model of vehicle works.  The check engine light is usually amber or red in color and has two stages, a steady light or a flashing light.  A steady check engine light signals minor problems, while a flashing check engine light usually means there is a serious problem in the ECM.

The cause of why your check engine light is on depends on your particular issue, but here are some general malfunctions that cause the check engine light to come on.

  • A misfire in your engine.  A misfire can cause catalytic converter damage if it’s not resolved quickly.  The catalytic convertor works to reduce exhaust gases.  It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds.  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 or if you have  a faulty sensor, it won’t provide the correct data to the computer and the check engine light will go on.
  • 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.  When it’s loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw off the whole fuel system.  Sometimes when the cap is put on incorrectly the check engine light will come on.  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 to keep your car running smoothly.  So the next time your check engine light goes on, don’t ignore it.  Come in and see us or call (303) 691-2760 and let us help.

 

Power Steering Problems

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Are you having power steering problems with your car?  All vehicles with power steering only need a small amount of effort on our part to turn the wheel if everything is working properly.  Each power steering system is made up of the power steering pump, valves, gears and power steering fluid, that all work together to ensure that you can steer your car quickly and easily.  Power steering pumps can develop large leaks or begin to fail just from every day wear and tear and if left alone can cause serious power steering problems.  Also the power steering fluid can become dirty and starts to break down by the heat generated in the gears.  This can lead to increased wear in the pumps, valves and gears and eventually will lead to expensive repairs.   Here are a few signs to watch out for:

Sluggish or stiff steering.  Stiff steering in cold temperatures or when turning at slow speeds can be a sign of a power steering problem.

Squeals or squeaks–  A squealing sound when you’re turning, or driving slowly can be a sign of power steering problems.

Chattering in the steering system– A chattering or squeaking noise from under the hood when you first start your car can be a sign of power steering problems.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms recently, we recommend bringing your car in for a power steering system service.  This is a preventative service that is done to flush the power steering system and remove sludge and contaminants from the entire system, including the pump, rack and pinion, and lines.  Once the old fluid is flushed, new power steering fluid is added.  The new fluid performs in subzero temperatures and optimizes cold weather performance and reduces squealing and hard or inconsistent turning.  As I said before, this is a preventative service.  A preventative service only benefits us if we use it before there is serious damage done!  If you have had any of these symptoms for an extended length of time, it is very possible that your vehicle already has serious power steering problems.  So don’t wait any longer, give us a call at (303) 691-2760 or bring your car into the shop.

 

Automotive Brakes

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One of the questions we hear in our shop is “how often do I need to change my automotive brakes?”  If you are asking the same question, here are a few things to consider.

It is very important to determine the condition of your brake pads.  Brake pads typically come with a warranty, sometimes a lifetime warranty, but more commonly, it will be a warranty based on mileage, such as a 10,000 mile warranty.  A lifetime warranty isn’t meant to last a car’s lifetime.  Automotive part manufacturers use this terminology because brake pads do last a long time, but most car owners will trade in a car and purchase a new one long before their brake pads need to be replaced.  Regardless of how you say it, it’s important to listen to your car instead.  When you apply the brakes, you can hear the sounds of a worn brake pad.  If you hear a grinding noise or a squeak, it is time to replace the brake pads, regardless of the mileage.

The condition of the brake rotors also needs to be determined.  Automotive brake rotors, or brake discs, are what your vehicle’s brake pads clamp down on and stop the wheels from spinning.  Similar to brake pads, there are different types of rotors.  The type of rotor used depends on your car and your driving needs.

Unlike brake pads, rotors do not need to be changed on a regular basis, and should last indefinitely,  if you provide regular maintenance routines on your automobile.  Rotors will be damaged if you allow your brake pads to wear down and drive without the use of pads for an extended period of time.  The grinding noise you begin to hear from the brake pads is a sign that the screws in the base of the brake pads are grinding into the groove of your rotor.  The longer you allow it to continue to grind, the greater your chance of having to replace your rotors.

If you want to keep your automotive brakes in top condition, have them checked and replaced on a regular basis.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Car.  Come in and see us or give us a call at (303) 691-2760.

Creative Ways to Winterize A Car

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During these difficult economic times and with the holidays approaching, we are all looking for ways to save money.  We have put together some creative ways to winterize a car using common household items that most of us have around the house.  Because we don’t have to buy specialty items, this saves us money!

Using petroleum jelly on your battery terminal caps to stop battery corrosion is recommended by Michael Calkins, the manager of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair Program.  Simply remove the terminal caps and clean any existing corrosion off with a wire brush, then coat the terminals with petroleum jelly.  The jelly forms an airtight seal that wards off salt, slush and mud, all of which cause corrosion on the battery terminals.

Winter driving here in Colorado means snow one day, slush and mud the next.  This can play havoc on our cars and our headlights.  To keep your headlights doing their job, clean them with soap and water,  and then apply a nonabrasive car wax using a soft cloth.  The wax is water-repellent and leaves a barrier that keeps dirt from building up.  It’s recommended to do this once a month.

Have you ever gone out to start your car in the morning and not been able to get the door open because it is frozen shut?  Here is a creative way to prevent this.  Coat the rubber door seals with cooking-oil spray.  It repels the water that would otherwise collect on the rubber seals and freeze, causing the doors to be frozen shut.

Another problem that occurs during the winter is frost accumulating on the inside of our windows, obstructing our view and increasing our chances of having an accident.  A creative way to “winterize” your windows is to dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in a gallon of water and wipe the inside of the windows and windshield with this mixture.  As the mixture dries, it leaves an invisible layer of salt-which has a low freezing temperature, and will help keep frost from forming on the windows.  This lasts for a month or more.  Don’t use this mixture on the outside of your car, the salt can cause corrosion to the exposed metal.

If you’re one of the people who store a car during the winter months, there is a chance that rodents might try to build a nest in your engine.  A creative way to discourage these little pests from nibbling on wires and making a home in your engine is to tape a peppermint tea bag, away from moving parts, to the engine.  The minty scent will repel rodents and keep them away through the winter.

If you try any of these creative ways to winterize a car, we would like to know how they worked for you.  We appreciate the feedback.

Why Is A Car Oil Filter Important?

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There are many times in our business that we meet customers who don’t understand why a car oil filter is important.  Most of them recognize the importance of quality oil but don’t realize how the oil and oil filter work together to keep their car running.  So why is a car oil filter important?

Oil filters have a very important function and if your oil filter has poor quality, it can shorten the life of your engine and cause other parts to fail as well.  This small part of your car’s lubrication system plays an important role in protecting your engine from premature wear.  All the moving parts in the engine need clean oil to properly lubricate them.  Tiny bits of metal chip off of various engine parts while it’s running.  If these bits of metal are allowed to recirculate through the oil, they could break off other bits of metal, which eventually will cause erosion in the engine.  A quality oil filter helps prevent this erosion from taking place.  The oil filter cleans the oil as it passes through the filter and prevents abrasive contaminants from damaging the parts in the engine.

It is very important to choose a high quality oil filter because the internal construction and quality of the filter has a huge effect on the life of your car’s engine.  Here at Express Care, we use a Wix oil filter.  Wix was patented in 1954 and has been at the forefront of oil filter technology and performance for passenger cars, trucks, buses and off-road vehicles ever since.

One of the standards used to determine the quality of an oil filter is called filtration efficiency or particle size retention.  Particle size retention is the measure of how well a filter can retain particles of various sizes.  Wix has developed optimum filtration efficiency in their filters.  They are able to trap and hold essentially all the particles larger than 25 microns (a human hair measures about 70 microns in diameter.)  These filters can also capture a high percentage of even smaller particles.

Another standard that a quality filter must meet is dirt-holding capacity.  This is the amount of contaminants that can be removed and held by the filter until the filter no longer works.  The capacity of Wix filters is much larger than the minimum requirements that are specified by vehicle manufacturers for a regular oil change interval.

Hopefully these facts help you understand why a car oil filter is important.  A quality oil filter and quality motor oil work together to help our cars run more efficiently.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care.  Call us at (303) 691-2760 or stop by and see us.

 

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks