Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Engine Air Filter

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Today we want to talk about your engine air filter.  That’s the filter that cleans the air before it’s burned in your engine.  Many people wonder how often they should change their engine air filter.  The simple answer is ” when it’s dirty”.  That’s a function of how much air has passed through the filter, so your vehicle manufacturer will recommend a mileage interval for replacing the air filter.  But it’s not hard to imagine that how dirty the air is will greatly affect how quickly the filter gets filled.

If you drive in a city or town where there’s lots of dust, pollution, or pollen, your engine air filter will get dirty more quickly and will need to be changed sooner.  That’s why we check the air filter with every full-service oil change at Express Car Care.  We can visually tell if the filter needs to be changed.

Your filter can only hold so much dirt.  Once the filter is full, dirt will pass through to the engine.  This dirt gums up the combustion chamber, hurts fuel economy and may cause damage.  It can also contaminate the Mass Air Flow Sensor, which will affect drivability and can be fairly expensive to replace.

A dirty engine air filter would also restrict the amount of air that gets to the engine, which diminishes fuel economy.  We can replace your air filter with one that matches the factory specifications or you can choose to upgrade your filter for enhanced performance.

So the next time your service adviser at Express Car Care shows you your dirty air filter, remember how important it is to have it replaced.

Suspension Wear

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Your suspension system keeps your car up off the road.  From there, it’s responsible for a smooth and comfortable ride wherever you choose to drive.  It also keeps your wheels firmly planted over bumps and through curves.

Your suspension system has many critical parts that do a big job and because of of that, they should be inspected for suspension wear or damage at least once a year.  A good time to check for suspension wear would be when you get your semiannual alignment check.

Here are some warning signs of suspension problems:  the car pulls to one side, wandering, erratic steering, uneven tire wear.  You could also experience leaning, shocks bottoming out, a poor ride or handling, leaking oil from the shocks and excessive bouncing.

Unfortunately, suspension parts just wear out over time.  Shocks and struts eventually lose their ability to control your ride.  If you’re in an accident, your suspension can be damaged or knocked out of alignment.  Even a minor accident, like hitting a curb, pothole or large rock, can mess things up.  If you suspect suspension problems, ask a trusted service adviser at Express Car Care for an inspection and let us set things right.

Give us a call or come in and see us.

At Express Car Care we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

Battery Replacement

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Car batteries wear out just like any other battery and need to be replaced.  There are a couple of things vehicle owners should know when looking for a battery replacement:  one is cold cranking amps and the other is reserve capacity.

Let’s start with cold cranking amps.  This can be thought of as the power serge used to start a cold vehicle engine.  The number of cold cranking amps you need depends on your vehicle and where you live…specifically how cold it is where you live.  The two factors being that the colder an engine is, the more power it takes to turn it over and get it started.  It has a lot of cold, sluggish oil to fight against.  The other factor is that the chemical reaction in the battery that creates electrical energy is less efficient in the cold.

So the colder the weather gets, more power is needed, but less is available.  If you live where it’s cold, you need a battery replacement with more cold cranking amps than you would where there are moderate or hot temperatures.  You should always get at least as many cold cranking amps as the manufacturer recommends but you may want to upgrade if you live where it gets real cold.

An important note:  Batteries may also list the Cranking Amps-CA -number.  It is the Cold Cranking Amps – or CCA – that is the important number here.  CCA is the number to use in your comparisons.

After all this talk of cold temperatures, it’s important to note that heat is the real enemy of long battery life.  In other words, the damage that’s done over the hot summer months shows up with the increased demands on the battery when the weather turns cold.

Now let’s talk about reserve capacity:  It’s the measurement of the number of minutes of reserve power the battery has at a given load.  The number is more important these days because of parasitic drain.  Parasitic drain is the battery energy that’s used when the key is off.  So the power drawn by the vehicle security system, the remote start system – even the power the vehicle computers require to maintain their memory.

Reserves are also needed when you make very short trips around town.  You’re not driving long enough for the battery to recover the energy it used to start the engine.

So go with the minimum recommended by your manufacturer and upgrade if you need more.  Talk with your Express Car Care service adviser about options.  If you need more from your battery replacement, a larger capacity battery may be the answer.

Batteries are a big ticket item for most motorist, so the warranty gives peace of mind.  Be sure to ask about the car battery warranty so you know what you’re getting.  At Express Car Care, we have been providing quality auto service since 2000.  Come in and see us.

5 Reasons To Keep Your Car Well-Maintained

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Thanks for visiting the Express Car Care auto care blog.  Today’s post lists 5 important reasons Denver drivers should follow recommended maintenance schedules.

  1. Be Safe  A well-maintained car doesn’t put you and your passengers at unnecessary risk.  Think brakes, headlamps, tires.
  2. Get Better Fuel Economy  Regular maintenance is an investment in optimum fuel economy.  Inadequate tire pressure, a dirty fuel system and a clogged air filter are just a few things that reduce fuel economy.
  3. Preserve Resale Value  How many used car buyers will pay full Blue Book price for a car with a filthy engine, clogged filters and bald tires?
  4. Don’t Void Your Warranty  Your warranty claims may be denied if your service history doesn’t fulfill the minimum requirements recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
  5. Save Money  Regular maintenance reduces the chance of catastrophic failures and repairs.

Here are some Express Car Care tips to help you remember the main items:  Fluids first.  Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, etc.  We can take care of all of these for you at Express Car Care in Denver.

Then think Tires.  Air, rotation, balancing and alignment.  And while you’re thinking tires, think brakes and shock absorbers.

Air and Fuel.  Air filter replacement, fuel filters and fuel system cleaning.

This list doesn’t cover all the recommended maintenance,  but we can help you decide what you need when you come in and see us.  Or give us a call and set up an appointment.

Headlamps

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You may be surprised to learn that 40 percent of traffic fatalities in Colorado take place at night even though there’s 60 percent less traffic.  It goes to show you how important proper visibility is to nighttime driving in our community.

Obviously, a clean windshield is important – so are good wiper blades.  Your headlights play a big role as well.  There are two main concerns.  One is the headlamp, or bulb.  The other is with the lens.

The truth of the matter is that headlamps go dim over time on your car or other vehicle.  You just need to replace them.  Some vehicles come with a standard bulb which you can replace or you can upgrade to a halogen bulb that’s much brighter.  Halogen bulbs cost a little more but you’d be amazed at the difference.

It’s a good idea to replace your headlamps once a year.  The idea is that your lamps never dim to the point that they become a safety issue.  Just take care of it at a fall oil change so that your lights will be bright for the coming long winter nights.

The other big issue is the headlamp lens.  For the last couple of decades, most lenses are made of plastic which can get cloudy or yellow.  That blocks a lot of light.  You can replace the lens, but each lens assembly can cost as much as $350 to $400.  It’s much less expensive to restore the lens if it isn’t broken.

At Express Car Care, we use a process of special cleaners and polishes to remove the yellowed and hazy layer of the lens.  We then apply a hard protective finish.  When we’re done, your lenses really are as good as new.

The price depends on the size of the lens and how yellowed or cloudy it has become.  You can even restore taillights and turn signals.

So combining a headlamp restoration with new bulbs will light up the road like a new car.  Can you clearly see the advantage?

At Express Car Care we install quality NAPA replacement parts.  Give us a call if we can help you.

Timing Chain

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All engines have either a timing belt or a timing chain to synchronize the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves.  This keeps the engine running smoothly and efficiently.  If the timing is off, it may not even run at all.  Timing belts need to be replaced on schedule.  A broken or slipping timing belt could cause extensive engine damage.

Timing chains are being used more and more in modern engines.  They are more durable and usually don’t have a recommended replacement interval.  However, timing chains and their associated components do wear out over time.  The tensioner and guide rails can wear out, which causes the timing chain to be loose.  A tooth on a cam sprocket could break allowing the timing chain to slip.  You don’t want to wait for a complete failure ( and possible extensive damage) so it’s important to watch for the signs of impending failure.

You may notice sluggish performance, reduced fuel economy or difficulty starting when the timing chain system is worn.  You could hear a variety of noises:  rattle, rumble, whine, buzz, or whir coming from the engine.  If you experience any of these things, bring it to our attention and we’ll look into it.  If you do require a timing chain replacement, we’ll also replace all the other system wear components such as the tension and guide rails.

Although the timing chain does not require maintenance as we usually think of it, it does require constant lubrication.  The engine does this normally as it runs.  However, a low oil level or using a poor quality oil will keep the timing chain from being properly lubricated.  A timing chain can last a long time with regular oil changes using quality oil.  Regular oil changes are an easy way to lengthen the life of your timing chain, I bet we can all manage that.

 

Radiator Fans

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Denver drivers who are old enough have probably heard the term “fan belt”.  Back in the day, the radiator fan in your vehicle was turned by a belt driven by the engine.  There are still belt driven fans, although most are now driven by the serpentine belt.  But most vehicles now have electric fans that draw fresh air across the radiator to cool it.

As coolant/antifreeze circulates in the cooling system, it captures heat from the engine and flows into the radiator.  Air cools the radiator and the coolant in it before it sends it back into the engine to pick up some more heat.  Now your engine has an ideal temperature range in which it is most efficient:  it shouldn’t be too hot or too cool.  The electric radiator fans help maintain the ideal temperature.

A switch mounted in a cooling system passage checks the temperature of the coolant.  If the coolant is at the low end of the range, the switch turns off the fan motor.  When the coolant rises to a certain temperature,  the switch turns on the fan.  When you are running the air conditioning, the radiator fan will likely be turned on as well to help reduce the extra engine heat created by the load placed on it by the air conditioner.

A lot of vehicles will actually have two radiator fans.  One, both or neither may be running at any given time depending on the conditions.  When you are cruising at highway speed, the air rushing over the radiator and around the engine will help control the heat.  By contrast, stop and go driving around town doesn’t generate much natural air flow so the radiator fans will be working hard.

Some drivers may hear the sound of the radiator fan running after turning the vehicle off. This keeps the engine from heating excessively after it has been run and shut off.

Both the radiator fan motors and the switch are wear items that will eventually fail.  If your temperature light comes on while driving, you have a cooling system problem.  Your knowledgeable Express Car Care service adviser can test your entire cooling system, including the radiator fans, to determine what is causing the indicator light.  Of course, servicing the cooling system as recommended will help extend the life of all the components.  Ask your Express Car Care service adviser if you are due for a cooling system service.

Tire Rotation & Balancing Answers

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Question:  How do I know when I should get my tires rotated and balanced?

Express Car Care Answer:  The interval for tire rotation could depend on a recommendation from either the tire manufacturer or the vehicle manufacturer.  The background question for drivers is “why do tires need to be rotated?”

Front tires wear differently than the rear tires because steering wears the shoulders faster up front.  Rotating the position of the tires allows for more even wear among all the tires.   The suspension set-up on certain vehicles may also affect the relative wear between the front and rear tires.  There are several tire rotation patterns and your knowledgeable Express Car Care professional will make sure that you get the correct pattern for your particular vehicle.

Wheels and tires are not perfectly balanced due to slight variations in the manufacturing process and the placement of tire pressure monitoring sensors.  So weights are strategically placed on the wheel to ensure that the tire spins true.  When a wheel is out of balance it is essentially bouncing thousands of extra times as you drive.  This can result in an uncomfortable vibration for drivers in the steering wheel or through the seat.  An unbalanced tire will also wear more quickly and it’s also punishing on your shocks and struts.

Drivers should have their wheel balanced if they detect a vibration or uneven wear.  A wheel balance check every year is a good idea.  Because tires cost so much in our area, it’s a great idea to do everything you can do to make them last as long as possible.  Proper inflation, regular tire rotation and balancing are the keys to long tire life.  The team at Express Car Care can check your tires for signs of uneven wear and diagnose and correct the problem.

Simple Answers: Air Conditioner

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Question:  Why isn’t my air conditioner blowing cold air?

Express Car Care Answer:  Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to create cold air.  The most common reasons drivers lose their cold air have to do with the refrigerant.

The first reason is not enough refrigerant.  Refrigerant is a gas in the air conditioning system and if there are small holes in a hose, seal or coupler, enough gas can leak out and prevent the system from creating cold air.

Another potential problem for auto owners is contamination.  Over time, the inside of the rubber hoses can deteriorate, and little bits of rubber can clog up various filters and other parts of the vehicle air conditioning system, preventing proper circulation of the refrigerant.  A component of the system could also be worn or broken.  So the first step for drivers who can’t cool their vehicle is a thorough air conditioning inspection, looking for leaks and worn parts.  In fact, Federal law requires an inspection before adding refrigerant.  Some states do not allowing topping off a leaking system.

Once any repairs are made, refrigerant is added.  At the same time, special oil is added to the system.  This oil cools and lubricates various components as it circulates along with the refrigerant.  If you have a refrigerant leak, you also have an oil leak – and it’s important that both be replenished for proper function and protection of your A/C system.

Sometimes overlooked by drivers is the fact that a worn serpentine belt ( which drives the A/C compressor) leads to belt slippage which puts additional strain on the compressor.  Replacing your serpentine belt and belt tensioner on schedule at Express Car Care will extend the life of your A/C compressor and other belt driven accessories.

Come in and see us.

Guide to Battery Maintenance

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In today’s Express Car Care auto care blog, we are focusing on battery maintenance.  Eventually your car battery will fail and you will need to replace it. In fact, 70% of batteries don’t even make it four years.  There are some things drivers can do, however, to make their battery last a little bit longer.

It’s all about the flow of electrical power.  When you start your vehicle, the battery uses power to get your engine cranking.  As your engine runs, your alternator generates electricity to run all your electrical systems:  lights, several computers, anti-lock brake system, traction control, power windows, electronic fuel injectors, stability control, air conditioning, – the list goes on.  Any leftover electricity goes to recharge your vehicle’s battery.

Now, if you were on a long road trip, no sweat – you’d have plenty of time to fully recharge your battery.  But not if you’re making stops around town.  Every time you start your engine, your battery takes that big hit again.  Multiple starts – multiple hits.  By the time you get home, you have less than a full charge.

When the battery is continuously in a discharged state, it loses its ability to fully recharge.  This starts a downward spiral in your battery life.  Now when your battery is on its way to getting this bad, your alternator is working overtime trying to keep it charged.  This causes your alternator to wear out prematurely.  A lot of experience technicians suggest replacing your battery after five years, even though it hasn’t yet failed, just as a maintenance item to extend the life of your alternator.

There is something simple you can do to help your battery last longer – by hooking up a battery charger once a month in the summer and every three months in the winter.  This will ensure your car battery routinely has a full charge.  You can do this less often in the winter because the electro-chemical process slows down when it’s colder and less damage is done when your battery is low.  Computerized battery chargers are real easy to use because they monitor and control the charging rate to keep the battery from overheating while it’s charging.

We recommend that you ask your service adviser to test your battery, so you know how much life is left.  If it’s good but needs a battery maintenance service, he’ll have it cleaned up and make sure the connections and cables are good.  If it looks like you ought to replace it, he’ll help you with a battery that’s right for your vehicle and your driving needs.  Give us a call.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks