Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Visual Blind Spots When Driving Around Denver

by Leave a Comment

Visual Blind Spots When Driving Around DenverWhen we drive on our Denver streets, we encounter blind spots.  We can greatly reduce our blind spots by properly adjusting our mirrors to give the widest coverage possible.  Make the adjustments to your vehicle before you start to drive.

First, adjust your rear view mirror to give the best possible view directly to the rear of your truck or other vehicle type.  You don’t need it to get a better view of either side of the car, the kids in the back seat or your dazzling smile.  The rear view mirror should look to the rear.

Next, lean your head until it almost touches the driver’s side window.  Adjust your side mirror so that you can just barely see the side of your car.

Now, lean your head to the middle of the car and adjust the outside mirror so that you can barely see the right side of the car.

With your vehicle mirrors adjusted this way, you’ll have maximum coverage.  Of course, driving in Denver is a dynamic process – things change every second.  So it’s wise to take a quick look to the side when passing to make sure that another vehicle hasn’t moved into an area you couldn’t see in your mirrors.

As you drive in the Denver area, avoid staying in other driver’s blind spots.  You can’t count on them to be watching their mirrors and looking out for you.  Pass large trucks and buses on the left whenever possible.  A trucks’ blind spot is much larger on the right.

Be attentive and wear your seat belts, and thank you for reading!

 

Express Car Care Tech Question on Your Cooling System

by Leave a Comment

Tech Question on Your Cooling SystemExpress Car Care Tech Question:   I was driving down the freeway in my car and smoke started coming out from under the hood.  I pulled over and called my husband.  I had to be towed to my Denver mechanic.  He said my car had overheated.  What can I do to prevent that in the future?

Express Car Care Answer:  It sounds like you had a rough experience.  Unfortunately overheating is the most common engine failure for Denver motorist.  It’s also one of the easiest to prevent.

The basic idea is this:  you need to keep enough coolant/antifreeze flowing through your vehicle’s engine to keep it cool.  Problems come for Denver drivers when they develop leaks in their systems – like in the radiator or a hose – and the coolant leaks out.  Sometimes the coolant gets so contaminated that it blocks up the radiator so the coolant can’t get through.  If that happens enough you’ll end up broken down on the side of the road.

Your owner’s manual recommends a schedule for coolant replacement.  That’s because your coolant actually becomes corrosive over time and starts to eat away at the cooling system, causing leaks or blockages.  New coolant stops that process.

Ask your helpful Express Car Care technician about inspecting your vehicle’s cooling system for leaks, spongy hoses and other damage.  If it’s time to replace your coolant, hoses or other cooling system parts, have it done right away at Express Car Care in Denver.  Prevention is the key.

 

Deep Breathing in Denver: Engine Air Filter

by Leave a Comment

Deep Breathing in Denver: Engine Air FilterThe engine in your vehicle really needs clean air to operate efficiently:  it takes about twelve thousand gallons of air to burn a gallon of gas in your engine.  And clean air is much better than dirty.

When your air filter’s dirty, it simply can’t trap anymore dirt, so the dirt just passes through into your air intake system.  From there it can get into the truck engine combustion chamber and burning dust and pollen in your engine as you drive around Denver doesn’t do you or your engine any good.

The verdict:  when your engine air filter needs to be replaced; it needs to be replaced.  How often  depends entirely on how dirty the air is in Denver or wherever you drive.  A simple visual inspection by a courteous Express Car Care technician will tell you when you need a new engine air filter in your vehicle.

When you look at the air filter on your furnace in your home and see it’s all clogged up with dust and dirt, you don’t hesitate to replace it, do you?  So don’t wait until your air filter (furnace or automobile) is totally plugged – by that time you’ve been running inefficiently for a lot of miles.

When your Express Car Care service technician brings out your nasty engine air filter, you now know why you should go ahead and change it out.

Give us a call.

At Express Car Care in Denver, we install quality NAPA replacement parts.  To learn more about NAPA Auto Care, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com

Looking Down the Road in Denver: Wiper Blades

by Leave a Comment

Wiper BladesIt’s said that 90% of our driving decisions are based on visual information.  Our wiper blades play an important role in this.  Most Denver, Englewood and Littleton drivers know that a dirty or streaked windshield can catch the glare of the sun or on-coming headlights and make it nearly impossible for us to see.

Most busy car owners deal with their wiper blades from a failure perspective.  They address them only when they no longer function.  Instead, Denver drivers should think about wiper blades as an important safety system that they should maintain, rather than repair.

And let’s not get the wrong idea and think that your wiper blades will last longer because you don’t use them very often.  Remember, they live outside in the harsh sun, freezing cold, as well as ice and wind.  They will just dry out and crack over time because of these conditions.

At Express Car Care in Denver, we recommend that motorists change their wiper blades twice a year, in the spring and the fall.  That way you have functional blades for those spring showers and Colorado winter storms.  You should also consider a windshield treatment to help repel water and make it easier to clean off bugs and road grime.

Like everything else in the automotive world, there have been some big advancements in wiper blades, both in terms of the design and the materials from which the blade is made.  We can help you get the same type of blades that came with your vehicle, or if you have a need for better than average windshield wipers, you can pay some more for an upgraded wiper.

And if you live where there is a lot of snow and ice, they make special winter blades that don’t clog up and freeze like standard blades.

Give us a call for more information about wiper blades or any other automotive parts or service.

Express Car Care: Use the Correct Fluids in Your Vehicle

by Leave a Comment

Car Maintenance To Make Your Old Car Like New AgainBig advances in automotive technology have led to the development of high-tech fluids to keep pace.  A simple example of this is the cooling system.  For decades it was primarily made out of iron, steel and rubber hoses.  There was one kind of coolant that protected these components from corrosion.

Now cooling system components are made with various metal alloys and plastics.  These materials require different additives to protect them from corrosion.  Since the materials used vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, we now have a number of different kinds of coolant at Express Car Care in Denver.  And it’s important to use the right coolant for your vehicle.  If you pour in the wrong kind, it wont’ protect the cooling system and may even void the warranty.  Your helpful Express Car Care adviser will know the proper coolant to use.  If you’re concerned you may have used the wrong one, be safe and have your Express Car Care technician flush the system and start fresh with the correct fluid.

Brake fluid is confusing for some people.  For a very long time, most vehicles used Dot 3 brake fluid.  Now we have Dot 4 & 5.  Some people mistakenly think the higher numbers are an upgrade.  You know, if 3 is good then 4 must be better.  That’s not how it works.  They have different formulations to meet the requirements of differences in brake systems.  Only one of them is recommended for your vehicle.

Transmission fluid is the same thing.  With the tremendous engineering advances in automatic transmissions, there have been several new types of fluids developed to protect and lubricate them.  Nowhere are the advances in automotive fluids more evident than in motor oil.  Many new weights and formulations have been created to meet the demands of today’s modern engine design.

Modern engines have more parts and much tighter tolerances.  Every year, engines make more power and get better fuel economy.  And even with all the complexities and sophistication, they still have to be durable.  That’s where the new grades of engine oil come in.  They have to be formulated to lubricate, protect and clean all of those engine parts, big and small.  The oil has to be thin enough to get into small passages, yet resistant to vaporization.

Your vehicle may have come from the factory with synthetic oil and/or transmission, brake, differential fluid, etc.  If so, your recommended service intervals will be based on synthetic-type fluids and you should use the same type when your vehicle is serviced at Express Car Care.

Because grades of oil and types of coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc. are so carefully matched to the vehicle, take care to always use the proper fluid if you are topping off at home.  Check your vehicle owners manual or ask your Express Car Care service adviser.  The wrong fluid can cause damage.

Tire Rotation and Balancing

by Leave a Comment

Tire Rotation and BalancingYou can make the tires on your vehicle last longer with regular tire rotation and wheel balancing.

Let’s start with tire rotation.  In normal driving around Denver, your front tires wear more on the shoulders because they handle much of the cornering forces in turns.  Front-wheel drive vehicles have even more force on the front tires.

We rotate the tires so that all of the tires do some duty on the front end as well as getting a little break on the back end.  That way, all four tires wear more evenly over their life and should last longer.

For most vehicles, tires are rotated front to back.  Some manufacturers recommend a cross rotational pattern that includes the spare tire.  And some high-performance vehicles have different size tires on the front and rear and may even have uni-directional tires that can only be on the left or the right side of the vehicle.  Your service adviser at Express Car Care can help you sort that out and will perform the right tire rotation for your vehicle.

Your tire manufacturer will have a recommendation for how often you should rotate your tires.  It’s usually somewhere around 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

Let’s move on to wheel balancing.  That’s when there are heavy spots on the tire and wheel that cause it to wobble.  Balancing adds weights to the wheel to balance it out.  Now, we are talking about very small weight differences.  Variations in the tire and wheel manufacture can cause a slight imbalance.  The valve stem, and now the tire pressure monitoring sensors in the tire, also play into the equation.

Even small differences can cause annoying vibrations at speed:  the wheel is essentially bouncing a bit as it goes down the road.  For example, at freeway speeds, an out of balance wheel can be slamming into the road 14 times a second.  That’s annoying and can also cause your tires to wear out more quickly.

If a front wheel’s out of balance you’ll feel the vibration through the steering wheel.  When it’s a rear tire, you’ll feel the vibration through your seat.  If you’re getting bad vibes from your vehicle, bring it in to see if it’s a balance issue or something else.  You should balance your wheels whenever you get a new tire or remount a tire, like when it has been removed for a flat tire repair.

At Express Car Care in Denver, we install quality NAPA replacement parts.  To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com

Shocks and Struts

by Leave a Comment

Shock and StrutsLet’s talk shocks and struts.

Shock absorbers and struts last a long time and wear out pretty slowly for most cars and trucks in the Denver area.  They’re easy to take for granted, but your shocks and struts do a very important job so you need to pay attention to them.  They keep your tires on the road; and your tires are what connect your vehicle to the road and allow you to safely handle your car through turns, over bumps and even stop in time.

When your shocks and struts are worn, your tires bounce excessively over bumps in our city streets.  Your vehicle will wallow through corners; your front-end will dive when you stop; and your rear-end will squat when you accelerate.  All this hurts your ability to control your vehicle.  And your ride just isn’t as comfortable.

Worn shocks or struts cause excessive tire wear so you’ll have to replace your tires sooner than you should.  Worn shocks and struts also stresses other suspension and steering parts causing them to wear prematurely.  Struts are actually a major structural component of the suspension system; there’s a lot riding on them.

Replacing worn shocks and struts saves money in the long run for our local drivers – and of course you can’t really put a price on your safety and that of your passengers.  We generally recommend replacing shocks and struts at 50,000 miles.

When it is time for new shocks or struts, we’ve got you covered.  We can give you back the ride and handling of a new vehicle.  And if you have special needs we can help you there too.  We have premium shocks and struts that will improve your performance.  We can even help you with upgraded, heavy-duty shocks that will give you the confidence you need to handle those big towing or hauling jobs.

Experts recommend replacing all four shocks at the same time so that handling is even at each wheel.  If you need new shocks or struts, let us help you take care of this important safety service.  You’ll feel better, and you’ll save money on tires and other suspension repairs down the road.

Disc Brake Maintenance

by Leave a Comment

Disc Brake MaintenanceYour brakes are extremely important as you drive around Denver.  Having good brakes just keeps you out of trouble.  You’ll want to carefully maintain your brakes.  With disc brakes, brake pads rub on a disc – or rotor – to slow the wheels.  The brake pads are attached to a caliper that squeezes the pads against the rotor.  It’s kind of like how squeezing the handbrake on a bicycle pushes the brake pads against the wheel of the bike.

Now brake pads just wear away with use – like a pencil eraser wears out.  The good news is that replacing brake pads is a straight-forward repair.

If you hear squealing or grinding when you use the brakes, have your Express Car Care service adviser check them out.  He’ll have a technician perform a thorough brake inspection to see what needs to be done.  He’ll check for signs of brake problems and go over other brake components to see that they’re working properly.  He can tell you if it’s time to replace the pads or if there are other issues with your brakes that should be addressed.  Some people make the mistake of ignoring the warning signs and keep on driving long after the pads are completely worn out.  When that happens, metal brake components will grind on the rotor, damaging it enough that it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.

Rotors can also warp or crack, in which case they’ll need to be replaced.  Brake calipers also wear out over time.  They can develop leaks or the caliper pistons can freeze open or closed – either way it’s not good.  When this happens it’s time to replace the calipers.  A thorough brake inspection will reveal worn bearings or seals as well.

The new brake pads we put on your vehicle will restore your brakes to manufacturers’ specifications.  Or, we can install upgraded parts to increase your stopping power and reduce brake noise and brake dust.  We have several options to meet your braking requirements and your budget.

Taking care of your brakes keeps them working safely – and you could prevent premature brake repairs down the road.  At Express Car Care in Denver, we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

Deciphering the Menu Board at Express Car Care

by Leave a Comment

Deciphering the Menu BoardYou may not be familiar with all of the items on Express Car Care’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed.  Remember, the board is there for reference; speak to your Express Car Care Service Adviser about other possible needs or services.

Express Car Care Fuel System Cleaning:  Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish built up.  A fuel system cleaning at Express Car Care gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors.  This saves you gas as you drive around Denver and on the freeways.

Express Car Care Headlamp Replacement:  Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade.  When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness.  Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to an almost new-condition.  Ask your friendly Express Car Care adviser for information.

Express Car Care Inspections:  Denver drivers get inspections for many reasons.  Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter in Denver.  Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over.  An inspection at Express Car Care may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Express Car Care Oil Change Service:  There are several options, some Denver auto service centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option.  We will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change.  We also have options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

Express Car Care PCV Valve Service:  PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve.  It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine.  It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. It just needs to be changed now and then.

Express Car Care Power Steering Service:  Often overlooked.  Your Express Car Care technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid.  Keeps the system running well for a long time.

Express Car Care Serpentine Belt Replacement:  This starts with an inspection of the suspension components.  Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Denver motorists don’t notice when it’s time to change them.  If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Express Car Care Transmission Service:  This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid.  It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Express Car Care Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing:  The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern.  This helps tires wear more evenly.  Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce.  Helps the ride and saves tire wear as you drive around Denver.

Give us a call at 303-691-2760 and let us help.

 

 

A Long Lasting Cooling System for Denver Driving

by Leave a Comment

A Long Lasting Cooling System for Denver Driving e PadsOur vehicles operate in a wide range of outside temperatures in Colorado.  That’s why vehicle manufacturers use testing grounds from the frozen tundra to the blistering desert.  Your engine coolant must be able to perform in these extreme temperatures, even if we don’t always get the extremes in Denver.

Coolant has to move heat away from the engine to prevent costly damage.  Water does a very good job of holding heat, but it freezes at thirty two degrees (Fahrenheit).  That’s why we mix anti-freeze with water – it lowers the freezing point of the coolant, and raises the boiling point as well.  A fifty/fifty blend of water and anti-freeze is the usual recommendation from Express Car Care.

And on top of that, coolant has to protect the components of the cooling system from corrosion.  Your owner’s manual will tell you what kind of coolant you should use.  Of course, your Express Car Care service representative in Denver will know what you should put in your car.

Coolant system failure is one of the most common mechanical problems people experience.  Much of that can be avoided by following factory schedule service intervals.  Check your owner’s manual or with your service adviser at Express Car Care for recommendations.  We can also conduct a cooling system inspection to look for leaks, weak hoses or bad connections.

Give us a call at 303-691-2760, or stop by Express Car Care at 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, 80222.

 

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks