Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Cheap Oil Changes, Are They Worth It?

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During this economic crunch, we are all looking for ways to save money.  But when it comes to the condition of our cars, those valued objects that get us to our jobs, the grocery store, school and social events do we want to risk getting a cheap oil change?  Saving a little money now by using cheap oil can cost you a lot in the future when the oil fails to do its job.

There are two important things that oil does for your engine.  First it provides lubrication.  Inside your car’s engine there are many moving parts that would rub against one another, creating extreme levels of friction and wear. If these parts come into contact with one another without oil between them to create a cushion, there would be severe damage to your engine.  Without quality oil your engine’s performance is greatly  affected.  Your car won’t run smoothly and your gas  mileage will be much lower.    Secondly motor oil cleans the engine and prevents contaminates or “sludge” from building up.  Quality oil will contain detergents that help clean the engine and additives that help inhibit corrosion.Cheap Oil Change, Are They Worth It?

You might think that you are saving money by going to a shop that advertises a $19.99 oil change.  But in order to give you that price they have to sell you cheap oil and a low quality oil filter that doesn’t meet with manufacturer’s specifications.  When the cost of an average oil change is $35-$45 at a reputable shop that uses high quality oil and high quality oil filters and it’s recommended that you change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles, if you do the math that comes to 50 cents a day to change the oil in your car.  Most of us can afford 50 cents a day!  We spend more than that on our morning coffee!  If we skip one coffee trip a week and put that money toward our oil change, our wallets wouldn’t even notice! Considering all the benefits our cars provide when they run well, don’t you think it’s worth it?

Questions To Ask Your Automotive Repair Technician Before You Leave Your Car

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Today’s cars are more complicated than ever, using computers and sensors to run virtually everything within your car.  From navigational systems, to videos, and even WiFi connectivity, when something goes wrong, it can have a major impact on your daily life.

Your automobile is a big investment. And with today’s increasing technology, even a small repair can be a big investment as well. It’s important to find an automotive repair technician you can trust, and will give you honest feedback on the condition of your vehicle, and what your options are. Here are some questions to ask before you leave your car with an automotive repair technician:

  • How safe will my car be? Certain cars are more susceptible to theft and break-ins. Do they keep your car safe and locked up if you must leave it over night? Do they have an alarm systems in place and a well lit area?
  • How much experience do you have? Review the credentials of your automotive technician, as well as the qualifications of the company as a whole. A company should stand behind their work, no matter what technician works on your car, and should guarantee the work they perform.
  • What type of certification do you have? Again, both the company and the technician should have certification to work on vehicles. Find out if your automotive technician is ASE certified or has comparable training.  Ask if mechanics have received updated training that supports the technological advances found in today’s cars.
  • Is there a guarantee policy and what are the conditions under which it is implemented?  While every good mechanic strives to offer the best service possible, occasionally something may happen with the work performed. Find out what the guarantee policy is.
  • Do you have a web site, and do you post specials or discounts?  If there are discounts, is it necessary to clip coupons to receive the discounted price?

The better working relationship you have with your automotive repair technician, the more you can rely on them to ask questions, and keep your car in top shape. They are there as a resource for you, not simply to repair your car. They build their business by being an expert, and sharing their expertise with you. Just ask.

Auto Repair Estimate

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There are a countless number of ways you may end up at a mechanic. Maybe that subtle clanking noise suddenly turns into an aggressive roar. Perhaps that dripping you always thought was condensation from the air conditioner has now taken on that distinctive rainbow glow. Whatever the reason, heading to a mechanic you’re unfamiliar with can be a nerve wracking experience, especially for your wallet.

Auto repair estimates are designed to inform both the mechanic and the customer about the kind of work needed to repair a car after an accident or normal 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, is not 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 insist that they cannot provide an estimate until part way through the job so that they can examine the extent of the damage, but a reputable mechanic will be able to provide you with an outline of the expect repairs before extensive work is done on the vehicle.

Written estimates protect 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 in the estimate and charges you around the same amount as the estimate, you cannot insist that you did not know how much the repairs would cost as a means of avoiding payment.

Likewise, mechanics must be 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 20 percent increase in cost without your expressed consent. That means that if a mechanic quotes your $500 for a repairs, he cannot perform any work that would end up costing you more than $600 unless he specifically gets your consent to do so.

If you are looking for a mechanic, move on if he attempts to avoid offering you a written estimate for repairs. Reputable mechanics understand the value of a written estimate and should incorporate them into regular business practice.

Why A Car Overheats

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What would we do without a car? Cars are our freedom. They allow us to drive five miles to the store, or 500 miles to a retreat where we can get away from it all.

We are all aware of the many conveniences of having an automobile, and how it makes life so much easier.  The time and money saved by owning a car are enormous as opposed to relying on public transportation or carpooling.  But along with owning a car comes the responsibility of maintaining it too.

Now that summer is upon us, we must be diligent in having our cars checked before hitting the road for vacations or weekend get aways.  One common malfunction with cars during summer months is overheating.  There are several reasons why a car overheats, some being very simple and others requiring the knowledge of a trained mechanic.  Listed below are five reasons that frequently cause cars to overheat:

1. The car is losing anti-freeze due to a leak in the radiator. Or the radiator is clogged.  Either one of the problems results in the engine not getting enough coolant, ending up with an overheated car.  Ideally the liquid in the radiator should be a mixture of 50% anti-freeze and 50% water.

2. Loose belts and/or hoses may cause the engine to run hot.  Hoses wear out over time and may develop small “pinholes” which cause leaks.  Belts should be checked regularly as they can become frayed over time and could possibly break.

3. The radiator cap may need replacement or tightening.  Sometimes a very simple solution such as checking the radiator cap is the answer to the problem.  The seal on the cap gets brittle and may cause pressure to escape from the radiator.

4. The water pump may need to be replaced.  Unless you have a considerable amount of experience in repairing cars, this is an item that is best suited for a mechanic.  Today’s cars are extremely complex with computerized parts. A simple scan from the diagnostic tools found in a mechanic’s shop can give you an immediate answer.

5. The radiator is low or completely out of coolant.  As we drive our cars, the heat generated can cause evaporation of fluids.  It is important to frequently check the coolant level in the radiator, especially during the summer months when running the air conditioner.

With proper maintenance our cars will deliver dependable service and keep us running smoothly throughout the year.  Take the time to inspect your vehicle and keep lots of coolant on hand before hitting the road.

Shocks and Struts-How You Know When They Need Replacing

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Have an older car? Want to keep it in the best shape possible?

It’s time to purchase new shocks and struts if your original shocks and struts are worn out, damaged or leaking. Leaking is easy enough to see – just look for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut. Damage is also fairly easy to see – look for a broken mount, badly dented housing, etc. But wear is often more of a subjective thing to judge. There are also instances where the original equipment shocks may not be worn, damaged or leaking, but may not be adequate for the job they’re being asked to do. In such cases, upgrading the suspension with stronger, stiffer or some type of special shock and strut may be recommended to improve handling (for trailer towing, hauling overloads or other special uses).

Shocks and struts do not require replacing at specific mileage intervals like filters or spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually have to be replaced. How long a set of original equipment shocks and struts will last depends on many factors. Some original equipment shocks may be getting weak after only 30,000 or 40,000 miles. Struts usually last upwards of 50,000 or 60,000 miles.

Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often passes unnoticed. If you begin to notice the need for shocks and struts, it’s usually way past the point when they should have been replaced.

One way to evaluate your need for new shocks or struts is to consider how your vehicle has been handling and riding. Does it bounce excessively when driving on rough roads or after hitting a bump? Does the nose dip when braking? Does the body roll or sway excessively when cornering or driving in crosswinds? Does the suspension bottom out when backing out of the driveway or when hauling extra passengers or weight?

A “bounce test” is still a valid means of checking the dampening ability of shocks and struts. If the suspension continues to gyrate more than one or two times after rocking and releasing the bumper or body, your shocks or struts are showing their age and need to be replaced.

The Importance Of Finding A Family Owned Auto Repair Shop

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Car repairs can drive you crazy, and the thought of the cost can make your stomach swell with butterflies.  The first question that enters your mind is, “can I trust this shop to do right by me?”  If the answer is “no” then you need some tips on how to find the right repair shop for your needs.

Start by asking family or friends where they take their cars for repair and what their experience was like.  You will probably discover that the majority of them used a family owned local shop because they can trust the advice – the owner is there and has to build up his reputation.

Dealerships or franchise repair shops may be locally owned but they have a corporate bottom line that a family owned shop does not.  The family owned shop has a vested interest in the community it operates in, their professional reputation depends on providing fair quotes and repairs that are done right the first time and are more likely to happen than with a dealership or franchise operated business.

The local mechanic is more familiar with his customer base, the types of cars his customers drive and he has the ability and interest in developing a relationship with each individual he comes in contact with.  He is also more apt to be honest about whether a particular repair is necessary or if it can be done at all.  He is not likely to risk his business or reputation doing unnecessary repairs just to make a dollar.  Word of mouth carries a great deal of weight and it doesn’t take but one unhappy customer to damage a business.

Using a family owned repair shop allows both the business and customer to develop a sense of trust that is hard to find these days.  If something is not repaired correctly, on time and in accordance with the original cost quote, your redress would not include having to deal with a corporate structure that can be confusing and irritating, you can have a face to face and come to a mutually satisfactory resolution and still be friends.

How To Determine If Your Car Transmission Needs Repair

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No one likes to hear the dreaded words, “Your transmission is blown.” Your cars transmission is responsible for most of its engine functions and capabilities. As soon as a car’s transmission requires repair, most car owners see dollar signs adding up. Catching a transmission problem before it becomes a transmission disaster could be the difference between a five hundred dollar fix and a five thousand dollar overhaul. Stay on top of your transmission by keeping an eye out for key signs of transmission trouble.

One of the tell-tale signs of transmission problems is trouble on starting. A transmission in need of repair will have trouble turning over or may grind upon ignition. If your car stutters before turning over, it could be simple problem like moisture in the electrical wires or a much bigger problem like a transmission in need of repair. If your car seems to have trouble starting, it’s best to have a mechanic test the electrical system and check the transmission.

When a car is in motion, acceleration problems or stuttering are signs of a problem with the transmission. Vibrating, stuttering or trembling during acceleration or deceleration could indicate serious transmission trouble instead of the simpler problem of poor tuning of the engine. You might also notice that the engine fails to engage even though you apply pressure to the gas pedal. Any of these experiences during driving could lead to a more serious problem like complete engine failure.

Usually fluid leaking from beneath the car is oil, but occasionally a car may leak transmission fluid used to lubricate gears inside the engine. A transmission fluid leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause permanent damage to electrical systems. Small leaks can be repaired by mixing a stop leak solution into the fluid while major problems needs to be handled by a mechanic.

If all else fails, you can always refer to your check engine light to alert you to any problems in your engine. Most cars use electrical and computer systems to monitor the proper functioning of the transmission. If the check engine light comes on, assess the rest of the car’s performance to determine if the engine trouble is related to a transmission problem. When in doubt, take your car to a qualified mechanic to determine whether or not your transmission is in need of repair.

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7 Ways To Find The Best Local Auto Repair In Denver

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Whether you are looking for a convenient place to have your oil changed every few months, or need a reputable local auto repair center to help you maintain your older car, where do you look?

1. Start by doing a little research. The online world is the best place to look because you can find a wealth of information at your fingertips. Finding a site like this one is your first step towards finding a reliable auto repair center. If a repair center cares enough to spend the time sharing quality information with you, he cares about the customer service he provides as a company.

2. Ask your neighbors and friends. People don’t refer unless they have a great opinion of a company or service. So a referral should give you an added trust level when you bring in your car for service.

3. Watch your mail for coupons, or get online and search for auto repair coupons. A coupon gives you a reason to try out a service at a reduced rate, and get to know the personality of the service center.

4. Check for accreditations. A website is a great place to start; a company can’t use logos from the BBB or other groups unless they belong. A logo stands for quality, and also shows a company cares about their reputation within the community.

5. What are people saying about a company? If a website has testimonials, you can read through them to find out what people are saying. Also use social sites and other rating sites to determine the buzz about a company.

6. Ask other service providers. Did you get new glass put in your car recently? How about your local auto detailer? Many related service providers can make great recommendations for providers within their own industry.

7. Do business with those in your local community. What local auto repair center is on your way to work? Can you do business with a company close to your home or by your kids’ school? Local businesses like to do business with people in their community. They also like to refer within their local community. So building a relationship could help you both with keeping your car safe, and helping you build ties within your own community.

[Give us a try – check out our auto repair coupons section, and save on your next auto repair. We can’t wait to earn your business.]

Car Maintenance Tips For Your Older Car

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I have an older car. What type of car maintenance tips can you offer to make sure my vehicle stays in top shape? I’m not ready to jump into a new car, so I want to keep my older car in the best shape possible.

We’re hearing a lot of this these days. Instead of replacing a car on schedule every three to four years, people are pushing the window of ownership, and are choosing to keep their older cars an extra year or two. Not only will it save you money on monthly payments, but it also can save you on insurance rates as well.

Keep a car maintenance log
Keep a small spiral notebook and pen in your glove compartment, and keep track of all of your car related maintenance. You may also want to record your gas fill-ups and mileage – a reduction of mileage can be an early warning sign of a future problem. Also use the same service location for all your car maintenance items – they will track your maintenance and be able to monitor potential problems along the way.

Take the time to clean your car thoroughly
Clean your car inside and out. While everyone likes a clean car on the outside, the inside is just as important. Clean off the magnesium chloride from your wheel wells and undercarriage, which Colorado uses to keep the streets ice free in the snowy months.

Fix and fill your washer fluid tank
With Colorado’s variable weather patterns, you may notice a cracked washer fluid tank on an older car. Fix immediately, and keep it filled with plenty of window washer fluid, especially on those cold, slushy days.

Check your tires regularly
Ever find one of your tires missing the tire valve cap? It may cause your tire to leak. Tire valve caps keep out dirt and moisture that can cause leaks over time. Also make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires create excessive heat and stress, and lead to failure in a much shorter period of time that the manufactures expected life. Check your tires periodically for uneven wear and proper tread, and make sure you rotate your tires on a regular schedule.

Car Maintenance Checklist

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As we move from spring to summer, now is a great time to perform regular maintenance to the things you use the most. Because we rely on our vehicles every day, rain or shine, it’s a good idea to put it at the top of your list.

Here is a car maintenance checklist that will keep you car running smoothly and efficiently, no matter what the time of year.

Once per month

  • Check your car’s oil level. Add oil if running low.
  • Check your tire pressure. Add air as appropriate.
  • Inspect your tires as you check the pressure. Make sure they aren’t leaking, wearing in an uneven pattern, or damaged.
  • Check your coolant or antifreeze. Add if running low.
  • Check your windshield washer fluid, and add more as needed, especially during high use months.

Once per quarter

  • Change your car’s oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Check your air filter and replace as needed.
  • Check battery, brake, transmission and power steering fluids. Add fluid if its running low. Also watch for patterns of low fluids, as it could be a sign of something wrong with your system.
  • Check hoses, belts and cables. Clean if corroded, and replace when you notice worn, frayed or brittleness.

Once per year

  • Replace the wiper blades to avoid brittleness and smears.
  • Check headlights, brake lights and turn signals. Replace bulbs as appropriate.
  • Check the spare tire to make sure it’s fully inflated.
  • Inspect the brakes for signs of wear or damage.
  • Inspect shock absorbers for wear or oil seepage.

While this checklist should be followed routinely, add in extra checks if you are planning long road trips to ensure your family is safe along the journey. Checks and maintenance before you leave can prevent costly mishaps along the way, saving you time and money.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks