Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Oil Change Special

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Regular maintenance is a part of the life of your car.  If you do just a few things on a regular schedule, you can avoid larger problems down the road.

Regular Scheduled Oil Change

At the top of this important list of  regular maintenance services  is the oil change.

Changing your oil regularly prevents the formation of sludge.  Fresh oil is used within the engine to clean away dirt particles, keeping them from settling onto the engine.  With regular changes, the particles are removed before they can begin to cause a problem.

In the same manner you visit your doctor for a routine checkup once a year, the auto industry has recommended that once every 3,000 miles your car has an oil change.  These guidelines provide you with a regular interval, and helps extend the life of your engine.

Different dealers and auto repair shops offer different services when you purchase an oil change.  Here at Express Care, we offer our Express Care Full Service oil change.  This includes:

  • Draining used oil and refilling with motor oil.
  • Installing a new oil filter

Plus we check and fill the following:

  • Lubricate your vehicle
  • Transmission fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Battery water
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Antifreeze/coolant
  • Differential fluid
  • Transfer case fluid
  • Tire pressure

In these tough economic times, it’s so important that we take care of our vehicles properly so we don’t have to spend a lot of money to repair or replace them.

Right now we’re offering an oil change special to help you do just that!  Go to our home page and click on Shop Specials for an online coupon that offers savings on a full service oil change.

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

Transmission Troubleshooting

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Your transmission is the one piece of equipment that is multi-faceted.  It controls everything from shifting your car from gear to gear, to controlling how fast you are going.  While you may never change out a transmission or spend time learning how it works, there are some tips to help you with transmission troubleshooting, and knowing when its time to call in a mechanic.

While there are many pieces that make up a standard automatic transmission system, all transmissions have a few basic parts.

  • The bell housing, or metal case that sits underneath your car
  • The gears
  • The transmission fluid
  • A filter to keep the transmission operating properly

You’ll usually notice a problem with your transmission in one of two ways.  Either your car will simply stop, or it starts running roughly.  These two problems are generally caused by:

  • Low fluid level, which causes your car to shift poorly, and can eventually lead to transmission damage.
  • A leak within the system.  This is usually easy to spot because transmission fluid has a red tint.
  • A clogged filter, which limits the cars performance.

Because of the many parts associated with a transmission, and the specialized tools you’ll need for troubleshooting and fixing, it’s usually best to leave it  up to a professional.  A professional understands what can be causing the problem, and can usually spot the problem quickly.  They will test a variety of things before moving on to a rebuild or replacement.

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

Car Air Conditioning and Allergies

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If you suffer at all with seasonal allergies or asthma, you are more than likely very serious about trying to prevent triggering their symptoms.  You have probably followed all the recommended guidelines for reducing the risk of triggering your allergies.  You keep your windows and outside doors closed as much as possible.  You use air-conditioning to cool your home and avoid using window and attic fans during pollen season.  You avoid being outdoors in the early morning when the pollen is more prevalent and you keep your car windows rolled up and use your car air conditioning when driving.  But each time you enter your car and turn on the air conditioning, something very unpleasant happens.  Your eyes start to water and your nose starts running, then you begin to sneeze while your throat starts itching.  What is happening?!

Common allergens and irritants found inside the average car can make driving a real challenge for people who suffer with allergies.  Dust mites and mold can grow in cars and linger for long periods of time.  A car air conditioner doesn’t harbor mold because it is a sealed unit that outside air can’t penetrate.  But mold can grow in your air conditioner’s vents and the hoses that connect it.  This happens when moisture becomes trapped and can’t escape through the venting, like the  showers in our homes.  Mold loves humidity and thrives in moist conditions.  To help prevent mold in your car’s air conditioning vents, here are some steps to try.  As you near your destination, after running your air conditioning, switch your air conditioning system off and turn on the vent.  Do this at least two miles from your destination.  Turn the vent on high so there is a lot of air blowing through the vents.  The air won’t be as cool as it is when the air conditioning is on but it will dry out any moisture that might be trapped in your vents.  If you do this each time you use your air conditioning it will help prevent mold and pollens from accumulating and triggering your allergies.

If you practice these guidelines and still notice allergy problems when you are in your car, we offer a service here at Express Car Care, that can clean your car air conditioning so you can enjoy driving again.  Ask one of our service technicians for more information.

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

Differential Service

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Summer has arrived and for many of us that means we will be spending a lot of time in our cars.  We drive to sporting events, concerts, camping and fishing trips,  and some of us head to the mountains for a little off-roading!  But no matter how you spend your summer, you want your car to get you where you want to go!  To help you make that happen, we suggest you have your vehicle checked to  see if it’s  in need of a differential service.

Whether your vehicle is a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive, it has a differential, maybe even two or three.  The differential is a special gear box located between the drive wheels of your car.  The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while still providing power.  Without a differential, our tires would rub and hop along the pavement, instead of gliding smoothly during turns.  Rear wheel drive vehicles have a differential in back.  The majority of four-wheel drive trucks and SUVs will also have a similar differential on the front axle. But no matter where they are located, all of the engine’s power is routed through your car’s differentials.  In order to perform their purpose, they need to be properly lubricated.  You can accomplish this by having a differential service done regularly on your vehicle.

A differential service is simply having the used fluid drained and replacing it with clean fluid.  Neglecting to change the differential fluid can cause poor performance, premature wear, noise and even failure.  Replacing a differential assembly can cost as much as $1500, so don’t let that happen to you.

The benefits of having a differential service are numerous.  It removes metal shavings and other contaminants that naturally enter the differential during normal operation.  A differential service reduces heat levels inside the differential and protects against friction, rust and corrosion.  It extends the life of your differential and provides protection especially under extreme conditions.   To keep the expensive metal parts of your vehicle protected, it’s important to have the differential fluid checked and changed at recommended intervals.

The mileage interval for servicing your differential can vary according to the type of vehicle you drive, and how and where you drive it.  Check with your service adviser or your owner’s manual for recommendations.

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

Replacing Shocks and Struts

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If you visit any auto repair shop regularly there is a good chance you’ve seen ads for replacing shocks and struts.  But is there a way to tell if your shocks and struts need replacing without taking your car to a repair shop? 

One way to evaluate if they need replacing is to look for damage or leaking.  Leaking is easy 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, or dented housing.

Another way to evaluate your need for new shocks or struts is to consider how your vehicle has been handling and riding.  When you drive on rough roads or hit a bump, does it bounce excessively?  Does the nose dip down when braking?  Does the body roll or sway too much when cornering or driving in crosswinds?  Is it easy to bottom out the suspension when backing out of the driveway or when you’re  hauling extra passengers or cargo?

Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often passes unnoticed.  When you begin to notice the signs,  it’s usually way past the point when your shocks or struts need replacing.

Shocks and struts do not require replacing at specific mileage intervals like filters or spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually need to be replaced.  Monroe engineers, America’s leading brand of shocks and struts, suggest following a 50,000-mile replacement plan just to be safe.  Driving on worn out shocks can be a hazard over time.  Worn out shocks and struts may cause your stopping distance to increase, especially on rough surfaces.  They can have a negative impact on your driving capabilities, especially in adverse conditions.  Worn out shocks and struts can also cause damage to your tires prematurely, meaning you’ll have more expense than is truly necessary.

Express Care is a family owned auto repair shop in the Denver, Colorado area that offers a variety of services, including shock replacement.  Conveniently located at Evans and I-25, we look forward to doing business with you.

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

Car Service Checklist For Summer

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Summer is just around the corner and if you’re like most people, you have some big plans as to how you’re going to spend it.  You might be planning a road trip this summer.  Or you might be thinking you’re just going to spend time relaxing, maybe taking in a ball game or two.  Either way, it’s important to prepare your car for the summer ahead.  A car service checklist might be the last thing on your mind, but if you take a little time to perform some simple steps, you’ll be glad you did!  

Replace your Air Filter: Your car’s air filter should be changed at least twice a year.  If you change it before summer and then before winter,  your car has a clean filter and it is easier to remember when the filter was last changed.

Replace your Windshield Wipers: Winter weather can be brutal on your windshield wipers making them virtually useless in a sudden summer rain shower.  Replace them at the beginning of the summer and eliminate any chance of problems later on.

Check your Tires: Summer travel can usually include driving in the rain.  The tread on your tires needs to be adequate to keep you on the road in rainy weather.  Check the tread depth to make sure it’s deep enough and check the tire pressure too.

Check your Battery: Corrosion can begin to build up during winter weather driving.  Have your battery posts and cables checked for corrosion and if necessary have them cleaned to avoid any problems starting your car.

Check your Headlights: We don’t always notice if a headlight bulb is out.  Putting this service on the checklist will make it safer to drive during the nighttime and twilight hours.

Check your Brakes: Just like replacing your air filter, it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected twice a year also.  Have your brakes checked to make sure they are working properly and aren’t worn.  It’s also a good time to have your brake fluid checked.

Radiator Flush: Summer weather really puts your car’s coolant to the test.  By flushing your radiator of the old coolant and replacing it with fresh coolant, you are giving your radiator a better chance of keeping your car running like it should.

Now, once  your car service checklist for Summer is completed, you will be able to get on with the business of living life!  As you do, take a moment to reflect on this quote from Lillian Dickson, “Life is a coin.  You can spend it any way you wish, but you can spend it only once.”

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

Quick Lube

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Today I’m attempting to refute a myth that has been circulating about Quick Lubes and how we do business.  We quick lube owners and employees have been accused of recommending “unneeded”  oil changes just to make more money.  That may be true at some quick lubes, but when we service your car, we only suggest services that we believe are necessary to keep your car running at its best.  Let me explain why we recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles or every three months.

In recent years, many vehicle manufacturers have extended their recommended oil change intervals to try to help reduce the cost of maintenance for car owners, but have run into trouble.  The Center for Auto Safety  has gotten thousands of complaints from motorists who thought they were following the correct service intervals in their owners manuals but ended up with a crankcase full of sludge.   Motor oil does more than lubricate the engine.  It also forms a film on surfaces  that separates moving parts so they don’t rub against one another so friction and wear is reduced.  Oil also serves as a coolant for critical engine parts like the crankshaft and valve train.  It also helps to prevent rust and corrosion inside the engine, and keeps surfaces clean by dissolving and carrying away dirt and deposits.  Oil life depends on many factors; driving conditions, temperature, humidity, airborne dirt, and engine wear.

Extended oil change intervals of 7,500 or 10,000 miles are based on ideal operating conditions, not stop and go driving, or driving our cars for  several short trips, like most drivers do each day.  So most drivers should follow a “severe” service schedule rather than a “normal” schedule to protect their engines.  Most experts still consider a 3,000 miles or six month oil change for “severe” drivers.

We have also heard the argument at our quick lube that since motor oils are of higher quality than they once were, we don’t need to change our oil as often.  Yes, motor oils are better than they once were, but oil filters have not kept up.  An engines main line of defense against abrasion and the wear it causes is the oil filter.  The oil filter’s job is to remove solid contaminants like dirt, carbon, and metal particles from the oil before they can damage surfaces in the engine.  If your oil filter is clogged, it can’t do its job and unfiltered oil is allowed to enter the engine.  Contaminants that find their way into the crankcase will be pumped through the engine and accelerate wear.

Although motor oils have been improved and are continuing to be improved, there has been little done to improve oil filters.   The majority of oil filters still need to be replaced every 3,000 miles.   So until the oil filters are equal in their quality to the  motor oils, we will continue to recommend a 3,000 mile or three month oil change at our quick lube.

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

Power Steering Flush

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The power steering system is one of the most critical parts of your vehicle.  Rack and pinion steering is the most common type of steering system in cars and minivans and you can also find it on some SUVs and trucks.   Rack and pinions are, simply put, a pair of gears that work together to steer the vehicle.  In order to operate smoothly, the gears need hydraulic fluid, also called power steering fluid, to transmit power to your car’s power steering system.  If the power steering fluid is dirty and isn’t flushed, the risk of damage to the entire power steering system is increased.  A power steering flush is simply draining out your car’s old power steering fluid and replacing it with fresh power steering fluid.  The function of the fluid is to transmit hydraulic pressure so you can steer your car easily in every driving situation, from frigid cold to scorching heat.  It also lubricates the pump, controls the valves, and ensures  a quiet operating  system.

Over a period of time, the internal power steering components, as well as the seals and O-rings have been subjected to wear and tear and begin to wear out.  When this happens the power steering fluid gets contaminated with broken down debris, this forces the power steering pump to work harder.  The power steering pump now has to pump the debris as well as the fluid and it eventually breaks down.  We have noticed that the 1996-1999 Toyota 4-Runners and Toyota Tacomas are more prone to leaks if their systems aren’t flushed routinely.   If you drive one of these vehicles you might want to have the fluid checked to make sure you don’t need a power steering flush.   The power steering fluid should appear either an amber or pink in color when it is fresh.   When it appears significantly darker than its color when it was fresh, it’s time for a change. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicles recommendations.  If they aren’t available,  a good rule of thumb is to change the power steering fluid as often as you change your engine coolant.   Since  the fluid is the least expensive part of your power steering system and flushing it can help to prolong the life of the other, more expensive parts of the system, it is something that should be seriously considered.

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

Is It Time For A Cooling System Flush?

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More than the comfort and convenience of being able to control the temperature inside your vehicle, your car’s heating and cooling systems are necessary in preventing your vehicle from breaking down due to extremely high operating temperatures.  Is It Time For A Cooling System Flush?Your cooling system is what keeps your car from having a meltdown, so have it checked every time you have a routine service.   All of the parts that make up the cooling system have one goal, moving coolant around the engine so it can absorb and dissipate heat.  The system is made up of the following parts:  radiator, radiator top hose, radiator bottom hose, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, electric cooling fan, and a thermo-time switch.

The radiator is the most prominent part of the cooling system.   Every time you drive, your radiator uses up a coolant and water mixture to help lower the temperatures in your vehicle’s engine system.  The coolant that has traveled through the engine is pumped through the tubes of the radiator and is cooled off for another round.  Coolant, like all the other fluids used by your vehicle, has a tendency to break down over time.  This is why it is important to replace or “flush” your coolant mixture.  When the coolant breaks down there is more stress on your radiator and your engine runs hotter than normal.  Dirt and deposits also build up and reduce your vehicle’s performance.  A prolonged use of bad coolant can result in damage to your radiator that would require you to have to replace  it.  Also today’s engines are built with aluminum, the radiator and heater are also aluminum and aluminum needs much more corrosion protection to keep it in good condition.

How often you should flush your cooling system depends on the type of driving you do and the weather conditions where you live.  If you live in an area that has moderate climates, you can flush your system less often.  But if you live in an area known for its harsh winter and/or hot summers, and do a lot of driving than you might need to change your coolant twice a year, at the beginning of the summer and the beginning of winter.  A basic rule of thumb is every two years or 30,000 miles.  But no matter what, you need to ask yourself  the question, “is it time for a cooling system flush?”

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

Car Maintenance Checklist

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I’m sure we’ve all seen several different versions of a car maintenance checklist.  We’ve even printed some of our own.  The basic maintenance checklist includes checking the tires, the car fluids and checking the brakes and air filter.  But there are some maintenance items that are often overlooked and we want to make you aware of them.

  1. Spark plugs – You know your car has spark plugs, but did you know it’s a good possibility  that your owners manual recommends they should be replaced every few years or so.  Check your owners manual for your specific recommendations or ask your car maintenance technician for information.  Most automakers recommend replacing them every 100,000 miles.
  2. Battery Cooling Systems – Are you driving a hybrid vehicle?  If you are it’s very likely that your car has a dedicated cooling system for the vehicles’ electronics and/or battery.  Some vehicles even have two dedicated cooling systems, one for the battery and one for the electric motor.  Just like the coolant in a traditional car’s engine needs to be changed, the coolant in these cooling systems also needs to be changed at scheduled intervals.  Check your owner’s manual to find out what intervals are recommended for your car.
  3. Cabin Air Filters – If your car was built in the last decade, chances are fairly good it has been equipped with a cabin air filter.  This filter, similar to the one in your homes heating and cooling system, screens dust and debris out of the air that is entering your car’s passenger compartment.  Many automakers recommend replacing these filters once a year.  This will greatly improve the quality of air you are breathing while you drive.  If you aren’t sure ask your auto repair technician if your car has this filter.
  4. Differential Fluid – You know about your car’s coolant and transmission fluid, but there’s another type of oil that most automakers recommend replacing at certain intervals.  Your car’s differential, also called a gearbox, contains a lubricating oil that is heavier than motor oil.  This gear oil can diminish over time, especially in larger vehicles like SUVs or pickups that are used for heavy jobs like towing, and needs to be replaced.

These are just a few of the things that might not make it onto the basic car maintenance checklist, so make sure you put them on yours!

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

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks