Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Transmission Trouble

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Has your car lost its get up and go?  Here are five things to look for if you think your car might have transmission trouble.

  1. Lack of Response- Your car shouldn’t hesitate when shifting or refuse to go into gear.  If the engine speeds up when you step on the gas pedal but the car doesn’t, or if the car’s passing gear won’t engage, those could be signs of trouble.
  2. Whining, Clunking or Humming- Your car should shift quietly when it’s running correctly.  The sounds can vary but you should have your car checked if you notice new noises that can begin irregularly then grow in frequency.  If caught early you can avoid costly repairs.
  3. Grinding or Shaking- Your car should shift smoothly from gear to gear.  If you are experiencing any jarring or shimmying when your car shifts you might have transmission trouble.
  4. Check Engine Light- Newer cars have sensors that pick-up small irregularities in the engine and notify the computer that something is wrong.  These sensors can detect vibrations and early problems that you can’t even feel or see.  The check engine light can  also alert you to other issues that might be going on with your car.
  5. Leaking Fluid- Transmission fluid is vital to your car’s shifting ability and should be checked regularly.  The transmission fluid should be bright red, clear and smell sweet if parts are working correctly.  The fluid shouldn’t be dark in color or have a burnt smell.  Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid isn’t burned up so if the fluid level is low it is very possible you could have a leak.  The transmission fluid runs through a filter to help keep it clean.  This  filter should  be replaced according to your manufacturers recommendations so it doesn’t become clogged.   

Just being aware of the signs of possible transmission trouble and looking out for them can help you keep your car on the road and running smoothly.

Fall Tune-Up

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As the kids are heading back to school, now is the perfect time to “tune-up” your car!  Since you will more than likely be chauffeuring your children back and forth from their fall activities or school, it’s a good idea to make sure your car is running  in peak condition.

The phrase “tune-up” is an old-fashioned maintenance term that only applies to older cars.  For today’s cars that are equipped with electronic ignition and at least one on-board computer which automatically adjusts fuel mixture, ignition timing and idle speed, ” engine performance maintenance” is a more accurate term.  But whatever you call it, it is necessary to have your car serviced at least once a year to maintain peak engine performance or restore the engine to its original operating efficiency.            

A tune-up is a process of inspecting, diagnosing, testing, and adjusting or replacing parts on your car that if left unchecked could cause decreased performance or other problems.  A basic tune-up includes removing and checking the spark plugs,  cleaning or replacing the spark plugs and installing them in the engine.  Your car’s distributor cap and rotor are checked for wear and cracks.  If there are cracks, moisture can get in and cause corrosion of the metal, which causes your car to misfire.  These parts should be replaced at recommended intervals or if they show excessive wear.  A tune-up also includes setting the idle speed to your car’s specifications.  These are the basic procedures performed during a tune-up but you can take this opportunity to have other systems checked out as well, such as brakes, clutch, fuel lines, hoses and belts.

The terminology used and services performed on our cars may have changed with time, but the importance of having your car serviced regularly hasn’t, so call your automotive technician and make an appointment for your fall “tune-up” today!

Auto Repair: How Much Should It Cost?

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How many times have you gone into an auto repair shop for a repair that in your mind shouldn’t cost very much and then been shocked by the actual cost?  Auto repair isn’t cheap and we shouldn’t expect it to be. Auto Repair: How Much Should It Cost? The cost of repairing a  vehicle is based on several factors.   The make, model and year of the vehicle affect the cost of repairing it.  Lack of accessibility on some cars raises the cost.  Of course, type of auto repair needed determines how much it will cost.  Some repairs cost more because the parts involved are more expensive.  The cost of auto repair is also determined by the labor rates in your area.  The average shop charges between $60-$100 per hour for labor.  Finally, where you take the vehicle for repair affects the cost.  Dealerships usually charge more than independent repair shops because they have more overhead costs to cover.  As with all your auto repair needs, it’s important to look for a trustworthy shop that will give you honest advice, quality service and fair prices.

We can’t avoid auto repair!  Sooner or later, something is going to break, wear out or fail.  We can try to  prevent major repairs by good preventative maintenance but auto parts still wear out.  Most frequently, tires, brakes, belts and hoses.  And the more miles on your car the greater the possibility you may have engine or transmission problems.  Nothing lasts forever, so when your vehicle needs repair, you want to know how much it should cost before the work begins.  A reputable shop will give you an estimate that lists the parts that need replacing and their cost, the labor charged to replace those parts, any charges for diagnostic time (this covers the time it takes to connect a scan tool to your vehicle and read out any fault codes that may be in the vehicle’s computer) and any additional charges for miscellaneous items such as hazardous waste disposal fees, or shop supplies.

The labor you are charged is usually based on a standard “flat rate” and it most often the most expensive item on auto repairs.  The labor time required to perform a certain task will vary depending on accessibility of the part, the degree of difficulty of the job, and whether special procedures or tools are required to complete the job.  All of these are taken into account when a vehicle manufacturer or manual publisher determines the flat rate tables for various repair jobs.  This information is published and then used by repair shops in preparing their auto repair estimates.  The longer it takes a technician to replace a part, the higher the charge.  Auto repair is difficult, messy, back-breaking work that requires skill, training, and experience.  Cars today are just as technical as a PC, and when they crash, they’re just as costly to repair.  Most of us don’t expect to have our computers repaired for nothing but somehow we have the idea that  auto repair should only cost us pennies! Maybe it’s time to think again!

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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