Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Driving and Texting

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Driving and TextingDriving and texting, we’ve all witnessed it and at some time or other maybe even done it ourselves.  But let’s wake up people!  Nearly nine in ten motorists think driving and texting is a bigger problem now than it was three years ago.  And almost eighty-nine percent believe that drivers that are talking on a cell phone while driving are posing a serious danger to other drivers.  When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, their primary focus should always be driving!

Too many people today seem to be operating their cars like they are playing a video game.  Whipping in and out of lanes, cutting people off without any regard for other drivers or the consequences of their actions.  They seem to think that the action stops when they aren’t paying attention, and they don’t seem to realize that their actions have a drastic effect on other drivers.

According to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (aaafoundation.org)  96% of drivers believe driving and texting or e-mailing is a serious threat to public safety.  But one of the surprising findings in their research is that the drivers most distracted by their mobile devices aren’t teenagers.  Even though the public often cites teens as being the most common offenders, according to AAA’s research, high school-aged teens report using their phones or driving and texting substantially less often than adults.  Here are some of the results of their research:

  • 43% of adults ages 25-39 reported using their cell phone fairly often or regularly while driving.
  • 20% of teens reported using their cell phone fairly often or regularly while driving.
  • 10% of fatal accidents involve distraction.

Here in Colorado, all drivers are banned from driving and texting.  Also drivers under the age of 18 are banned from all use of cell phones, including text messaging.  You might think you’re safe in using your phone while driving, but since there are 3,000 deaths a year blamed on distracted driving, why don’t we all just hang up and drive?

Since we try to give you a lot of ideas about keeping you and your car safe here at Express Car Care, this idea only takes a moment for you to do and doesn’t cost you a cent!  Think about it.

 

 

Deciphering the Menu Board at Express Car Care

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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.

 

 

How to Avoid Flood-damaged Cars

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Weather has been changing all over our nation and unfortunately Colorado residents got a bitter reminder of that with the recent floods.  High water from overflowing rivers and streams ruined homes and businesses.  Sadly, pictures like these are all too common right now.  Cars that are buried in mud and water.  When exposed to deep flood levels, soaked cars are often classified as totaled and then demolished.  It is too bad that sometimes unethical and dishonest people take advantage of the situation and flood-damaged cars end up on used car lots.  Here are some steps you can take to avoid buying  flood-damaged cars.

  1. Be a smart shopper.  Always shop at a reputable dealership.  Dealerships with good reputations won’t risk losing them by cheating their customers.  Always ask if the car you’re interested in has been damaged by floods, and get the answer in writing.  If there is any hesitation, you should be concerned.  Also ask to see the title, some states are required by law to  stamp the title of a damaged car that reads “Flood” or “Salvage” .
  2. The Sniff Test.  The quickest way to tell if a car has had flood-damage is to smell it.  If the car smells musty or moldy, it probably has had some type of water damage.  It is very difficult to get rid of a moldy aroma and if there is any mildew formation, you should walk away.
  3. Corrosion Clues.  Corrosion is common in flood-damaged cars and continues to eat away at materials long after the car is dry.  Look for signs of corrosion on metals both inside and out.  Concentrating on door hinges, trunk latches, and hood springs.
  4. Take a test drive.  A compromised electrical system is a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard that is natural in cars exposed to high waters for extended periods of time.  You want to make sure all the electrical components are operational.  Take the car on a test drive and try out all the electronics, dashboard lights, headlights, turn signals, emergency blinkers, air conditioning, heater, wipers, cigarette lighter, and radio.
  5. Check the oil.  Oil in a flood-damaged car will have changes in the color and thickness.  The oil may be pale when it should be dark or runny when it should be thick.  Also take a look at the air filter and check for water stains, that’s another sign that water might have been where it shouldn’t be.

Even if you have completed each of these steps and feel good about the car, you should still take it to a good mechanic so he can fully inspect the parts of the car that aren’t clearly visible, like the brakes and wheel components, wiring mechanisms and the alternator.  All these steps can help you avoid flood-damaged cars.

 

Seasonal Car Care Tips – What Colorado Weather Does To Your Car

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Here at Denver Express Car Care, we believe that following a good maintenance schedule is the key to getting exceptional performance year round from your car.

By sticking with a seasonal maintenance schedule, it will ensure your car, truck or SUV runs smooth no matter what the extremes are here in Colorado. From cold winter mornings to hot summer afternoons, here are just a few tips that can help keep your car reliable year round.

Spring

The next time you stop by for an oil change, change out your air filter as well. People rarely think about a car’s air filter, but it can help protect those with allergies from airborne particles that make it into your car through the ventilation system. Dust, pollen and other contaminants are high this time of year – do everything you can to protect the one’s you love.

Spring means slushy snow falls and the beginning of rain. Are your wipers in top shape after the cold winter months?

Your heating system has been running all season; now you may be switching back and forth between air and heat as the Colorado days can fluctuate 30, 40, even 50 degrees or more within a 24 hour period. Are the liquids in you cooling system clear and topped up to full capacity? If its been a while since you’ve had your air conditioning system, now is the perfect time for a check up.

Summer

Summer means road trips. And as you’re traveling throughout Colorado and beyond, your tires will face many conditions, from slick wet roads, to some of the highest temperatures on earth. Do your tires have proper tread depth? Is the tire pressure at the recommended levels?

With more traveling means more risk. With your car filled up with family and friends, don’t take a chance by putting them at risk – check your brakes to make sure they are working properly. With a quick brake and fluid check, you’ll know your family will be safe in the coming months.

One of the top reasons motorists are stranded is because of a dead battery. Hot weather is harder on your car than the cold months. Come in for a battery test and we’ll check your battery posts and cables to ensure you’ll have no starting problems in the coming months.

Fall

Your radiator won’t last forever. Over time, it can break down and start corroding. Which leads to cooling problems and a radiator repair. A radiator flush is a quick and easy fix to avoid bigger problems down the road.

Seasonal Car Care Tips - What Colorado Weather Does To Your CarAre your headlights working? Every day brings darkness to us a bit earlier – and good working headlights will light your path and keep you safe. A simple headlight bulb may be the solution.

Belts and hoses won’t last forever. Now is the perfect time to check and ensure that they are not work or cracked, and the fittings are tight and in place.

Winter

When was the last time you topped off your car with antifreeze? This is an essential part of your car’s winter protection system.

Colorado winters can be brutal. Our norm is to have cold, wet periods followed by quick warming trends. All of which mean more melting on the roads, and more “stuff” on your windshield. Washer fluid is in great demand during these few months of the year. You do have an extra gallon or two in your garage, don’t you?

Check your spark plugs. A cracked plug wire will affect performance and gas mileage, and greatly decrease the reliabity of your car. Be sure your are in great shape.

How Your Neighborhood Car Repair Shop Can Help You Stay Safe

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You’ve had your car for a few years. Its paid off – why spend the extra right now in today’s economy? But keeping a car that is several years old comes with its own set of problems.

How Your Neighborhood Car Repair Shop Can Help You Stay SafeIn order to make sure your car is in top shape, don’t wait for a problem to occur. Instead, find a neighborhood car repair shop you can trust; one that will help you keep your car in great shape, and one that will give you reliable transportation for many years to come.

When it comes to car repair, you have a lot of choices. Should you go back to the dealer? Should you trust a national chain? Or should stick to your own community and go with your neighborhood car repair shop?

When it comes to developing a relationship that will help you maintain your car over time, the neighborhood shop may be the way to go.

Imagine bringing your car in and always being able to talk with the owner. He knows you, knows your family, and understands your car. Have a problem? Call him up – he’ll be able to provide expert advice at any time. Yes, in many cases you will be on a first name basis – and its easy to trust a friend and ask for advice any time.

Above all, your goal is to keep your car safe, no matter how old it is. By working with your neighborhood car repair shop, you can work together to make sure things are in top shape at all times. And to get you started, here are a few tips to talk over the next time you bring your car in.

  • Have the repair shop take a look at your tires. The tires are a crucial part of your car. If your tires fail in any way, it can lead to serious injury. It is a good idea to have your repair shop check the air pressure to ensure they are properly inflated, as well as the tread to ensure that they are not going bald. Under and over inflation can be dangerous, as well as driving around on bald tires.
  • Give your car’s glass a once-over. Your repair shop technician can make sure your windows, mirrors and even your headlights are free from dirt, dust and grime. You need your windows to see where you are going and what is behind you. You need your mirrors to see what is around you. You need your headlights to see where you are going. Grime, dirt and dust and inhibit your vision, so have all glass cleaned regularly.
  • Don’t forget the belts. The belts under the hood are not made to last a lifetime. They can become worn and cracked. If this happens, they can easily break – even when you are driving down the road. Have your technician examine all of your car’s belts on a regular basis and replace any that show signs of wear and tear.

Car Maintenance To Make Your Old Car Like New Again

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It is no secret that times are hard. More and more people are watching what they spend and finding ways to save money. One major way people are saving money is by avoiding a new car purchase. Buying a new car means taking out a loan – unless you have the cold, hard cash and most people do not have that kind of money.

Car Maintenance To Make Your Old Car Like New AgainSo, instead of buying new, people are finding ways to take better care of their current car to extend its life. The maintenance is worth the money because more and more cars are staying on the highway well past 100,000 miles. Here are some tips to help you keep your current car rolling down the road.

  • Take care of your muffler, catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. When your check engine light comes on, that is your car’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Pay attention to what it is saying. If it is determined that you need a new oxygen sensor, go ahead and replace it. However, if the same problem keeps happening, it is time to replace the catalytic converter, muffler and the sensors. Your car will run smoother, have more power, and get better gas mileage. Let us check the condition of your car to ensure running longer. Express Car Care of Denver auto repair can help if you do break down.
  • Flush more than just your radiator. Everyone knows that a radiator system should be flushed. However, your power steering fluid and your brake fluid should also be flushed to get rid of any build-up that may have developed over time.
  • Have your air conditioning system cleaned and deodorized. This will help keep your system running efficiently and keep it from having an obnoxious odor (a common problem after several years of use).
  • Replace your ball joints and struts or shocks. Your car may not be exhibiting signs that those items need replaced, but when you start racking up the miles, it pays to prevent a problem, rather than wait for a problem to occur. Not only will you be riding in a safer car, your car will ride much better.
  • Have your wheels (not your tires) aligned or replaced. Over time, your wheels can wear down in spots. Having someone align them and fix all the areas of wear and tear will improve the ride.

Safe Roads

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Spring has arrived here in Denver and as all of us who live here know, spring weather always brings along with it more annoying road construction!  It seems that the process of building and rebuilding safe roads also includes having to endure an undetermined length of time driving through and around construction zones.  According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and AAA Colorado, there are more than 150 projects on state and interstate highways in Colorado this year.  Since work-zone crashes kill an average of 11 people per week, nationwide, it is so important that we do everything we can to keep our roads safe.

In a recently published article by AAA, they share these tips that they would like drivers to keep in mind when driving through “cone zones”.

  • Slow down and move over when road workers and emergency responders are present.  It’s a Colorado law and it can save lives.
  • Expect the unexpected.  The work zone you’ve driven through before may have changed since the last time you visited.  Out-of-state drivers won’t be familiar with lane changes, uneven surfaces and lower speeds and may take sudden evasive actions.
  • Obey road crew flaggers.  Ignoring them, racing past them or expressing anger towards them only endangers them and aggravates other drivers.
  • Don’t tailgate even when other motorists cut into the safe space you’ve created behind the car in front.  This requires patience on your part.
  • Minimize distractions.  Focus, focus, focus!  Store your phone, make your call later and don’t reach for food or drinks.  To put it simply, drop anything and everything that would prevent you from seeing and obeying road signs, steering clear of roadside workers or hearing emergency vehicle sirens.
  • Be patient and stay calm.  This is by far the most difficult step of all, because who doesn’t want to reach their destination sooner rather than later?

We can all contribute to having safe roads in Denver and Colorado and also have a positive impact on roadside workers and other drivers by simply following a few friendly guidelines.  So I guess the question is, ” How will you respond?”

Fuel Octane

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At this time in our nation, when fuel prices are increasing at an alarming rate, we can save money at the pump if we understand fuel octane and how it affects our vehicles.

Modern engines use fuel  injectors run by computers to accurately control their air/fuel mix.  In order to get an accurate air/fuel mix in the fuel injectors and computers, the proper fuel must be used for that engine.  The difference in the name and price of the fuel is based on the gasoline’s “octane”.  In order to determine a fuel octane rating, the fuel is subjected to two testing methods, the motor method and the research method.  The motor method runs the gas in an engine running under load, and the research method runs the gas in a free-running engine.  The fuel octane rating is the average of those two tests.

The fuel octane rating tells you how much the fuel can be compressed before it spontaneously ignites.  In internal combustion engines, the compressed fuel-air mixtures have a tendency to ignite prematurely rather than burn smoothly, and when gas ignites by compression rather than because of the spark from the spark plug, it creates engine knock, a rattling or pinging sound in one or more cylinders.   The fuel octane rating is a measure of a fuel’s resistance to engine knock.

Regular fuel has a an octane rating of at least 87.  The octane rating of  “mid-grade”  gasoline ranges from 88-90.  “Premium”  fuel octane can vary depending on the state where it is purchased but is usually higher than 90 in most states.

Most vehicles today are designed to run on Regular 87 octane fuel, but it’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual for the correct fuel octane rating recommended for your vehicle.  Some people have the mistaken idea that if you use a higher octane fuel in your car, you’ll increase the engine’s power or get better mileage.  High octane fuel doesn’t do a better job than regular octane gas in preventing engine deposits from forming, or removing them, or in cleaning the engine.  If your vehicle is designed to run on 87 octane, a higher octane fuel won’t improve mileage or increase its power.  If your engine runs well and doesn’t knock or ping on low octane fuel, than you don’t need to spend more money on a higher octane.  Don’t pay a premium price for something that you don’t need.

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

Car Winterizing

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Well, here it is, the snow has finally arrived!  It seems like it has taken its time this year, especially for anybody that enjoys participating in winter sports.  And since the snow has come, it brings with it the task of car winterizing.  Even though you’ve probably heard it all before, it is a task you don’t want to ignore.  Modern technology has simplified car winterizing so it isn’t as difficult as it once was, so there is no excuse for not getting it done.

Take your car in and have it serviced.  The oil in your engine needs to be changed on a regular basis in order to keep your car running smoothly, so if you haven’t had an oil change recently, now is the time.

Car winterizing also involves your cooling system.  Now is a good time to have it flushed out.  Your car’s cooling system not only keeps the engine from overheating in the summer but also from freezing in the winter.  It’s very important to flush the system and have the old coolant replaced with fresh coolant.

Your battery cables, terminals and fluid should be thoroughly inspected for damage or wear.  It also should be checked to make sure it is able to hold a charge in the colder weather.  If your battery is more than four years old, you should seriously consider replacing it as a part of the car winterizing process.

Replacing your windshield wiper blades with snow blades and making sure you have enough windshield washer fluid ( not plain water) in the windshield washer reservoir is also important.

Checking your tires to make sure they are in good condition for the winter weather should be part of your checklist.  You may want to consider using snow tires during the winter months.  They do a much better job than an all-weather tire in the snow.

One of the most important tasks of car winterizing is having your brakes checked!  There isn’t anything more frightening than not being able to stop in the snow when you push on the brake!  If your brakes haven’t been checked out in the last six months, now is a perfect time to have them checked.

Well, that covers the most important tasks in car winterizing, but there are a few smaller details you might want to include, like an emergency kit for your car that includes a blanket, gloves, ice scraper, a small shovel, flashlight and sand or kitty litter, (for traction).  And check the lights, heater and defroster to make sure they are all working properly.  Also keep your gas tank as full as possible to prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines.

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

Creative Ways to Winterize A Car

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During these difficult economic times and with the holidays approaching, we are all looking for ways to save money.  We have put together some creative ways to winterize a car using common household items that most of us have around the house.  Because we don’t have to buy specialty items, this saves us money!

Using petroleum jelly on your battery terminal caps to stop battery corrosion is recommended by Michael Calkins, the manager of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair Program.  Simply remove the terminal caps and clean any existing corrosion off with a wire brush, then coat the terminals with petroleum jelly.  The jelly forms an airtight seal that wards off salt, slush and mud, all of which cause corrosion on the battery terminals.

Winter driving here in Colorado means snow one day, slush and mud the next.  This can play havoc on our cars and our headlights.  To keep your headlights doing their job, clean them with soap and water,  and then apply a nonabrasive car wax using a soft cloth.  The wax is water-repellent and leaves a barrier that keeps dirt from building up.  It’s recommended to do this once a month.

Have you ever gone out to start your car in the morning and not been able to get the door open because it is frozen shut?  Here is a creative way to prevent this.  Coat the rubber door seals with cooking-oil spray.  It repels the water that would otherwise collect on the rubber seals and freeze, causing the doors to be frozen shut.

Another problem that occurs during the winter is frost accumulating on the inside of our windows, obstructing our view and increasing our chances of having an accident.  A creative way to “winterize” your windows is to dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in a gallon of water and wipe the inside of the windows and windshield with this mixture.  As the mixture dries, it leaves an invisible layer of salt-which has a low freezing temperature, and will help keep frost from forming on the windows.  This lasts for a month or more.  Don’t use this mixture on the outside of your car, the salt can cause corrosion to the exposed metal.

If you’re one of the people who store a car during the winter months, there is a chance that rodents might try to build a nest in your engine.  A creative way to discourage these little pests from nibbling on wires and making a home in your engine is to tape a peppermint tea bag, away from moving parts, to the engine.  The minty scent will repel rodents and keep them away through the winter.

If you try any of these creative ways to winterize a car, we would like to know how they worked for you.  We appreciate the feedback.

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