Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Visual Blind Spots When Driving Around Denver

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Car Survival

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Car SurvivalSince we have been experiencing a lot of extreme weather here in Colorado, it’s important that we prepare for the unexpected as we drive around our cities and our state.  We need to be ready for anything.  With the unpredictable nature of our weather, you never know when you might have a road close down or wash out and leave you stranded in your car longer than you intended.  Our last two summers have been filled with either fires or floods and both of these forces of nature are capable of cutting off our roads.   Are you prepared for car survival?

When it comes to packing a car for an emergency, adventurer and Expedition Wild host, Casey Anderson says he’s “like a turtle, practically carrying my entire house on my back.”

People spend a lot of time in their cars, and there are a few essentials we all need.  Anderson recommends having at least a gallon of drinkable water in your car – crucial if you are stranded for a long time.  It also has many other uses, such as first aid and putting out fires that are not chemical or electrical in origin, to name just a few.  You should also toss some energy bars in your glove compartment, along with some hard candies to pass the time and give you energy to keep a clear mind if you need to wait a while for help.  In any emergency, communication is very important.  So it’s always a good idea to keep an extra cellphone battery and a fully charged external charger in your car.

We want you to be safe in your car, so take a few steps and prepare for the unexpected.

 

Looking Down the Road in Denver: Wiper Blades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?”

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