Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

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.

Fun Ideas for Summer

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Fuel system cleaning, radiator flush, clutch repairs or automatic transmission service, do these repairs sound like fun ideas for summer?  Not really.  But just because your car might be in need of some repairs, doesn’t mean you have to spend your summer trapped inside an auto repair shop.   Our shop is conveniently located across the street from the Colorado Light Rail Station, this allows you to drop your car off for repairs , catch the train, and enjoy yourself while we repair your car.  That sounds like it would be a little more fun than before, doesn’t it?  We also have provided a key drop system for you if you need to leave your car during our off hours.  What could be more convenient?!       

There are a lot of fun activities to do here in Denver this summer.  How about those Rockies!  You can drop your car off with us and then head out to watch them play and not miss a pitch!  Or if you’re not into baseball, there is always shopping and dining on the 16th Street Mall.  Some of you ladies may want to relax and have afternoon tea at the Brown Palace.

There are also fun summer ideas that you can do with your kids.  You can spend the day at the Children’s Museum, or take them on a tour of the State Capital and expand their minds and imaginations.  If you’re looking for ways to help them get rid of some excess energy, you could spend some time at Elitch Gardens.  They have over 40 rides plus the Minderaser and the Tower of Doom.  That should successfully wear them out!

We understand how difficult it can be to juggle the important along with the fun issues of life.  None of us want to sacrifice our fun activities all the time, so if you find yourself in a position where you think you can’t enjoy your day and have your car repaired too, check the Light Rail  schedule, give us a call at 303-691-2760,  and let’s see if we can’t make auto repair more  “fun”  this summer!

 

Aggressive Driving

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As the weather gets warmer and warmer this spring, we see more and more drivers emerging from their winter cocoons and taking flight to the streets.  Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of this rebirth is the growing problem of aggressive driving.  We have all experienced the stress of driving at one time or another when we’re on the roads, but it seems like drivers have become more aggressive in their driving habits than ever before! The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that aggressive driving is a serious factor in up to 56% of all fatal car crashes, so it is definitely having a negative affect!

What is classified as aggressive driving, you might ask?  Aggressive driving includes such things as speeding, tailgating, improper or erratic lane changes (usually without signaling), running red lights or driving illegally on road shoulders or sidewalks. This is just the short list of “aggressive behaviors”. There is also passing (when it is prohibited by posted signs, highway markings or school bus warning lights) , making improper turns, talking on your cell phone while driving,  or honking the horn and using angry or obscene gestures at other drivers.  All of these behaviors threaten every single driver on the road.

Our streets would be a lot safer and we would have a much more pleasant driving experience if we would all follow some simple steps to avoid aggressive driving and its consequences.

  • Avoid cutting off other drivers and apologize if you do
  • Avoid tailgating and honking the horn
  • Avoid making offensive or inappropriate gestures
  • Steer clear of other aggressive drivers, don’t engage with them
  • Avoid eye contact if you are confronted
  • Seek help if you are being followed by driving to a safe or crowded location or call 911

As drivers, we each have a responsibility to control our own emotions and behaviors and not allow them to control us.  Maybe if we all do our part, by driving according to the law and showing consideration for our fellow drivers, aggressive driving and its consequences could be a “thing of the past.”

When To Flush Your Brake Fluid

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Did you know that you should flush your brake fluid regularly?  Most of us don’t know when to flush our brake fluid or why we need to do it.

Brake fluid attracts moisture, and when moisture enters the brake fluid system, it creates some hazardous conditions.

  1. Moisture forms acid that attacks the rubber seals and keeps them from sealing properly.
  2. Moisture creates rust and corrosion that can become clogged in small passages and causes engine parts to seize.
  3. Moisture reduces the boiling point of brake fluid.  When brake fluid boils it changes from a liquid to a gas, this  prevents the brake fluid from doing its job correctly.  It can only perform effectively if it remains a liquid.  If your brake fluid boils, a vapor is created that reduces the amount of pressure that’s applied to the brake pads.  If this happens, you can push the brake pedal all the way to the floor and still not be able to stop your vehicle.

This moisture was not a huge issue ten years ago, but on ABS brake systems of today, the rust and debris that collects in the fluid can cause internal damage and be very costly.  For more information on ABS systems check out our blog.

So how do you know when to flush your brake fluid?  Have your technician check the three C’s:   color, clarity, and content.  The color of your brake fluid should be a light amber.  The clarity should be clear, which means it shouldn’t have any particles or debris in it.  And the moisture content should be less than 3 percent.

According to AAA, many cars on Colorado roads today, were built by European automakers and require regular brake fluid inspections, which about half the cars fail.  Such inspections aren’t required here, but someone needs to monitor the color, clarity and moisture content of a vehicles brake fluid, either the owner or better yet, a professional!  Brake fluid flushes are recommended every two years by industry standards, sooner if you live in a humid climate.  Check with your technician and discuss what works best for you and your vehicle.

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

Gasoline Octane Ratings

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At a time when it is so important to get the most out of our money we need to understand gasoline octane ratings and how they can effect our wallets!

Since the mid 80’s engines have used fuel injectors with computers to accurately control their air/fuel mix.  The accuracy of the fuel injectors and computers is based on using the proper gasoline for that engine.  The difference in the name and price of the fuel is based on the gasoline’s “octane”.   To determine a gasoline’s octane rating, it is subjected to two testing methods, the motor method and the research method.  The motor method runs the gasoline in an engine running under load and the research method runs the gasoline in a free-running engine.  The octane rating is an average of  the two tests.

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

The octane rating tells you how much the fuel can be compressed before it spontaneously ignites.  When gas ignites by compression rather than because of the spark from the spark plug, it causes knocking in the engine.  Simply put, the octane rating of gasoline is a measure of its resistance to knock.

Most cars today are designed to run on Regular  87 octane gasoline, but it’s important to check your owner’s manual so you know that you are using the level of octane the manufacturer recommends for your vehicle.  Some people think if you put a higher octane gasoline in your car, you can increase the engine’s power or get better mileage.  This is a myth.  If your car is designed to run on 87 octane, high octane gasoline won’t improve mileage or increase your car’s power.  If your engine runs well and doesn’t knock or ping on low octane gasoline, there isn’t an advantage in switching to a higher octane gasoline.  So save your money at the pump and don’t pay premium prices for something that your car doesn’t need!

 

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

Winterizing A Car

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We have all heard the saying “all good things must come to an end” and unfortunately this saying is true when it comes to the summer weather.  Summer weather is leaving and winter is on its way!  That means it is time for winterizing our car.  Because of our modern technology, winterizing a car isn’t the major hassle it once was, but it still needs to be done!  These are some simple steps to take for winterizing a car.

Have Your Car Serviced- The oil in your engine needs to be changed regularly to keep your car running smoothly, so if you haven’t had your oil changed, do it now.

Have Your Cooling System Flushed- Your car’s cooling system not only keeps the engine from overheating but also from freezing, so it’s important to flush the system and have it replaced with fresh coolant.

Have the Battery Serviced- Your battery cables, terminals, and fluid should be thoroughly inspected for any damage or wear.  It should also be checked to make sure it has the ability to hold a charge, so you are prepared for the colder weather.  If your battery is more than 4 1/2 years old, consider replacing it.

Replace the Windshield Wiper Blades– Your wiper blades should be replaced with snow blades and make sure there is windshield washer fluid in the windshield washer reservoir.  Don’t use plain water, it will freeze.

Have Your Tires Checked-Your tires should be checked to make sure they are in good condition for winter weather.  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.

Have Your Brakes Checked– There is nothing more frightening than trying to stop in bad weather and not having your brakes do their job.  If you haven’t had your brakes checked in the last six months, now is a great time to do it.

Those are the major steps that should be completed in winterizing a car but there are some small details you should do also.  Put together an emergency kit for your car with a blanket, gloves, ice scraper, a small snow shovel, flashlight and kitty litter ( for traction in snow).  Check the lights, heater and defroster to make sure they are working properly and have them repaired if not.  You should also keep your gas tank as full as possible to prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines.

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

 

Check Engine Lights

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A question we often hear at our shop is “why is my check engine light flashing?”  There is not always a simple and quick answer to this question.

Check engine lights are a part of the computerized engine management system (ECM).  This system alerts us to possible problems inside the engine or transmission that have an impact on the emissions system.  Check engine lights may be a graphic of an engine or a similar icon.  It could also be words “check engine” or “service engine”.  Some vehicles use a yellow check engine light as a caution light that tells you to have your car checked soon and a red check engine light that means your vehicle needs immediate attention.  Every car’s display is different, so you should make yourself familiar with how your particular make and model works.  The check engine light is usually amber or red in color and has two stages, a steady engine light or a flashing check engine light.  A steady check engine light signals minor problems, while a flashing check engine light means there is a serious problem in the ECM.

The specific causes a check engine light flashes are different for each vehicle but these are some general causes.

  • A misfire in your engine.  A misfire can cause catalytic converter damage if you don’t resolve it quickly.  Replacing a catalytic  converter can be costly, so have the engine checked as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.
  • A failure in the emission control system.  The emission control system contains many active sensors that work to reduce the amount of pollution released into the air.  One of those sensors is an oxygen sensor that reads the air and fuel mixture.  If that mixture is out of the acceptable range the check engine light will flash.
  • Brittle, cracked or worn spark plugs.  Worn spark plug wires can lead to an electric misfire inside the engine.  If the wires are worn out, they should be changed as soon as possible.
  • A loose gas cap.  If the gas cap isn’t tight enough or twisted correctly it can cause the check engine light to flash.  Sometimes when the cap is put on correctly the check engine light will go off.  If the light stays on for more than a day or two have your mechanic run an on-board diagnostic to see if there is a code in the system indicating a more serious problem.

Check engine lights help you and your mechanic keep your vehicle running smoothly, so when they light up have your vehicle checked and don’t ignore them!

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.

StressBusters

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After returning from a much needed and relaxing vacation, only to feel “stressed” a day later.   I have decided to deviate from our usual subjects and share with you some  “stress buster”  techniques instead.  Stress is an unfortunate fact of life and we have all experienced it.   But possessing a healthy sense of awareness and control can help us influence stress by shortening its duration or avoiding it altogether.  Here are some simple methods to help you deal with stress.

  1. Practice Breathing Slowly and Deeply– Anytime you feel tense, simply inhale deeply for two seconds, and then exhale for four seconds.  Repeat several times.  Momentarily relax yourself.  Let your shoulders and jaw drop.  A wave of relaxation will flow downward through your body.
  2. Practice Letting Go– Watch for the next instance  in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant.  Then make a conscious choice not to get angry or upset.  Change your perception of the event and don’t waste energy thinking about it.   Effective anger management is a proven stress buster.
  3. Practice Slowing Down your Speech– Whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual.  You’ll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations.  Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly, by slowing down your speech you’ll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.
  4. Breathe in Some Fresh Air-Our grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air.  Even five minutes outside on a balcony or sidewalk can be rejuvenating.  So don’t let time or weather stand in your way.
  5. Eat Right-Drink plenty of water and eat small nutritious snacks.  Hunger or dehydration can provoke aggressiveness and increase feelings of anxiety and stress.
  6. Turn Off The TV and  Computer-The TV and the computer disrupt the senses and can cause depression.  Don’t let them control you.  Don’t aimlessly channel surf or watch violent or depressing shows, including the news.
  7. Reward Yourself At the End of the Day-Put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before bedtime and allow yourself to fully relax.  You need time to recharge and energize yourself. You’ll be more fully prepared to face another stressful day.
  8. Consciously Choose to Be Happy-Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are about as happy as they choose to be.”  Choose to be happy by thinking about the positive events, people and situations in your life.  If you choose happiness day after day, it will soon become a habit.  A habit that you won’t have to break

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

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