Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

What Is Regenerative Braking?

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Every once in a while, new technology is introduced into the automotive world, meaning new concepts are added to the world of purchasing cars and maintaining them over a lifetime.

Regenerative braking systems is one of those concepts. Regenerative braking was introduced when hybrid technology was introduced to the world of cars.

On a normal car, when you apply the brakes, the energy and heat of the action of braking dissipates and is wasted away. Not so with regenerative braking. Instead, when you apply the brakes, regenerative braking uses a mechanism that allows the vehicle to slow down while converting the resulting kinetic energy that is normally wasted into a useful form of energy. The energy and heat that is dissipated is instead converted and returned to the battery and reused in other systems throughout the vehicle. Because of this action, the battery is constantly being recharged, meaning the hybrid vehicle can go further on a charge without having to be returned to its outlet.

The concept of regenerative braking is still new and confusing to many. Imagine your car and what happens to it once you apply the brakes. The brake pads slowly apply pressure, creating heat from the friction of the pads and the tires slowing down. Energy is accumulated as the brake pads wear against the rotors. This energy is transferred to the vehicles electric motor, charging the battery in the process.

What Is Regenerative Braking?Regenerative braking does however have its limitations. Typically this system is only available on the wheels that drive the vehicle – so for a front wheel driven vehicle, it only applies to the two front wheels. This means your vehicle is only generating power on these two wheels. Because more action and power is associated with these wheels, they will have more wear and tear on both the wheels and tires, and on the brakes and brake pads. Which means you may be replacing tires, brakes and brake pads on a more frequent basis than those on the rear of the vehicle.

Regenerative braking works best at greater speeds. The more friction needed to stop the vehicle, the more energy is created. So to get the most benefit from this system, a person should be more apt to driving at high speeds on an ongoing basis than slower, city driving.

Have any questions about your regenerative braking system? Stop by or give us a call. We can make sure your car is in top condition, no matter how old or new, green or otherwise.

How a Do It Yourself Auto Repair can Backfire

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It is common for car owners to find ways to cut corners on expenses. The price of gas and repairs can be enough to put financial stress on anyone.

Many car owners are trying to find ways to do their own repairs in order to save money. It seems easy enough after all. How hard could it be to change the oil, or install a new belt.

While it could save you money initially, depending on the type of repair, if it does not go right, it could cost you more money in the long run.

In years past, it was much easier to repair cars than it is today. Auto manufacturers have taken advantage of the technological advances available, making parts today very advanced and requiring special knowledge and tools for repair. The repair techniques that used to work in the past no longer work on today’s vehicles. Even oil changes have become more sophisticated, requiring the expertise of an experienced mechanic. [Read more…]

Auto Repair Starts At The Bottom With Your Tires

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When you use something every day, its easy to take it for granted.

That is the life of your car. Whether inside your garage or outside your door, you never give it a thought as you run out to head to an appointment.

Yet like everything else in your life, your auto’s condition is dependent upon how well you maintain it throughout the year. A little TLC along the way will ensure its in top shape every time you need it.

Repairs can take place under the hood – but they also take place on other parts of your car. The tires of your auto are essential to the operation of your vehicle. Without good tires, no matter how well your car runs, you cannot get from place to place. It is essential to your safety and the safety of others that you make sure your tires are in good shape for driving. [Read more…]

What Every Car Owner Should Know About Motor Oil

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Whether you are a first-time car owner or you are on your fourth or fifth car, basic maintenance comes with owning a car. And one of the most routine items on your maintenance schedule is changing your motor oil on a regular basis.

Motor oil is essential to the operation of your vehicle. Without it, your car is not going to get very far before the motor locks up – and you are left without transportation. Understanding what motor oil does to protect your motor will help you ensure that you are never left on the side of the highway due to motor oil problems.

Motor oil is a lubricant for your engine. However, it does much more than simply keeping the parts lubricated. Motor oil creates a film on bearing surfaces that helps to separate the parts and keep them from rubbing on each other. This minimizes friction and reduces wear and tear on your engine. Motor oil also cushions the moving parts of your engine. It keeps certain parts of your motor cool and keeps rust and corrosion at a minimum. In short, motor oil serves many purposes within your engine – each one vital to the longevity of your motor. [Read more…]

What Your Mileage May Be Telling You

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Keeping track of your mileage is an easy way to determine how many miles you can get per gallon of fuel. But why should you track it for every tank of gas you fill you car with? Because your mileage can tell you more than your mileage.

When you notice changes in your mileage, it may signify a problem with your automobile’s system. And while a change in one tank may be from a variety of conditions, concurrent changes that continue from fill up to fill up should make you take notice.

There are several non-mechanical reasons why your mileage might change. It is normal for mileage to drop during cold weather. Your mileage may also change if a tank is consumed by several short trips over a time period as compared to predominately highway driving. And if your driving style has changed, your mileage may reflect the changes. If your driving pathways change (for instance, your commute to work), your mileage may change. While these are not the only reasons why your mileage might change, they provide you with a starting point to determine why your mileage might change. [Read more…]

What You Should Know About Servicing A Hybrid

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Hybrid automobiles are becoming more and more popular. With environmental concerns rising, consumers want a vehicle that reduces their carbon footprint – hence, hybrid automobiles.

Yet with this new line of automobiles comes the need for a new need for maintenance. Hybrids are still cars, yet they work in different ways from traditional makes and models.

Complicated repairs to hybrid autos are best left to the experts. However, if you are an expert or if the repair is something you are comfortable making, here are a few facts to remember when servicing a hybrid automobile.

  • Make sure the hybrid system is “off” – while this may seem obvious, it is easy to forget that a hybrid automobile is ready to turn on at any time [Read more…]

Changing Your Belts, Hoses, Fluids and Filters

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The best way to ensure that your auto stays in running condition is with proper maintenance. Preventing problems before they start will help you keep your car on the road, and will keep it in top shape to be reliable no matter what the conditions.

Oil – oil is the lifeblood of your automobile. If your oil is low, you need to add the additional fluid right away. Low levels can also be a sign of a possible problem, such as a leak. You should change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles. This will help keep your motor is tip-top shape for all of your driving needs. Make sure you change the oil filter each time you change the oil.
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Are Rebuilt Parts Okay For Your Auto Repair?

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When your car breaks down, its natural to assume you will need to purchase new parts to replace the broken ones. Yet that isn’t always the case. In some circumstances, your best choice may be rebuilt parts.

Always look to reputable mechanics before you make a decision. If you’re buying a part from a “shady” seller of a classified ad, it may be a case of you get what you pay for. But if your mechanic recommends a rebuilt part as the best choice for your situation, it truly may be your best choice. [Read more…]

Women and Auto Repair

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Women and auto repair – the two words may not seem to go hand-in-hand, but they do. And while many auto repair shops still have the mentality of dealing with an all male customer base, others are embracing the fact that women now take control over many things in their family’s household … including their automobiles.

Want more proof? Take a look at these statistics.

  • About 74% of women are solely responsible for maintenance and upkeep decisions pertaining to their vehicle.
  • About 65% of auto repair shop customers are – you guessed it – women.
  • As customers, women usually ask more questions than men – they want specific information about the problem and the repairs being performed. They are also much more descriptive when describing a problem with their vehicle. [Read more…]

Building A Roadside Emergency Kit

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In today’s society, having a vehicle is almost a must – especially in areas without an abundance of public transportation. Owning a vehicle gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want to go.

However, driving a car does not come without its own risks. Automobiles are only machines and they can break down – often at the most inopportune times. If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, a roadside emergency kit is essential.

The following items are must-haves for any roadside emergency kit.

  • Jumper cables – for jump-starting your car if the battery dies
  • Tire repair kit – to make emergency repairs to punctures in your tire
  • Tow rope – in case your car cannot be repaired and you need to be towed to the nearest service station
  • Flashlight with extra batteries – no one wants to be left in the dark
  • Orange cone(s) – to place around your car to warn other motorists that you are on the side of the road
  • Gloves – perfect for freezing temperatures
  • Rain gear – essential for working on your car in rainy weather
  • Blanket – another useful item for freezing temperatures
  • Water – necessary, in case help is not quick to arrive
  • Zip ties – useful plastic ties that can help make temporary repairs to your car
  • Food (granola bars and other items with a long shelf life) – again, necessary in the event of a long wait for help
  • First aid kit – necessary for any minor injuries

Within the first aid kit, you should have:

  • Rubber gloves
  • Gauze
  • Cotton balls
  • Bandages/Band-Aids
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Pain relievers (Tylenol)
  • Antibiotic cream

With a roadside emergency kit, you have one less thing to worry about – if your car breaks down, you will know that you are prepared for the worst. Preparing a roadside emergency kit takes only a few minutes (once you have all of the supplies) and you can pack the items into any backpack, duffel bag or other carrying case for easy transport.

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