Making progress on our Tonka Truck

We finished up the body work on the entire cab and front end of The General! All has been media blasted and coated with epoxy primer after extensive body work. The inside of the cab got a thick coat of heavy duty truck bed liner.

We just finished the custom seat frame today (pictures coming soon). The frame will hold 3 bucket seats. Now we need to find a sleeper cab from an old Peterbuilt and an M105 military trailer for the bed. Next, we are going to rebuild the entire brake system, so we can start driving it more than down the street. The entire drivetrain is getting new fluids and the axles are getting all new seals, too.

Great Breaks on Great Brakes

Are quieter brakes important to you?

Do you ever have black dust build up on your wheels?

Have you ever replaced your brake hardware?

Do you tow a trailer with your vehicle?

Do you plan to take a family vacation with your vehicle?

Is your safety and your family's safety important to you?

If your vehicle's radio or air conditioner aren't working properly, that's an inconvenience. If your brakes aren't as reliable as they used to be, that's serious business. Now more than ever, your vehicle needs great brakes you can rely on for every stop. 

Right now, Mastermind Enterprises, your local NAPA AutoCare Center in Denver, Colorado is giving you great breaks on great brakes. From September 1 - September 30th, you will receive up to a $50 VISA rebate card by mail on your qualifying purchase of brake parts in our auto repair shop. Get great brakes you can count on stop after stop. 

Have your brakes checked today at Mastermind Enterprises!

Happy Labor Day!

We will be closed to spend the day with our family and work on The General. More pictures coming soon. See you on Tuesday!

Honda Recalls 1.5 Million Vehicles

Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. In some cars, a transmission part can be damaged if the car is shifted quickly between Reverse, Neutral and Drive, as might be done when trying to free a vehicle stuck in snow or mud.

If the part, a secondary shaft bearing, is damaged it can cause the engine to stall. It could also cause the car's parking gear mechanism to jam, allowing the car to roll even when the gear selector has been placed in the Park position. To fix the problem, Honda will update transmission control software in the car, reducing the maximum engine speed at which gears can be changed between Drive and Reverse.

The vehicles involved in the recall are model year 2007 through 2010 Honda CR-Vs, 2005 through 2008 Elements and 2004 through 2010 Accords with 4-cylinder engines. 

No injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of this problem, Honda said.

Honda Motor Company says it will begin notifying customers of the recall on or about August 31,2011, encouraging them to take their vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer for the automatic transmission control module software update. The update, which will be free of charge, will ease the transition between gears and reduce the possibility of damage. After August 31st, customers will also be able to find out if their vehicles are affected by going to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling 1-800-999-1009, and selecting option 4. The Honda recall campaign number is R89. Honda owners of Accords, CR-Vs or Elements from the affected model years with concerns or questions may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 and refer to NHTSA Campaign ID No. 11V395000.

Oil falls to lowest level in 6 months

Oil dropped by an even greater amount, losing nearly 6 percent, to a six month low on Thursday - near $86 a barrel! It settled at $86.63 Thursday - the lowest level in 6 months. Investors shrugged off U.S. job gains and focused on lingering concerns about the global economy. Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude for September delivery fell $1.70 to $84.93 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

This should be good news for motorists. If oil stays at the lower levels, the drop could be seen within days at gas pumps across the United States. Fred Rozell, retail pricing director at Oil Price Information Service, said the recent slide in oil could cut between 20 to 35 cents from a gallon of regular over the next month. According to auto club AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service, retail gasoline prices slipped overnight to $3.70 per gallon. 

"You could see some sizable declines at the pump," Rozell said.

Prices listed on a marquis at an Exxon station
 July 26, 2011

Oil prices pulled back from an early surge. A government report on Friday morning showed employers added 117,000 jobs in July. Unemployment fell slightly to 9.1 percent. This news helped push crude as high as $88.32 before it tapped off. Earlier in the summer, investors were still holding on to the notion that fuel prices would rise as economies in the U.S. and Europe recovered from the Great Recession. Even a pullback in U.S. gasoline consumption couldn't push oil back from around $100 per barrel. The drop in crude—oil is down from near $115 in May—should also lower costs for products such as gasoline and help free up some consumer purchasing power.

Source Yahoo News/Chris Kahn (AP)

Save Money on Car Repair Bills in Denver

With labor rates at other auto repair shops in Denver climbing as high as $120+/hour, you can get an ASE Master Certified Technician every time in Denver for only $80/hour at Mastermind Enterprises. Get quality and value with a 12 month/12,000 mile nationwide warranty! You always have an automotive professional working on your vehicle and you always get a low labor rate.

When the ‘check engine’ light comes on, it always manages to ruin one’s day because you know what is forthcoming: an expensive repair bill. Yet some owners may not have it as bad as others, based simply upon the state they live in.

CarMD analyzed roughly 80,000 repairs made on vehicles between January 1 and December 31, 2010. The average cost of repairs does not include tires, brakes, or mechanical parts (including belts and hoses), but does include repairs associated with the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic computer.

According to the report, drivers in Arizona paid the most for car repairs, with an average bill of $421.49. Conversely, those in the District of Columbia paid the least, with an average of $265.29. What’s the deal? CarMD suggests it’s partly because Arizona’s dry and extremely warm weather — while somewhat immune to the rust bug — places a considerable strain on a vehicle’s subsystems. On average, car owners in the state pay 23 percent more than the national average of $365.04, but it’s not alone.

States in located in the western corner of our country round out the top five most expensive markets; averages for New Mexico, Colorado, California, and Nevada reportedly amount $406.81, $397.83, $394.49, and $393.96, respectively.

On the other end of the spectrum? Missouri follows D.C. with a state average of $297.27, while Ohio trails in third place by a dollar, with an average of $298.49. Interestingly, CarMD claims states with lower repair costs had more gas cap-related problems, and more repairs (12 percent in D.C. alone) were made at no cost, likely because the repairs were made under manufacturer’s warranty on newer cars.

So, where do you think your state ranks? We’ve included the top 10 most expensive and the top 10 least expensive.

Most Expensive: 
1. Arizona $421.49
2. New Mexico $406.81
3. Colorado $397.83
4. California $394.49
5. Nevada $393.96
6. Washington $386.62
7. Hawaii $385.54
8. North Dakota $384.67
9. Rhode Island $384.24
10. South Dakota $374.61

Least Expensive: 
1. D.C. $265.29
2. Missouri $297.27
3. Ohio $298.49
4. Wisconsin $298.76
5. Nebraska $301.79
6. Mississippi $315.43
7. Tennessee $316.64
8. Indiana $317.33
9. New Hampshire $318.14
10. Minnesota $318.54

Source: CarMD

National Collector Car Appreciation Day

Happy National Collector Car Appreciation Day! 

Here's one of our dream collector cars - a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Street Rod. What's yours? Post a picture of your car or truck you are proud to own on our facebook page. 

Here's our current dream collector truck we are working on - 

aka The General. Stay tuned to our facebook page for updates and pictures of the restoration of our 5 Ton Tonka truck!

The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) at the request of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils designating July 8, 2011 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. 

S. Res. 154 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 154 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The Caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports.

“Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day. We look forward to even more celebrations this July 8 and in the years to come.” 

In recognition of the day, collectors and enthusiasts will be hosting events across the country. ARMO Chairman Laura Bergan said, “On July 8, 2011, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country. We will proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.” 

Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect said, “The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.” Source: Hot Rod Blog

Happy Friday! :) 

Summer Car Care Tips

It's summer and your car is booked for family vacations and road trips. Road trips are a great time for bonding with family and friends. We thought you would like some basic car care tips to keep your car running its best for lots of family fun this summer. With proper car care, the only thing you have to worry about is how to get there!

Cracked hoses and belts, leaky radiators and water pump, under inflated tires and dirty filters can considerably lower your fuel mileage or worse, cause a complete breakdown of your car. When you arrive at your destination, the last thing you want to have to do is look for a mechanic because something has gone wrong with your car. Before you leave for your trip, you can take a few precautionary steps to make sure your car is running its best, save money at the pump and keep your family safe on the road.


Check your tires. Tire pressure changes with the rising temperatures - approximately 1 to 2 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree increase in outside temperature. Consult your owner's manual or the sidewall of your tire to see what the ideal tire pressure should be. Check the tire pressure with a hand pressure gauge or just let the guys at Mastermind Enterprises Auto Care Center do it for you. Besides being a safety concern, improperly inflated tires and misaligned tires can lower your car's fuel economy. If your tires are a total of 8 pounds under-inflated - not uncommon at all - you will waste up to a gallon of gas per month!

Change your oil and oil filter. Oil is the lifeblood of your car. It keeps your hardworking engine parts running clean, smooth and cool. Most owner's manuals suggest you change your oil and oil filter every 7,500 miles (12,070 km). We suggest you change your oil every 3,000 miles (4,828 km). We offer an oil change at our auto repair shop that extends the life of your engine oil up to 5,000 miles (8,046 km). An engine is more likely to overheat during the summer, so be sure to check your oil before you head out on that road trip with the family. 

Change your air filter. During the winter, your car's air filter gets plugged with salt, dirt and other debris. A blocked air filter really lowers your fuel economy. Replacing a dirty or plugged air filter can raiser your gas mileage up to 10%. We recommend replacing your air filter every 12,000 miles (19,312 km) or 12 months. If you drive in severe conditions, replacement is recommended more often. Driving on dirt or gravel roads will plug your air filter much faster than highway driving. The only way to know if your air filter needs changing is to inspect it. 

Replace your windshield wipers. Summertime is famous for unexpected, strong thunderstorms. When gallons of water are hitting your windshield, you need your wipers to work properly. This is most important at night because rain can decrease your visibility by 15-20 feet in front of your car. 

Check your brakes. Your brakes are the single most important safety component of your car. Brakes need to be replaced when the lining on your brake pads or shoes is worn past the minimum thickness set by the manufacturer or state law. Make sure your family is safe by replacing worn or faulty brakes before you set out on your road trip. You can have your brake linings checked at Mastermind Enterprises Auto Care Center. 

Check hoses and belts. The key to successful summer road trips is keeping the engine cool. Check the hoses connected to the radiator which help pump coolant to and from your car's engine block. The belts run the fan(s) that help to cool the engine further. If the hoses crack or belts break, the radiator will soon overheat, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. 

Check the coolant (anti-freeze) and radiator. Cars are designed to run in hot weather, but there is a maximum to how how they should run. A combustion engine runs its best at approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). If your engine is allowed to get too hot, moving metal parts will start to melt and join together causing a variety of internal engine problems and a large repair bill, too. 

Clean your battery. Did you know hot weather is even tougher on your battery than colder weather? Chemical reactions inside the battery can be accelerated by summer heat causing an overcharged battery. This can dramatically shorten your battery life. Battery damage is also caused from evaporating internal battery fluid in the summer heat. For optimum battery performance, the most important thing to do is to keep your battery clean and secure in your engine compartment. 

Last, but definitely not least - service your air conditioning system! The best way to tell if you have a problem with your a/c is if it is not cooling and maintaining air temperatures to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) below the outside temperature. The most common issue is low refrigerant. This could be caused by a leak, so it's best to have it inspected by an automotive professional to look into the problem. 

These maintenance tips can be time consuming, that's why Mastermind Enterprises Auto Care Center is here to help you! Give us a call and schedule a quick trip check for your vehicle before you hit the road. You will have peace of mind knowing your vehicle will be reliable and the only question you have left to answer is, "Are we there yet?" 

We look forward to seeing you and serving your vehicle needs!

Happy Summer Travels!

NAPA Chassis Rebate for On and Off Road Drivers

During July and August, Mastermind Enterprises is excited to offer our customers up to $50 mail-in rebate with qualifying repairs for:

• ball joints
• control arms & shafts
• king bolts, bushing and shims
• alignment products
• sway bar kits & bushings
• suspension parts
• idler/pitman arms
• tie rod ends & sleeves
• center, steering & drag links
• coil springs

Call us today - 

303-297-AUTO (2886). 

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 235th Birthday, America! 

Celebrating with you the freedom of our country.

Have a wonderful, safe Independence Day!

We will be closed today to spend time with family.

See you tomorrow! :)

4th of July Safety

We hope you all have a wonderful, safe Independence Day weekend! We will be celebrating with you the freedom of our country. We will be closed on Monday, July 4th to spend time with family! See you on Tuesday! :)

4th of July Safety

Be Fireworks Smart Before, During and After Your Fireworks Display

Fireworks are a wonderful way to celebrate holidays. But they must be used carefully! The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges consumers to be fireworks smart, before, during and after their consumer fireworks display.

Before: Choose an open area away from spectators, homes and buildings and dry vegetation. Use a garden hose to wet down the area before firing.
During: As each device burns out,  oak it using a hose, or bucket of water.
After: Place all used items in a covered, fireproof container and leave it outside and away from homes and buildings.

“Fireworks are beautiful and add fun and excitement to holiday celebrations. But you must be fireworks smart when you use them!”, says National Council Vice President Jack Leonard

And remember the following special fireworks safety tips for sparklers:

• Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
• Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed- ‐toe shoes when using sparklers.
• Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.
• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
• Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm’s length.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks.

For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.

Happy Independence Day 2011!

Powerful Savings on Batteries, Alternators & Starters in July

Your vehicle's battery, starter and alternator are essential to its reliability. With busy summer driving ahead, let Mastermind Enterprises test these components for you today to make sure you're Good to Go!

If your vehicle should need a battery, starter or alternator this July, Mastermind Enterprises is offering money-saving rebates on several great products including batteries, alternators and starters. 

Get $5 to $25 Back on your purchase!

Call us at 303-297-AUTO (2886) TODAY!
Click Here for a Map to Mastermind Enterprises

70 Auto Repair Testimonials & Counting!

We received another wonderful testimonial from a great customer that we just replaced her engine in her 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. She was able to keep her vehicle and get a 3 year NATIONWIDE warranty on her engine. Thank you for your business, Kristy! We appreciate it! 


"Mastermind did a great job on a really big job (replacing the motor) in my Mitsubishi Montero. I shopped around quite a bit and they came to me highly recommended from knowledgeable people. Their service did not disappoint. They kept me up to date of what was happening with the car and their price was reasonable. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good mechanic."


- Kristy
Denver, CO


Read more of our happy customer testimonials on our website. 


Have a great day! :)

Auto Repair Shop Specials in Denver

Want to know where to find our auto repair specials? Here's just one of the great coupons you can find on our website to help you save on auto repair in Denver. Find more great shop specials on our website -
http://www.mastermindofdenver.com/specials.html.

Have a blessed Thursday! We hope you enjoy this beautiful day! :)

10% off on your first auto repair or service in Denver

The BEST in Automotive Care & Repair

               

 FREE DIAGNOSIS or FREE TOWING
Over 21 YEARS Experience AND ASE MASTER Certifications
12 month/12,000 mile Nationwide Warranty
Many Testimonials from Happy, Repeat Customers

CALL NOW!
303.297.AUTO (2886)
or
Get Directions & Visit our Website

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube

               

*************************
We will beat any shop's written estimate!

10% off your first service or repair*
(*Not valid with other offers. Not to exceed $200 - Expires Jun 30, 2011)

FREE Diagnosis - Call for details!
Import & Domestic Performance Tuning
Scheduled Maintenance
Welding & Custom Metal Fabrication
Full Computer Diagnostic
Electrical Repairs
Brakes
Timing Belts
Water Pumps
Fuel Pumps
Clutch Replacement
Tune Ups
Theft Repair
Radiators
A/C (Air Conditioning)
Suspension
Axles
Lift Kits installed
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Engine & Transmission Replacement
Differential, Transfer Case Service & MORE!

If it has an internal combustion engine, 

we can repair it!

We look forward to meeting you!

Thank you!

Have a BLESSED day!

Jasper Engines & Transmission, Jasper Engines, Jasper Engine, Jasper Transmissions, Jasper Transmission, Auto Repair Denver, Fleet Service, Fleet Repair, Fleet Maintenance, Import Performance Tuning, Domestic Performance Tuning, Scheduled Maintenance, Factory Scheduled Maintenance, Welding & Custom Metal Fabrication, FREE Towing, FREE Diagnosis, Diagnostics, Computer Diagnosis, Full Computer Diagnostic, Full Computer Diagnostics, Brakes, Brake System, Rotors, Pads, Timing Belts, Timing Belt, Timing Chains, Timing Chain, Water Pumps, Water Pump, Axles, Axle, Clutches, Steering, Ball Joints, Ball Joint, Tune Up, Theft Repair, Radiator, Radiators, A/C, Heating, Heater, Suspension, Lift Kits installed, Lift Kit Installed, Pre-Purchase Inspections, Engine Replacement, Engines, Transmission Replacement, Transmissions, Diagnostics, Electrical, Starters, Alternators, Regulators,Shocks, Struts, Brake Service, Fuel Pumps, Fuel Pump, Acura, Audi BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet,Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, LandRover, Range Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mercedes, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, Suzuki, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, VW, Volkswagen, NAPA AutoCare Center, NATIONWIDE WARRANTY, Peace of Mind Warranty, Cooling System, Cooling Systems, Power Steering, Differential, Fluid Flush, Fluid Flushes, Pre-purchase Inspections, Muffler, Exhaust, Exhaust System, CV Joints, Boots, Truck, SUV, Wagon, RV, Van, 4x4, ASE Certificate, ASE Certifications, Hoses, Belts, Disc Brakes, Drum Brakes, Turn Rotors, Diagnose, Foreign, Domestic, Honda Accord, Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Sonata, Toyota Highlander, Highlander, Honda Odyssey, Odyssey, Honda CR-V, Honda CRV, CRV, Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta, VW Jetta, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Equinox, Equinox, Honda Civic, Civic, Ford F150, Ford F-150, F150, F-150, F250, F350, Ford Expedition, Expedition, Ford Explorer, Explorer, Ford Mustang, Mustang, Ford Fiesta, Fiesta, Ford Escape, Escape, Mazda3, Mazda 3, Toyota RAV4, RAV4, Toyota Prius, Prius, Subaru Outback, Outback, Subaru Legacy Outback, Subaru Legacy, Legacy Outback, Legacy, Subaru Impreza, Impreza, Toyota Camry, Camry, Ford Edge, Edge, Acura MDX, MDX, GMC Terrain, Terrain, Ford Fusion, Fusion, Hyundai Tucson, Tucson, Kia Sorento, Sorento, Subaru Forester, Forester, Nissan Altima, Altima, Chevrolet Cruze, Cruze, Acura TL, TL, Nissan Juke, Juke, Chevrolet Camaro, Camaro, Toyota Sienna, Sienna, Honda Pilot, Pilot, Audi A4, A4, Audi A6, A6, Quattro, Kia Sportage, Sportage, Toyota Tacoma, Tacoma, Toyota Corolla, Corolla, Kia Optima, Optima, Toyota 4Runner, 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler, Hyundai Santa Fe, Santa Fe

Free Diagnosis with all auto repair in Denver

Need an accurate diagnosis and a reasonable price on quality auto repair in Denver? Mastermind Enterprises offers FREE diagnosis (up to 1 hour) with all auto repairs. We keep our operation costs at a minimum to offer you the best quality service and parts at the best possible prices.

Diagnosis Is Important
It is important for you to understand that we can provide a more accurate auto repair estimate if you bring your vehicle in for a proper diagnosis of the problem. A complete estimate will always be provided before we being any service for repairs.

If you already know what your vehicle needs, we also provide free estimates.

Come by today for the most accurate estimate of your vehicle needs!
Call us at 303-297-AUTO (2886) or via email on our website.

Have a great day!

Jasper Engines, Transmission, Differentials & More at WHOLESALE COST!!

We sell Jasper Engines, Transmissions, Differentials and more at our wholesale COST with installation!! Save BIG money and get the highest quality replacement engine, transmissions, differentials & more with a 3 YEAR/100,000 Mile NATIONWIDE transferable warranty! 

We are an authorized Jasper Engines & Transmissions repair shop in Denver. Our quality ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Master Certified technicians employ today's latest automotive technology and are equipped to handle all major and minor repairs on foreign and domestic vehicles from Acura to Volkswagen. We're your auto repair and service one-stop destination in Denver!

Mastermind Enterprises is your certified NAPA AutoCare Center in Denver, Colorado.

We are able to provide the benefits of an established national entity while maintaining the personal touch of  a family owned and operated auto repair shop. We understand your vehicle is a major investment, and that is why we care for each customer's vehicle as if it were our own.

Call us now 303.297.AUTO (2886) to see how much you can $ave!!

April is National Car Care Month

National Car Care Month in April is the time of year to give your car some extra attention. Basic maintenance can go a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of your vehicle, plus it helps avoid costly repairs down the road. 

“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Chances are if you own a car, it needs some work. National Car Care Month in April is the perfect time to focus on your vehicle’s maintenance needs.”

Results of community car care events held throughout the country in 2010 show that most consumers are neglecting their cars, with seven out of 10 vehicles failing at least one component of the vehicle inspection process. (For a complete list of results, visit - www.carcare.org/NCCM.)

“These results show that the majority of vehicle owners could save money by being more proactive when it comes to their vehicle," White said. “Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, make sure your car is ready for the spring and summer travel season."

The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best:

• Check the oil, filters and fluids. Oil should be checked at every fill-up and changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Brake, transmission, power steering, coolant and windshield washer fluids should also be checked regularly. Your car’s filters, including those for the transmission, fuel system and interior ventilation, need regular inspection and replacement.

• Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted. Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition, and have them replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Typically replace the timing belt between 60,000 and 90,000 miles or the interval specified in the owner’s manual to avoid a breakdown or serious engine damage.

• Check the engine brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

• Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary.

• Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

• Schedule a tune-up that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

• Check the car’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting.

• Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

• Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling.

• Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six month or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.

Thank you to our friends at Car Care Council for the great information! Check them out on facebook.

Happy Thursday! :)

Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Repair in Denver

Does your check engine light or service engine soon light stay on while you are driving? When you start your vehicle, your check engine light or service engine soon light should come on for a moment and shut off. If your check engine light stays on or comes on sometimes, like most car owners, you probably have little idea what the light is trying to tell you or what you should do. It is the most misunderstood signal on your vehicle and can mean many different things. 

Pay attention to your check engine light - it's telling you there is a problem with your vehicle. It's not going to go away on it's own. 

What the Light Means

Although your vehicle may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed right away to prevent long-term problems or damage to your vehicle. There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle's engine performance and emissions. When one of the components fail or the computer finds a problem in the electronic-control system that it can't correct, the "check engine" or "service engine soon" or "check powertrain" light is illuminated. The light could also just be a picture of an engine, possibly with the word "check". 

The light could be telling you something as simple as you have a loose gas cap to an engine with serious problems. It can also prevent you from passing an emissions test, even if the light is not on when your car takes the test.  The good news is that the problem typically can be identified by a stored code in your car's computer. 

The light doesn't mean you have to pull your vehicle over to the side of the road and call a tow truck. It does mean you should get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible to determine the issue. Ignore the light and you risk causing major damage to expensive parts of your vehicle. The light can also tell you your is emitting high levels of pollutants or getting poor fuel economy. In most cases, if there is a problem, the computer will wait to see if it corrects itself before turning on the check engine light. 

What to do

Read your owner's manual to learn the function of the check engine light and every other warning indicator and gauge on your vehicle's dashboard. Generally, you can do this by turning your key to the key-on/engine-off position. Replace any bulbs that are no longer working. If the check engine light comes on, it will either blink or stay on. Either way, you should have it checked out by a mechanic, but a blinking light means you should have your vehicle looked at immediately. In late-model cars, the blinking light typically points to an engine misfire so severe that unburned fuel is being dumped into the exhaust system, where it can quickly destroy the catalytic converter, requiring an expensive auto repair. If this happens to your vehicle, reduce power, and have it looked as soon as possible. If the light is on steady, it is not as urgent, but your vehicle should still be checked out as soon as possible. Automotive computers frequently try to compensate when there is a problem with a vehicle. You may not notice any difference or decline in your vehicle's performance, even though your fuel mileage is suffering and your vehicle is emitting pollutants. 

For a quality diagnosis for your check engine light or service engine soon light, call the auto repair professionals in Denver at Mastermind Enterprises AutoCare Center. We are conveniently located off I-25 & 58th Ave at 5770 Clarkson St, Denver, CO 80216. You can call us at 303-297-AUTO (2886). 

Contact us via email on our website, too.

For more great automotive repair tips & advice, visit our website

Want to protect your safety and others, too?

Want to Protect your Safety? You may need new shocks. 
Experts Recommend Changing Your Shocks/Struts every 50,000 miles.* (*Actual mileage may vary depending upon driver ability, vehicle type, and the type of driving and road conditions.)


Brakes Help you Stop. Shocks and Struts Help you Stop SOONER! 
A fresh set of shocks and struts can enhance more than just your ride. 
Shocks help improve braking and handling under certain driving conditions.
Shocks make vehicles safer and easier to control. 

This helps make the road safer for everyone, including you!!


Signs you may need new shocks:

• Poor Steering Response, Stiffness or Noise when Steering
• Fluid Leaks from Shock or Strut Body
• Dented or Damaged Shock or Strut Bodies
• Broken, Damaged, Corroded or Worn Mounts or Bushings.
• Cupped, Uneven Tire Wear
• Vehicle Sways or Leans on Turns or When Lane Changing
• Excessive "Nose Dive" or Instability when Braking
• Excessive Vehicle Bounce after Hitting a Road Bump
• Harsh, Bumpy, or Shaky Vehicle Ride

We also offer FREE estimates by email on our website.

Click here to request your free auto repair estimate anytime!

Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business!

Have a blessed day! :)

66 testimonials & counting!! THANK YOU!

We are the ONLY auto repair shop in Denver with 66 testimonials & counting!! :) Read our auto repair customer testimonials Thank you for choosing us for auto repair shop in Denver! We appreciate your business! Happy Wednesday!

Our most recent additions to our customer testimonials  - 

February 2011

"No exaggeration, Mastermind's the best shop I've worked with. Ever. I really admire the honesty and efficient estimate as well as the work that was done. No typical auto-shop push and shoving and Norm and Heidi even went out of their way to help me.

Fantastic job on the repairs! My car is running super great, whereas a month ago, I was praying to not get into an accident because of my damages."

- Michael 

Denver, CO

_____________________________________________________________

"If you live in the Denver Metro area and you need work on your vehicle I strongly recommend taking it to these guys. THEY ARE WONDERFUL! And their prices are very good!"

- Antonio Jones

Denver, CO 

Happy Friday!!

It's Friday and we are so thankful for that and so many things!!

We posted new pics of our current vehicle project. Just click on the link - The General - Our 5 Ton Tonka Truck :) We also posted our oil change coupon for January on our facebook page.

Thank you for supporting and loving our family auto repair shop in Denver!! Have an great weekend!