Monday, October 28, 2013

Expensive Car Repair Mistake #2 - Ignoring a Check Engine Light

Ignoring your check engine light or service engine soon light can mean major repairs for your vehicle, possibly even an engine replacement. 

One of the most critical warnings that your vehicle can give you when it is not functioning properly is to illuminate your check engine light or service engine soon light. The main function of a check engine light is to alert the driver to a variety of existing potential problems, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally. At Mastermind Enterprises Auto Repair Shop in Denver, we offer you a FREE computer scan and diagnosis* in our shop.

Don't Just Turn Off Your Check Engine Light - 
Fix the Problem!

The check engine light means that you need to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. You don't necessarily have to pull over to the side of the road immediately and call a tow truck. There could be a problem from something as simple as a loose gas cap to a seriously misfiring engine to a faulty catalytic converter.

WARNING!!
Your Check Engine Light May Signal a SERIOUS PROBLEM!
  • Failures that can leave you stranded
  • System malfunction(s) that can damage other systems
  • Up to 40% decrease in gas mileage
  • Catastrophic damage that can cost you more later
  • Emissions test failure
There are numerous systems that turn on the check engine light including the ignition system, fuel injection system or the emission control system. The light will also let you know if there is a simple problem with your engine that is affecting your gas mileage.

Let Mastermind Enterprises diagnose your Check Engine Light!
Call us today at 303-297-2886 or send us an email


Check Engine Lights come in different colors including orange, yellow or amber (depending on the vehicle manufacturer). If your check engine light or service engine soon light is flashing, it is telling you there is a more serious problem like a misfire. A misfire can overheat the catalytic converter that could create a fire hazard if it is malfunctioning.

Common malfunctions that illuminate the Check Engine Light are:
  • a loose gas cap
  • faulty oxygen sensors
  • faulty mass air sensor
  • faulty spark plugs or wires
  • faulty catalytic converter(s)
  • poor gas mileage
When you take your vehicle to a shop for a check engine light diagnosis, make sure they have professional ASE Certified technicians who are trained in OBDII diagnosis and repair. The technician needs to understand and examine the data streams including the idle speed, throttle response, engine temperature, fuel system pressure, manifold vacuum, exhaust emission levels and many other symptoms that point to what is causing the problem when plugging in a diagnostic tool to your vehicle's computer.


Your vehicle's computer can also be scanned by an inexpensive code reader or at a local auto parts store for free, but this will not necessarily tell you the problem your vehicle is having. It is a common misconception that the code given by the vehicle's computer instantly "diagnoses" the vehicle. The code simply gives the technician looking at your vehicle a starting point of where to start looking for problems. If you know the codes your vehicle's computer is producing, it is always helpful to the technician servicing your vehicle.

Turning off your Check Engine Light does not repair the underlying problem and the light will come back on later, possibly leading to larger, more costly repairs later. 

If your "Service Required" light comes on, this is different then the Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light. This simply means your vehicle is due for an oil change or other scheduled maintenance. This light is a friendly reminder that it is time bring your vehicle in before you have bigger problems to worry about. It does not tell you that there is a problem with your vehicle.

For any questions you have regarding your vehicle's Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light, call Mastermind Enterprises today at 303-297-2886. We are happy to help you with your vehicle's needs every mile of the way!


* Diagnosis up to 1 hour. Excludes Electrical Diagnosis. With approved repairs in our shop.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Expensive Car Repair Mistake #1 - Neglecting Oil and Filter Changes

Not paying attention to simple maintenance could mean thousands of dollars in auto repair bills down the road. This includes changing your oil and filters, changing fluids, or having small car repairs, such as a timing belt replacement, completed now instead of later. Mastermind Enterprises Auto Repair in Denver offers a free visual inspection with all oil changes in our shop. We offer a 5,000 mile oil change with BG MOA to give you peace of mind and more time between oil changes.


At Mastermind Enterprises Auto Repair Shop in Denver, our goal is to save you money for the life of your vehicle. We provide you with recommendations and an estimate for your vehicle's specific needs when we inspect it in our shop.

Always check your owner's manual for the manufacturer recommendations for your specific car and follow them. It is VERY important to change your oil regularly. Oil keeps your engine lubricated, clean and reduces friction that can wear down your engine parts. It also decreases contaminants in the oil that will shorten the engine life.


If oil changes are not performed regularly, you could be looking at an engine replacement for your car, too. Changing your oil on your own can cost you approximately $25 or cost you approximately $56 at the shop, but an engine replacement can cost more than $3,000! For example, on a 2005 Expedition with a 5.4L V8 Engine, if the oil is not changed regularly or run low (even one time), you will be replacing an engine very soon at a cost of over $6,000!

Save yourself money, time and problems by having your oil changes and services performed at our friendly, family auto repair shop in Denver. Back by popular demand is our $29.99 Oil Change Special. Ask for the special or use the coupon below through October!


Call Mastermind Enterprises at 303-297-2886 
to schedule your next oil change! 
We look forward to serving you soon!
Thank you for your business!


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

114 Testimonials & Counting!

This is another one of the great reviews we have received from our great customers. Mastermind Enterprises is happy to serve your auto repair and service needs in Denver. We work hard for our customers and take care of your vehicle as if it were our very own.

Let us show you how easy auto repair can be!
Call us today 303-297-2886!

"I have never written a review for Yelp before, but my experience at Mastermind Enterprises was just to great not to give them a thumbs up.

I took my Kia in to mastermind as I was told by another mechanic that I had a short between the blower motor and the relay. I was expecting to pay $300-$500 to get it fixed. When I was driving over to drop the car off, I hit a bump and the blower came on. When the mechanic called I was told that he weren't sure what the problem was as the problem was hard to diagnosis due to the fact that the blower was working at the moment. He said that he had replaced a connector; he thought that was the problem, but couldn't guarantee it. When I asked about the charge, I was told there would be no charge as he thought he had fixed the problem, but wasn't positive. Wow that really surprised me. An honest mechanic? I would have to say yes. It has now been 4 days and the blower is still working consistently, instead of working sometimes and not others. Although the shop is many miles from my house, I will be taking it to MasterMind from now on. They have even teamed up with Enterprise car rental to give you a great disconnect on a car rental while they fix yours. Honesty, customer service orientated and friendly what more could you ask for?"

- Shari B
Denver, CO
Review on yelp.com

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Why Timing Belts & Chains are Important

Don’t take a chance on costly engine damage! If you are over your vehicle’s recommended timing belt change intervals, do not even start your car!

Your timing belt or timing chain is the most critical component of your vehicle. If it is not serviced properly or by a qualified mechanic, you could be left facing costly engine repairs or even an engine replacement. Mastermind Enterprises specializes in timing belt and timing chain replacement in Denver.

Broken Timing Belt - Replacement at Mastermind Enterprises Denver
Replace your timing belt or timing chain 
at or BEFORE your manufacturer's recommended mileage 
to avoid major engine damage.

If there is any doubt about the condition of your timing belt or chain, we recommend you have your vehicle towed down immediately to Mastermind Enterprises.

Save yourself costly engine repairs or even engine replacement! 
Take advantage of our FREE Towing today! 
Call us now 303-297-2886!


Friday, August 9, 2013

Making Progress on Our '71 El Camino

Full Roller Small Block Chevy Engine

We've been making progress on one of our project vehicles, a 1971 Chevrolet El Camino SS. The new engine and new transmission were installed this week. Mastermind Enterprises, your family owned auto repair shop in Denver, built a new high performance 700R4 transmission with a high stall converter and a full roller small block Chevy engine with lots of goodies.


The engine being installed
Almost there!
The engine sitting on its own!

Next up is the hydro boost power brakes with new style master cylinder, serpentine belt drive with all new style accessories, including polished under drive pulleys, aluminum radiator with custom fan shroud and dual electric fans. We will top it all off with electronic fuel injection. More updates to come soon! Stay tuned!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Oil Change Coupon Denver

It is important to be aware of general oil change information from your car's manufacturer to properly maintain your vehicle. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend that you have the oil in your vehicle changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

The Mastermind Oil Change Special includes up to 5 quarts of oil, oil filter, top off all fluids and a 25 point vehicle safety inspection. This offer is valid for most vehicles through September 30th, 2013.


If you are already a Mastermind Enterprises customer, THANK YOU! If you haven't tried us yet, we would LOVE to have your auto repair business in Denver. We offer FREE 1 hour diagnosis with repairs in our shop, FREE Repair Estimates, an A+ Denver Better Business Bureau Rating, a minimum 12 month/12,000 mile warranty on auto repairs, friendliness, and much more. We are a local Colorado family owned auto repair shop, too. We look forward to serving you soon!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

FREE Towing to Mastermind Enterprises Auto Repair Shop

We realize how hectic and expensive life can be during this time of year, so Mastermind Enterprises wants to help you out! 

For the months of August and September, we are giving our customers a
FREE TOW to Mastermind Enterprises Auto Repair Shop in Denver (up to 20 miles). Over 20 miles, your tow is just $10. Over 30 miles your tow is just $25 (up to 40 miles). 

If you are having problems with your vehicle, 
or think you may having problems with your vehicle,
We will send a tow truck out to pick up your vehicle and bring it to our shop. When your vehicle arrives at our shop, we will promptly diagnose the problem, let you know what is wrong, and give you a free estimate for repairs needed.

If the approved repairs are over $250, 
we will give you FREE DIAGNOSIS, too! 

If you don't need a tow, check out more 
including 10% Off Maintenance and
 a $29.99 Oil Change with FREE 25 Point Inspection.