Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Archives for May 2011

Memorial Day Holiday in Colorado

by Leave a Comment

As the Memorial Day Holiday approaches here in Colorado, we have been experiencing very unusual weather for this time of year.  The Memorial Day weekend is usually the unofficial start of summer and summertime activities like hiking, mountain biking and golf.   But because of heavy Spring snowfall and cold temperatures those activities might have to be put on hold for a while.  Skiers and snowboarders have the opportunity to spend the  long weekend enjoying a little more time on the slopes because Aspen and Arapahoe Basin have reopened some of their trails.   Since I am not a skier and have been looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the sunshine and plant some flowers, this Memorial Day Holiday was looking like it was going to be a big disappointment.   Then  it suddenly dawned on me what Memorial Day is really about!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day set aside to honor those who have died in service to our nation.  Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868.  It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May.  Traditional observance of Memorial Day has really  declined over the years.  Many Americans today have forgotten or have never been taught the real meaning and traditions of Memorial Day.  While some towns and cities still have parades, many haven’t held a parade in years.  Some people think the day is for honoring all the dead and not just those who have died in service to our country.

To help remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the ” National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed in December 2000.  This resolution asks that at 3p.m. local time, all Americans “to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.”  I think that a minute of my time to remember those who have fought and died for my freedom is a small price to pay!  How about you?

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

Armed Forces Day

by Leave a Comment

Today is Armed Forces Day!  Many Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday of May.   It is a day we all should observe and remember!   This is simply a day to pay tribute to all the men and women who serve in all the branches of the United States armed forces and protect our country and its citizens.

On August 31, 1949, the Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson, announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day.  Before that time, the three major branches of the United States armed forces, Army, Navy and the Air Force held separate celebrations on three different days during the year.  Armed Forces Day was created to celebrate the unification of the three branches under one department, the Department of Defense.  Although each service unit continues to celebrate their own days, usually confined to their military bases, they all unite, along with the Marine Corp. in celebrating Armed Forces Day.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950.   In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman “praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas” and said, “it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace.”   The theme for that day was “Teamed for Defense”, which expressed the unification of all military forces under one government department.  According to the U.S. Department of Defense, that day was designed as a type of “educational program” for civilians that would increase awareness of the Armed Forces and expand the public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life.  It was a day when the military could show their “state of the art” equipment to the civilians that they were protecting.  It was also a day established to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Many events across the United States take place to honor Americans in uniform who served or are serving their country in times of war or peace.  Some celebrate with parades, open houses, receptions and air shows, but regardless of how they are recognized, it is important that they are recognized!  As it was stated in a New York Times article, “this is the day on which we have the welcome opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces…to all the individuals who are in the service of their country all over the world.  Armed Forces Day won’t be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them.  They will all be in the line of duty and some of them may give their lives in that duty.”

Since our country is now at war, let’s all join together to honor those who are serving in our Armed Forces, let them know that we appreciate and are grateful for their service!  Let’s take this opportunity to recognize the high price so many have paid to keep our country free and to thank them while we can!

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

by Leave a Comment

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

by Leave a Comment

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.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

Auto Tips & Tricks