take better care of my car

Had my friend change the oil for me the other day.

I just bought some oil for my car so my best friend and I can do an oil change on it soon. I also washed my windows last time I was at the gas station. I put an air freshener in my car also. So I have been taking steps towards this goal. But I think what’s holding me back from completely achieving this goal is laziness and also lack of money. I need to wash my car more often. I need to wax it. I need to buy the materials I need to wash it. I haven’t even put those items on my shopping list, and that’s all due to laziness. I need to get my battery and alternator checked because my car has been having electrical problems.

I’ll have my car back tomorrow.

Bad news is I have to pay a $400 ransom.

_{Yep, going on plastic. Guess I should be glad they raised my credit limit!}

but I now have two new tires (and rotated tires), plus they patched my leaky tire (free, of course).

Friday, I get the fuel leak looked at. (That’s going on a credit card…I’m not that much ahead.)

• New windshield wipers
• New spark plugs/wires (apparently the source of the acceleration lag)
• New air filter
• All fluids checked and okay
• Interior completely scrubbed (it was filthy)

Now I just need to

• get new tires (back ones are balding)
• have the leak in the fuel line fixed and possibly get new fuel filter (might have to take it to the shop for these)
• shampoo the carpets
• wash the outside

and I’m good to go until my next oil change. Go me!

He’s picking up a repair manual (I’m reimbursing him), and tomorrow he’s going to give my car a tune-up. He gave me the estimated expenses in a “sorry for your loss” tone of voice. Even adding the cost of dinner/beer (whichever he’d like in payment), it’s still far cheaper than taking it in somewhere! It’s sure nice having handy friends.

_{Here’s hoping he doesn’t break my car…}

Check oil, wash regularly, don’t store garbage or crap, and make it last.

(Wait for it…)

Free!

Didn’t take that long, either. Definitely need to do this more often.

I’ll count it anyways. I put out 200 bucks to get some stuff fixed up, cleaned it out all by myself, and re-organized the trunk. I feel better now, knowing that my car is in good shape and looks good. I just need to figure out how to fix the canvas hood now (convertible). Anyways, one more repair- the serpentine belt, and I think the breaks are ok. Either way, good to know it won’t die on me immediately any time soon.

Decided to do a search on my dreaded “service engine soon” light (which I’ve been ignoring for months now). And the internet has provided. Most of the recommendations start with going to Auto Zone for a free check. (Free? I can handle that!)

Also, the most common problem is a cheap part that can easily be installed by the mechanically inclined. My boyfriend is mechanically inclined. I might get this fixed after all.