When an oil change means so much more!

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I am now responsible for my nephew’s car, a cute little 2013 Chevy Cruze that he loves very much. Not long ago, he mentioned to me that something was going on with one of the windshield wipers and that his check engine light came on.

‘No problem,’ I said. ‘That’s probably your car telling you it’s time for an oil change.’ 

Famous last words, as they say. 

After running all the diagnostics that they do for cars new to them, the technicians came back with a lengthy report. Not only did the car need an oil change, all the fluids needed to be maintained, a belt needed to be replaced, but both of the air filters were filthy and one appeared to be the home of at least one mouse. The battery terminals needed to be cleaned, the spark plugs needed to be addressed and the wheels needed to be aligned. What I had thought would be a quick turn around for a routine maintenance job, turned into a couple of days and several thousand dollars of work. 

Now before you get to questioning my mechanics, there is a lesson to be learned here. If this car had been getting regularly maintained, this wouldn’t have happened. Had I any idea this car has probably not seen the inside of a car shop in years, let alone months, I would have approached the situation differently. That said, he needs his car, and I need him to be able to be independent to get to school and work (not to mention to help with getting his sister around). 

Where am I going with this? You know that hip that had been bothering you 10 years ago when you were a runner? On the same side as that knee pain you’re now dealing with? Still waiting for that to just go away? 

Much like a car that needs to get its oil changed regularly, you yourself also need periodic tune ups and work done. And much like a car that doesn’t go in routinely, those little niggles turn into much bigger problems. That said, you can always get a new car. You’ll have a harder time trading in your body.