Trip To The Mechanic or Dentist, What's Worse?

Mechanic (Diana, I'll take the dentist chair any day). Every 3,000 miles I dread going to get my oil changed. I drive a 98 Honda Civic which is in relatively good condition. One of the lessons my dad taught me when he handed me my first set of keys was to keep up with car maintenance and save my receipts. I made several trips during my college years driving up and down the 5 freeway alone, from Irvine to Gilroy, so the last thing I wanted was to be stranded on the side of the road with engine problems. Luckily that never happened.

Well today I go in to get my oil changed with my $9.99 coupon, expecting it to be quick and easy (normally I have Steve go).Soo did not happen. I felt like I was being preyed on, one thing after the other. Replace this, replace that. You don't want to drive with this because then this will happen. Ugh!!! The entire time the Dateline hidden camera special is running through my head. The one about women being taken advantage of at dealerships and auto service stores. What's worse is that Steve and I are taking a weekend trip to northern California for our wedding reception part 2. And we are leaving tonight! That's about 600 miles round trip. For those that don't know Steve, he is not Mr. Mechanic-but he can cook!

In times of trouble with my car, electronics, home appliances- who do I call??? Not Ghostbusters, my DAD. While I am sitting in the smelly waiting room, I call my Dad and repeat back all the automotive mumbo jumbo I was fed. He tells me not to worry (he drove the car last week) and says that my engine is not going to fall out from under my car. Whew! Instead of spending $9.99, I drive away with $89.99 less in my purse, which got me an oil change, engine fluid flush and drain plug. Let's hope we make it up safe and sound, car trouble free.