Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Car Service on Tuesday

Today, I took the car in for a routine service - to have the fluids checked, tires rotated, etc., as the last service had been at the end of July.  My appointment was at 2:00 p.m.  I went prepared to wait until the car was serviced and took one of my library books to read while I waited.  However, about one hour into the wait, the service agent told me that they found that the battery was low and the rear brake pads were low, too.  Since I already had the car there, I said to go ahead and replace the items.  It took them another two hours or so to replace them!  It was almost 5:30 p.m. when the car was ready!  My total cost came to $447.89, after redeeming a $50 coupon they had sent me, in the mail.  January is proving to be a very expensive month!  However, I allocate $100 per month in my budget towards car maintenance, so, it is a budgeted expense.  I was told that my front brakes will need to be replaced in about another 10,000 miles or so.  But, since I don't drive quite as much since I retired, I figure I should be OK for at least the rest of the year! 

I had intended to go to the fabric store after the car service, but, by that time, I was feeling tired and wanted a cup of tea.  So, I came home, instead.  I might go to the fabric store, tomorrow (last day of the sale).

After I came home, I had a cup of tea, opened the windows to air the house, and watched the news.  My daughter called to give me an account of her first day back at work, saying she had a good day.  Later, she texted to say that she did 100 curl ups, which was today's abs workout!  I am supposed to do 50 crunches, but I haven't done them, yet!  Oops!

Today, I am grateful for:
- The car got serviced in good time
- I had funds set aside to pay for the service
- A sunny day
- Library books
- Daughter had a good first day back at work


Tuesday's To Do List:
- Bring the trash cans in - DONE
- Take the car to be serviced - DONE
- Go to the fabric store
- Call the dentist's office
- Start putting away the holiday decorations
- Wash daughter's bedding/remake her bed

I'm afraid I didn't feel like doing anything much before I took the car for a service and afterwards.  So, it wasn't a productive day, exactly.  But, the car service was a big item crossed off my To Do list, so I am glad I was able to get it done.

Wednesday's To Do List:
- Call the dentist's office
- Go to the fabric store
- Grocery store for more cans of food for Dancer
- Start putting away the holiday decorations
- Wash daughter's bedding/remake her bed

How was your day, today?  Did you have a productive day? 

14 comments:

  1. The car was an important item to cross off your list. Like you said, now it's done. Today you can do more fun stuff like go to the fabric store.

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    1. Yes; getting the car checked was an important item! Now, I don't have to think about it until June, when it will be due for another service. :)

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  2. It was a HUGE accomplishment. I always feel good after having my car serviced at the mechanics. I bring mine in at least twice a year to have the tires changed. At that time they do a complete inspection and tell me what needs to be done (or what can wait) and I know when I leave the lot, my car is road-worthy. It feels good. It was wise to be prepared for the wait. You must have felt drained by the end of the afternoon.

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    1. Thank you, Susan. Yes, I need to get the car checked every 5 months/5,000 miles, so it comes to at least twice a year. Important to have the car in good working condition, isn't it? I don't know why I felt so tired, just waiting and reading, but it was a bit chilly in the waiting room and, I suppose, I was getting a bit hungry, too. I just knew I didn't feel up to going shopping, afterwards!

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  3. Yikes, the car took a little longer than expected and more expensive! Like you say, if you don't use it as much there shouldn't be as much maintenance (at least that's the theory). I imagine you were tired after that. Glad your daughter is settling back in.

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    1. Yes, it took longer than I had expected. I thought I'd have to wait for about 1 1/2 hours or 2 at the most; not almost 3 1/2 hours. Oh, well, it was worth the wait to have the car in good running order. But I was wanting to come home and have a cup of tea by the time the car was ready!

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  4. Well at least you know that your car is okay for the next few month even if it did cost a fortune. In the UK there is a legal requirement that cars older than 3 years have to pass an annual roadworthy test, called an MOT. Without a valid MOT certificate you can't drive the car or purchase the required car tax. Do you have the same requirement where you are?

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    1. We have something called a smog test, to check the level of emissions in the car exhaust. One needs to pass the smog check in order to renew the car registration. The requirements might vary from state to state, but in California, a smog check is required for cars that are older than 6 years and needs to be performed every other year (car registration renewal is an yearly requirement). During the first 6 years, and on alternate years, we pay a "smog abatement fee".

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  5. Good thing you brought a book to read! But I'm sure it's a relief to have it fixed up and no worries.

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    1. Yes, I almost always take either a book or some knitting or something to do. I am very happy to get the repairs done, right away. Now, I don't have to think about it for a few months. :)

      Thank you for topping by and leaving a comment.

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  6. It's very important to have a reliable car.
    I also have to take mine for service this week. Sometimes I wish we had a good public transportation system. Then I wouldn't have to deal with car stuff. :)

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    1. Yes, a reliable car is important. Hope your car service goes well.

      There was a time when I used public transit, but having a car is more convenient, although it costs more. :)

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  7. Time to start a campaign for super waiting rooms for service stations! Warmth or "coolth" depending on weather, coffee and tea and snacks, fish tank, magazines, free WiFi, comfy seats! I guess it isn't going to happen, but one can dream. Well between cat and car you are spending money like it grows on trees, so let's hope everything will calm down financially and you can breathe a sigh of relief. At least the cat and car are both in good shape now!

    I was so surprised (why?) when I opened the drapes this morning and it was snowing again. Somehow I thought we had already had our ration for the week yesterday. We are looking out on a winter wonderland!

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    1. Well, to be quite honest, the waiting room wasn't all that bad. They did have comfortable seating, a TV, coffee and bottled water, etc., and I know they provide doughnuts in the mornings. Most people probably found it quite comfortable, temperature wise, too, but you know me - I like it toasty warm!

      Yes, I've already had two major expenses this month, haven't I? But, both very necessary expenses, so, it's OK. This is why I save as much as I do! To be prepared for those big expenses. :)

      Oh, sounds like you're deep in winter! I took a photo of a rose in my garden, just for you! I'll post it on today's post. :)

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