Carl loved his 2002 Dodge Neon, The Silver Ferret, even if it rattled like a haunted dishwasher. One scorching afternoon, while driving to impress Patty from Payroll, the temperature gauge shot into the red. A warning light blinked. The engine hissed.
“Relax,” Carl muttered, turning up the radio. “It’s probably fine.”
It was not.
Ten minutes later, steam erupted from under the hood like a volcano made of antifreeze. The Ferret sputtered, wheezed, and died dramatically on the side of a backroad near Lake Splatterbottom.
Carl, wearing his nicest Hawaiian shirt and one-lensed sunglasses, popped the hood and got blasted with scalding steam. He waited three sweaty hours for a tow truck, swatting mosquitoes and reevaluating life choices.
The mechanic later said the engine was “cooked,” the radiator looked like lasagna, and the damage totaled $3,000 for a new motor (to repair the overheating issue before the motor went kaboom would have been $500).
Patty [...]
Cars are like relationships – we all want one that is going to last. With both, you get out what you put into it (most of the time). Your effort and attention make all the difference. Although sometimes our car doesn’t want to cooperate (just like a few of our ex’s), follow these TOP TEN maintenance tips to give yourself the best chance at a successful (car) relationship.
1. Feed It the Good Stuff (AKA Oil Changes)
Your car’s engine oil is like its morning coffee—without it, it becomes cranky, sluggish, and starts smoking. Change the oil every 3,000–5,000 miles unless you want your engine to have an existential crisis.
2. Tire Pressure: Puff Puff Pass… the Air Gauge
Tires that are too flat or too puffy are basically the Crocs of the car world—uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Check that pressure monthly.
3. Brakes: Not Just a Suggestion
If your brakes squeal [...]
