Yesterday I took my truck in for its 90k mile checkup (for those counting, I've had the truck less than 4 years). The 90k service is a major one, and takes a lot of time. additionally, within the past 10 days, the truck had begun squealing. And to top it off, since Monday, it has been groaning when the steering wheel is turned left (actually, during all steering when cold). So, I knew this was going to take some major time.
Unfortunately, the service place is about 30 miles away (isn't everything?). So, I packed up my book bag with the ancient laptop that I got from the fiber company when it closed, 3 books and the Sunday newspaper crossword puzzle. Thursday night I loaded the computer with stuff I had brought from work to do this weekend. It was a comedy as I had loaded the stuff at work onto a 2G flash drive. However, the laptop does not have the technology to power that type of drive, so I had to load it onto the first flash drive I ever owned - a top of the line (at the time) 32MB drive. Windows 98 could recognize that and actually power it thru the USB 1.0 port.
WS was laughing at all the wires I had going; the laptop only has 2 USB ports, both side by side. The flash drive is too large to be able to use both ports at the same time, and one was hooked up to the mouse (I hate trying to use touch pads). So, I had to pull out the equally ancient USB port hub, which I had bought for the laptop when I still worked for the fiber company (WS always makes fun of me for saving everything that goes to the different machines because it is hard for him to believe that most of parts for newer machines won't run on the older ones). Then, I had to make several trips between my computer downstairs, and the laptop upstairs to transfer all the files I needed (upstairs was warmer and I had more room on the coffee table to set everything up).
Finally, everything was all set and the bag packed for Friday.
I got to the service station and told the service writer what I was there for; 90k service and two problems. He said, "I assume you are dropping that off with me." To which I responded, "No, I'm waiting for it."
He looked at me doubtfully, but I indicated that I knew it would take quite a bit of time and I had packed my "suitcase" full of stuff for me to do (I had even packed in some oatmeal packets to feed myself).
When he made the offer to call a rental car place, I responded that I wasn't putting out any money for a car since I would be spending plenty there (the service alone would be 400-450). Bless his heart, he took pity on me and declared that he thought that they could afford to pay for the car since I was getting such a major service done.
Hertz picked me up, and I was soon on my way with a little Kia. I took advantage, while I was in the city (Manchester) to visit some stores I don't normally get to; PetCo, Sports Authority and another sports store, stopped for lunch at D'Angelo's. While coming out of one of the stores, Keith (I thinkthat was the service writer' name - if not, that is what he is being called here anyway) called and confirmed my suspicion; the whining noise was belts and the grumbling was my power steering.
The belts were about what I expected to replace, but I got huge sticker shock when I heard what it would be to replace my PS hoses (he had already checked and they weren't covered under my 100k warantee). The hoses / installation cost what the service itself cost. But, what am I gonna do, a girl needs her steering!
So, I made my way home, where I piddled around for several hours, before going and picking up my truck just before 5. The good new is, the truck no longer squeals. The bad new is, that I will have to go do this again in another couple of weeks because there was only one set of power steering hoses in the state, and they were set aside for another customer. They did fill up the resevoir and assured me that I should be fine until the hoses come in. At least there was no moaning or groaning on my way home, so I should be okay for a bit.
So, all the time spent on the laptop was wasted. And, I never got any of the work done that I had planned. And part of the work done on the vehicle that needed done, wasn't. Hmm, not quite the ending I was looking for, but at least I wasn't stuck at the service center for 7 hours!
At least you got a day out! (I just had to send this posting to your dad.)
Posted by: Cop Car | March 22, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Getting out and away from the service area was definitely a good thing!
Posted by: Bogie | March 23, 2008 at 07:39 AM