Car Woes

Wow.  I haven't blogged anything in a month.  I just haven't had anything happen that worth's writing about.
But today...something did that I wanted to share.

Last Friday, my car starting making a squeaking noise.  It sounded like it was coming from my driver's side front tire.  It would be constant noise once I hit 50 mph but would go away when I applied the brakes.
This morning, I made an appointment at the dealership in Anoka for some diagnostic testing.
They said my front brake pad was down to 2mm (the others are at 8mm) and I needed new rotators.  They also found my coolant bypass hose was leaking and a running lamp was burnt out.

The cost.....$38 for the diagnostic testing and $550 for parts and labor to fix everything.  FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS!  My 2001 car's not even worth that much.

Up North where my parents live is a gas station/ mechanic garage that's been around for years and years.  I remember when I was a kid, we would walk the mile or two from my grandparents farm to go play the jukebox and have a sub sandwich and dill potato chips here.  This was back before we knew a place called Subway.  It's been remodeled over the years; but they still have a short order cook there.

Getting back on topic, my sister and I have had our oil changed here a couple of times and some other car maintenance visits too.  They're friendly and affordable but not always convenient because we live in the cities.  I called Red's to see how much they would quote me and to see if I could get in this week on my day off. 

Are you ready?  Are you sitting down?  $200 INCLUDING labor!  That's a $350 difference.
That savings is worth  the time and tank of gas to drive Up North.