Check Engine Light

I could hear the bemused exasperation in his voice, my friend who had helped me with the car brake repair several months ago. "When is the last time you checked your oil?" "Ummm . . ." I hesitated to admit that the only time I check my oil is if the oil light comes on. Not the right answer to give a mechanic.

Kiel wasn't much help either. He had never seen an oilstick like the one in my engine, and wasn't sure whether the oil was low or not. He was the one who thought it was the oil light on the dashboard. But it was the Check Engine light instead. Still, my friend drove all the way in to the Library just to poke his head under my hood and see if everything was OK.

Everything visible was OK. He sat in my office patiently explaining that every time I fill the gas tank - or at least once a week - I should check the oil. I nodded my head in agreement, but the blank look in my eyes made him decide to make sure Kiel knew how to do it. Helpless female! Then he handed me his cell phone and said "Talk with the mechanic and make an appointment for tomorrow."

I was a bit intrepid. I just got my emergency fund replaced from the brake job. Now I may have to dip into it again for some other car thing. Thank God I got the money put back! The mechanic saw me first thing in the morning. He hooked my car to the computer, and in just a few minutes, assured me it was nothing vital. Just a bit of dirt in the evap valve, whatever that is. I didn't have to fix it since it wouldn't affect the performance of the car. Good to know. How much? Nada!

Just bring it back before you need to have it inspected so we can click off the light and clean out the grime. Wow! Thanks! Its wonderful to have friends.