Friday 12 June 2015

Hitting The Red Lights.

There was a time, way back when, that I could do basic maintenance on a car.  Oh yeah, no problem tuning my very first car, a rather used 1964 Plymouth Valiant, complete with push button automatic transmission.  No problem changing the starter motor in my "Smokey and the Bandit" type car, a 1973 Dodge Polara.

I was very good at oil changing, lube jobs and fiddling with my dipstick.

These days, cars are computers on wheels.  Something goes wrong now and if I don't happen to have a mega expensive computer tuning thingy for my car, I have to rely on a mechanic to download new software, or whatever the hell they do, to get my car running properly.  Oh how I remember the battery going flat in one of my previous computer cars.  Not just a matter of replacing the battery, but a complete car computer retune just to have my car run efficiently.

Of course, when I take my latest car in for a simple check-up, the mechanic gives that concerned look and a sighing noise.  This means that what should be a cheap repair turns into a funding for the mechanic's dream vacation in Hawaii.

Okay, I understand I cannot just fix cars the way I used to.  However, something as simple as changing a brake light should be totally straightforward.  Right?  Well, no, actually.  Check the car manual to double check how to change the brake light.  Seems easy enough.  Just remove two screws from the side of the brake cover and away I go.  Wrong!  What the manual doesn't explain is that there are mystery plugs holding the brake cover in place.  Could I get the cover off?  No fucking chance!  Gone were the days of just opening some flap and changing the bulb.

Reluctantly and rather embarrassed, I headed off to the local car parts service centre.  On the way there, I hit every red light.  I shall return later and fix the red lights.  Still, it's better than jumping red lights.

Upon my arrival, the guy in the service centre noted my accent.  "Here we go again", I thought. Standing there, wearing a "Canada" baseball hat, the guy asks me "What part of the States you from, mate?  I always wanted to go to the States and be among the American people."  I replied, "I guess that means you want to go to Orlando to experience America."  "Oh no, mate, Orlando is full of bloody British tourists!  No, I want to get out into the small towns and see the real America." "Excellent!  There's a trailer park in Alabama just waiting for y'all", I responded.

"Ever thought about going to Canada?", I asked the dude.  "Yeah, that would be okay, I guess.  Oh, is that a Canadian accent you have?  Can't tell the difference!" he confessed.

We go out to my car and he notes I drive a Chevrolet.   "What a small Chevrolet.  They'd laugh at your car over there.  I mean, everything is bigger in the States, right mate?"  I nod in agreement.

He tries to remove my brake light cover to get to the brake light.  Like me, he has no joy.  A fellow employee comes over to help him and still no joy.  Both scratch their heads in unison.  Various tools are grabbed to try and pry off the brake light cover.  Still nothing.  As luck would have it, the local tug-of-war team are strolling by.  They attach a rope to one of the tools draping off my brake cover and give a mighty heave.  Finally, the brake cover pops off.

Okay, I made up the part about the tug-of-war team.  However, it took the two of them fifteen minutes to finally release the brake cover and put in a new brake light.  Being so much fun, I thought it best they replace the other brake light just in case it was about to burn out.

Yes, another typical day in my rather surreal life.  And yes, another posting done in rapid time without ever applying the virtual brake lights......

101 comments:

  1. I used to be able to change the air filter and stuff on my old 77 Nova. Newer cars just aren't the same. My 2003 Bonneville needed a new battery and they told me the battery was actually under the backseat. Good luck getting to that without your own hydraulic lift.

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    Replies
    1. Hey Pat,

      Those were the days, eh. These days, they stick a battery under the backseat. Then again, suppose the backseat passenger could get a bit of a butt charge.

      Gary

      Delete
  2. That's crazy! We've had similar experiences - so many computerized parts = more things to go wrong!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jemi,

      Crazy, eh! So much for technology making things simpler. Getting something simple done to a car these days requires a meeting on minds in Silicone Valley! :)

      Thank you, Jemi.

      Gary

      Delete
  3. "Oooooo, what a big dipstick you have!" I bet that's what all the girls said to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debra,

      Ah yes, I remember you! :) Enjoying the Women's World Cup? Saw folks getting drenched in Edmonton during the Canada, New Zealand game.

      Thanks, Debra.

      Gary!

      Delete
  4. I am pleased to report that I was able to change the break light in my own car without the aid of a hydraulic lift or a pair of mechanics. Just don't ask me how to change the clock. That I can't do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi M.J.,

      Can we swap cars? :) Ah, now you got me thinking about the clock in my car.

      Have a nice Sunday and thank you.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  5. We still drive a standard, with the manual roll down windows. It's a Saturn ION with almost 200,000 miles on it, and I don't want a new one. I don't like the electric, computer driven machines at all, but I know someday, we'll have to. I will be sad. :(
    I've alway been a person who loved change, I guess age changes all that, but I'd like to think there's some wisdom there too. I know old woman speak! LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yolanda,

      You can't beat the old time vehicles. Back in the days there was way less that could go wrong. I'm absolutely paranoid about electric windows not functioning. It happened to be once on a very cold December morning. Thankfully, I managed to fix the window.

      Actually, you have acquired a lot of wisdom for a lady so young! :)

      Hope you are having a pleasant Sunday.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  6. Sigh. All too familiar. Yet another way to screw the consumer. And if I sound bitter it is because I am.

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    1. Hi Sue,

      You got that right. I also think I may have jinked myself. On Saturday evening, my car's electrics started acting up. Now I have to take it for a diagnosis. Sigh and double sigh.

      Hope you had a nice weekend.

      Gary

      Delete
  7. I have not tried in changing parts in my car...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Weekend-Windup,

      I hope you never have to. A degree in quantum mechanics would be of great help.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  8. My Jap import mpv is 20 years old this year and still looks as good as it did when it first came into this country. It isn't computerised and the only things electric are the windows and the driver's seat, so anything which goes wrong mechanically is relatively easy to fix. In the five years I've been driving it I've had very few problems and it flies through the MOT every year with no trouble. I dread the day when it finally goes to the great scrapyard in the sky and I have to get a newer, possibly computerised, vehicle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Eunice,

      A fantastic example of a mpv made back in the days when vehicles were simple and basic maintenance, a breeze. Hopefully, your vehicle will be lasting for many years to come. The computerised vehicles is all part of a conspiracy, I reckon.

      Hope you had a nice weekend, Eunice.

      Gary

      Delete
  9. I changed the brake light in my 2007 Nissan Altima (back off, ladies, I'm married) and the lining in my trunk is now forever messed up. my last car the computer broke and the mechanic's recommendation was to just set the car on fire. Yeah, it's a new technological age.
    I know that Alabama trailer park, it's a terrifying place, but I could get your guy a deal if he wants the true Americana experience. By the way, I'd drive that 1973 Dodge Polara today. It looks like a sweet car, back before they were all electric razors with wheels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there Pickles N'Stuff,

      Nice of you to give out a public warning to all those ladies who are swooning for you and your brake light prowess. Nothing worse than having a messy trunk, said my friend, Nellie the elephant. My car's computer now seems to be on the blink. I may have jinxed myself doing this post. Trying to get the computer retuned in my car. Every mechanic I've phoned tells me they cannot get the secret computer code to my car. WTF, eh!

      Put the guy in the trailer where Betty Lou, with the missing teeth and questionable personal hygiene, hangs out. Yee ha, he'd have a right good lil' ol' time, I reckon. Good luck driving my 1973 Dodge Polara. It went to the scrapyard in the sky. Good point about cars these days. They wont start worth shit, but you can have a mighty close shave, in so many ways.

      Thank you, my illustrious friend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  10. Even worse--I think this stuff is eventually going to get so specialized that we'll all have to go to the freakin' dealer to find anyone who knows how to work on it. Especially with the computer systems--they could lock it down to the point that only an authorized dealer could work on it. Hopefully that won't happen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stephanie,

      It's already happened, Stephanie. After I did this post, my car decided to have its electrics act up. Every mechanic I have phoned has told me they need a special code which they cannot get. This means I'm supposed to drive to the other end of the country to an authorised dealer who would probably cost me a big fortune.

      Thanks, Stephanie.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  11. You know it's too difficult when the mechanics have no clue.

    I've changed lights, the oil, and spark plug wires in my old car. I even worked for a while in auto salvage and know how to take apart a car. But I wouldn't touch the new ones for anything.

    He couldn't tell a Canadian accent from an American one? Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Diane,

      Worrying times when the mechanics were as confused as me over the changing of a brake light!

      Indeed, cars were so much easier back then. All the basics are now not basic at all. I hate having have somebody else do it for me.

      Happens all the time regarding my accent. Then again, I'm sure folks from New Zealand get asked what part of Australia they are from. Yikes, Gidday, or G'day.

      Thank you, Diane.

      Gary

      Delete
  12. I was never one to tinker with cars, although a few years ago I was told it'd be easy to replace my burned out headlight. I bought the part, popped the hood, only to find out that the battery was in the way. I had to take it to Midas to have them yank the battery out and put the bulb in for me. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi JoJo,

      In my case, my tinkering days are over and that includes cars :) Good old Midas to the rescue.

      Thank you, JoJo.

      Gary

      Delete
  13. I had the same problem when I lived in the UK - I couldn't tell American and Canadian accents apart. In some cases I still can't, depends where people come from. Mind you once when we were in NC I talked to people I thought were from the UK, turned out they were from Oz. Never heard a totally accentless (to me) voice from Oz before. I have never tried fixing cars thanks very much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jo,

      Although the Canadian accent, as you will now know, is a smooth, charming accent, eh, it can be difficult to tell from an American accent to the untrained ear. Actually, an Australian accent can sort of sound like an English accent after a wild drinking session. Strewth!

      Don't blame you for never trying to fix a car. It looks like my car fixing days are behind me.

      Thank you, Jo.

      Gary

      Delete
  14. The computer cars we have been driving for the last decade or so have closed all the auto parts stores that we all frequented when we could all DIY. Well, maybe not me, I always needed a brawny man to change light bulbs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Arleen,

      Good point about the auto parts dealers. Not much they can do these days other than have me visit and get them to change a brake light. I'll send over those two guys who changed my bulbs....

      Thank you, Arleen.

      Gary

      Delete
  15. I dread car repairs. It is never a cheap thing these days. Glad you were able to actually get yours fixed without taking out a loan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Robin,

      Car repairs are now ridiculous and bloody expensive. I'm now dreading my car getting sorted out as predictably, I now have a computer problem. Second mortgage time, perhaps.

      Thank you, Robin.

      Gary

      Delete
  16. Ugg, they screw us over more and more these days, never cheap.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Pat in the Hatt,

      Ugg and bug! It's all a big plot by the mechanical lot.

      Thanks, Pat.

      Gary

      Delete
  17. I've been thinking about buying an older car. Much easier to deal with. And if an EMP is exploded over my county, I would at least have a running car.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Shelly,

      Good idea, maybe buy a Ford Model T. I reckon, beware of a solar flare, if driving a newer car.

      Thank you, Shelly.

      Gary

      Delete
  18. :-) I don't own a car...but I know what you mean! I did have a scooter though, that I sold a year ago and would constantly fear a flat tire along a particular stretch in our route because rumor had it that the only mechanic in the area used to get his business by strategically placing well-concealed little pieces of wood with nails on them at regular intervals on the road. Hehehe. I am glad to say my scooter did not succumb even once. Can you believe I went 11 years without a flat tire?

    ❤️

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hi Vidya,

      That was some going avoiding the strategically place wood with nails. I bet he began to tire of you avoiding getting a flat tire :)

      Thank you, Vidya.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  19. Check engine soon is perpetually lit in my truck. I need a new gas cap. At least its not me lit in the truck. lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ann,

      Oh, those annoying lit up reminders! You fuel consumption will be less when you get that new gas cap. You never know, you might wear a glow in the dark dress in your truck.

      Thank you, Ann.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  20. Hey Gazza,

    I think it's awesome that you have a Dub living next to you!!!

    Ask him if he's a southsider or a northsider.... (I'm a southsider) depending on his answer, tell him I'm going to nick his car or buy him a drink :)

    The traditional joke is that the Southsiders are the commoners who steal everything from the "edumacated" Northsiders :)

    PS: Thanks for the tip re the email thingy :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Mazza,

      You've been eagerly waiting for my reply! I know these things :)

      Niall, from Dublin, was my next door neighbour. He has since moved and so have I. Yet, no mistaking his voice in town! I'll pose your your question to him. What about the Eastsiders and the Westsiders....

      Your email thingy is up and running. Which means you'd better chase after it. Aha and now I can actually realise when you post. Just get lost in all those other applications.

      Be well, you crazy dude, you!

      Gary :)

      Delete
  21. Never had a car owing to be not being safe on the road with my Epilepsy. Enjoyed your post Gary very much, interesting to read,
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yvonne,

      I'm sorry to read that you cannot drive due to having epilepsy. I'm heartened you enjoyed my post. I hope you read this comment, Yvonne. Your blog site has vanished again. I cannot find you.

      Hope you had a peaceful weekend.

      Gary

      Delete
  22. I like the rapidfire posts. :) Definitely a good idea you had them replace both lights. Cars today are definitely tricky. Sounds like the brake light was tricky for everyone! Have a nice weekend!
    ~Jess

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jess,

      Thanks and I'm going to do more rapidfire, probably even more nonsensical posts. Yes, of course, if I got one light changed, the other one would of burnt out on the way home. The brake light is beyond a joke.

      Hope you had a lovely weekend, Jess.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  23. Brake lights are highly overrated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Delores,

      Yes they are. As for you, your brilliant light glows in the blogging world :)

      Have a lovely Sunday, Delores.

      Gary

      Delete
  24. I can change a tire and that's about it. I rely on the mechanic for everything. When my car broke down years ago and I heard it was the computer, I thought what the heck--there's a computer in my car.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Medeia,

      Did you know they spell "tire", "tyre" in the UK. I know what you mean, where the heck is the computer in the car. Why no Microsoft updates.....

      Thank you, Medeia.

      Gary

      Delete
  25. I like it when you write like this, a stream of consciousness dotted with witty bursts. It's a good post. Have you ever considered writing a blog? I think you could be onto a winner. *laughs and slaps his hands away from the dipstick* - Michelle :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle,

      That's most kind of you. I have to go into frantic rant mode or the exhaustion I've been experiencing gets in the way. Writing a blog? What's a blog?

      With that, as soon as you left, I stubbornly starting fiddling with my dipstick :)

      Thank you, Michelle.

      Gary :) x

      Delete
  26. Modern cars are fickle beasts. . . . . Still my old cars were fickle beasts too, but at least I could hit them with a stick and know that they would not hold a grudge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mr. R.,

      Fickle computerised beasts. You are so right, the old fickle beast cars could get a right good bash on the bonnet and just straighten the headwear back into place.

      Thank you, Rob.

      Gary

      Delete
  27. Sorry about your frustration, but I laughed all the way through this post. Very funny. I think I'll buy an oldie but goodie for my next car. Right now I'm leaving to go sightseeing through trailer parks.
    :-)
    Have a good day.
    Best,
    Deb

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    Replies
    1. Hi Deb,

      No worries and I'm glad you found this post funny. I appreciate that. I revel in the irony that is life. Nothing better than an old banger and I do mean a car! :) Y'all have fun at them there trailer parks. You hear?

      Thank you, Deb.

      Gary

      Delete
  28. How can you make "Getting brake lights" so interesting, darling!!!??? xx PS. WHERE do you live?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey My Inner Chick,

      Apparently, I'm the king of quotidian quips, whatever that means! :) I live in Duluth, Minnesota. Um, I still live in Leek, Staffordshire because I always wanted to live in a town named after an onion.......

      Thank you, Kim.

      Gary :) x

      Delete
  29. I bet it can be frustrating trying to fix a car these days. Technology has made things so complicated.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sherry,

      Very frustrating these days. Technology has indeed made what was once simple, something complicated for us who don't have the specialised equipment lying around our homes.

      Thank you, Sherry.

      Gary

      Delete
  30. Technology seems to make some things easier and other things more difficult, like changing brake lights. Now I really would like to hear your accent, hahaha. Dragon Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Al,

      Technology has made me scratch my head when it come to cars. Brake lights used to about a ten second job. Not these days. Okay and I get to hear you accent! :)

      A combo dog and human hug, your way,

      Gary and Penny :)

      Delete
  31. I don't like all this computerising of cars. Once upon a time your mechanic took out your spark plugs, cleaned them, put them back and you were good to go. Now, because the spark plugs have been removed and replaced, the whole motor has to be rebooted by the computer as it recognises the "new' spark plugs. A five minute job now takes a few hours and costs accordingly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Once upon a time I changed my spark plugs. You are so correct about the car needing to be rebooted after they change the spark plugs. What was once a nice, easy and quick job has turned into a slow, expensive job. They have it all worked out.

      Thank you, River.

      Gary

      Delete
  32. Haha fiddling with your dipstic, were you now? A couple of years ago some cop told me I needed to replace a bulb. He said it was an easy job. So I said, 'Here's a bulb. You show me easy.' Stupid ass couldn't do it. I rest my case. So I went to my favorite mechanic and he did it in a couple of minutes... Not 30 seconds.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I wouldn't classify those mechanics as qualified.
    I think I changed my oil once many years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alex,

      Mechanics are even called mechanics these day, qualified or not. More like software, hardware engineers.

      I doubt you could even change your oil these days. Probably needs some computer program to drain the darned thing.

      Thanks, Alex.

      Gary

      Delete
  34. That was really nice of you giving those mechanics the opportunity to practice changing both of those lights. You are a kind person. Have a great day, you hear?

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    Replies
    1. Hey Dizzy-Dick,

      Those mechanics also got plenty of exercise, thanks to my thoughtfulness. Cheerio and toodle pip, old chap.

      Gary

      Delete
  35. Was it as hard to put the cover back on as it was to take off?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Bish,

      I'm assuming you're referring to the brake cover! :) It was a easy, a snap, quite literally, to put back on and the brake cover, also.....

      Gary :)

      Delete
  36. Gary I have nominated you for "The Creative Blogging Award" please read my poem on the said subject for rules.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yvonne,

      I thank you kindly for that. However, I do hope you see this reply comment. Yvonne, your blog has vanished again. Not sure what's happening with that.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  37. So true about car repair these days. I've never been much at being a mechanic but even dumb ol' me used to change my own oil and air filters or even my headlights. Now you gotta be like a genius to do this stuff or have some kind of car repair degree. I even tried to change my own flat tire a few years ago and then finally broke down and called AAA since I couldn't ever figure out where they put the spare.

    Maybe just as well for me though. I used to be good at breaking the things I was trying to fix and it would end up costing me more than it would have to just have somebody do it in the first place.

    And don't even get me started about fixing a leaky faucet. I remember when all you had to do was replace a rubber washer and the leak was gone. Forget that! Now I just call the plumber.

    Arlee Bird

    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lee,

      I guess we have to just reminisce about those days when we could actually do the basic maintenance to our vehicles. I think you have to be a software engineer just to figure out why your car radio goes on by itself. Thanks for the reminder, where the hell is my spare tire, or tyre? No reference to my stomach, I should add.

      I ended up breaking things because I didn't know what I was doing. Somebody else ends up fixing the error. I so relate, Lee.

      And the plumber is a software engineer who has to readjust your "talking tap."

      Cheers, kind dude with the fancy straw hat and sunglasses.

      Gary

      Delete
  38. Hello kllahanie

    I've seen your comments on many of the blogs I follow and wanted to finally pop over and say hello. I must admit that your wit is quite sharp so please don't hurt me as I will return to read your reply.

    I grew up on a farm with my grandparents, so keeping old, broken down trucks and cars running was something I learned to do. While I couldn't rebuild a carburetor on my own I could help and I knew which junkyard to go to find what I needed and for dirt cheap. Back then changing an alternator was easy. I had a car a few years back and they had to lift the engine just to get to it. Holy Christ, I couldn't believe it.

    I'm Irish and living in the States with my husband, so when it comes to accents and peoples confusion, I feel your pain. Once whilst at the grocers the checkout girl asked me "So what part of Germany are you from?" I told her I was from Hapsburg. She asked me where in Germany that was. I told her it was a few miles South of Dublin.

    I'm from County Cork, my accent is thick, but not nearly as thick as that girl at the check out.





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    1. Greetings Anne,

      Very nice to make your acquaintance :) Glad you popped in and I hope you had a smooth landing. My wit, or whatever it is, is evidently a well kept secret. I'm always polite with whoever comments, my new friend. Believe me, I've had some right nasty comments.

      That must have been a most interesting experience live on the farm with your grandparents. It must of been empowering getting involved with the maintenance of all those different vehicles. It was so much easier to do repairs back then.

      Good reply to the dopey cashier. I might of asked the cashier what part of Canada was she from :)

      I love a thick accent and yes, when it comes to thick, the cashier wins the prize. What's the craic, I wonder :)

      Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Anne.

      Gary

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much for visiting me at my blog. That is most kind of you.

      I grew up a bit of a tom boy as a result. Covered in mud and grease most of the time. But what do you expect from a culchie?

      Finally, someone who knows the word craic! I haven't been able to use the word since I got here and I'm starved for it.

      Delete
    3. Hi Anne,

      Thank you for your follow up comment. Most appreciated. It was my pleasure to visit your very nice, interactive blog site.

      Covered in mud and grease can be a bit of a fashion statement. Gotta' love Irish country folk.

      A former neighbour and very good friend of mine, Niall, is from Dublin. He speaks very fast in a broad Irish accent. He says, "What's the craic?", an awful lot :)

      Thanks, Anne.

      Gary

      Delete
  39. might have been written in record time, but it was hilarious.
    The changes in cars I am convinced were done just so we "commoners" can no longer fix them on our own (not that I ever could, but many people I know used to be able to!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Caren,

      The only way I can stay awake is by going into zippy overdrive writing :)

      I think you are correct, Caren. The motoring industry just doesn't like us being able to fix our car problems. It's got to be a conspiracy against the consumer.

      Thank you, Caren.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  40. I would have told him I was from Iceland ;)

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    1. Hey Riot Kitty!

      Of course, "Iceland" is a well know frozen food supermarket in the UK :) I have been known to ask the person back with the English accent, "What part of Scotland are you from?" Just my luck, the person with the English accent may well reply, "Glasgow!"

      Thank you, my kitty type friend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  41. Hi, dear Gary,

    Don't get me started. Okay, I'll get myself started. The headlight bulb for my Prius - tiny little thing- costs $260 to replace! Yep, it's some supposedly special LED bulb. And then there's the maintenance fees and all, because any part is tough to replace on the damn thing.

    You're good with lube and dipsticks? Are you a stick shift kinda guy or is it automatic for you? How about cruising? Do you like the rear view? I have so many questions, but I'll put the brakes on it.

    Hugs to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey lovely Robyn,

      Or, try getting my car started when the computer decides to act up! :) What an outrageous price for a headlight bulb! Should be a fraction of the cost and be something you can replace yourself. Of course, that was then and this is now. Rip-off supreme and a conspiracy by the motoring trade.

      I'm flexible when it comes to shifting gears. A manual job is okay but an automatic has some advantages. Yes, nothing like lubricating and fiddling with a dipstick :) I have some brake pads, just for you, my curious friend.

      Hugs and happy motoring,

      Gary :)

      Delete
  42. I spent my childhood watching my dad under the car, fixing little things - completely impossible. There is a car (can't remember which one) where you have to practically take the whole front of it off just to reach the headlights!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Annalisa,

      The days of fixing little things under the car have well and truly gone. Not sure what car you mean but it could just about be any car made these days. Conspiracy theory time!

      Thank you, Annalisa.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  43. Hi Gary
    Recently I was locked out of my car because the battery in the door opener went flat and I had to replace it. In the process the tiny transponder fell out. Thankfully someone was able to help over the phone. Gah!!

    Denise :-)

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    Replies
    1. G'day Denise,

      You had one of my worst car nightmares. Too many electrical parts in cars these days. Glad you actually got to talk to a human on the phone. That is progress!

      Thank you, Denise.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  44. You wrote this well. I loved the tug of war bit, even it was made up. It was a fun read. Though sorry about your car. Yes, on the computer cars these days. And ouch on some of the fixing costs.

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    1. Hi Happy Whisk,

      That's very kind of you. Thank you. I think going a bit surreal makes the craziness a bit more tolerable. Yep, you need to go to a mechanic these days to get a software update on a car, or so it seems. Then comes the hefty bill when all the mechanic did was plug your car into some computer thingy :)

      Thank you and Gad Zukes!

      Gary :)

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    2. I just read your other post, looks like it working. Funny that unplugging it helped.

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    3. Hey Happy Whisk,

      Thank you for the follow up comment. Unplugging the battery seemed to have alleviated the electrical mystery. Trouble is, with today's vehicles, if you disconnect and reconnect a battery, the car's computer has to be retuned. Ah, for the old days...

      Gary :)

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  45. No brake lights necessary Gary! It gets trickier and trickier these days especially when the car makers are jumping through hoops to cram as much stuff as possible into a car. That makes for some tight and awkward spaces. Of course, it helps them make money if we can't change a light bulb without visiting the dealer.

    Have an awesome Wednesday Gary
    - Maurice

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    1. Hey Maurice,

      The whole things a conspiracy. Even the mechanic I talked to today was telling me that they want consumers to go to the dealerships. This would entail me driving a considerable distance just to have somebody charge me a fortune for a simple fix when you have the right equipment. Oh how I miss the days when changing a brake light was so easy.

      An awesome Thursday to you, good sir.

      Gary

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  46. Dear Gary
    That's mean! Why take pleasure from the "gearheads?' So many people (mostly guys, I guess) would like to perform some of their own "under the hood work. I never open hoods of cars as I leave that for the truly inquisitive.
    To brake or not to brake. A burning question but now you can brake with total confidence.
    I've heard your voice and one couldn't tell which side of the border you come from. I think you lost the aught's and abaught's . My husband never did lose his. lol
    Way to go.......

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    1. Dear Manzanita,

      How lovely to see you.

      I miss tinkering under the hood or bonnet, as they would call it here. Us "petrol heads" hanker for the old motoring days. You'd be surprised what lurks under the hood :)

      Those are the brakes and the breaks.

      My accent, which of course you have heard, has turned into a sort of mid-Atlantic accent. I guess that means I sound Jamaican, maaaaan!!!!

      Take care, eh.

      Gary :)

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  47. You'd be better off with a 'foreign car'. LOL I drive a VW diesel. :) The radio stopped working a year ago and they say just to diagnose what's wrong, is over a hundred dollars. That's okay. Silence is golden.

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    1. Hey Eve,

      Strangely enough, my car is a foreign car. My car pretends to be a Chevrolet but is actually a Daewoo! The radio needs it's dingle dangle retuned which is done by getting a VW software update using your iPad, Kindle, whoopity doo dah thingy ma jiggy!
      Then again, I love that song, Silence is Golden!

      Thank you, Eve.

      Gary :)

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  48. Cars are an enigma to me. I believe the easiest car to fix must be the Jeep. A real jeep, not the dressed up kind. My brother said that the military uses the jeep because parts can be changed out from another jeep. No a/c, though.

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    1. Hi Susan,

      Stay tuned, or is that retuned, my car may well have been fooled into thinking it's a jeep :)

      Thank you, Susan and have a lovely weekend.

      Gary

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  49. Hi Y'all!

    BOL! These days the mechanics have to take your car apart, literally, to do simple repairs. Sounds funny the way you tell it, but it isn't while it's happening to you. Even new cars aren't immune.

    Y'all come on back,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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    1. Howdy Hawk!

      To think I couldn't even change a brake light! I'm trying to find the irony in the whole darned thing :) New cars are mystery computers on wheels, methinks.

      Y'all have a real nice Sunday. You hear?

      Gary :)

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.