Among Friends

[BunSnoop]

My husband passed away recently and my mind is racing as to what I need to do to keep everything at home operating well.

In regards to cars: 

My cars are older so they do not give me any prompts that oil is low, etc.  How often do you check to be certain your oil is at the right level?  Do you do it yourself or do you take it somewhere to be checked?

Same for tires.  As my cars are older, I do not get any prompts regarding tire pressure.  How often do you check the tire pressure?  Do you check it yourself or take it somewhere?  Do you use a portable air compressor to add air yourself?

To make sure that your car is maintained correctly do you ever just take your car to a reputable car repair business and request they do a full inspection of the vehicle and review fluids, filters, brakes, etc.?  If so, how often do you do this?

My husband did almost everything himself in regards to car maintenance. (Brake work, oil changes, tire rotation, checking fluids, tire air pressure, etc.)  I wondered sometimes why he was outside so much doing "stuff" with the cars.  Now I understand better why he was always busy in the garage.

Thank you!

[spumoni99]

@BunSnoopFirst, I am so so sorry about your husband, my condolences.  I think the best thing you can do for your car is a regular oil change, a good mechanic should check other levels while its there for the oil change, I take it to the dealer since its not really more expensive and they have a list of what they have checked.  Brake pads, tire pressure, transmission oil etc.

Make sure to change the filters on your heater and A/C in your home also. I actually am the one that reminds my husband to do these things. 

Just take it one day at a time and be gentle with yourself.  I hope you are eating and sleeping well and taking care of yourself.

[Desertdi]

For tires:    Discount Tire tests your tires free any time.   (You need to wait in line)

For oil:    Every 4,000 to 8,000 miles depending on the grade of oil you use.  There are oil-change places listed in the "phone book"  (internet).

[rockygems123]

@BunSnoop 

I just want to hug you.  Your posts about your new situation are wonderful in the sense that instead of waiting for something to happen you are asking for practical proactive advice. I admire that. 

As for car maintenance it depends. Do you put a lot of miles on your cars and are they generally reliable vehicles?

You may want to do seasonal checks for the basics like you say tire pressure, oil level, radiator fluid etc.

Any local friend that can help you with your car maintenance schedule?

[spumoni99]

@BunSnoopAlso you can buy a tire pressure checker pretty cheap. 

[Goodie2shoes]

First of all my sympathy for the loss of your dear husband.

I maintain my 2013 Equinox myself and it's at 97,000 which is very good for that old of a car bought new. I just got my oil changed a couple of days ago  I do have a screen on the car from the manufacturer that comes on automatically when the oil is nearing a time for change. I have my oil changed at Valvoline and they also attach a sticker on the upper corner of my drivers window that states the mileage when the next oil change is due so that's something I check. They also reset the screen that notifies me of oil change time. 

Valvoline also checks my tire pressure. If your Husband maintained the tire rotation, oil changes and other maintenance updates you should have paperwork that you can review to assess when maintenance work is due again.

I do hope that helps somewhat and I'm sure others here will provide other tips for you.   

[patbz]

Get your car's maintenance manual and highlight items that need to be checked on a routine basis ( oil and other fluids, tire rotation, balancing, air, filters) as well as major checkups ( 50k, 100k, etc). If its an older car and you are out of car warranty maybe go to Big O, Discount Tire or independent mechanic. When you change your oil have them rotate your tired ( if they tell you you need new tires always buy them in twos ( if this comes up ask them if they are having a sale in foreseeable future). Also if a service light goes on your first stop should be O'Reilly's or similar car parts store. They usually do a fast check of these things for free and will do many small repairs for the price of the fuse, switch etc. They also will replace your windshield wipers or key fob batteries with no service charge. I was single until I was 40, so I learned these things on the go ( now we keep our cars until minimum of 100k miles. Good luck; you've got this!

[Snowpuppy]

A reputable oil change place will offer full service above just the oil change. I stay in my vehicle and it's never more than 25 minutes.

Oil/filter change, fill the tires with air/washer fluid/check wiper blades and air filter, test car battery and power steering fluid. If tires need filled or you need fluid top off they do it between changes for free.

Older vehicles don't need high mileage oils or pricey synthetic oil.

There is a locally owned place I take my vehicle to every 7,000 miles. Been happy with them so far.

ETA: yep, I'm a car girl and can do all of the above myself. I just no longer do.😉

[Imaoldhippie]

@BunSnoop .................Im very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband.

In regards to your cars.  Unless you need 2 cars you might consider selling one of them.  You will save on repairs, maintenance and insurance and stress.  There is no "set" time to do all the maintenance checks, you can set your own routine.  Regular oil changes are a must.  Tires depend on how much you drive.  

Do you have a family member or friend that could help you with your questions?  Be very aware that taking your care to a dealer or repair shop will be iffy as they will try to tell you there are multiple things that need attention, car dealers are the worst.  Since you car is older a dealer will try to sell you a new one.

Another thought would be to sell both older cars and get a new or newer used car.  Those would probably come with some type of maintenance deal.

Good luck hope you get the help you need.

[CalminHeart]

Take your car in for an oil change every 3,000 miles and they'll check everything. Just don't be talked into more repairs without a 2nd opinion.

All this may be new but never let a repair shop see you sweat. Be confident. Don't let them see that you're unsure about anything. Repair shops see unsure women as targets.  

Fyi, I don't put 3,000 miles on my car in a year so I usually do the oil/filter change in April and November.