Yesterday I took my car in for an oil change and a tire rotation, preparatory to leaving on vacation Friday. The tire rotation exposed the fact that my two back tires were worn absolutely down to the wires. Surprising since those tires aren't that old but it was clear that the situation was dire. After the oil change I went tire shopping.
Naturally my car has some uncommon-sized tires so I couldn't get them at WalMart and I didn't have time for anyone to special order them so I had to go to a big tire store here in Lenoir City. The only tires they had in stock that fit my car were $189 each. Sigh. Okay, it had to be done. Turns out the car also needed a front-end alignment. It's been quite awhile so I gave the go ahead for that too.
When the tire guys were installing the new tires they discovered that my shocks had come free of part of their moorings and the bolts were wallowing around. This excess movement was causing extreme wear on the tires, hence the need for new ones, and had ruined the shocks. So, the shocks needed replacing. The new shocks will be in tomorrow.
Once upon a time I went out to get an oil change. $900 later, I'm ready to drive to Charleston on Friday! Looking for a silver lining; I'm glad these problems came to light today and not on the road. Not really a collateral vacation expense, this was one surprise I could have done without!
A perfect example of why emergency funds are so important!
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2 comments:
Amen on the emergency fund!!! I had a "baby" one...then had to have my roof replaced...started building it back up a little...then my water heater broke...now back to building it back up...lol BUT...at least I did have CASH to pay for all of that! Working on paying my past credit card debt off. No new credit for this girl. I look forward to reading more of your blog. I am a mid-40's single (divorced) mom with 1 off to college and 2 still at home. :-)
HI Doris and welcome! It never fails that when you have some money put aside, something rises to take it! Still it's a good thing to have that emergency money and not always have to whip out the credit card! Good luck with your journey! Sounds like you have a lot on your plate!
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