14D THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
OFF THE HILL
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AUGUST 15,2005
CAR TROUBLES
Only get car care advice from experts
BY AMANDA O'TOOLE editor@kansan.com KANSAN STAFF WRITER
My car has been good to me.
"Old Blue," my Ford Taurus, has helped me get where I need to go.
But, like any 15-year-old car, my four-door sedan with a salvage title and a Maaco paint job has had its rough days.
It's made noises, shook, stalled and smoked. But being old and far from trendy doesn't mean Old Blue is headed for the scrap yard — at least not yet.
There are a few miles left for its engine, and in order to get the most of Old Blue, or any car, it's important to get regular maintenance checks.
Taking my car to the shop was a task my dad was in charge of, but since I came to college, it's been my responsibility.
Maintenance is simple enough. Every 2,500 miles or so, I take my car in for an oil change.
Because of the miles on my car—it has well over 100,000—it needs more than an oil change.
Any phone book has a number of listings for auto diagnostic services. Some mechanics spe-
However, choosing a place to put your beloved wheels is more complicated than a flip through the yellow pages.
Call the mechanic and ask whether the shop is certified, and if so, in what. If you don't know a lot about cars, ask someone you trust who knows what's what to go along with you to drop the car off.
I've found it beneficial to ask friends, professors and even teaching assistants for advice on mechanics. If they've lived in Lawrence for more than five years, chances are, they've been to a mechanic. Recommendations or complaints are helpful in weeding out the good mechanics from the bad.
Once you've found a mechanic, explain to whoever takes your keys what exactly is the problem. Don't feel stupid trying to re-enact noises or explain strange shakes or smells.
Also, it's important you tell the mechanic to call before they fix anything. If you don't think a test needs to be run, or you know you can change an air filter yourself, tell them not to proceed. It's
Rylan Howe/KANSAN
Car troubles are common in older cars and may require you to become responsible for your car for the first time while at college. Amanda O'Otole, Wichita senior, and "Old Blue" have been through many of the problems that you may encounter.
OK to say — it is your car.
That said, keep in mind it's not a good idea to ignore problems because you can't afford to fix them or because you don't have the time. Charge
the maintenance on a credit card and find time. Ignoring a problem could make your troubles worse and seriously ruin your car. A $500 bill is much better than buying a new one.
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