If you were driving along southbound U.S. 101 around Gilroy last week, you may have passed me. I was in the small, red SUV—not the one speeding by you, but the one stopped along the side of the highway with its emergency flashers blinking.
Car trouble is such a drag.
I was on my way to work one morning—happily, I might add—when I noticed my temperature gauge needle was in the red. Actually, it was pushing beyond the red. I pulled over, admittedly cursing like a sailor, turned my car off … and sat. There was no steam coming from the engine, no strange noises.
Thankfully I was able to entertain myself by searching “car overheating” on my phone while I waited, considering what my options were and what the problem could potentially be.
It didn’t look good.
I started up my long-trusty car—more on my awesome little vehicle later—and all was normal, so I got back on the highway, eyeing my gauges. Soon the needle started making its way back to “H” and I stopped again. This time, I was within 50 yards or so of the Leavesley Road exit.
All I could think was, “I want off the side of this busy highway.” My years in the news business—as well as having a police sergeant brother—have shown me the danger in the sides of freeways. And many years ago, my brother’s colleague lost his daughter when she was hit while putting gas in her car parked on the side of a highway.
So though I was well off to the side, I was still cautious and was determined to make it off of 101.
And I did. I took the Leavesley exit and pulled into the Black Bear Diner parking lot, where I called AAA (thanks Mom and Dad for my annual birthday renewal) and had my car towed to a shop near my job where I’ve taken my car for several years.
Now I’ll admit, my car is older. It’s a 2002, and I’ve had it for all of its 12 years. I bought it, I paid it off and, if I’m being honest, I’m one of those strange folks who has a name for their car. My little trooper—a Suzuki Grand Vitara 4×4—is “Tara.”
OK, OK, once you finish laughing at me, let me just say Tara has been a great vehicle. Granted, I’m pretty particular about my things, keeping them neat and organized, and I’ve always taken good care of my car with regular maintenance and such.
Up to this point, I’ve never had any major problems with my Suzuki. It’s been a fantastic car—my second Suzuki, as a matter of fact: the first being my cousin’s hand-me-down named Jesse (I come from a car-naming family), which was good to both of us for many, many years. Since Suzuki went bankrupt and is no longer selling vehicles in the United States, the make (and name) of my next car is yet to be determined—though I’m leaning toward Ford.
So when it was determined to be a major issue with a hefty price tag, I really had to stop and think about what to do. It’s been on my mind that a new car is in my future, but not for another year or two. Should I forego repairs and look into a used car? But how would I be sure I wasn’t getting into even more trouble? At least with Tara, I know the history, the background, the owner’s care.
After much consideration, I gave my mechanic the go-ahead for repairs. Was it the right decision? I suppose time will tell. But I sure hope after the work is done Tara will give me another year or two of reliable transportation, until I’m ready to trade her in.
If not, well, at least wave when you see me on the side of the road.
