Mechanic came out to my house today, poked around under the hood of the Xterra, and kept repeating, “Interesting. Hm. Interesting situation …”<\/p>\n
Trust me, “interesting” is not a word you want spoken by someone examining your vehicle’s engine.<\/p>\n
Seriously, though, things aren’t too bad.<\/p>\n
I noticed a grinding noise in the front brakes a couple of weeks ago and figured I needed new brake pads. No surprise. I’ve been driving only “litely” since then and had already made an appointment with the mechanic for next week.<\/p>\n
Then yesterday, the grinding in the front end took on a whole new character. Now it wasn’t just when braking. But also when backing, fronting, and steering. And the steering characteristics at low speed became “interesting.”<\/p>\n
Sure enough, I peeked under the engine compartment this morning then opened the hood. Power steering fluid everywhere. <\/p>\n
—–<\/p>\n
The mechanic refilled the reservoir and has given his blessing to one-mile trips to the grocery store and post office until the parts come in, but I’m opting to leave the Xterra in the driveway.<\/p>\n
So it’s carlessness for the next week. Which, given how close I am to everything I need, is no biggie.<\/p>\n
You might remember that I was carless for 15 months toward the end of my years in Cabin Sweet Cabin. That was also “interesting,” though also mostly no biggie. Eventually a heroic reader fronted me the price of an ’84 Subaru station wagon and even drove it 150 miles out to me. I reimbursed him in silver coins — which promptly lost 20% of their value the very next week. Poor guy. He was a good sport about it, though.<\/p>\n
Loved that little car. When it rained the passenger compartment floor would fill with several inches of water, and “interesting” was the best word to describe its exhaust system. But it was great to drive. I’d have another one like it in an instant.<\/p>\n
The Xterra’s been super reliable, but OMG, what a gas guzzler. Been meaning to cut down on my driving, so here’s my chance. It’s only a week or so and I find I’m actually looking forward to being footloose and peripatetic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Mechanic came out to my house today, poked around under the hood of the Xterra, and kept repeating, “Interesting. Hm. Interesting situation …” Trust me, “interesting” is not a word you want spoken by someone examining your vehicle’s engine. Seriously, though, things aren’t too bad. I noticed a grinding noise in the front brakes a couple of weeks ago and figured I needed new brake pads. No surprise. I’ve been driving only “litely” since then and had already made an appointment with the mechanic for next week. Then yesterday, the grinding in the front end took on a whole new…<\/p>\n