Budget Bust Vent-Car related

[Figment's Girl]

DH got laid off in December but got a new job in February and through a budget, we've been able to keep our plans to go to the World in October. However yesterday my car got really hard to turn so we dropped it off at Firestone and they just called. My power steering pump is out and the rack and pinion is shot.

We have to get my car fixed, but we did not need this expense.

 

[seashoreCM]

For those eavesdropping, you need to check the power steering fluid and brake fluid and transmission fluid the same way you check the oil, although these other items don't need refilling or changing as often.

If the power steering fluid gets too low, you may blow out the pump. Sometimes the car will give off a growling sound in advance as you make turns.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[pixiewings71]

If you're taking your car in to a shop for oil changes they should be checking all your fluids...OP if you do that you might want to check records to see if they claim they were doing that. They may be liable for helping with your repair costs.

I'm going to add a disclaimer that all the oil change places around us do check all our fluids so that's what I'm basing my comments on.

 

[lovesmurfs]

DH got laid off in December but got a new job in February and through a budget, we've been able to keep our plans to go to the World in October. However yesterday my car got really hard to turn so we dropped it off at Firestone and they just called. My power steering pump is out and the rack and pinion is shot.

We have to get my car fixed, but we did not need this expense.

I would recommend getting a second opinion. Used to use Firestone (they offered a then poor college student credit), and discovered every trip there cost over twice as much as expected. They always "seemed" to find something else wrong with our car. Not saying you don't need it, but for an expense like this, you might want to make sure it's legit.

 

[Figment's Girl]

If you're taking your car in to a shop for oil changes they should be checking all your fluids...OP if you do that you might want to check records to see if they claim they were doing that. They may be liable for helping with your repair costs.

I'm going to add a disclaimer that all the oil change places around us do check all our fluids so that's what I'm basing my comments on.

We change our own oil and do check our fluids. We changed my oil over a month ago and the fluid was fine. The leak started on Friday from what we can tell but didn't know that's what it was until I took it in.

I would recommend getting a second opinion. Used to use Firestone (they offered a then poor college student credit), and discovered every trip there cost over twice as much as expected. They always "seemed" to find something else wrong with our car. Not saying you don't need it, but for an expense like this, you might want to make sure it's legit.

I'm second guessing myself now but this Firestone is same one we have used for the last few years, ever since we went there for a second opinion and found it was better than the mechanic (who was a friend of my Dad's). They always give us a list of suggestions that we take but then do ourselves usually.