Never assume (sigh) / myLot

Shingle Springs, California

November 6, 2015 12:11am CST

Dearra's uncle left her his car when he passed away, and her dad has been doing car things with her, getting the AC fixed and one thing and another. So when she came and asked me what the lights on the dash were, I had her call him. Apparently his sister told him the car was in good shape, the oil was fine, etc. Well come on, that was 6 months ago, and he never thought to check the oil for her, or tell her she needs to have the oil checked? His father was a mechanic, and he used to work for him, so I just assume. Never assume, I guess. So he's coming out tomorrow, and hopefully it isn't anything serious. It has been really helpful having her drive and help with the twins and get herself to college. I would hate to see her with a blown engine. Ugh. Clearly we are going to have to have a talk about doing regular maintenance on the car. Never assume.

10 people like this

7 responses

Belle Starr (Iz)

@BelleStarr (61102)

• United States

7 Nov 15

Yes I guess it is never a good idea to assume anything. One of life's little lesson, car maintenance.

2 people like this

Peter Abrahamson

@petertheo (148)

• South Africa

8 Nov 15

If the oil light comes on you must stop the car immediately and check the oil level. Without lubrication to the engine parts it could seize up while driving!

1 person likes this

TheRealDawn

@dawnald (85146)

• Shingle Springs, California

8 Nov 15

Yes, but it turned out that the lights weren't coming on when the engine was running, just when she first turned the key before it turned over.

1 person likes this

Peter Abrahamson

@petertheo (148)

• South Africa

8 Nov 15

@dawnald It is normal for the oil light will show when the ignition key is turned on. When the engine is running the light must go out otherwise there is a problem with the oil pressure.

Janet Anderson

@Auntylou (4264)

• Oxford, England

8 Nov 15

Good advice, as prevention is always better than expensive cure!

1 person likes this

Show more comments

katsmeow1213

@katsmeow1213 (28716)

• United States

6 Nov 15

I always forget about checking the oil.. but that's what I have hubby for. Nobody ever had that talk with me honestly. By the time I started driving my mother was blind so she wasn't thinking about car maintenance.

1 person likes this

TheRealDawn

@dawnald (85146)

• Shingle Springs, California

7 Nov 15

They give me a mileage sticker and put it in my window, so I know approximately when I need to take it in for the next service. But Dearra will have to keep track of the miles.

2 people like this

TheRealDawn

@dawnald (85146)

• Shingle Springs, California

7 Nov 15

@katsmeow1213 If that happens probably there's either a leak or it's burning too much oil.

1 person likes this

katsmeow1213

@katsmeow1213 (28716)

• United States

7 Nov 15

@dawnald Yeah, I get those too... but your oil can still run low in between, especially if your vehicle is older like mine usually are.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

topffer

@topffer (42156)

• France

6 Nov 15

I hope she stopped immediately when she saw the light on, or there are chances that the cylinder head gasket has to be changed.

1 person likes this

TheRealDawn

@dawnald (85146)

• Shingle Springs, California

7 Nov 15

As it turns out, the lights weren't on when she was driving, just when she turned the key partway, which is normal. But he had it checked and the car has some issues.

2 people like this