What I don’t know about cars could easily fill one, but something felt…off about my ride.
When I was on the highway and accelerating, the RPM’s would rev up higher than usual before the gears would shift. And when decelerating – especially down a hill – it would spike really high before swinging back down.
I was worried it was the T word – Transmission – and I figured it was better to get it checked out and repaired before the dang thing fell out on the highway.
I did a little research online and found that there could be a lot of things that might mimic a transmission problem so instead of going to a transmission place, I opted to make an appointment at the dealership.
I got there early on a Saturday morning for the appointment and instead of parking and walking in – which I tried – the protocol was to stay in the car and queue up in front of the garage doors.
So much for setting an appointment.
The place opened up, I got in, and explained the problem. They took down the mileage and took my keys, then sent me to the waiting room to…well…wait.
It took a couple of hours before they came to talk to me. There was a lot of jargon about what they tested and what they didn’t find – then asked if I had my transmission fluid changed. I did – last year – after we got back from vacation and we’d had that overheating problem.
The technician said it might be that and suggested that they could change it. I gave the go ahead and sat to wait again in the waiting room.
Jim checked in by text and I gave him the update.
When the fluid was replaced, I got the bill and went to check out. I had guessed correctly when I brought my checkbook since they are now charging a fee for using a credit card.
(Checks are making a comeback!)
It was a bit over $200 and they didn’t really find a problem – but since they tested everything related and drove it around, I guess I’ve got a little more piece of mind.
I collected my keys and headed for my car – and got a few surprises when I got in and started it.
Both rear view mirrors had been adjusted, the seat had been raised and moved forward. And the radio had been turned back on and was set to a station that I don’t listen to.
Apparently, the technician that drove my car is much shorter than I am – and really likes talk radio.
So, I’m still vaguely worried about the car when I drive the highways of Northeast Ohio, but I’m trying to get used to the new normal.