It's a second hand Ford Mondeo Zetec. Zetec? I think that's what it's called. I'm sure Zetec is on my car insurance. And it's got a 2 litre engine. Or 2.0 litre engine. I don't why the .0 matters, but apparently it does. Oh, and also, it uses Unleaded petrol. That's about everything I know about my car. It's silver too. I forgot that bit. Here's a photo of it.
It's quite a big car. For me. My last car was a 1.0 litre Citroen Saxo, which got written off when another car slid into it on black ice. I didn't replace it; I didn't need a car in London. So I was really excited when I got this. It's the first car I've owned that accelerates up hills. It's very exciting.
The problem is, I don't know how to look after it. Sure, I can wash it with a sponge and some hot soapy water. I can park it OK and push the wing mirrors in so they don't get knocked off. And most of the time I remember to lock it. But what about the important stuff?
How do I change the oil? How do I replace a tyre? How do I stop the bodywork going rusty? What does a spark plug do? What does a spark plug look like? What the hell is that rattling noise?
Why do the wheels look mouldy? What pressure should the tyres be? What is this white stuff and how do I get it off?
And most important of all, how do I remove this dead bug from my rear brake light??
I don't know anything about cars. But I wish I did. I wish I could walk into a garage and understand at least some of the jargon being spouted by the mechanics. I wish I knew how to fix a problem myself or knew what to do if my car broke down on the roadside. I wish I could extend the life of my car and save it from landfill for as long as possible.
So this month I will learn how to maintain my car. I'll get my hands dirty, learn some lingo and pray that my car gets through its MOT test in a few weeks' time. Then scratch my arse crack and have a cup of tea with three sugars.
What do you wish you could do? Take your first small step towards fulfilling it this month.
That's an excellent wish and one I can totally relate to. I know sod all about how my car works. I've used my AA membership to cll them out to change a tyre, I'm that hopeless. Like you, I'm in the lap of the gods when I hand my car over for it's MOT. They can say anything about my car, I haven't a clue what they're talking about and have no choice but to agree to let them do whatever work they claim needs doing :( Good luck with your challenge.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul, I don't expect I'll be up to Formula Pit Crew standard by the end of the month, but I reckon I could learn how to change a tyre - that would be something. Great to meet up with you yesterday Paul. I had such a good laugh! Best of luck with your stamp challenge this month.
DeleteGreat choice, I'm with you (and Paul) all the way on this one! haven't got a clue about cars. I can check the oil and tyre pressure but the rest remains a complete mystery to me. Good luck :-)
ReplyDeleteCheers Sparky, this is one of those wishes prompted by something I'm a little bit embarrassed I can't do. I won't tell you how long it took me to work out how to open the bonnet!
DeleteWhat are you up to project-wise this month?
I'm afraid I hit a bit of a downer/depression this month so sadly I have done, erm, NOTHING. I have joined a local gym in an attempt to regain some of my old mojo though, so that's something positive...
ReplyDeleteAh that's a bummer. Sorry to hear that, I didn't know. Such a nuisance how happy spells are so often followed by low ones. Onset of winter probably doesn't help either. Fingers crossed the gym recharges you.
DeleteTell you what, once I've breathed new life into my car, how about I take it for a spin to Emsworth? I'd love to see this life-changing place of yours! And I haven't forgotten that you offered to meet up during my darkest days earlier this year. :-)
Hi, sorry, I don't receive any notifications when you post a reply, so I have no idea you've added something! It would be great to see you when you've breathed new life into your car - give me a shout when you and your car are ready and I'll show you the sights of Emsworth. (It's very small so we'll probably need to spend some time in a pub. Shame)! :-)
DeleteYou make a mundane subject very entertaining - the bug made me laugh. I look forward to your next wish of the month. Maybe I'll try my own, but I don't know where you find the time!
ReplyDelete