Vehicles Can Be Such Needy Creatures!

Oh, the van. It's a love-hate relationship we have. I love the fact that it's completely paid for and that monthly payment is gone. I love that we can take friends along with us and that there is plenty of room for groceries and bags of mulch, etc. I hate the fact that it is 9 years old and needing a lot of maintenance right now!

I had the front brakes replaced last fall, paying well over $300. I was concerned at the time because when I asked about a AAA discount, the fellow said he had already given me over $400 in discounts! That just struck me funny, and I haven't been back to that repair shop. I did know, however, that it wouldn't be long before the rear brakes would need repaired. Thankfully, a fellow at our church is a mechanic, starting his own business, and this morning, he replaced the back brakes, the air filter and did an oil change, all for $300 and change. The oil change is with a new product that comes highly recommended from another mechanic at church and should last me for an entire year, which will be great!

Unfortunately.....(and you knew this was coming!) he looked at the front brakes while he was here and told me that they have maybe 10,000 miles left on them, that they are getting pretty thin. *sigh* After the bad feeling I had last fall, I'm not surprised. I also knew that I would be needing new tires before winter, but he said the rear ones are now down to the indicator strips, meaning they should be replaced sooner rather than later. He is going to be on the look-out for good used tires, and I'm okay with that.

Now, I know all this is just routine maintenance, part of the cost of owning a vehicle, but frankly, my emergency fund is running low. With my driving habits, I should be able to go at least 6 months before the front brakes need done, and hopefully I will be able to save up for that well before then. The tires? Well, I just hope he can find an inexpensive set; otherwise, we'll be heading to Sears and using the not-so-good ol' credit card.....again.

I keep telling myself if we can just make it until next February when I get my tax refund, we'll be back on solid ground. Unfortunately, on days like today, that seems like it will never happen. I know God will provide; this is just one area in my life that I have trouble fully releasing to and trusting in Him about. Sad, isn't it? At least there is overtime available this weekend, and I intend to take advantage of it! Part of His provision? I think so!