TUNE-UP

At 116,500 miles, it was time.

The Firebird needed new oxygen sensors, a transmission flush and a major tune-up so I took her across the street to one of the few Texaco stations that still provide real auto mechanics' services and is owned by a trusted and reputable man, of whom I've known since high school. It wasn't going to be cheap and I wanted it done RIGHT.

The popular sentiment is that American-made cars don't last as long as Japanese vehicles and that they require more maintenance and out-of-pocket expense for that maintenance. At 116, 500 miles, I'm getting the "Ooooo ... might wanna look at selling, won't last past 150,000"

And to that I say "Watch Me."

Since the Firebird is no longer in production—and my Bird is bee-yoo-ti-ful—I want to keep her that way and running smoothly.

So I say, "Robert—winter's just around the corner, so bring'er up to speed. Nose-to-bumper, plugs, wires, fuses, filters, fluids, check everything and replace where necessary."

I decided to upgrade from a synthetic blend to a pure synthetic, and so provided the Mobil 1 and the Fram oil filter—because I always provide the oil and filter every precious 3,000 miles—but I did take a little pride when I presented my upgraded choices to the mechanic that Friday morning.

Late Friday afternoon I received the call that the car was ready, so I walked across the street and Robert himself was there to explain the work that had been done.

New gas filter and an in-depth explanation about the effect of the ethanol in the gas on the gas tank.

No fuses necessary—good.

Diagnostics showed nothing irregular—good

Headlamps adjusted, transmission flushed and all fluids replaced—good, good.

Wiring harness replaced—good, it had been attacked by a squirrel two summers ago and had since been wrapped in electrical tape.

Oxygen sensors replaced—good

Et-cetera, et-cetera.

Double-tipped platinum spark plugs

—What ?

—What ?

[ My sister's engagement ring is made of platinum, and there were several zero's involved ... ]

Robert went thru the list —each line item— and these numbers were adding up to more —MUCH more— than I had figured into my budget.

But my mind locked onto those DOUBLE-TIPPED PLATINUM SPARK PLUGS. And stayed there.

And then the final bill was tallied and presented to the tune of Eight hundred, Seventy-two dollars and forty-three cents.

That's right. $872.43

My next tune-up should cost about 50 cents.

* * *

On the flip side, the Bird is running better than the day I bought her.

I'm getting better gas mileage, and I love that instant-smooth, growl-purr when I cold-start her in the morning.


* * *

Post Script: When I bought the Firebird 5 years ago, I'm quite sure the original owners had never done any sort of maintenance, so I immediately introduced a synthetic blend oil every at 3,000 miles, and after thoroughly lubricating it for 2 years with a blend I'm using pure synthetic from here on out.

Mobil 1 is the choice of those who know best.

I'll get 300,00 on this Bird.

Watch Me.