Because of the cold and my wussy nature, I was indoors for my 9 mile long run this weekend. While it sucked to be indoors and not out on my beloved trails, it was actually a great run, and time flew by. I managed to finish the second half of a trashy celeb gossip mag that I had started earlier in the week at the gym, finish the second half of a Shape magazine of mine, and read a whole new Shape magazine (with hottie mchothot Marissa Miller in it....... oh hi motivation....)
I had originally planned to treat myself to the Nook I have been eyeing, but since my car decided to turn it's check engine light on Friday after work, I've been a bit hesitant to drive it. Now I'll be the first to tell you that I'm dumb with cars. I am. The light came on and I was immediately fearful that my engine was going to explode (and by explode I mean a giant ball of fire that was going to slowly and painfully burn me to death). After talking to the boy, he calmed my brain (only slightly, to be honest) in saying that it was probably just something small and not to freak. Which led me to think that a car should have two check engine lights.
- Image (see left)
- Meaning: at your earliest convenience please stop in at a mechanic nearest to you. Do not panic. It is likely something extremely minor, and your panic attack is not necessary and will make you look dumb. Have a nice day.
Check engine light #2:
- Image (see left)
- Meaning: Your car is going to blow up in t minus 5 seconds, burning you and your precious pink yoga mat in a fiery inferno. Your best bet is to perform a standard tuck and roll procedure NOW.
For the record, I also think it's important for the low fuel light to have similar distinctions. Perhaps the light/symbol/whatevs has an additional number indicating the remaining miles you have until you're stranded on the side of the road. Clearly I should design cars......
Seeing as how I work on cars, this may be the funniest post that I've read to date. On that note, the check engine light is most of the time on for an emissions related concern (to make the EPA happy) and is usually only immediate in nature if it is flashing. I would get it in sooner rather than later to have it checked out, but as long as it's driving no different than normal and the light isn't flashing you should be okay to drive until you can get it in. Again though sooner is better than later. Oh and if you really want some extra peace of mind in the mean time you could stop in to an Autozone or Pepboys somewhere like that will usually scan it for codes for free. That way you can make sure the "engine will blow up any second" code isn't stored! (just kidding that one doesn't exist...yet...)
ReplyDeleteGirl, first of all you are gorgeous and second of all you are hilarious! Great job on your run...I LOVE magazines:) Poor car....I have no idea what any of that stuff means ha! Have a great day gorgeous girl!
ReplyDeleteI agree! My check engine light came on this week and then a few days later I went to my car and noticed it had a flat tire. I'm pretty sure my engine and tire set up some sort of secret code/plan that forced me to go to the shop and buy new tires. They're tricky like that.
ReplyDeletehahhahah I do the same thing....I used to call my dad and freak out whenever my engine light came on, and I'd be like "can i still drive it?" "when will it break down?" "WHAT IS HAPPENING?"
ReplyDeleteGahhh. Glad I don't have a car anymore...
Also you will want to check and see if your gas cap is on. In most cars, the check engine light will come on if your gas cap is off. I use to have a bad habit of leaving them on the top of my car and driving off. Not the best place to put them.
ReplyDeleteI would like a light that is just a big green $ that will go off everytime there is some strange sound that I am ignoring b/c I am hopeing that it will "just go away." That just "ignoring it till it goes away" never works with cars or ex's, you're always better off biting the bullet and dealing with it. I think the big green $ would offer the proper motivation.
This happened to me too, ends up it was because the mechanic forgot to reset the check engine light after he changed the oil. That light totally freaks me out too. If the light is smart enough to turn on, it should be smart enough to tell you what's wrong with the engine.
ReplyDelete-Dom
Impressive graphic! Do you do Photoshop for a living??? :P
ReplyDeleteI'm car stupid, too, if a light goes on, I immediately bring it in for service. One time the light was "Check Oil" so when I called to make an appt and told them the problem, she goes, "Well? Did you check the oil?" I was all, huh??? Lol. Luckily my roommate showed me how it's done and to add oil. You know, the manuals that come with cars are surprisingly helpful! :D
haha I went through a pretty terrible ugly phase myself. I legit wore a purple chinese print suit thing to a 7th grade dance. Embarrassing. And I don't have a car so I am no help with those!
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