Although a transit pass here is only $6 per day, it would it be worth it after paying a chiropractor and a mental health therapist for stress therapy. Plus, I’d have to feed the mule. Maybe I could ride it to make my connections! I would definitely love to forgo the cost of operating a vehicle. It would be ideal to be independent of a car payment, auto insurance, fuel, upkeep, garaging, parking fees, toll fees, registration, taxes and other unexpected items. If I compare the two, what would make the most sense, cost-wise?

AAA’s STUDY

In 2017, AAA revealed the true cost of owning and operating a vehicle. They claim that it costs an average of $8,500 per year to own and operate a vehicle! That’s over $700 per month. This study is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, which most of us do. They estimated this on several factors including:
• Depreciation
• Maintenance and Repair
• Fuel
• Electric Vehicle or Not
You only pray that fuel prices drop, taxes don’t increase, you can find a good sale on tires and your insurance company gives you as many discounts as possible.

WHERE DOES YOUR VEHICLE RATE?

My vehicle falls into the medium SUV category, which is the second highest cost vehicle to own and operate. Again, this study is from the fall of 2017, so these rates have likely increased. Where does your vehicle rate on the list? Here is AAA’s list of the least expensive to the highest cost vehicle to own and operate:
• Small Sedan $ 6,354
• Small SUV $ 7,606
• Hybrid $ 7,687
• Med Sedan $ 8,171
• Electric $ 8,439
• Minivan $ 9,146 (humiliated and financially tapped out)
• Lg Sedan $ 9,399
• Med SUV $ 9,451
• Pickup Truck $10,054

When I was shopping for a new car, I only cared about price, safety, appearance and of course the quality of the stereo system. Now it gets me thinking…do I even make $ 9,500 a year at this job that I require transportation for?

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

THE COST OF OPERATING A VEHICLE – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Goodyear recommends that you have your tires balanced and rotated every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. So, while I’m getting my oil changed I will have them do this as well. Often times irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating your tires. It is also recommended that the alignment is checked at least once a year. Misalignment of the front or rear tires can cause rapid or uneven wear. Front wheel drive and cars with independent rear suspension require alignment of all four wheels instead of two.

A tire’s tread directly affects how it grips the road, so it’s important to inspect them regularly for visible signs of uneven wear. The penny test is recommended since it is easy to do. Insert a penny into your tire’s groove (with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you). If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, your tire depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace them. If you have a pocket full of change, or a quarter instead, insert it into the groove. If the tread touches Washington’s head, you have at least 4/32 inch of tread remaining.

And, as they say, the best solution is often the easiest. Properly inflated tires can benefit more than just the tread wear. It will help to ensure your safety, extend the life of your tire and even help your fuel economy.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Car Tire Care – Comedy Defensive Driving

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So, inspections won’t change. And inspection locations won’t change either. The only thing that will change is that you will no longer get an inspection sticker. Now, you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) in lieu of an inspection sticker. And vehicle inspection stations will no longer collect the state’s portion of the inspection fee. They will only be charging the station’s fee. And the state’s fee will be charged at the time of registration renewal.

You must get your inspection no more than 90 days before registration is due to expire. But, to sinc up those (like me) whose two stickers expire months apart, only this first year, they are cutting us some slack and not making us get two inspections in a year. Say, if your inspection expires before your registration. You only need to get your car inspected when it’s due and that will suffice when you get your registration renewal.

And, bottom line, it’s supposed to save the state of Texas over a million dollars! Again, pretty smart, eh?
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Texas Two Step – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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After the slushy sleet angel event, my parents and I were having breakfast at a local diner. I was eavesdropping on the retired postal workers in the booth behind me. They were comparing crazy weather stories and talking about how to keep your car running in winter. Again, it couldn’t have been better timing. I wonder if they noticed that I was taking notes.
One important item that you want to make certain is in good working condition is your battery. I just had an incident on Wednesday where my car wouldn’t start. I had just purchased a new battery, so I knew that couldn’t be the problem. But this time it was the starter. It was a cold and rainy day. But, I was thanking my lucky stars that it was daylight and I was in a well-lit, heavily populated place at the time. Plus, I’m in Texas…where you will always find people with good old fashioned manners willing to help you out. If you are a woman in distress, not to worry. Every serial killer will come out of the woodwork to help you. The starter was something that couldn’t have been detected. But, remember to make sure your battery terminals and connections are free of corrosion.

Keep your windshield clean and clear. Replace your windshield wiper blades, if needed and keep your wiper fluid reservoir topped up. Also, make sure your defroster is working properly.

Don’t forget to check your tire pressure. Your tires lose 1 pound per square inch whenever the temperature drops 10 degrees. Properly inflated tires help with better traction. Also make sure your tires have adequate tread. This will help in snow and ice. If not, you will need to consider replacing them with your Christmas money. And, NO you can’t just “comb” the tread over the bald spots…God knows I’ve tried.

And remember, engine oil tends to thicken as it gets colder. Make sure when you have your oil changed, that you have the best viscosity to keep your engine well lubricated. Switch to a thinner, less viscous oil during the colder months.
This is also an imperative time to check and possiblly flush and replace your antifreeze. It should be mixed with water, 50/50. Use a brand that won’t attract animals. I’ve lost a dog from drinking antifreeze. It’s a bad way to go, and I’m sorry to bring you down.

Keep the gas tank full and keep an emergency winter care kit in your car. Jumper cables, flares, Jack Daniels, money to call and order a pizza, cell phone charger, blanket, water, ice scraper, a small bag cat litter, a cat and a tool kit.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Keep Your Car Running in Winter – ComedyDefensiveDriving.com

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Preventative maintenance, paying close attention to and not ignoring certain signs could save you a bundle in the long run. For example, a catalytic converter, responsible for controlling your vehicle’s emission system, is over a whopping one thousand dollars to replace. Replacement could have been prevented if the spark plugs and fuel injectors were checked and replaced as needed. Smaller things lead to larger things in the end. And that’s just one example of how keeping up with common auto repairs could have saved you money.

Routine maintenance expenses include brake service, oil changes, battery replacement, tire replacement, windshield wiper replacement, tune-ups, timing belt replacement or drive belt replacement. Of course, if you can educate yourself on how to do some of these yourself, it could save you a bundle if you’re on a budget. From my experience, executives don’t look good with grease under their nails. So, leave the common auto repairs and maintenance up to the professionals. Again, not keeping up routine maintenance usually costs more money to fix. Unexpected costly repairs and possibly costly towing expenses.
Unexpected repairs that usually begin to occur one day after your car is out of warranty (isn’t that an odd coincidence?) include shocks and struts, power steering pump, alternator replacement, starter replacement and sometimes internal engine repairs or transmission issues.

On another note, if you are budgeting and trying to cut down on fuel costs, even a missing gas cap leads to fuel evaporating into the environment. Bad for the environment and bad for your budget.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Common Auto Repairs – Comedy Defensive Driving

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If she was really that good at reading the future, wouldn’t she would have already noticed the warning signs that her transmission was failing? Here are a few of those indications:

• If your car is leaking black or pink oil (i.e. if your garage floor looks like a Jackson Pollock painting).

• If your car is making a knocking, pinging sound.

• If your “check engine” light is on.

• If you smell something burning under your hood.

• If your car takes its time shifting gears (especially noticeable when the engine is cool).

• If your car seems to be stuck in neutral, even when you step on the gas.

• If your clutch seems to drag.

First, check your transmission fluid level. It would also be a good idea to just take to your mechanic and have him check it out to see if it’s going to be a serious issue that requires more than topping up your fluid levels. Perhaps your mechanic has a better read on your car’s future than your own personal clairvoyant.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist / Idea Mogul

Transmission Troubles – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Times have certainly changed. Oil chemistry and engine technology have improved to the point that most cars, these days, can go several thousand more miles before changing the oil than they did in the past. What used to be a recommended oil change at 3,000 miles is now between 7,500 and 10,000 miles or more. I always loved the bit that Comedienne Nancy Reed used to do about “True Confessions.” One of her many, funny, true confessions onstage was that she’d call one of those telephone companion hotlines and tell them “I haven’t changed my oil since 1999!” And, yes, I italicized the word companion, because we all know there is no other “nice” word for it.

Since your mechanic generally takes care of all of the other lubricants and greases that your car requires, let’s focus on engine oil. Here’s what it does, in case you were curious. Oil lubricates the engine and keeps it running smoothly. Less friction means less effort which takes some stress off of the engine. Therefore, keeping the temperature down and your car more fuel efficient. Just like in a relationship. The less friction, the longer it lasts. The more friction, someone will eventually throw a rod, and be garaged for a long time.

And, another thing, an oil change is not to be confused with a lube job. A lube job lubricates the chassis and suspension system. A different part of the car, altogether. So they are two different things. If your mechanic asks you if you want a lube job or asks you if he can check your lubricant, make sure you clarify which, before you presumptuously slap his face.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Types of Engine Lubricants – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Ah, vehicle maintenance, you got to love it! When do you know that your car’s air conditioning is not functioning properly? When the interior is melting like a Salvador Dali painting? It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, men wore business suits, neckties and even hats in a car with no AC. People used to leave kids in hot cars (probably with a motive). Now, if you leave a child in a hot car, you will likely go to jail. My mother would leave us in the car while she shopped for groceries. One time (and I swear this is true) I saw her come out of the store, hop in a cab and leave. That Oldsmobile was like a cheap babysitter with crank windows and no AC.

There are warning signs to let you know that you need a good AC tuning. You could possibly avoid having your car’s air conditioning fail by performing preventative vehicle maintenance at the first sign of trouble. Here are some signs that you may have a problem that needs to be addressed:

• Your car AC is blowing hot or warm air instead of cold.

• You have a disconnected or damaged drive belt.

• There are damages on the refrigerant hoses.

• There is oil on some of the AC components. This is a sign that you are experiencing refrigerant loss.

• The compressor shows signs of failure such as a paint damage, rust, or off-center drive hub.

• The drive belt seems to be squealing or slipping while the A/C controls are on maximum.

• The air conditioning system does not seem to stay on steadily for a long time, and may show on and off cycles every few minutes.

• The condenser fan seems to work with varying and unstable speed and volume.
  Since 2000, most vehicles have a cabin air filter (sometimes known as Pollen Filter). It should be replaced once a year, after all it filters the air you breathe inside your vehicle.

Don’t put off your AC tuning. You should have your car’s air conditioning system checked once a year, preferably before you will need to use the AC. Prevention is definitely the best way to go, but you can also drop by your neighborhood mechanic at any time if you notice something going wrong.

When you take your car in for your annual air conditioning check, your mechanic will perform a system check and inspection. They will thoroughly examine the components for leaks, cracks, damages, and temperature readings. Most car service centers and mechanics can conduct such inspections quickly and then give you a full report, including an estimate. This way, you’ll have some idea of what, if any, repairs or replacements will be necessary to keep you cool all summer long!

Until next week…keep it cool and keep up your vehicle maintenance.

Daun Thompson

Comedienne / Writer / Artist / Airhead Savant

AC Tuning – Comedy Defensive Driving

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So we’re all stuck with cars here in the city. And the time has come for a little summer car maintenance. Coolant and properly inflated tires are paramount in summer driving. Coolant is something that you can check on your own and top up as needed. Checking hoses and belts that may have worn out or cracked is always a priority as well. You don’t want to be stranded in the heat with a stalled car. And, if you didn’t know, tire pressure changes with the rising temperatures. Approximately one to two PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree increase in outside air temperature, according to RMA (Rubber Manufacturing Association), which is great to know when performing your summer car maintenance. You should consult your owner’s manual or the sidewall of your tire to see what your tire pressure should be and check it with a hand pressure gauge or just let the guys at the service shop do it for you and keep your paws clean. Also, tires that are over- or under inflated can reduce the vehicle’s handling capability or generate excess heat, causing a blowout. And don’t forget about keeping your spare tire properly inflated.

While air conditioning can be a drag on fuel economy in stop-and-go driving, keeping the windows up and the a/c on improves aerodynamics and is ideal on the highway. Plus, it will keep the driver and passengers comfortable and reduce driver fatigue. Parking in the shade is always good, not only for the exterior appearance of your car, but makes it easier on the a/c system to cool your interior more quickly.

With a little summer car maintenance, you can assure a safer, and more energy efficient travels.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Comedienne / Writer / Artist / Airhead Savant

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