I’ll never forget the moment we had a family emergency and I wasn’t able to help out in the way that I should have because my car wasn’t working. I’d missed the last two scheduled car services and my car was barely starting, but until the point of the family emergency, I had still managed to get around. Of course when I needed to take a family member to hospital, my car didn’t start, and I became useless in the quest to help save my family member. After that day, I promised myself I would never again miss a car service. Malvern East, where I live, has an abundance of car mechanics nearby, so I literally have no excuse not to stick to my promise. If I don’t, then I’m setting myself up for another situation where I’ve failed my family when they need me most. I will not let that happen again.
Ever since that day, I’ve actually advocated to my friends about the benefits of getting your car serviced regularly. None of them, like my old self, think that car services are worth it, seeing as we’re all poor struggling students and our cars are seemingly running alright. But I’m slowly chipping away at them and encouraging them to follow the guidelines set out in their log books so that they don’t experience the sadness I’ve experienced.
Last week I actually drove my friend to his car service. South Yarra isn’t too far from my house, so I figured driving my friend would be a good way to spend my afternoon. That way I know there’s at least one other person out there ready to protect their family when they need it.
I feel a lot more in control after all the effort I’ve put in to stay on top of my servicing. It’s a relief to know that I can rely on my car when I need to, and it’s also nice not to hear that screeching noise every time I turn on the engine.