Note: I'm writing this while at the gym and on my iPhone, so please forgive any typos.
On Wednesday when I got a new tire for my car and bought a bike, I also was given a strong suggestion.
Get new brakes --- Soon!
The mechanic told me I have about 20% left.
Oooops!
I'd known that it had to be coming soon. After all, it has been at least six years since I last had my brakes done. But I'd been hoping to hold out till November so I'd have a couple months of lower expenses before messing with them.
I considered going back to the mechanic I used during my Murphy month. But then I realized that he'd told me my tires were fine and made no mention of my brakes. ( this was after me specifically asking him to tell me if he noticed anything else) Not to mention that he's way out of my way now.
This doesn't seem like something I can put off for very long. I hate to put more money in the car if I'm just going to be trading it in soon. But I was really hoping to wait for a car sales crunch time - esp end of qtr and end of month when they're desperate to make a sale.
The last time I got brakes, I think it was around 100. But I don't think they were as far gone. I'm worried it's going to be a $$$$ job.
I probably just need to take it to a mechanic ( maybe my stepdad can suggest one - he used to live in my new area) and get an estimate.
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I ordered a cashback reward from Chase before moving for $100. It came on Tuesday, so last night I deposited it and my paycheck. Guess all my car troubles and tuition bills are good for something.
It will add up much more slowly now because I can't put my rent on it anymore. Cheaper rent is worth it.
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I checked into a local bike club. There is only one ride for novice bikers, and it is on Saturday mornings when I'm in church. So that won't work.
I found a book on bike care at my library which I put a hold on. It's written for kids, but I bet the info will still be useful. There was one book for adults, but there were no copies. ( I've asked why they have books in their catalog if they don't actually have any copies. I was told that it means they did have a copy at one time, but it was lost or irreparrably damaged.)
Lux, I checked out the bike tutor site. Lots of good info. The main thing I was looking for though was how to know if your chain is on correctly. My chain had come off the gears when I took it home. I put it on the lowest gear and was able to ride it, but there is a clicking type noise once every revolution.
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I'm really looking forward to this weekend. Nowhere to go, just relax and see if I can work ahead in some of my classes.
There's another reason I love weekends, but I'll have to save it for another post.
Brakes and Rebates
October 2nd, 2009 at 04:51 pm
October 2nd, 2009 at 05:11 pm 1254499887
Jerry
October 2nd, 2009 at 05:11 pm 1254499903
Ummm, have you tried WD-40, or for us more adventurous frugal types, Pam type cooking spray while rotating the pedals so the chain gets good and saturated?
Car brakes? Yeouch!!
Can you drive minimally for now and wait for the end of Oct sales crunch? ...but still, brakes are important!!!
Have you done any investingating about what brand you might like to replace it with in the future? Don't forget insurance costs when searching for cars - some brands and colors have much cheaper coverage costs.
October 2nd, 2009 at 05:47 pm 1254502077
October 2nd, 2009 at 05:53 pm 1254502420
Lux, after talking to my dad, I think I'm going to go ahead and get them fixed so when ready to get a diff car I won't be in a rush (ie fond something before the brakes go out.)
that is a good idea to call some bike shops and see what they'd say about the chain
October 2nd, 2009 at 05:56 pm 1254502582
Thanks for the info! I saw that term on the owners manual, but had no clue what it was.
October 2nd, 2009 at 06:11 pm 1254503473
October 2nd, 2009 at 06:53 pm 1254505983
October 2nd, 2009 at 07:56 pm 1254509768
I hope you have a great weekend and I can't wait to hear why you look forward to them so much
October 3rd, 2009 at 01:04 am 1254528275
To find out the mpg ratings for all major automobiles from 1985-2008 go to:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
October 3rd, 2009 at 04:20 pm 1254583214
http://www.savingadvice.com/forums/personal-finance/48929-...
October 3rd, 2009 at 07:18 pm 1254593930