Car safety and preparing for winter

Robert usually does our oil changes. It's been that way for about a year and half or so. It saves money, and frankly, I feel like he, Uncle Derek & Grandpa Byers do a really good job of it. So good that I never missed taking my car to other places.

Well, right before the winter season (usually the first week of November), I try to get both the Trailblazer and the Focus winter-ready. That includes tire and brake checks, rotations and balances if necessary, oil changes at brick-and-mortar place, antifreeze checks, fluid checks, and usually a complete washing inside and out of both vehicles.

It's a lot of work, but this is what I have to say of it: You can't put a price on preparedness and safety. I think my parents, my grandparents, my aunt, and pretty much anyone else who had a hand in raising me has always taught me that, and I know that my Grandpa Gord would be very happy to know that we're taking such good care of our vehicles. :)

Last week, I took my car for an oil change, and also got the tires balanced and rotated. Because I bought 4 new tires this summer for it, those were just fine. I had the brakes and shocks checked as well, but everything was fine. I also got 2 new front wiper blades for the Trailblazer, and replaced those.

This week, I turned my attention to the Trailblazer specifically. I asked Robert to get an oil change in the Trailblazer today, and he just waited until I got home so I could go with him. We took it to a different place than I took my Focus, and they did a very thorough job. We learned that the two rear license plate lights (which are required), were burnt out. I was not thrilled, as replacing those on my car earlier this summer was not a fun task, but this one proved to be easy. Additionally, we learned we needed a new belt. Sigh.

When we got home, we discussed and decided to have Robert take the truck back to that place first thing tomorrow morning for the belt replacement. It's not an easy task, and I didn't want to mess with it at home. In addition, we finally got a quote on tires we're going to take, so I'm doing that tomorrow, too.

It's an expensive couple of weeks, but it's well-worth the price to be safe. Don't you think?