My Trusty Steed is 26 years old this year as of September that is and so far I have given her a few presents. The first was a service including oil change and a full medical check-up.

A few issues were found , one main one was the replacement of the belt tensioner which keeps the pressure on the serpentine belt that snakes through the power steering, alternator etc. I got a call half way through the day to tell me that when they were removing the radiator to access this that the radiator shit itself, I was furious but had no choice but to replace it and we came to a compromise over the cost and I got new upper and lower hoses fitted as well. To be honest the radiator is years old and I do not remember replacing it so it could be the original one and the car is running a lot cooler which is good because the weather is getting rather hot.

On the way home the other night the battery warning light came on a few minutes from home and then I lost the power steering, can’t believe just how difficult it is to turn a corner with no assisted steering. When I got home I looked under the bonnet and the drive belt had come loose somehow and my first thought was that the tensioner had shit itself but as it turns out it was another wee thing that had shit itself.

So yesterday I called the RACQ tow truck and took the car to the mechanic and he diagnosed the problem in seconds, it seems that the Harmonic Balancer had a meltdown and this is why the belt became dislodged. He told me yesterday that it might be Monday before he could get round to it and so I was very surprised when he called me late yesterday afternoon to say she was ready but alas I was still working but thankfully we got reunited this morning.

I had to use the train to get home yesterday and the this morning going to work and the bus home again and I forgot just how much time you waste having to rely on public transport, my car is a necessity and life would be very difficult and very uncomfortable without it.

I know that there are a few other wee things that must be done because she is getting on and some parts are original and wear and tear does take its toll over the years and that is why I try to maintain my Trusty Steed because I would be lost without her.