I was at my sister and brother-in-law’s a week or so ago and asked my brother-in-law if he thought the air in my tires was low.  He pulled out a tire gauge (I couldn’t find mine) and it turned out the tires were really low.  Which got him to asking a couple questions.  The exchange went something like this:

•    “When was the last time you had your tires rotated?”
•    “Uh…”
•    “When was the last time you changed the oil?”
•    “Well, uh…”

Yes, I haven’t been paying much attention to the ole car lately, so I decided to remedy the situation.  I called the local lube shop.  I got a price for changing the oil.  Then, I asked if they rotated tires.  The man on the phone assured me they did.  Then, I confirmed that they’d also balance the tires.  The man on the phone said “Well, uh…”

OK, even I know you can’t just rotate the tires unless you enjoy riding on roller coasters.  So, I asked him where he would go if he wanted the tires rotated and balanced.

Based on his recommendation, I called the next shop.  Yes, I discovered that they rotate and balance tires.  But, they don’t change oil.  However, the shop right next door does.

Great, I thought.  I can make one stop and get both things done.  And, since I had a ride to get some other things done, I wouldn’t even have to wait in the shop.

Everything worked out just fine until the next time I left the house.  There was a puddle under the car that turned out to be oil.  So, I stopped back into the shop.  They checked everything out and all was well.  They assured me it was just some oil that was dripping from the undercarriage of the car.

However, it’s a week later, and the car is still dripping.  I’ve checked the oil level, though, and it still shows full.  So, I guess it is just spilled oil.  I’ll take it back one more time, but I bet I’ll end up going to the car wash.

I’m befuddled.  How badly can you mess up an oil change?  And, seriously, how much oil can you spill while you’re doing it?!?!?