I have just returned from a fortnight's vacation with my wife.
We haven't spent so much time together 24/7 in 44 years of marriage.
We discovered that we actually like each other's company.
Now, before I get lambasted for posting in the wrong thread...
On the morning of day 3 of the trip, my trusty "just been serviced" Subaru Forester jerked, rasped and spluttered on me. As this is the short version of the saga, I will put it in point form:
1. The nearest dealer was 200+kms away, so I had to limp mode on until the dash lights were flashing like a psychedelic light show from the 1970's.
2. The AA-appointed towing contractor took 3.5 hours to arrive at our breakdown point.
3. The tow-in took another hour.
4. The very cooperative Somerset West Subaru dealer was sympathetic to my plight, but it was Friday afternoon and POETS* Day. They agreed to prioritize my problem and "take a look" on Monday... latest Tuesday.
(They did refer me to a nearby car hire so we could continue on our trip.)
5. To find out what was wrong, the engine head had to come off. To take the head off a Subaru engine, the engine has to come out. (10hrs labor task)
6. The problem was traced very easily. #1 cylinder spark plug electrode had burned / broken off and got stuck between the inlet valve and seat. A spark plug costing about 10 minutes of a techie's labor had caused this...!
We discussed options within my budget and time frame and I authorized some preventative replacements ahead of time while the engine was out.
We continued on our trip in the hire car. while the parts were sourced..
Then the hire care was broken into.
If it wasn't bolted to the car, they stole it...!
Spare wheel, jack, tools, wheel spanner...
I had left all my riding kit locked inside the trunk - helmet, jacket, pants, boots. They took the lot !
My Vespa cap, two more hats, my prescription lens Oakley sunglasses... and an umbrella. They even stole my late mother's extendable walking cane I use when my knee is acting up from next to the driver's seat !
The damages to the car were just less than the hire car insurance policy deductible. I managed to source a used wheel rim, new tyre, generic jack and wheel spanner so I could drive the 500kms back to Somerset west to return the car. I clear taped the window and made the best of a bad situation.
Our trip was pleasant, but a financial disaster.
All losses considered, it was about 200 times of the cost of the spark plug that caused the failure.
Moral of the story?
If the workshop asks if you want to change the spark plugs,
JUST DO IT ! Even if it isn't due for another 15 thousand kms.
Oh yes... 'POETS Day' is short for "Push Off Early, Tomorrow's Saturday!"