You find yourself sitting in the car 100 miles or more from Richmond. The car rocks every time another car goes by at, or above, the 65-mph speed limit. It rocks twice as hard when a semi rolls by. Looking out the windshield, you can still see the smoke curling up around the raised hood. If you knew more about cars, maybe you’d have some idea what to do about the problem – why the car started running rough, smoking, coughing and, finally, conking out here on a desolate stretch of highway.

Now that the car isn’t running, the AC isn’t working either and, even with the windows down, the temperature inside the car is stifling. The fun has gone out of the experience for your now-bickering children and you’re doing all you can to hold your temper. This was definitely not part of the plan when you contemplated taking this short vacation.

Sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck, while telling the kids, for the umpteenth time, “It won’t be long now,” you contemplate your situation. One concern is how long it will take before you and the kids are back on the road. The other question is just as big, or bigger – how much will this cost?

It’s hard to say. Did your engine, long overdue for an oil change, seize up into a molten block of iron? Did the water pump break, the thermostat stick shut, radiator spring a leak, an oxygen sensor stop sensing? Maybe you blew a head gasket or something as simple as a radiator hose split.

The range of potential problems listed above, along with other possible calamities, could cost a little or quite a lot. Hopefully, you have roadside service and a truck is on its way, the cost covered by your foresight and insurance. Once your car is towed to a strange auto repair shop in the little town you passed 10 miles and a couple hours ago, with any luck, they’ll have your car fixed in no time.

If you need parts they don’t have, you could find yourself waiting days for the parts to arrive. Then, hopefully, the auto repair shop is qualified and trustworthy. Of course, in a situation such as this, you can’t be all that choosy.
At this point, all you can do is try to convince the kids that it’s all part of an adventure while trying to convince yourself as well.  Maybe you can get them busy playing a game while the mechanic looks at your car.

Once you’re in a situation such as the one described above, there isn’t much you can do about it. The best option is to apply a little prevention ahead of time – before you and the children are stuck on the road 100 miles or more from Richmond.

Bring your car into your trusted auto repair shop for regular maintenance and service, such as regular oil changes. And, before you take that trip, have your auto repair technicians look the car over thoroughly so you can avoid unpleasant surprises. The, have a great summer.