Dumb Blonde

Today I had to take my car in for an oil change. It's actually due for a complete tune up, but my grandfather, who knows a thing or two about cars, offered to show me how to change the air filter, rotate my tires, and check the spark plugs. Although I'm much more in favor of dropping the silver bullet off at Honda of Hollywood, I also appreciate the lesson in vehicle maintenance.

I ran by the auto part shop this morning to pick up my new filters and windshield wipers before dropping it off at the mechanic. As instructed, I told them all I wanted was a lube and oil change. The rest of the conversation went something like this:

"Do you want the full service?"

"Errr, what is added with that?"

"We check your fluids and air pressures"

"Right, yeah, sure"

"What about your air filter?"

"Oh, it's not in there"

"It's not in WHERE?"

"The engine. I took it out last night" (said in my proud I know what I'm doing tone) "the container thing is empty"

"Did you want us to put a new one in?"

"Oh that won't be necessary, I already bought a new one, it's in the passenger's seat"

I received a very confused look followed by a shake of the head as the mechanic walked away. 20 minutes later I was informed that the filters had been put in place "just to save me the effort" (wink wink)

So much for trying to be the independent knowledgeable female. I think I'll work the pity angle from now on. It seems to be pretty successful.