Car maintenance -- Yeah, your car runs on oil and it’s pretty important to change it.

You know that four-wheeled thing that gets you to and from work, the gym, and most importantly, the Starbucks drive-thru? Shockingly enough... sometimes it needs a little more than just gas to work properly. 

The easy stuff

Not every little problem with your vehicle needs a professional's help. So there are some things that you can do to keep your car in tip-top condition.

1. Make sure you always have gas: This may seem like a “duh” moment, but if your car runs out of gas it can actually do some significant engine damage. Plus no one wants to be that person on the side of the road having to walk in the heat/rain/snow back and forth between your car and the gas station. So don’t go playing chicken when that little light comes on, go get gas at the closest station you can find.

2. Check your oil: The number of times I have heard the phrase “Did you check your oil?” in my life is wild, my dad truly should have it tattooed on himself at this point. But he has a great point. Checking your oil takes all of 3 minutes or less, and is the easiest way to keep your car running FOREVER. And guess what... the only tools you need are a paper towel, and a quart of oil…how easy is that!? Here is a little instruction video to help you out, but keep in mind that every car is different, so make sure you take a look at your manual before you are tinkering under the hood. 

3.  Keep your car clean: You never know, your boss may want you to drive to a client meeting, so try to always keep your car clean both inside and outside!

Um...something is not right here, but I can handle it

There are some things that might need to be replaced or fixed, that are actually pretty easy. Things like replacing windshield wipers, refilling windshield wiper fluid, changing a flat tire, and sometimes even replacing your headlights and taillights can be done if you just take a little time. Most of these things you can actually find tutorials for on YouTube, even down to the specific make and model of your vehicle! And when you go to any auto part store, they can look up the exact part that is perfect for your car. 

Now the hardest of these things is going to be changing a flat tire. The best way to learn, is to actually do it on your own car. If you have someone who is good at it, let them teach you. And practice it on your own three times. This way if anything ever goes wrong, you know your way around your vehicle enough to do it on your own. 

Wait, what does this light mean?

So, the dreaded little check engine light has come on, what do you do? Some cars give you a little code that you can cross-reference in your user manual to see what’s wrong, so that is step one. Step two, often the hardest part, you find someone who can fix it. 

Now, if you are lucky to know someone who knows their way around fixing a car, tell them what is going on and maybe they will be able to help you, usually at a MUCH cheaper cost. If you don’t have any car experts in your circle, I am going to tell you what not to do. Do NOT take your car to get serviced at the dealership. Anna and I can tell you that they will definitely pull the wool over your eyes. First things first, if you are not confident about vehicles they will use that against you and find anything and everything that is wrong with your car, even if nothing is really wrong.  They also will charge around $150-$200 per hour on labor, plus the huge upcharge on the parts. Don’t believe me? If you are ever there, make sure you grab an itemized receipt and do a little math. 

Now the next question is, where do I go if I shouldn’t take it to the dealership. This is where some research will need to be done. Ask everyone, and I am talking EVERYONE, your co-workers, your neighbors, your friends at the gym, you can even check Yelp. Try to go for smaller, usually family-owned repair and service shops, eventually, you will find the right fit. Nervous to try one out? Wait until you need something like a simple oil change and trust your gut, if they are fair on cost, get the job done quickly, and don’t come back to you with a laundry list of things that are “wrong” then you may have found a good fit. Congratulations, you have won the adult lottery! And if you haven’t found that perfect fit yet, don’t stop trying. Having someone who you trust under the hood can make a world of difference.

Sometimes having a car can be both a blessing and a curse. But as long as you take good care of your car, it will be there for you for years and years to come. 

Why shopping at Costco is the best decision (as long as you don’t live in NYC, LA or SFO)

Here’s how adulting goes, first, walk across that stage and get that degree. Then go to Costco, get a membership, and celebrate with a churro. At just $60 dollars (plus a $1 churro), that membership is your golden ticket into a whole new world of shopping. 

Buying Bulk Saves that Money Honey

You may ask yourself “Will I really use ten pounds of frozen chicken?” You won’t for one single meal. But buying that huge bag once is not only cheaper than buying ten one-pound packages whenever you need it, but IT IS A LIFESAVER. Don’t know what to make? Make a meal a little more balanced by having chicken and putting the mac and cheese on the side. 

I don’t know about you but there are a few things that I LOATHE shopping for. One is make-up wipes, mostly because I always run out before I forget to restock. So I started buying them at Costco, and I only have to buy them twice a year. What a game-changer, never will I sleep with my make-up on again (hey, sometimes it happens). Plus, they are way cheaper than running to Target once a month, plus a trip to Target usually means I 'accidentally’ buy $100 worth of clothes I didn’t really need.

Wait what is ‘Kirkland Signature’?

Everywhere you look you will see Kirkland Signature, from vodka to toilet paper, but what does it mean? This is Costco’s store brand, but do not look this over. I am about to spill the tea, Kirkland Signature is the best money can buy. Costco sources the best of the best for their brand, and is actually ranked one of the best private labels in the nation, up there with the infamous Trader Joe’s brand. Need more convincing? Rumor on the street is the Kirkland Signature Vodka is Grey Goose, so go out there and do our queen Lizzo proud, and blame it on the (Kirkland Signature) juice.

It is all a Package Deal

Your membership is not just your ticket into the store. Looking to plan a vacation? You will have the Costco Travel department at your fingertips. These packages will do all the difficult travel planning for you, all at one low price. As someone who goes to Disney a lot, and even worked there, I am here to tell you unless you are friends with a cast member, this is the best deal to go to the Disney Parks. And if you spring for the Gold Star Executive Membership ($120 a year) at Costco then you get a two percent check back every year, and qualified travel purchases are included in calculating that!

Now, this usually only occurs every 40,000 miles, but Costco also has your back when it comes to tires. Not only are the prices pretty hard to beat, but they install them, and will rotate them for free as long as you have them. As someone who HATES car stuff (I really never know what is happening, I just do what my Dad says) they make you feel so at ease and answer any questions you may have. Oh and they’re not sketchy like some other places either. 

With how many times both Anna and I have to Costco, we could go on and on about all the perks of being members. Have some questions or want to share your Costco love? Let us know!