Car Talk

January 2006

Dear Tom and Ray:

I am writing you at my dad's request. Recently, my boyfriend offered to change the oil in my car for me. I have a 1992 Olds 88 in very good condition (180,000 miles). Up until now, my dad has maintained it. My boyfriend charged me $45 for parts and nothing for the work. He said most of the cost was to refill the fluid levels in the headlights. When I informed my dad of this, he called me an idiot and told me not to see this boy ever again. When I asked why, he said to write to you guys. I don't understand. My boyfriend said he used the "halogen" type fluid, which is supposed to be better than the standard type. What did I do wrong? -- Melissa

TOM: Gee, I don't know, Melissa. My brother tops off my headlight fluid all the time, and he usually charges me more than that.

RAY: Actually, there are two possibilities here, Melissa. One is that you misunderstood what your boyfriend said. Perhaps instead of saying he replaced the "fluid levels in the headlights," he actually said he took care of the "fluid levels AND the headlights." That would be perfectly reasonable.

TOM: Yeah. You can get halogen bulbs for that car; they cost about $50 for a pair. Add that to the oil and filter, and your boyfriend's actually losing money on the deal. Or getting you very good prices.

RAY: The other possibility is that he's a criminal, and you should dump him and never speak to him again. Headlights don't require any fluid. And if he's willing to lie to you for $45, imagine what he'll do if he ever gets within sniffing distance of your bank account.

TOM: So, ask him again what he did to your car. Tell him you're not sure you heard it correctly. If he says "fluids and headlights," give him a big kiss and thank him for being such a good boyfriend.

RAY: If he says "fluid IN the headlights," or tries to get another $45 out of you to put red fluid in the taillights, dump some itching powder in his undershorts and don't look back, Melissa. Beat up old car

Back to the January 2006 index

Find a local paper that carries the Car Talk column.

Auto repairs can be costly! Save money by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet: "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.