Dear Cr-Abby from Motor Mama in Mobile

NEGLECT COSTS DEARLY WHEN CAR ENGINE GOES UP IN SMOKE
DEAR Cr-ABBY: My husband is not very good when it comes to taking care of his car. He never changes the oil -- he just keeps adding new oil to the existing.I have my own vehicle, and I'm always on him to change his oil. I have given him coupons, nagged, begged -- you name it. Because of his neglect, his engine burned out and had to be replaced at a cost of $5,000. It was money our family could hardly afford.
Should I take his car in to get regular oil changes, further enhancing his lack of maturity and responsibility? Or should I continue to allow him to take care of his car himself and possibly cost us more money in future repairs? -- MOTOR MAMA IN MOBILE

Dear Manny, Moe and Jackie,

Is this advice for his personal vehicle or your double wide?

If it is the trailer, then I have a plan.

Most Bama Boys are anti-tax nuts, appeal to his emotions. An oil change on your home might be considered a home imporvement or maintenance expense. Therefore it may qualify as a tax deduction. Just say honey, it isnt about the maintenance but we need the tax shelter.

If that doesnt work try the oldest trick in the book. Pretend your car is on the firtz, not broken just running rough and you are "afraid to drive it". Tell him you are going to the the grocery store to get some viddles and Budweiser. Ask to borrow his car.Timing is everything, wait until lap 134 of whatever Nascar event he is watching. This will buy you the time you need.

Then go have you nails done, order take-out Chinese and let Econo-Lube git-r-done.

BTW; Today's engines and oils are more robust. That old daddy advice about oil changes at 3K intervals is just Big Oil and LUbe-n-Tube trying to get more LOF charges from you.

Cr-Abby