Ford escape serviced

Man, I don't remember the last time I had our 2011 Ford Escape serviced (and, btw, it's an XLT 2.5L 4Cyl). Especially at the garage where we used to have all our vehicle work done!

I had last Thursday off work, so I took advantage and scheduled an oil change and to have them check why my engine light is always on. (I haven't been using this garage because they only schedule oil changes in the morning, and it's just darn hard for me to do that because of my work schedule - unless I take/have the day off work).

Gee, prices have gone up a bit too. Admittedly, I used to always get free oil changes here because the former owners attended our church. The son has taken over the business and now by the time you add all the fees and taxes... it was $60 for just regular old oil and a filter! We only pay $24.95 for the other car at the Honda garage (and it uses the expensive oil).

They also suggested I get the transmission flushed - which they've been suggesting for years.

As for the engine light. Apparently it is on for two different reasons:

1. There is an "Evaporative Emission system leak." This is related to the fuel inlet valve. The warning light for that was on awhile back (but has since went off). It's likely because this car doesn't have a gas cap and it's simply a poor design. The guy said it doesn't affect the performance of the car and isn't really a big deal.
2. "A/C demand beyond self-test range." Basically the air conditioner doesn't work well. Which I haven't used in years (probably because it doesn't work well).

So, neither issue is anything to worry about - at least at the moment. And I've always resisted flushing the tranny fluid because I did that on one of our cars and it started leaking afterward and never stopped. Call me crazy, but it seems another one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" things.

All-in-all, it was a nice experience though. They've expanded the waiting area a bit, so I just stayed there and read my book and drank coffee. Plus it was interesting listening to all the car talk - most of which I had no clue about. Cars sure have changed. It took about 54 minutes altogether.

Ps - and I actually just now got a text from the owner wanting to know if everything went well and wishing my family a Merry Christmas! Nice.