meet. ee tee 28 ~ North Shore News — Friday, June 30, “2000 Rick Coghill Contributing Writer “,.and after running Scandisk, I'd defrag yer hard drive. Then I'd...” As Buck Pincher droned on about computer main- tenance, I poured myself another black coffee to stay awake. He could tell ] wasn’r paying attention. “Don’t Your Complete Autohody,Repair ists 183 Pemberton Ave. TA EXING 965-71 95 ‘Grrze < “Summer Shows are- Goming? Does your car. a fresh look? - Announcing The Hew Price Guarantee ~ "We guarantee to be the lowest Price for all your cooling «System needs. * Rudlators © Gas Tanks « Heaters ° Full mechanical - © Fast Drive-in Service Free Estimates intors « Cooling Systesn Specialists for 48 Years ‘1175 West 14 14th, North Vencouver of Marine off Peaberton | tre HismiIss i Gination cate sonecnecaneeennnnann come running to me when yer system crashes, and all yer company records go up in smoke!” he warned. 1 grabbed my pad and pencil. “Tell me again how to do a backup,” I asked. Buck threw up his hands in disgust. “Slim, f give up. If you don’t know this stuff by now, then hire someone who does.” “But that costs money,” protested. “Hf va can't afford the maintenance, then ya can’t afford the equipment.” I stopped writing. “Just a minute,” 1 said. “You sound like me when I’m chewing you out about maintaining your car.” Buck coughed. “Uh, don’t know what yer talking about, Slim.” “Sure you do,” I said. “You’d never change the oil in your car if didn’t hound you about it.” Buck squirmed in his seat. “But old Betsy ain’: worth spending money on,” he protested. “Can you afford a new car?” I asked. His eyes bulged out. “I didn’t think so. An oil change every 5,000 kilometres won't break the bank.” “Fine,” he grouse. “But Vii get it done at Spi Squirt; iil be quicker ad cheaper.” I sighed. “Buck, you get what-yeu pay for. No offense to the boys at Spiffy Squirt, but let your focal mechanic service your car. | He'll watch for things like worn tires, brakes, or steer- ing parts. Ffe’ll check the 1: Namie: ‘Phone: t oo Draw: June 30, 2009 BRAND. Ew AUTO. Your choice of auto repair: worth ENTER. AT NORTH SHORE NEWS. 139. LONSDALE NV. muffler, radiator, and fan belts, pius keep t records of all your repairs.” T opened the appoint- ment calendar on my com- puter. “Spending $30 ona proper serv! ice is well worth it.” Buck grimaced. “I guess it’s berter than breaking down somewhere.” “Exactly,” [ said smugly. “Now, when shail I pencil you in for that service?” Buck’s eyes lit up. “Right eetertoartetaatentartestentarteastenbentestentestcmtantaetn | a i ce a a a a oe we ne Oe ee after you buy that Zip drive for yer computer backups!” I cringed. Those Zip dri- ves aren’t cheap. But it’s the price you pay to keep things working smoothly. To para- phrase Buck” “If ya can’t afford che maintenance, then ya can’t afford to drive.” @ Slim’s Tip: Budget a small amount each month for vehicle maintenance, and spend it with someone you - know and trust. Remember: the question is not how © BBB member Gout inspection Facitity 53897 © AirC2re Certified 80618'¢ Lifetime Warranties : 834 Wes? ist St. N. Van For an appointment call Open: Te = Non-Fri8-5 Compiate Automotive’ Regelrs, Maintenance : ge Servica. cL 296 PEMBERTON, NORTH VAN much did it cost, but who , did the work. Rick Cogbill is. from. Summerland, ° B.C. Along with being a humour colum- nist in various magazines and newspapers, he: also owns. Rick’s' Automotive Services. ’: Ltd. Dealing with customers”: and their cars for over 20: - years gives hin. lots to write. about. He can. be contacted — 2 via. e-mails at aoe