Here's the story. I bought my first car from my uncle a little over year ago. It's a 2001 Subaru Outback (standard transmission, might I add), and I love it.
That being said, this vehicle has cost me a ton of money. I had to replace the clutch and axle six months ago, and this past August it failed inspection. (Are you required to have an annual emissions inspection where you live? My mother insists she doesn't have to do it in Connecticut.) I mean, I kind of knew it would fail. The check engine light had been on for, oh, three months, and there was a giant crack in the windshield, courtesy of spending an hour on I-91 every day.
All told, I had to get a knock sensor replaced, and luckily my car insurance covered at least part of getting my windshield replaced. It would have been totally free if it had just needed to be patched, but this was one hefty crack (and...there may have been more than one).
Anyway! In general, I'm not the best at...car things. But this car is kind of changing that. I learned how to drive stick for this car, and check my own oil; and I've put a lot of money into it. So I figure if I start taking really good care of it, it'll take good care of me.
Once the windshield was replaced, I realized the oil sticker reminding me of when I next needed a change was gone. I also realized I couldn't actually remember the exact date of my last oil change. So I whipped up a little chart to help me keep track of all the service (and money) that's been put into my car. Hopefully oil sticker or no, this will remind me when it's time for another change.
I printed out the chart, trimmed the edges, and used washi tape to stick it to cute folders I found at Target. They have pockets on the inside to store receipts and inspection reports.
Oh yeah, and I made one for Kristie, too! Hers isn't pink, because I like being married.
I feel like this kind of record will also come in handy when I someday attempt to trade my car in for something newer. And maybe for taxes? I don't know.
Download a free printable of the Car Care Record chart here!
