We drove from North Bergen to where we are on vacation Thursday. That's where we took vacation. The 150+ mile trip was uneventful; everything went fine. The car, it seems, had other ideas.
Friday night, we get in the car to go to a restaurant and when we get back to the hotel, there's a smell of burning oil and some smoke coming out from under the hood.
I look, and it appeared there was a small oil leak from the valve cover gasket. No big deal. It's dripping down the rear of the engine onto the exhaust, hence the smoke.
There's really no good mechanical garage where we are vacationing -- all resorts and tourist stuff. Rather than futz around trying to find a reputable local mechanic, I looked up the KIA dealers and there's one,, about 30 minutes from where we're staying. This morning I drove to that dealer.
On the way, I stopped twice (every ten miles) to check the oil level to make sure it wasn't leaking fully - which would kill my engine. Oil level was fine, twice. I get back in the car after the second dip-stick check, and the "Check Engine" light is on.
Oh for goodness sake. Now what?
So as I write this, I am on a laptop, at a car dealership. It will be a $189.00 "Diagnostic Fee" to see what's wrong, and about three hours waiting for that diagnosis. Then the repair wait. Big dealership. Very busy.
Why do I have a sick feeling this is gonna be very expensive?
Gotta do it. Can't screw around with an oil leak; especially if I have to drive 150+ miles home tomorrow.
