The million-mile car

The million-mile car
Her name is Madeline.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

of Caps and Keys

PetroDiesel Fillup # X *
Gas station on 340 in Virginia outside of Harper's Ferry
11/25/10 about 7 pm
B ZERO $15.00@ $3.19/gallon- about half a tank
Odometer: approx. 180,300


Still haven't replaced my gas cap since last fill-up. Luckily, there is a cover to the gas tank. But I worry about condensation especially in the cold weather.

I HAVE been attending to the needs of the car, but have been pursuing a different problem. You see, a car of Madeline's vintage can only start with a special key. In fact, this princess has TWO keys. The one for the driver and the one for the valet. The valet key can't open the trunk or the glove box. The driver's key can open it all.

I own only one copy of that special driver's key, and it is worn nearly to a nub. Every time it is used, a little more gold dust is created around the ignition switch. To get a copy of this key from the dealer requires me to produce the car registration and -- did they even want the title?

I took the key into a local locksmith and he tried to make me a copy but no go. One of the two keys he cut was able to open a door, but the ignition and the rest, not. He said the key was worn out. I still have a copy of the original valet key. That's now going on the key ring for everyday use and I'll just have to keep the driver's key on the same ring. So no backup at home except for that door only key.

So, the to-get list are now two items: Gas Cap, key.

(X= all the non-bio fill-ups since I bought the car, up to Bio-diesel Fill-up #4 when I start tracking both kinds of fill-ups)

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