it's a love/hate relationship

My car and I usually get along pretty well, but this week we were forced into a new understanding about each other.

Namely this: driving her 80 mph in 98 degree weather with the AC on MAX is apparently not okay. Li'l Miss made it very clear to me about 30 miles into a 100 mile drive that she was a bit hot and bothered. I lovingly stopped and offered her a nice, cool, drink of antifreeze, but she really didn't have anywhere to put it. I made her take it anyway, just hoping to impact the boiling point a bit. It worked for about 10 minutes and then she was all hot and bothered again!

I had to think quickly since I was driving to Orlando without a minute to spare. I had a car with a bad attitude before and I remembered quickly what made that little car happy. So, I gave my little trick a whirl. I turned on the heater. Low and behold, she calmed right now and ran at a normal operating temperature. It was rather difficult to tolerate the heat she required, but I was determined to make it to my destination and not be late. There were people waiting for me. Software depended on me! I depended on my car. So, I sacrificed every bit of hydration I had in me, including the 36 ounces of water I drank on the way just so she'd be comfortable running all the way there.

I was absolutely drenched with sweat when I got onsite. Visibly wet from head to toe. Thank goodness I'd worn a tank top under my shirt. I took the top shirt off about 10 minutes after leaving the gas station, so it was at least dry when I got to my destination. Thank goodness!!!

I did my best to rehydrate throughout the evening, but I ended up falling asleep shaking, with the chills.

The next morning, she was perky and happy and very willing to let me use the AC as I drove 20 minutes or so to the site. She was perfectly happy to drive another 20 minutes later in the day when I needed to get somewhere else. She was even happy for the next two days! ...on the short jaunts.

I thought we'd all but made up for good.

Apparently, today, she'd had a change of heart. Apparently, she doesn't like to run in the middle of the afternoon on the Interstate. Apparently, 98 degrees is just a little too much for her to handle, even at 7o mph. Heck! She started getting stupid cranky on the off ramps when I was barely moving!

We reached a bit of a truce about an hour from home today when there was a sudden rain burst. I was able to only have the heater halfway on and she stayed operationally cool. Not an ounce cooler on the blowing air into the car, though. No. Only exactly one click before the half way mark on the hot side of the little lever thingy.

That rain felt good to me too. I drove through it with my window down and my arm hanging out. It was absolutely wonderful for both of us!

Then, right around 5:30, when I got off the freeway and stopped for gas in town, she relented. I rolled up the windows and carefully began to embrace the AC she let me run. I didn't over do it. All the way cold, but only on the 2 setting for the fan, and not with recycled air. She was actually letting me have AC and I completely needed it!! I drank twice as much water on the way home today, so I'm not shaking tonight as I post this.

I let her have a couple hour break and then I took her back out for another 4 hour drive. She did great. The passengers were reasonably comfortable and I only had to move the fan into the warmer than colder side once. That little episode was barely noticed by my riders, and for that I'm very grateful. I didn't want to have to get all embarrassed on her behalf when I had company in the car.

It was great company too and I am so honored to have been given the opportunity I was tonight. Thank you, my dear!

Since she was such a cranky little bugger this week, I've decided that when I get the Kia fixed next week, she's just going to be an in-town car. She seems to behave nicely in town. Sometimes, you just can't take the kids out, ya know? Or at least not during the day!