Sometimes it’s easier to fix something myself than to get it to the top of my husband’s list.

Step 1 - Go to ABC Auto Parts. They expect me to know nothing cause I’m a girl. They very patiently explain, and yes, sometimes they even offer to do it for me. Take notes. Allen, the auto parts guy, even comes outside to verify that I will be putting the coolant in the correct opening.

Step 2 - Buy 2 cans 134a refrigerant. I upgraded to 1 large can of “high milage 134a (200,000 miles) with oil.”

Step 3 - Buy a can of Stop Leak. How did I run out of air conditioning coolant in the first place? Probably a leak, right?

Step 4 - Buy the hooker-oner valve connector thingy. (Yes, you can use that description and they will get it for you.)

Step 5 -Follow the instructions, alternating between the ones Allen gave me and the ones on the package.

Step 6 - Can’t figure out how the gauge functions, go back to the store.

Step 7 - Have Allen come out and physically show me how to twist the top knob counter-clockwise to allow the coolant to begin flowing through the tube. (It said to do this in the directions, but I was afraid to blow up the pressurized can accidentally because the directions tell me this could happen in bold letters several times. Now that I’ve seen Allen do it, it’s not so scary.)

Step 8 - Scold baby for running off in parking lot. Strap him in his car seat for duration of auto lesson as a punishment.

Step 9 - Buy more 134a on store managers advice. Allen offers to finish the job for me.

Step 10 - No thanks. Being competent makes me feel like a bad ass. I’m waiting until my daughter gets out of school so she feel empowered too. Besides this is going to earn me bonus marriage points.

For more information on how to fix your own cars visit AskPatty.com

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