So on Christmas Day the Chapman family was travelling to Sydney on the freeway when the car quickly overheated, a light came on and a beeping noise was heard. 20 seconds later the car lost power and I had to find a place to pull over very quickly.
Opening the bonnet we noticed some steam coming from the engine (not a surprise – I was thinking a hose had come loose) but when the NRMA turned up he mentioned one of our Welch plugs on the side of the engine had corroded. He proved it by filling up our radiator overflow with water then we watched it pour out of the side of the engine, several litres ending up on the road very quickly!
We were stuck… about 10kms from the end of the Freeway to Sydney. We’d have to get the car towed. Traffic was a problem though. We’d already waited about 45 minutes in the car with the kids and no A/C! What an adventure!!
Ben and Glenn ended up picking us up (and presents and the kids new bikes!) which was awesome. The tow-truck showed up only 20 minutes later and we went to a petrol station in Wahroonga with a workshop.
THEN I noticed they were opening on 5th January. Not good! That’d mean no car for about 2 weeks plus we are on holidays on 3rd. The driver made a couple of phone calls then gave me the option of going to Hornsby where a workshop could look at it on Monday and we might get it back by Tuesday! GOOD NEWS!
So that’s what happened, just in case anyone was after any more info. It was a BIG day. We ended up staying at Ben and Yvette’s in Sydney overnight then Marg and Al rescued us yesterday. It was a huge couple of days and we’re thoroughly exhausted!
Christmas was worth it though. The time with family was priceless, a wonderful (yet mildly chaotic) time. I love Christmas!
Just popped in to see your blog. Can’t believe the hassles you’ve had over the Christmas holidays with your car. Glad everything is looking up. Hope you’re well.