This last weekend while working in the garage I looked out and noticed something hanging down off the bottom of my car. A closer inspection relieved that it was metal of some kind, and looked attached.

Since we're new to the area we haven't picked out a mechanic yet. I did some digging and found Affordable Transmission not 3 blocks from my house. I brought the car over and he put it up on the lift. The problem turned out to be a heat cover on the catalytic converter. The guy pulled it off and explained that it is a completely optional part. It's just there to make sure no one touches the converter while it's hot (not that I could reach that far under my car when it's on the ground any way).

When I asked how much I owed him, he said not to worry about it.

He lowered the car and sent me home with a business card.

Needless to say I've officially found my new mechanic.