When working in a service type of industry such as the automotive business, you get to meet many interesting people. You also experience some interesting situations, which are also quite humorous. Now almost everyone has some expertise on something in their lifestyle or occupation, so I don't want to seem like I am making anyone look foolish when it comes to their car. I don't expect anyone to know everything about everything. (However, I have met people who think that way!) Here are a couple of examples of what I am talking about.

Customer calls: "My car quit on me and wont start"
Mechanic: "Does it turn over?
Customer: "I think so"
Mechanic: "Does it make any noise when you try to start it?"
Customer: "I'm not sure"
Mechanic: "Do the lights on the dash come on with the key on?"
Customer: "I don't know, but the radio works."
Mechanic: "Better have it towed so I can look at it."
The diagnosis and repair . . . The car was out of gas.

Here is another one:
Customer calls: "Do you fix cars?"
Mechanic: "Yes we do."
Customer: "Can you fix mine?"
Mechanic: "What kind of car is it?"
Customer: "I think it's a Chevy. No! Wait! I think it's a Buick."
Mechanic: "What is the problem with the car?"
Customer: "I am not sure. My nephew is a mechanic and he says it needs some work."
Mechanic: "Where does your nephew work?"
Customer: "He works at Burger King."
Mechanic: "What year is the car?"
Customer: "It's old."
Mechanic: "Can you call back with more information?"
Customer: "Yes, if I can get it started"
Never heard from the customer again.

Here is a common one:
Customer: "Can you put an inspection sticker on my car?"
Mechanic: "We can get it in tomorrow at eleven."
Customer: "It does not need anything. It passes."
Mechanic: "We still need to do an inspection. We just don't give you a sticker."
Customer: "But I already checked it over"
Mechanic: "I am sorry, but we still have to check it over."
Customer: "Okay. I will be there at eleven."

After an official inspection revealed bald tires, loose steering, and no parking brake among other things, the vehicle was rejected and I was the scum of the earth in that person's eyes.

In the service industry we do our best to please our customers because that's what service is all about. You have to enjoy working with the public and some of the circumstances are often interesting and humorous. Sometimes we are expected to go above and beyond the call of duty. It is fun to look back at some of the problems we encounter. Overall I am glad for the many fine people I get to deal with in our little town. Happy New Year to all!