We’ve all seen it, from one side of the counter or another. The consumer receives a call with a report on repairs his car needs. The service adviser carefully explains that the flux capacitor has fused with the transmutator. It’s terminal and must be done to the tune of $1895 plus taxes Mr. Smith. The good news is that we have the parts in stock and you can pick the car up at 5. It is now 3:30.

Upon arrival, Mr. Smith looks at the invoice and the repair indeed cost $1895 plus taxes. The trouble is that there is 4 hours labour included in that $1895. This is when Mr. Smith goes off his nut. “How can you charge me 4 hours, when you only called with an estimate an hour and a half ago?”
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How far would you go for your dream? Would you be willing to risk everything? That’s the question I ask myself every day.

I was asked to write about my experiences in automotive and racing. I’m tired of complaining about it; I’m ready to help make a difference.

I’m new to The Garage, and like many of you, I wasn’t born into racing. I caught the racing bug at a very young age. My father brought me to my first Auto Cross event when I was seven years old. I still remember that day. There was everything from Camaro’s to Austin Mini’s. The exhaust notes of a race car, and the sound if the occasional pylon getting hit, and the smells of burning tires and brakes are things I’ll never forget.
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This may sound like a pretty basic thing, but you would be amazed at how many people do it. They show up at a dealership with some sort of complaint that only occurs on the highway. The nearest highway is 10 minutes away from the dealership. The low fuel warning light is on.

Not only is the technician (or service manager) ticked off at you, but he’s worrying more about the likelihood of not making it back than he is about diagnosing your concern.

Always make sure your car has gas if you want your service facility to fix something that requires a road test.

Q What is the difference between a technician and a crying baby?

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