Leaky

About six weeks ago I had to have the radiator in my car replaced. It was expensive. When I picked up my car I lifted the hood and noticed two valve covers missing. I showed the technician and he quickly replaced the valves covers. Mistakes happen.

Last week on three separate occasions I noticed a small puddle forming under my car. I checked the fluid on the ground which was odorless and tasteless (like Iocaine powder). I figured that maybe when the radiator was replaced there was a hose or clamp or something that was loose, kind of like the valve covers. I called the dealer, explained the entire situation and scheduled the appointment for Black Friday. I was off from work and I could wait for the mechanics to inspect it. If the car needed more work, Lauren would be able to pick me up.

Black Friday morning Lauren decided to go shopping. We were both up early due to Jackson and Wyatt both having colds/sinus infections and it made sense for her to get out and shop. I told her I would take the boys to the car dealer. I didn’t expect it to take too long for the dealer to check the possible leak. I would call Lauren if we needed a ride.

When we pulled into the dealer lot I noticed that all the parking spaces reserved for “service” were full. Actually there was only one space on the entire lot for me to park. I had no idea that Black Friday was also a busy day for mechanics. I escorted a grumpy Maxfield, a snot covered Jackson, and drippy nosed Wyatt out of the car, through the car show room, past several leery eyed sales guys, to the service desk.

When I take my car in for service I usually deal with a really nice guy named Scott. But someone else was behind the service desk when we walked in. I gave him my information and he told me that it may take a while for them to get to look at it. I explained that I made an appointment. He told me they were really busy. I asked him how long and he told me maybe an hour just to look at it. I started to question their definition of appointment when Scott walked in.

“Hey, you brought the whole crew today, huh?” Scott said smiling at the kids.

“Yes. I figured I made an appointment and you guys could take a quick look.”

“We’re pretty backed up back there.” Scott said. “Do you have someone picking you all up?”

“No.” I kind of lied.

“No?” questioned the other guy behind the counter. “This may take a while, so, you know…” He did not finish his thought which I am sure involved something about the kids not wanting to be there.

“I made an appointment.” I said somewhat annoyed. The other guy could tell.

“I know.” said the other guy. “But we are busy.”

“Seriously”, I questioned, “an hour?”

“It could be longer.” He replied, indifferent to the fact that I made an appointment and he was almost acting like he was doing me a favor.

“You can take as long as you like. “ I said smiling. I pointed to my kids. “I am going to take these guys out to the showroom and let them look at all the new cars. I can pretty much guarantee that one, maybe more of the sales guys out there will be coming back here to ask you guys to hurry up with my car because they are tired of cleaning the snot off of all the new cars.”

The other guy behind the counter looked at Scott and asked him if I was joking.

“I don’t think he is.” Scott said.

The other guy behind the counter said. “Uhmm we have a waiting area where you can go.”

“No thank you.” I said. “We’ll go to the showroom. We’ll look around.” Which, we did.

My car was done in 20 minutes.