The geezer knows how to check the oil in a car and change a
flat tire. And that’s about it. For all else I seek out good service places.
They can be hard to find.
A couple of weeks ago the battery in our aging, but still
reliable, Pontiac
entered the sixth year of its projected five-year life. That told even me a
replacement was in order. I mentioned it to our son, and he recommended a
course of action that savvy members of his generation would follow.
“Check the owner’s manual to see what kind of battery you
need,” he said. “Then spend a little time searching the internet to find out a
fair price for a good product and who in your area sells and installs
the
better brands. Make a few phone calls and find the best deal.”
That sounded like a lot of trouble, but the computer search
wasn’t. I quickly determined that a reasonable price for a good-quality battery
and installation would be $100 to $110. The car needed an oil change, so I took
it in for that at a familiar full-service garage. It was a chance to confirm my
need for a new unit and get one local price at the same time. I asked them to
test the battery. They did that for free.
The service manager appeared a few minutes after I settled
in at the waiting room. “You sure do need a battery." he said. "We’ve got one in
stock, and can fix you right up.”
“What’s the cost?”
“$150.”
“Go ahead with the oil change, but I’ll pass on the battery
for now."
I waited longer than usual for the oil change.
The manager returned, looking a bit sheepish. His question
surprised me: “What would you say if we get that new battery in your car for
$81?”
“I’d say, put it in,” I said.
“I’m glad, because our mechanic screwed up and already has
it installed. Your old battery has been trashed.”
The savings was nice, but I’m still probably far in the red
from paying exorbitant charges that creative mechanics have foisted on me over
the years. But it was good to win one for the mechanically challenged for a
change.
