Normally I take my car to the Kwik Kar by work for state inspection or oil change. Mid-December I went for an oil change and let them flush the radiator system and change the transmission fluid. I told the youngish guy I don't want to get ripped off. He was honest when I asked if he gets a commission. He said yes. He was soo careful to show me before and after.
So we're all done, I leave to do some shopping close to home. While out and about I begin to notice some steam coming out of the passenger side under the hood. I figure it's burning off some fluid. I call him and he agrees.
Then I call again because it's smoking more, and I notice the temperature gauge goes from normal and it's getting closer to hotter. So I'm on my way back to Kwik Kar (KK) by work.
Well on the way it goes beyond hot. The engine light comes on so I pull over, turn the car off, and call them again. He said the owner is out, but should be back shortly. I am guessin they are going to come and help me. He said let it cool for 15 minutes and try again. I did that, and it was still hot.
I then decide to call the number on the back of my driver's license. That number will get someone to come out if you are out on a country road I think something like that. She transferred me to the Dallas Police Courtesy Patrol which is for people like me, stuck on the highway in the city. I have seen their white pickups before on the highway helping others.
Those guys only took 10-15 minutes to get there. I told him what happened. He popped the hood. Guess What?! Young Guy forgot to put the radiator cap back on. So I tried to start the car, but it wouldn't start. They added a bit of water, and I tried again and it started. Then they added some more water. I called KK back, told them what happened, and was on my way back to their shop.
I walked in and told the owner I want it fixed AND I want my money back on the radiator flush. He turned around, when upstairs. When he came back, he had a check for me.
I was pissed but more scared than anything, I didn't know who to call. Young Guy apologized profusely. I told him I know he didn't do it intentionally.
So that my friends is why I am this late getting my car inspected, too. The KK by where I live is usually pretty busy. So will scout out another place and get my car inspected very very soon.
(UPDATE: Got my car inspected today after work.)
11 years ago
