Laugh Lines

That Funny Sound

I have no idea how long my car had been making a terrible sound. I guess when I am busy driving, or listening to the radio or books on tape, or talking on the cell phone or with a friend, I’m not as likely to notice these things. I had just picked up my car after its minor maintenance appointment, and the window was rolled down. Yikes! I heard a terrible grinding, popping sound when I turned the corner.

I drove around the block hoping it would go away. It didn't, so I returned to the car repair shop—perhaps a large object was hanging under the vehicle and they had simply forgotten to attach it. The guys that changed my oil were surprised I had not noticed the noise before. They looked at me with that odd look and explained that nothing was left hanging; they hadn't even touched the rear portion of the car when changing the oil. I don't know if they were afraid or intrigued by my personal imitation of that funny sound, but they took it back to their little work area so they could take a look.

We all know that vehicles never make the sound we want them to make when a mechanic is listening. He called over another mechanic; they both looked and found nothing out of place. Finally, I said, "listen to this" and sat down in the driver's seat. My car made a horrible sound and both men were amazed. I got out of the car and, though they leaned on it, shook it, and bounced it, the car did not make that sound again. One big guy even came over and sat in the driver's seat, but to no avail. They both turned to me and said "do that again." I rolled my eyes and sat back in the car, only to have it make that funny sound like the rear wheel was going to snap right off.

Those two mechanics were intrigued and stumped. I ended up at a place three garages later where they were able to diagnose that my sway bar linkage was broken. Believe me, a woman with sway bar issues is not as funny as it sounds! Every mechanic tried to keep a straight face about the whole thing. No replacement part was available in town, and I was preparing to leave on a 1,000 mile trip without the necessary repair work. When I pressed them about the safety issue, no one wanted to be liable to tell me if I should drive or not. Finally one guy said that it was just an optional safety device that would prevent rollovers, but that I would probably be fine on the trip as long as I was aware of the issue. That thought was reassuring. Well, I made my trip, God was good to me, and my sway bar is back in good shape. I just dread the next time I have to get someone to hear that funny sound that will inevitably affect another part of the car.

Pam and Kathy’s 7 Tips for Finding a Good Mechanic

Ask friends or family who they recommend for fair pricing and reliable work.
Don't be afraid to ask for a price quote from several places before committing to one.
Find a mechanic who will listen to you and treat you with respect.
Use the same garage on a regular basis so you have a good working relationship with them.
It is also helpful to have another person along to ask questions you forget and remember what is being explained when determining what is needed.
Refer others to your mechanic so he realizes you send him continued work.
Don't forget to treat your mechanic in a way that honors the Lord and presents a good Christian testimony to the community.