Sick of Autozone and Checker.

Having worked at an auto parts store, being a mechanic at a dealership with in house parts guys and just of course, being a hobbyist and lately making a few bucks here and there doing brakes and tune-ups, I've seen it all from every perspective.

The last time I was at the local AZ (last monday) the gal was Mexican, had the wheel cylinder in my hand in about 60 seconds flat and I was out the door in less then 5 minutes. Great service, she was actually kind of cute and had a great smile. I also knew that in addition to it being a blue ford, it was a '85 bronco II with a 2.8 V6. My point is that it really doesn't matter what store it is or what the nationality of the counter person is but how well they know their job and if their happy they have it.

Never in my life have I expected to get real advice nor asked for it from a counterman and I usually just walk in with a part number to save us both grief. If not, I know exactly what the part is called and on what vehicle it should fit. To expect someone to diagnose your vehicle by just pulling a code or how to set up a diff gear pattern is way too much to ask someone making 8-10 bucks an hour.

Here's a couple examples of my experiences in the last few years:

1. I brought an alternator in to be tested from a '89 Ramcharger to local Checker. It was an externally regulated Bosch 90 amp. The kid put it in the machine, punched in the numbers and on the digital display, it showed how it supposed to be hooked up to be tested. I knew it was wrong, but just let him do it anyway. He said it was bad, I said "Hey, just trust me on this but hook it up like this..." as I opened the machine and moved the the connections around. I said "OK man, hit the button and let's see what happens." 14.6 V on the printout sheet. The kid was astounded and asked how I did it. I explained that the machine was wrong and this is an externally regulated alt and it needs power and a ground to the field coil to produce power. I then asked him to look up the next few years Bosch that is internally regulated and showed him the difference as to how they must be hooked up. He was blown away "Wow! Thanks man, I just learned something new!" I supposed I could have called him a dumbass and stormed out of the store which would've had three results: I wouldn't have got my alt tested and I'd be all pissed off plus the kid would've had a bad day. Instead I opted for four results, I taught him something new and he always rushed to help me every time I walked in, I got my alt tested and I felt good about helping someone out who I found out later was planning to go to school to be a mechanic.

2. Went to NAPA to get some hose clamps and body sealer. The counter guy asked if I needed any help and instead of saying "No" I said "I got a pretty good handle on what I need. Just getting some stuff for my Ramcharger that I'm restoring." At that point he came right around the counter and we started BS'ng. He had a early 70's Chevy truck he had just finished and informed me that I could get everything I needed to paint my truck including the spray gun for about 600 bucks! Two stage paint too as long as it wasn't a metallic. All I'd have to do is bring him a paint code. Pretty cool! I had no idea. :)

I guess like everything in life, it's all about how you approach it. I understand the frustration of those who are still professionals though as time truly is money and every time you get a blank stare, it's money straight out of your pockets. It's amazing that dealerships don't or won't train their parts guys as in the long run, their only screwing themselves. For those that have to go to a specific store due to the shop owner, ask the owner for computer in the shop to look up your own part numbers. It'll probably save you a week's worth of time over the course of a year.