More Than I Bargained For

I recently took my car in to have the oil changed. When, in less than 10 minutes, a man came out into the lobby asking for "Mr. Williams?", I knew this was not good. You've probably been to a shop where they try to offer you (meaning sell at a huge markup) products and services which you may not really need. But this was not one of those places; this was a reputable shop I've used many times over the years. I hesitantly followed the man into the service area and saw my car up on the rack. They then proceeded to inform me that I needed new tires. I was ready to disagree with them (and silently question their integrity).

I'm no Mr. Goodwrench but I try to be smart enough not get taken either. However, as they began to show me the tire wear on all four tires on my car, I reluctantly had to agree with what I was being shown. I know the penny test where if you can see much of Lincoln's head, then you have significant tread wear. I could see Lincoln's hairline. In the moment, I briefly thought about trying to keep the tires for a few more miles. But there was no denying that they were right; I needed new tires.

Whereas I walked in looking at a $35.00 oil change (I was using a coupon), I ended up paying hundreds for a new set of tires. While unexpected, it was the right thing to do when I considered my family's safety as well as a trip I was taking the next day (in the pouring rain) to Atlanta. And while this oil change turned out to be more than I bargained for, I was glad to have a good set of tires on my car during our recent ice and snow events.