I don't know why I was drawn to driving out of my way to this Auto Zone, but I'm so glad I did. I passed up one 5 minutes from my residence just to go to this one in Humble. When arrived and went inside, I just knew I would be there for eons because the line was almost out the door due to maintaing social distancing protocols. The employees, however, were working as fast they could to get people taken care of--and they did it without an attitude despite the pressure of a long line. Much respect for that!
When it was my turn to be waited on, I had the pleasure of having the Assistant Manager David wait on me. This guy was so chipper. Positive attitude and really a good listener. I told him I had an issue with my car staying cranked and losing power. Had two jumps that day and as soon as I turned the engine off, the car was dead. He understood my concern and was willing to honor the free replacement of the battery, but suggested a diagnostic to see if it was something else (ie. alternator, the battery). Being that there were lines of people, one may have been pressured to just to resolve to a quick solution like just charge the battery and send me on my way, but David was very thorough and took his time. The Latch on my hood wasn't even cooperating and he helped me jimmy it open to at least get the battery tested. Again, he could have gave up and said, You're on your own lady...get your hood to open first and I'll come back," but he really tried to help me out, and he definetly went above and beyond to help a customer out.
Upon further investigation, he declared that the battery terminal was extremely corroded, which had way more corrosion that morning when the first guy came by to jump me off. He stated that he guaranteed that once the terminal was replaced, I shouldn't have anymore trouble. Once the terminal was replaced, I asked if I needed to let the car run to charge the battery like I had to do twice today. Nope. The car should crank with no problem according to David. I was a little skeptical since I had been dealing with car issues since 7 am that day and it was like 3PM at this point, but I became a believer! The car cranked and has not had any problems cracking since I had a $7 terminal put on the vehicle with the assistance and guidance of David. He had a smile on his face when he saw how relieved I was at this fix. I thanked him numerous times for his help and patience. His last words were I just like helping people out.
In a season where there are so many people needing help and assistance because of the pandemic and due to the holiday season of giving, we may forget to give back or feel we have given enough, but this experience really touched my heart that we can all give back in some way. It's not always about money. Our time, our effort to share what we know and help someone in need in this way is just as essential.
Be a David this holiday season. Give back the best way you can. read more