I can't say enough about the incredible help I received from Nicholas Burns at AutoZone in Oregon City (Store #1689). I was about 40 miles from home when my truck suddenly shut down while driving on I-5. Thankfully, I managed to get over to the shoulder safely. The truck would crank weakly but wouldn't turn over. I suspected the battery or alternator had gone bad.
Before I did anything else, I contacted my roadside assistance provider--only to find out that my account had been accidentally canceled due to an expired card. They told me it would take 72 hours to reactivate, so I was stranded with no backup and 40 miles from home. Towing was going to be way too expensive, and I had very few options.
That's when I called the Oregon City AutoZone. I spoke with Nicholas, who quickly found the correct battery for my vehicle. I told him where I was and asked--half expecting a no--if there was any chance he could bring it to me. At first, he was understandably unsure, but he said "hold on a second," and put me on hold. When he came back, he said, "I'll bring it to you."
I was blown away. Within 20 minutes, Nicholas showed up on the side of I-5, not only with the battery but he installed it for me as well--completely unexpected and incredibly generous.
Once the battery was in, I was able to start the truck and drive to the store. Nicholas was heading out for lunch, so Fernando stepped in and tested my alternator, which turned out to be fine. But when I tried to start the truck again, I had the same issue--a weak crank and no start--and then we both caught a whiff of burnt electrical smell. At that point, the starter was the likely culprit.
I went back inside and bought a new starter, and the team loaned me every tool I needed to replace it right there in the parking lot. It didn't take long, and when I finished, the truck fired right up and ran perfectly.
What could have been an expensive, frustrating, and exhausting day turned out to be manageable, thanks to the above-and-beyond service from Nicholas, Fernando, and the rest of the AutoZone crew. I was in a tough spot with no help and very few options--and these guys stepped up when they didn't have to.
Thank you, Nicholas and AutoZone Store #1689--you've earned a customer for life. read more