Caravaning up from So. Cal. to a family vacation in Bear Lake, Idaho with my disabled father-in-law, mother-in-law, my wife, and our 4 kids, the Check Engine light and Check Charging System message came on just past Mesquite, NV. We stopped in St George for the night, and the next morning when we started the car, the light and message didn't come back. So I thought I was pretty safe to continue on, as long as I watched the gauges.
We stopped in Beaver to grab lunch and unload bladders, and when we got off the freeway, sure enough, back on came the light and up came the message. I popped the hood and noticed the battery terminals were corroded, so I looked up the closest parts store and got lucky beyond my greatest expectations.
I only intended to buy some small hand tools and a terminal brush. Blayden (I believe that was how he spelled it) asked if I was on vacation (I guess Californians stand out in small town Utah?) and I explained my situation and proposed resolution. He gave me some tips on further diagnosis and off I went to clean the battery.
When that didn't solve the problem, and further testing identified an alternator problem, Blayden found me the part and quoted me a good price. He asked if I was going to do it myself, and since I didn't have the tools to do it, I asked him if he knew a good mechanic. He directed me back to the Chevron where I had dropped the rest of the family to have their lunch while I took care of this "small" problem. He also told me that the mechanics there get a discount from them so I could get the part even cheaper than his initial quote. Win for me!
Turns out the mechanic he recommended was out on an emergency tow call, so back I went to Napa. I told him what was up and said I would need that alternator and also some tools. He quickly told me not to worry about the tools, that I could use theirs "as long as you put them back" and that I could do the work in their parking lot if I wanted to. Said no OTHER mechanic shop EVER! I was astounded, to say the least.
After he rang me up (and didn't charge me the $60 Core Charge because I promised I would give him the old one when I finished), I went to work. I was in and out of their shop getting tools and such and every time he would ask how I was doing, even offering to help when I got stuck trying to get a connector off. When I finished 2 hours later, he said I could use their bathroom to wash up. Again, said no OTHER mechanic (or parts store) EVER!
Back on the road, everything was working great. I looked at the receipt and noticed that he charged me what I assume is their Mechanic Shop discount because it was about 10% less than he originally quoted me!
Blayden was a Superhero. He literally saved my vacation and figuratively saved my life. I cannot stress how amazing the customer service was. There are not enough words to describe how awesome this shop is, and what a great employee they have in him.
Incidentally, while I was working on the car in the parking lot, more than a couple people asked how I was doing on it, if I needed tools or help, and wished me good luck or a good day. I don't know what the Beaver, Utah Chamber of Commerce is doing, but this town was a surreal experience. While I wouldn't wish anyone to have car trouble during their travels, if you do, I hope you have the good fortune to end up in Beaver. If you do, say "Hi!" to Blayden for me. He's literally the GOAT! read more