I have been looking for a mechanic related Christmas story the past few days with little luck. It was a heart warming tale of human kindness for the 1960s. While searching, I came across this story that ran on the Chicago Tribune Website.

The “Community Contributor” is another term for unpaid writer. Written from the consumer perspective, it is a valuable insight into the mind of the everyday consumer who is pinched for time and knows little about their vehicle.

In a nutshell, the story is about a driver who is on her way to pick up a present for her husband and she notices the brakes are grinding.

From the story:

“No sooner had she dropped the kids off at school than she noticed a scraping noise when she hit the brakes. The car still stopped but the grinding noise was alarming… Jan had pulled over to the shoulder along Route 31 on her way to McHenry. As she contemplated her situation – wondering if it was safe to drive…”

This is how a driver should think! She knows there is a safety related problem and she pulls over! She decides to find the nearest shop to have it checked out. We need more drivers like this.

This is where being a mechanic prevents me from enjoying the story. I am wonder if it was the backing plate grinding on the rotor or a wear sensor making noise?

Read the rest of the story by clicking here

When you come back, tell me if you think the shop did the right thing in the comments.