In over 50 years of driving an automobile, I have never had a flat tire or "disabling" performance of any type. As you might guess, that was all about to change.
Your mom and I were in Sheboygan last Saturday morning and after a light lunch we were headed back to Appleton. Just outside Sheboygan on Country Trunk Y (adjacent to the Vollrath Company owned Windway estate), our high performance Saab "puked". It just died. It behaved like it was out of gas. The battery and electrical system seemed okay. With only 62,000 miles, you wouldn't think we would have car trouble. Ironically the car was scheduled for a major maintenance service early on Monday morning.
We did have our cell phone and we called our favorite son, Grasshopper No. 4. His response was if we needed his help, "let him know".
Just then a Sheboygan County Sheriff pulled up behind us. He offered help. Within 15 minutes a tow truck was lifting our car onto a flatbed and we were headed back to Appleton. It only costs $3 per mile to haul a car. Because of "tow truck rules", your mom and I had to ride in the car on the back of the truck because patrons were not allowed in the cab. What a picture. "Ma and Pa Kettle headed back to Appleton on the back of a truck". No, I'm just kidding, We rode in the cab and the ride back to Appleton was very pleasant.
The car was dropped off at Bergstrom's and Monday morning it got fixed. I was right. It wasn't getting gas. The fuel pump had failed. So if you add up the towing costs and replacing the fuel pump, $1,000 just about covers the escapade. Fear not. I have towing insurance. I will get reimbursed $50.
So the odyssey ended. We were fortunate that the Sheriff pulled up almost immediately after engine failure.
I put myself in the shoes of Grasshopper No. 4 and ask, "what would I do if my Mom and Dad were broke down on the side of the road"? I would rush immediately to their aid. Where was the help when we needed it?
Those that know me well would predict that there will be a different car in my garage pretty soon!
To avoid many, many disclaimer e-mails and attempts to correct my story, I must say that Grasshopper No. 4 did offer to do whatever necessary to get us home.
Love,
Dad
Posted by Grasshopper #4 on October 26, 2007 4:29 PM
well if you wouldn't buy such a piece of shit car then all would be well.