NEED TIRES? DO SOME RESEARCH FIRST !

GOODYEAR GOOD-NEWS

Tom Hyland - (C) - 11/23/15

In the 57 Years I've been Driving ...
I've had many Horrible experiences with Tires.
I've been Screwed by the Best ...
Mr. Tire - Merchants - Firestone - Continental -
Ford Dealer - Honda Dealer - And More ...

BUT TODAY ...
I MET AN HONEST MAN !

MICHAEL WINER ...

. Hamilton GOODYEAR Store
On Harford Road in Hamilton Area

Here's my Story:

I deliver Meds for a Pharmacy... just left a Stop,
Turned South on Harford Road,
And I Felt it ... a Squiggle-Wiggle ...

Pulled to the curb to check ... Yep!
Right Front Tire ... Flat as a Pancake!
Checked the Trunk ... Yes!
Can of "Flat-Fix" ... Good!

Backed the car up to position valve . 8 O'clock ...
Squirted whole can in ... Nuttin' Honey!
It was about 2:50 pm.
I had 4 more Stops to make ...

When you are 75 years Old,
The idea of emptying out the Trunk,
To get underneath to the Damned "Donut"
And then Changing It ... SUCKED!

Gazing down the street, about 2 blocks away,
I saw the big GOODYEAR sign ...
Made a quick decision ...
Hope I don't ruin the Rim ...

Watched for the light to change . White Avenue ...
Checked left mirror ... Vrooom ...
Off I went ... like a "Bat Out of Hell"...
Left turn, onto the lot, in front of empty Bay.

Asked worker, Doug, to shoot some air in ...
He complied ... showed me the Hole where a nail had been ...
Bowing air out like a Banshee ... CRAP!
"Can it be Plugged?" I asked ...
Yes, but you have to go inside and check.

Told my predicament to a young Fella named Mike ...
He said sure, can Plug it, but 3 people ahead of me ...
Would cost $16.00 ... Great ... Do it!
Gave him my keys ...

Went next door and bought a cup of Java ...
Sat outside and Smoked, doing a Crossword puzzle ...
Mike stuck his head out and called my name ...
Inside, I got the Bad News ...

Can't Plug It! Steel Belt pieces sticking out of tire ...
"Sir, you need a whole Set of tires!"
Told him "I know ... scheduled to do so tomorrow."
Have Quote for 4 New Yokohamas ...
Balanced, and on the car for $364.00 ...

Mike said, "Maybe I can Match it, let's see,"
He punched the computer keyboard several times ...
Printed out a sheet, quoting me for ...
4 New Kelly Chargers with 50 K Warranty ...
Including Hazard coverage for $384.00 !

Mike told me he was the Manager ...
Third Generation, in this Spot for 60 Years!

I said: "Great! Do it!" ... and signed the Sheet.
By now, it was 3:15 pm ...

Went outside and called my fellow driver, Louie.
Explained situation and my delay ...
But it Had to be Done!

At 3:35, my car was still outside ... Began to worry ...
Went inside and asked Mike if any chance ...
Of being done by 4:00 ?
Tires being pulled & car going in Now ...

Called my next Stop & Confirmed ...
Someone would be there to Sign until 6:00 pm ... Great!

At 4:25 or so, Mike said I was done.
He explained that, as I was in a hurry,
The price included Front-End Alignment,
And I could bring car back for it ...
At my Convenience!

Gave him my Plate, Signed, Shook his hand ...
And asked: "Do you happen to be a Dog owner?"
Yes ... Three ...
Reached in my pocket and handed Mike ...
Three Dog Biscuits!

Told him I carry them for all my Patient's Dogs ...
He smiled and said:
"You don't want to get Bitten, right?"

When I informed him that I was a Writer,
And would post this "Good Story" To my Website,
He invited me behind the counter,
And showed me their Website,
Asking if I could post it There ...
"We'll See!"


Mike's Demeanor, Courtesy, and Professionalism:
MADE MY DAY ...
MY WEEK ...
MY MONTH ...
MY YEAR !!!

Accordingly, I Shall Refer Anyone & Everyone To ...
HAMILTON GOODYEAR
5619 Harford Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21214
Phone: 410-426-2220

Hamiltongoodyear.com

ASK FOR ... MICHAEL ...

Oh ... You May Ask ...
Why was I driving around with Bald Tires?

When I purchased my New 2014 Honda Civic
In July, 2014 ... It seems that They ...
Put the Cheapest Tires on a $17,000 Plus Vehicle ...
That Wear Out around 32,000 Miles!

When I complained to Their Service Manager,
Back in September ... his reply was:
"ALL DEALERSHIPS DO IT !"

CAVEAT EMPTOR!
BUYER BEWARE!

As the Sarge used to say, on Hill Street Blues ...
"Be Careful Out There!"

MICHAEL ... THANK YOU AGAIN!
And ...
A Happy Thanksgiving To ALL !

(C) - TKH.