Cracked and shattered

It was another ‘marathon’ day! I was supposed to get to the market in the early morning (usually done in 30 min) to get fruits – but when I get down to our car, I thought ‘did it rain yesterday?’ as the back windshield appeared to be ‘wet’ (it was actually cracked)! I just entered the car and before I switch on engine, close the front door – and I heard the shattered sound! 😱😱😱
I quickly came down to look – the back windshield was basically shattered. Speechless, really. Quickly took a photo of it and ran back home to tell my hubby – I was still speechless when I saw him (while he thought the car ran out of battery) – I was wordless but just have to show him the photo I took! 
Etc, etc….he was then busy calling his usual mechanic and the auto insurance – while I busy prepare the kids (as Noelle has music class and we were good to attend hubby’s company family day). We need to send (and bring back) the car to fix TODAY as most mechanics (not to mention authorized panels only) will be close on Sunday! So, it was pretty mad rush! We could only catch a breather after Noelle went into her class! 
Then we ate lunch nearby before going to the family day. And managed to collect the car after the carnival! 
Yes, we were ‘bad luck’ again! Still clueless on why it cracked – many possibilities- on purpose or accidental – and out of the whole lot of cars, only ours! Whatever it is – no prove, ‘blame’ also no use! Just fortunately – it was noticed on a non public holiday Saturday when mechanics still open (or else the car will be left ‘open’). 
It cost RM380 for the repair – but it will be a ‘pay and claim’ policy (just need to reconfirm again with the insurer that it covers the back windscreen – which the authorized panel mechanic says it usually does). 
We could have avoided the ‘marathon’ – if we choose to forgo either music class or/and family day – but surely the kids (especially Noelle) will be disappointed – as the plan was told to her (we usually tell her our plans for the next day before she sleeps). We told her we are going to another ‘funfair’ (she has been mesmerizing the funfair organized by Sunway Serene months back).
Anyway, after all the marathon – we told ourselves – it would be a ‘memory’ that would be told to the kids when they grow up (and they will be 🙄🙄🙄 ‘oh gawd, not again !🤦🏻‍♀️) in the future! Also probably, ‘life is too mundane/routine’ on a daily basis and thus we were given some ‘excitement’ on the weekend! 🤣 
And because of this, we still have the chores to do tomorrow – grocery shopping, etc ! Plus we miss our night out today!

Vinic Tyre Services @ SS2/103, Petaling Jaya

Our first time with them is when hubby needed to change his car tyre. It was then, we realised that Viniv Tyre Services do offer normal car services. In addition, it was the experience with them that we realise that our usual mechanic, Ching Seng  Car Cool Service Centre, which is located few doors away wasn’t that honest. Thereafter, we have been servicing both our cars with Vinic.

When hubby first changed his tyres, there were some issues. The boss of Vinic Tyre Service tried his best to solve the problem. When it was not possible, he even referred hubby to another mechanic that specialises in car tyre.

We find that he is quite honest in evaluation of the car – during car services. For example, when my car was sent for service yesterday, we just left the car there while we went to the wet market. Hubby told him to check the battery supply and other parts. Hubby left the phone number for him to call us if there’s any problem or change in car parts needed. One hour later, we returned and the car was ready. The boss told us that the battery has been used for one and half year plus, and just needed to add battery water. This actually tells us that he does not change any part unnecessarily.

Well, so far, we are satisfied with them. But, like always, we still have to be careful with mechanics. Price wise, I guess it is reasonable.  For change of tyre, if I am not mistaken, it was RM 5-20 per tyre more expensive, compared to the some other shops we heard about. Nevertheless, I guess that is where their margin is to sustain the business. The mechanic has one or two workers assisting him. The waiting time depends on the number of customers they have at one time.

Esso and Mobil Smiles member

Hubby has been Esso and Mobil Smiles member for years. He will take the extra initiative to find an Esso and Mobil station each time because he finds that it is the “best” reward among the other petrol station. The membership is free but one has to swipe the card at least once a year. Being a member, for every RM 1 spent on any Esso or Mobil service station, the member will receive 1 Smiles Point.

 

What actually attracts hubby is the instant rewards, where for a purchase of RM3,000 petrol (which gives him 3,000 smiles point) enable him to get a RM 45 worth of Synergy fuel. This is actually 1.5% discount.

 

Nevertheless, I find that it is too troublesome for me to find an Esso or Mobil station. And, thus I do not have the patience to “wait till I find one”. Anyhow, if there is an Esso or Mobil station within your vicinity, it can be rewarding to have your petrol pumped there – and present your Esso and Mobil Smiles card.

Ching Seng Car Cooler Service Centre

Over the years (two to three years), since it was previously located near to the place where we stayed, we put some “trust” and relied on their service on (particularly) my car. However, we are utterly disappointed after the last round experience of how the owner hiked up the price. Overall, I think their services are:

 

1. The owners are not cleared on how to explain the problem with cars (or maybe language barrier?)
2. When asked approximately how long will it take to fix, the owners will repeatedly say “I will call you”
3. There is no thorough checking of the car if not asked during the servicing of the car
4. They do not return the remaining oil that was used if not asked
5. And, the recent one – price distortion is “too” high (around July/August 2011)

 

Well, we would unlikely return to them unless necessary.