How Cars Mimic Life: An Observation

A few days ago, I received a notification that my car needed routine maintenance. Shortly after, the check engine light illuminated. It struck me how cars, much like humans, exhibit signs and symptoms when something is wrong. Recognizing these signals, I decided it was time to visit a dealership or a car specialist, akin to scheduling a doctor’s appointment when we feel unwell.  

I prefer taking my car to a Toyota dealership since they are experts on my vehicle. However, dealerships often overcharge for services. Despite this, I still appreciate the convenience and quality they offer. Since I’m currently on a work trip, I located the nearest dealership: Sunrise Toyota in Oakdale. This process reminded me of booking a healthcare check-up—especially here in America, where setting appointments is the norm.  

How does car maintenance work in your country? Do you have similar systems?  

When I called Sunrise Toyota, they scheduled me for Thursday, December 5, at 10 a.m. The setup was efficient. Upon arrival, my service advisor quickly processed my request, and my car was sent off for assessment, diagnosis, and repair—or, in human terms, treatment. The parallels between car servicing and medical appointments are striking.  

While waiting, I explored their showroom and checked out the demo cars before settling into their comfortable seating area. That’s when I started writing this piece. Observing the busy environment, I noticed other customers waiting for their vehicles to be serviced.  

An hour later, my advisor called me with the results of their inspection. As expected, they found additional issues beyond the routine maintenance, which totaled $748.00. Dealerships are skilled at identifying repairs that can quickly add up fast, much like medical specialists uncovering multiple health concerns.  

I decided to address only the most pressing issues, which cost me $150. The rest will have to wait until I return home after my work trip. If this were a visit to a doctor, health insurance would cover most of the expenses, leaving me with only a small copay. Unfortunately, cars don’t have insurance for routine maintenance, so these costs come directly out of pocket.  

Cars, while high-maintenance, are essential for many of us. They provide convenience and allow us to travel far and wide, especially in suburban America, where public transportation is often inadequate. Owning a car isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for meeting daily responsibilities.  

What are car servicing and dealership experiences like in your country? I would love to hear your thoughts.  

Until next time,  

I remain your pal,

Ronnie Law

lawronald05@aol.com