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If you're counting everything down to the smallest screw, a single car has about 30,000 parts. That's way too many for us average folk to maintain. This means that over time, bad things happen, and we need to take our metal horsies to the mechanic to fix them.

But the state of some of our cars... Due to money shortage, ignorance, or neglect, we DIY or pretend we don't see a problem when it's clear that a professional has to take care of it. So when the inevitable occurs and we pull up to their place begging for help, the poor fellas know they're stuck with it for good.

There's even a subreddit for such situations. r/JustRolledIntoTheShop is a community that collects "those absolutely stupid things" that we bring, roll, or toss into their businesses and car mechanics are pretty popular there. Continue scrolling and you'll understand why.

#1

Stayed A Little Longer At The Shop To Save This Little Guy From Someone’s Engine Bay

Stayed A Little Longer At The Shop To Save This Little Guy From Someone’s Engine Bay

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frank0ys
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...Thank you for saving the kitty. Hope it's alright and being taken care well of.

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A recent study of 2,000 American car owners support the message this subreddit is sending, too. It found as many as a quarter feel they take a risk each time they hit the road as their vehicle is currently in need of repair or no longer runs well.

The study asked people to reflect on the current state of their vehicle and tested their knowledge of car basics. Results showed an alarming number of drivers are rolling the dice on vehicles in need of work — 68 percent said their cars currently have at least one thing wrong with them.

And with so many vehicles in need of love, Americans could stand to do a bit of brushing up on how to take care of their cars a little better. 36 percent of those studied confessed they don’t know the first thing about fixing a flat tire.

#2

Customer: "Let Me Know When You Are About To Pull My Truck In So I Can Get My Raccoon" And He Sat In The Lobby With A Raccoon Until His Truck Was Done

Customer: "Let Me Know When You Are About To Pull My Truck In So I Can Get My Raccoon" And He Sat In The Lobby With A Raccoon Until His Truck Was Done

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The survey, conducted by Cooper Tires, discovered that nearly half of American car owners think they couldn't change their car’s oil and almost 30 percent believe they couldn't even pick out the correct oil their car needs in the first place.

One in four Americans also aren't confident they could jump-start their vehicle should they need to.

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Even using an air pressure gauge to check tire pressure can prove to be too difficult for nearly one in five Americans.

#3

I Dont Condone Stealing... But Man I Want To

I Dont Condone Stealing... But Man I Want To

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“Although many Americans have a lack of confidence and knowledge when it comes to vehicle maintenance, it’s important to plan ahead and take initiative," Jessica Egerton, director of marketing for Cooper Tires, said. "Don't wait until there is an issue with a vehicle. It’s why Cooper Tires is passionate about helping educate and empower car owners across the country.”

#5

Hood Opens. Hood Is Layed Down Immediately. Tech Exclaims "Oh Hell No."

Hood Opens. Hood Is Layed Down Immediately. Tech Exclaims "Oh Hell No."

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#6

Actual Work Order At Our Shop From One Of Our Technicians

Actual Work Order At Our Shop From One Of Our Technicians

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Elsker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Unit is now driving just nimbly-bimbly"? Someone had a lot of fun filling out this order:)

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#7

Customer Has Been Coming Since 200k Miles, Said He'd Get To 1 Million. I've Been Waiting For That Day For Years, Today He Casually Rolled Up And Asked To Plug His Tire, Needless To Say Best Tire Plug Ever

Customer Has Been Coming Since 200k Miles, Said He'd Get To 1 Million. I've Been Waiting For That Day For Years, Today He Casually Rolled Up And Asked To Plug His Tire, Needless To Say Best Tire Plug Ever

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#8

The Odds Of A Single 4 Leaf Clover Rooting Into A Fender Line

The Odds Of A Single 4 Leaf Clover Rooting Into A Fender Line

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#9

The Car Sounds Like A Cartoon

The Car Sounds Like A Cartoon

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#10

Customer Refused All 4 Tires On A Rainy Day, She Also Had To Sign A Waiver Before Releasing The Car

Customer Refused All 4 Tires On A Rainy Day, She Also Had To Sign A Waiver Before Releasing The Car

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Christophe Beunens
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this person is putting their own life, and that of innocent people in danger. In Europe, you could go to prison for driving like this.

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#11

Just Crawled Out From Under A Broken Lift

Just Crawled Out From Under A Broken Lift

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#12

I Work At A Rental Company And The Police Brought This Back...

I Work At A Rental Company And The Police Brought This Back...

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#13

Customer Failed To Mention The Fact That His Dog Was In The Vehicle, Scared The Hell Outta Me

Customer Failed To Mention The Fact That His Dog Was In The Vehicle, Scared The Hell Outta Me

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Pamela24
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sweetheart? (Just kidding, totally understandable.)

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#15

Self Aware Prius Owner

Self Aware Prius Owner

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K.Kobayashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This says a lot about the kind of friends he has, or the kind of town he lives in.

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#16

C/S She Hears A Flapping Noise Coming From The Driver's Side

C/S She Hears A Flapping Noise Coming From The Driver's Side

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#17

I Am Pretty Sure I'm Younger Than The Tire

I Am Pretty Sure I'm Younger Than The Tire

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#18

16 Years Of Writing Service And It Finally Happened. Gloves In A Glovebox

16 Years Of Writing Service And It Finally Happened. Gloves In A Glovebox

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#19

The First And Probably Last Time I Will Ever See One Of These. Jaguar Xj220 With Only 3k On The Odometer

The First And Probably Last Time I Will Ever See One Of These. Jaguar Xj220 With Only 3k On The Odometer

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#21

Work Never Fails To Disappoint

Work Never Fails To Disappoint

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Sara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a friend who couldn't figure out why her interior lights wouldn't work. Reached over & scrolled the dimmer mechanism up. Voila!

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Stille20
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been there. I didn't play with it, so I couldn't understand what was going on. I didn't even know where the dimmer was on that car.

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Robert Hennel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once I was at a petrol station. An older gentleman was unable to leave the stand, repeatedly tried to, but nothing happened, so he just steps out of the car laughing and asks everyone: Is there anyone, who knows how a combo of an electronic parking brake and an automatic transmission work? I just got this car from the dealership and as an old school guy have no idea how this thing works. Someone showed him, he thanked them and left laughing like a little kid.

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Zulma Ruiz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that happened to my husband and me on our trip through utha, 2 days without being able to raise the passenger window! We went to a mechanic in a town, and we left there totally embarrassed ... the mechanic was very cool, he didn't charge us, he knew what was happening the moment we told him we couldn't close the window.

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Mary Peace
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's only obvious once you know... bit like some things on computers.

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Brigs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahahaha...love this. It took me 3 months to figure out there was a light in my boot, I just had to set it to the on position!

ann95820 avatar
Andrea Noble
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did that. Told my son to get over here and help me with the window. He got here and tried to pull it up then I checked window lock oh brother.

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Todd Hollfelder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now wait! I've done that a million times. They put that lock switch in such an awful place.

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Phillip Jolliffe
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's like the time I flew from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas to repair a computer with no power. I plugged it in because plug fell out. That was 1975, I'll never forget.

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Ora Hall
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of mine had the same problem and asked me for help. I plugged in her computer and it worked fine. Unfortunately, this led her to keep calling me for help until her computer finally stopped working completely.

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Meghan Wood
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I took my car to the mechanic once because the digital speedometer display was broken. Apparently while cleaning the dashboard I pushed a button that turned it to km/h instead of mi/h. Luckily they didn’t charge me. And luckily no one hit my car as i was doing 25mph on the freeway. Doh!

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've done that a few times, but never had to go to a mechanic! LOL

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VeninTheRogue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My iPad wouldnt play sound for like months. Turns out it was muted the entire time😂😂😂

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Joyce Deering
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have to wonder if they have ever even looked at the OWNERS MANUAL. ????

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Sharon Hahn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Got a new car and didn't know there was an activate/deactivate switch on the console for the trunk. Couldn't open the trunk with the button on the fob so took it to dealer. Felt so small when he pushed the activate button and the trunk opened!

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Ruth Beaty
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, I have a car with a window lock, first time in my life. It took me forever and a call to my son to figure it out. Embarrassed me greatly.

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Andrea Noble
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did this. I told my don to get over here now and fix my window. After work he came by tried to pull it up it wouldn't work then I looked over and the window lock was on oh brother.

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Amazon Doc
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually did this one. Hanging my head in shame. Thankfully that wasn't the only thing I had the car in the shop for!

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James Souder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

even better i had a ford service tech tell me my headlights are broken on my capri xr2 they wanted 450 to fix them , the switch was on to keep the headlights in the up position

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Tim Mantyla
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Customer: My car won't start. Repair technician: Did you put a key in the ignition and turn??

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Bonnie Dawkins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lost my car keys in a parking lot. Took a cab home, got the spare key, went back to the parking lot and drove home. Couldn't figure out why the car wouldn't lock afterwards. Someone had found my key and thoughtfully placed it on the windshield. My car has a safety feature that won't let me lock the key in the car.

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Chris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do most of the small repairs on my truck. One day I could not get the dome light to turn off, I tried almost everything and finally popped the bulb out. I took my truck to my mechanic and he spent about 45 minutes troubleshooting the issue. He came and told me he "fixed" the problem. We went out to my truck and the dome light was off, I was very happy. I asked him that the issue was and he told me some of the things he checked, then showed me the solution, he reached in and rotated the dimmer switch for the headlights. I felt like a fool for missing that. Cost me a $25 dumb*** fee as I called it

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Sea Cee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad is a satellite technician for government and regular internet providers. He got a call to a store because the satellite internet failed, that he installed a few weeks ago. He got there, and just had to plug in the internet cord to the router. He still gets paid for the service calls, because its rural and had to drive 3 hours. Another time, a technician in Quebec couldn't figure out an installation. My dad is from New Brunswick, so drove the 8hrs over there to help him. The guy had the satellite dish pointed up directly to the sky xD!!! The opposite way from the satellite position. Easy fix, long drive. Other tech was embarrassed xD

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Cass Thomas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Niece said it was hot in the car - told her to roll down the window. Five minutes later, "Where's the button?" It's a 1986 Dodge Diplomat without automatic windows... She could not figure out how to roll down the window even though she was against the crank.

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Wayne Dorman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It just boggles my mind how car owners don't think of this sort of stuff before taking it to a garage.

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Mark Kelly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thought my passenger window switch wasn't working but figured it out fat it was the lockout button.

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Stephanie Walter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a neighbor that came to ask my husband to see if he could get her key out if the ignition. He went over, got in her car, then put it in park. Problem solved. I had the opposite problem w one of my cars. I could be cruising along &, while IN MOTION, I pulled my key out. The car kept on running! Our son thought I'd put some kind of magic spell on it, lol!

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Duncan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had someone out to look at my car because it wouldn't start. When they got there they asked me to put up the hood and try to start the car. Only then when i went through my usual routine for starting the car did i realise it was in Drive, not Park. I fake tried to start it and then started on the third attempt. I thanked them for coming, but gee i felt like an idiot. I didn't tell them why it didnt start. Never done that again since.

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Micheal Sharp
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats an expensive mistake if they charge this person ... Shop rates are no joke.. lol

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Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a friend who was totally unaware of the child-safe locks and how to disable the feature -- and none of his passengers seemed to know, either.

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Piet Zwanenburg
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This, but at 3 in the morning. I really loved working roadservice assistance. Sigh

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#22

Surprised It Didn’t Explode Into The Shop

Surprised It Didn’t Explode Into The Shop

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#23

Customer States Temperature Gauge Is Reading Full Tank

Customer States Temperature Gauge Is Reading Full Tank

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#24

A Girl Who Works At Sonic Just Paid Her 1k Repair Bill With Mostly 1's And 5's. Mad Resolve

A Girl Who Works At Sonic Just Paid Her 1k Repair Bill With Mostly 1's And 5's. Mad Resolve

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Lola
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She works hard for her money, so hard for it honey... she definitely works it.

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#25

Private Security Tahoe With 1” Bulletproof Glass. The Rest Of The Vehicle Is Just As Heavily Armored

Private Security Tahoe With 1” Bulletproof Glass. The Rest Of The Vehicle Is Just As Heavily Armored

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#26

The Only Worthwhile Lift Kit Instructions

The Only Worthwhile Lift Kit Instructions

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Rob
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some technical writer got to write what they really thought! Excellent!

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#28

Just Pulled This Out Of A Customers Car Between The Grill And Condenser

Just Pulled This Out Of A Customers Car Between The Grill And Condenser

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#29

7 Months Since The Last Post About This Car... He Finally Did It. Our Customer Bought This Civic New In 06 And It Has Only Been Serviced At Our Dealership. Original Motor And Transmission

7 Months Since The Last Post About This Car... He Finally Did It. Our Customer Bought This Civic New In 06 And It Has Only Been Serviced At Our Dealership. Original Motor And Transmission

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#30

Just In For An Inspection & Was Greeted With This...

Just In For An Inspection & Was Greeted With This...

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#31

This Little Girl Helped Me Check Codes In Her Owner’s Car Today. Good Girl

This Little Girl Helped Me Check Codes In Her Owner’s Car Today. Good Girl

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LuckyL
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do people leave their pets in the car when somebody has to work on it?

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#33

They Told Me Someone Was Dropping Off Their BBQ For Me To Do Brakes And Bearings On. I Thought They Were Joking, They Were Not

They Told Me Someone Was Dropping Off Their BBQ For Me To Do Brakes And Bearings On. I Thought They Were Joking, They Were Not

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#34

Guy Drove In Like This. Another Reason Why We Are Essential

Guy Drove In Like This. Another Reason Why We Are Essential

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#36

In Case You’ve Ever Wondered That The Undercarriage Of A Tesla Looked Like

In Case You’ve Ever Wondered That The Undercarriage Of A Tesla Looked Like

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Suzana Stantic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's smart actually. We are losing parts of the cars on the road, not to mention some of them get stollen while you are parked.

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#38

C/S Lost His Keys... I Wonder Why

C/S Lost His Keys... I Wonder Why

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So this fool is driving while he's high? Better report your findings to the police.

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#40

A Sweet Old Lady Asked Me To Apply Her 2018 License Plate Decal Today As She Couldn't Kneel Down To Do It Herself Anymore

A Sweet Old Lady Asked Me To Apply Her 2018 License Plate Decal Today As She Couldn't Kneel Down To Do It Herself Anymore

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#41

Customer States "I Played Edm Once And Now My Car Won't Stop Pretending It's At A Rave"

Customer States "I Played Edm Once And Now My Car Won't Stop Pretending It's At A Rave"

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#43

Says Didn't Have A Spare, Drove For 3 Days! I Found The Spare In The Trunk Complete With Jack!

Says Didn't Have A Spare, Drove For 3 Days! I Found The Spare In The Trunk Complete With Jack!

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#45

Sorry Officer I Didn't Know How Fast I Was Going

Sorry Officer I Didn't Know How Fast I Was Going

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#46

I Think My Boss May Be Compensating For Something With His New Toolbox

I Think My Boss May Be Compensating For Something With His New Toolbox

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#47

Customer Stated He Needed A Punctured Tyre Repaired, Had To Tell Him He Was Screwed

Customer Stated He Needed A Punctured Tyre Repaired, Had To Tell Him He Was Screwed

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#48

Rental Car Came Back Like This "Had A Plane To Catch"

Rental Car Came Back Like This "Had A Plane To Catch"

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#49

I Replaced A Battery Last Week In A Customers Car And She Is Trying To Claim The Battery Is Causing Weird Things To Happen To Her Car Now. This Morning, She Said The Red Line Was Never There Before The Battery Was Replaced And Wants A Refund. Lord Help Me

I Replaced A Battery Last Week In A Customers Car And She Is Trying To Claim The Battery Is Causing Weird Things To Happen To Her Car Now. This Morning, She Said The Red Line Was Never There Before The Battery Was Replaced And Wants A Refund. Lord Help Me

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#50

Customer Was Wondering Why When He Started His Car This Morning, It Sounded Different. He Didn't Understand It When I Told Him He Had Been Robbed

Customer Was Wondering Why When He Started His Car This Morning, It Sounded Different. He Didn't Understand It When I Told Him He Had Been Robbed

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They stole the catalytic converter, which contains precious metals like titanium, rhodium and palladium. Replacement costs can run up to $3000 depending on what car you are driving.

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