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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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#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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#42

An Actual "Key" Supplied By A Customer

An Actual "Key" Supplied By A Customer

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

Turn the ignition cylinder to start, back to run, and then take it out. Some older vehicles have rather expensive ignition switches, and the rest of the car might be enough of an anti-theft system.

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

We used to have an old farm truck that we started with a screwdriver - the keys disappeared & my dad didn't want to spend the money on a new ignition switch since the truck never left the farm. And on the old hay truck, there was a wire sticking out that you touched to the metal steering column to start it, unless it was parked so you could roll it downhill & clutch start it. Fun times, lol

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

Farm vehicles are a law unto themselves! Though I did once have a motorbike with a teaspoon handle as ignition key.

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

My old 1977 civic was like this, you could start it with anything, I used a pocketknife.

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

I actually understand this. My dad has to remove his ignition because it was having issues and to start the car until he took it in he used something similar to a screwdriver. Worked great.

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

I had a '69 Chevy Nova once that my Dad passed down to me. The key had broken off in the ignition, so to start it all you had to do was turn those little wing thingys that were on those cars in those days. Also, if you locked the drivers side door all you needed was a flat tip screwdriver to open it. Those were the days my friend.

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

I have driven cars like that, lol. Couldn't afford to pull the steering to replace the ignition switch. It might be a redneck thing but it works.

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

Ha! My brother used to need a screwdriver to start his car! He bought it second hand from a girlfriend, so I think he was just being kind.

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

My husband used to start his old El Camino with a steak knife. We couldn't ever eat steak at home because all the effin knives disappeared!

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

lol, when I met my husband, his "key" looked just like that one ;P

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

My dad had a truck that any key....and I do mean ANY KEY.....would start it.

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

Oh my gosh that brings back memories. My older brothers first car he bought for $300 dollars from a junk yard he had to use a screw driver to drive it. 😂

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

Reminds me when my car's battery died and I had to open it with the actual key, it took us 30 minutes to find the keyhole cause it was under the door handle.... it then took my dad another 30 seconds to figure out how to get the key out of the key fob

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

Had an 87 Buick skyhawk I could start with a screwdriver, think I used a butterknife once

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

Awwwww, my besties mom use to have a car that we could start with a screwdriver. Well, anything really. We stole it once with just a pen cap.

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

Back in 2003, I had a friend who had a beat up two door Ford of unknown model. Close to 500K and he was delivering pizza. One day i opened the glove compartment and found a fork and a spoon. Looked at him in bewilderment. Aaah, these, he said, that's my car key. I lost the real one years ago...

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

My brothers old Accord ignition key got stuck on and I took out the lock cylinder and used a screwdriver

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

I actually had to do this because some a**hole stole my 84 Honda and popped the ignition. It would only start with a screwdriver. I had to take it in to get the ignition replaced.

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Adrienne Early
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to have to unhook the battery on my car to turn it off.

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

Keys, pshaw! I use to hot wire my mom’s old Mercedes.

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

Honda Civic, say mid-80s/early-90s vintage? Was told that is quite common (combination of a kinda useless ignition key system and age). Also, if the key is working, common to have another screwdriver to tap or even short-circuit the starter solenoid that tends to start sticking after a year or so and is a pain to replace.

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

The fun thing is when it's time to start the car and you have to stick the screwdriver down the middle of the cigarette lighter and touch the bottom without touching the sides, or else the fuse blows and you have to put in a new one and start over. And then you just hold it that way while the car starts. #hadavanlikethatonce

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

What else is there? I sold off my last car in Aught Five. Most of my vehicles only needed screwdrivers anyway...

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

Don’t laugh my Daddy had a very old car that had a rumble seat and had to start it with that “key “.

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

where i live this is common lol but only for fords it is the only "key" you need for doors or ign in a ford truck -f-250-350 because they did not have a chipped key pop the bottom of the door handle cover use the screwdiver to lift the rod and then whack the ign poof 30 seconds or so and you have a new to you truck

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

My husband had a Buick with a key like that after it had been stolen twice.

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

My brother installed a light switch in my old Ford. To start, I flipped both switches on, then turned the bottom one off when the motor caught. To stop, turn of the other switch. I also had no back seat. I installed my son's old crib mattress. My brother sneaked a sign into the back side window that read Curb Service. Then my sisters painted the CIF playoff grid on the side of the car. FYI, our high school won that year. Go, Dons.

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

I had one of those. For a 62 Chevy Nova (robin's egg blue, if you must know, and pretty good condition, given the age!)

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

I had a car once (1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme) that got the point where the ignition was so worn out that you didn't even need a key. Just had to turn the plastic ignition lock

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

had to use that when the ignition lock got stuck on my bros Accord. Took out the lock cylinder and used a screwdriver.

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

well, you can't hotwire ignitions anymore, you gotta improvise

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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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