When I left my car for an oil change, my radio

[Ilsa]

was on Sirius Ch 118, which is MSNBC.

Two hours later, I got back into my car and someone had changed the channel to Fux News on Sirius.

Maybe I should get my car checked out by another mechanic.

[brewens]

1. Our local hate radio station is KQQQ Pullman, WA. Affectionately known as KKKQ. n/t

[captain queeg]

105. I'd just graduated in 1990 and was working at Lower Granite

I was in a carpool with a right winger. It was the first time I’d ever heard Rush Limbaugh. He always had it on the radio during the commute. Hopefully his lung cancer will shut his big mouth.

[LakeArenal]

2. If it's a good and reasonable mechanic

I’ll take his name.

Haven’t had my car washed or fixed anywhere that didn’t have Fux Youz on.

[Ilsa]

4. He changed my car radio. Had no business

touching that dial.

[LakeArenal]

10. Doesn't change my mind.

I’ve had mechanics lose my key, use the AC while they worked on it, had my radio turned to country, left a pop can in the back seat.

But he charged me as little as $5 to fix things he could have charged $299 and I would not have argued.

If he’s good and reasonable he can play trump cassettes for all I care.

[USALiberal]

107. LOL, ok! nt

[japple]

16. Next time you take your car to that business, put a post-it note on your radio that

says "DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL."

[not fooled]

41. You're braver than I

I'd be worried about some hose not being connected or the oil drain not closed.

[japple]

46. I was just being a bit sarcastic, but (as usual) forgot to post a "sarcasm" smilie.

If the man is a good mechanic, I don't care if he changes my radio.

[rsdsharp]

43. Or, as we used to say in radio:

"Don't touch your knob. Or if you can't help it, wash your hands afterward."

[oldsoftie]

19. If he's good at his job & reasonable, forget it. Push a button for gods sake.

Maybe the guy listens to the radio while he works.
If the best surgeon has a trump sticker you gonna turn away from him too?
We're letting trump live in our heads & it shouldnt be that easy.
But hey, who am i to try to be positive.

[virgogal]

29. I like your attitude.

[lagomorph777]

30. You bet I would fire a surgeon who's a Trumpet.

You think I want a psycho standing over me with a knife? Somebody who has demonstrated he has no moral values whatsoever?

I fired a dentist once for that exact reason.

[5X]

40. +1

[oldsoftie]

48. Jeeze, I remember when people used to do the same because of race

When dealing with my health, I'm going with the best regardless of who they vote for.
But hey, have at it. Free will!

[Yurovsky]

54. I have spent the last year fighting for my life...

and I don’t care if the doctors, nurses, therapists and staff voted for Trump or anyone else I disagree with. Without them I wouldn’t be alive right now, or I might be in a vegetative state.

When it’s life and death, every last person here would set aside their political beliefs. Anyone who says otherwise is either a liar or a fool. I don’t recall anyone making a single political statement to me during 9 months of hospitalization and rehabilitation. Everyone was just trying to help me, and for that I will be forever grateful.

[oldsoftie]

86. Wow. Good luck & I certainly wish the best for you.

We just never know whats going to happen.
Again, good luck & God bless

[Yurovsky]

90. Thank you very much!

While I am disabled, I can walk with a cane and have use of my hands, albeit somewhat diminished (typing/texting are slow going & error prone). The cognitive/memory issues I’m having frustrate me the most. But I’m alive. And every day is a miracle. I don’t have time to be angry or bitter. And I truly believe love overcomes hate, if you let it.

[oldsoftie]

99. Those are great words to live by. And they will stay with me.

[lagomorph777]

110. If they keep their opinions to themselves, I don't ask.

But if they start spewing Trumpism (as that dentist did) - I am out of there. Call me a fool if you like, but to me Trumpism is a moral disease and I can't trust a true believer in Trump to give a shit about anybody else.

My life experiences with the medical world have been vastly more negative than yours, so I am a very careful and skeptical consumer.

[cwydro]

70. Completely agree.

I don’t ask my mechanics whom they vote for, nor my medical personnel, nor the people at the wine store, bookstore, hardware store (pretty sure I know the answer there anyway).

None of my business.

[treestar]

109. race and a choice of voting for someone

are very different.

I'd think a Trump supporting surgeon was in it for the money - doubtful they'd be the best.

[oldsoftie]

118. But that poster assumed the surgeon to be insane.

The same type BS used to be used against Blacks; "he/she CANT be smart enough to operate!".
Too many people here think that anyone who voted for trump is insane/psychopathic/racist/etc. Its simply not true, but
I guess maybe it makes it easier to swallow. Fine.

[treestar]

121. Well we have an example - Ben Carson

At this point, I'm not sure he'd be the one I'd want on the surgery. Back when he was famous for surgery, Dotard had not come to the fore yet.

[csziggy]

66. The only doctors or dentists I have fired for their politics are the ones who pushed it

I fired one dentist since he not only has Faux Noise on the TV in the waiting room, the entire time he was checking my mouth and I was unable to respond, he spouted right wing garbage. When his receptionist tried to set up another appointment, I told her I would not be back since I didn't want to listen to propaganda while I was in the office.

I've also objected when the staff at doctor's offices insist on talking about religion. Talk about it at church, not in a professional setting!

My current dentist does not talk about his religion or his politics. He is a very good dentist - sadly retiring this year - and does pro bon work on a regular basis. I will miss him but his partner's son has stepped into the practice and will be inheriting his patients.

[oldsoftie]

88. My dad left an eye Dr because of the constant religious talk. nt

[Ilsa]

62. I doubt he'd be able to hear

my car radio while it's jacked up alongside ten other cars.

I didn't have a problem switching back. I was surprised that he would change my station, whether it's msnbc, hiphop, classical, etc.

[Doremus]

39. Agree. Their choice of station is indicative of their character--did you check for anything missing?

[MontanaMama]

63. I agree he shouldn't have touched your radio.

I worry about the same thing when I take my car in...it is often on XM118 (MSNBC) or XM127 (Progress) and I turn the whole thing off before I leave it.

[Rebl2]

74. Exactly!

The only thing they should change is your car seat to what fits them and whatever might be wrong with your car

[redstatebluegirl]

3. We quit getting our tires at a chain place in Oklahoma.

Every single time I went in for new tires or an oil change I had to watch Fox and listen to the stupid farts in the waiting room agreeing with those toads. I found a local place that takes great care of us and doesn't have fox in the waiting room.

[Kaiserguy]

45. Personally I don't do business

with any place that has Fox on. A good business person won't have any thing in there business for either side if they are smart. Restaurants are the worse for having a TV on Fox. If I see that I turn around and leave. nothing else come close to ruining a meal like watching Fox does.

[Delmette2.0]

5. Yes, change mechanics.

He had no business changing your radio station in your car.

And he was to stupid to change it back.

[Ilsa]

7. I have to wonder if he's too stupid to change my oil. nt

[keithbvadu2]

17. If he actually changed it.

[Delmette2.0]

73. Check the oil dipstick.

It will show you if the oil is clean.

[keithbvadu2]

81. Yeah. More of a rhetorical question/statement.

Yeah. More of a rhetorical question/statement.

Right wingers who support the ethics of Trump makes them dubious.

[Delmette2.0]

82. Of course it does..

At least you need to know if you got what you paid him to do.

[Codeine]

58. When one accuses someone else of stupidity

one should avoid accompanying that accusation with a spelling error.

[Iggo]

83. I wanna say nine out of ten times I use the word "stupid" in a post

...that post ends up having a spelling error.

Sometimes (most times, I hope?)I catch it right away.

[treestar]

108. Yes, doesn't he have his own radio

that he changes the customer's car radio is discourteous.

Good service means they give the car back ready for you to drive. I've gotten it back with heater on / air conditioner or whatever applies. They might have the music on, but it's the channel I had.

[avebury]

6. If you decide to change mechanics you might want to let the old company know

that they lost your business for messing with your Sirius radio in your car. Unless the mechanic is the one who also owns the business, the owner might not appreciate an employee who might cost him business.

[Drunken Irishman]

8. When my mom had someone over to install central air...

...she was on the phone talking with someone in office about financing with MSNBC on. They were talking about Hillary and something and one of the guys reached over and muted the tv because it was bashing Trump.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

9. if they noted where you left the radio tuned ...

You may want to check the oil level and look for leaks.

Every time I think MAGAts can't get lower, they prove me wrong.

[MagickMuffin]

11. I'd have someone check for tracking devices

Nothing surprises me anymore.

[OnDoutside]

12. I think that you should trust your instincts.

[Jamastiene]

91. That is how I see it too.

Also, double check to see if they did the work they were supposed to do.

[marble falls]

13. Any mechanic who isn't smart enough to put it back on the correct channel or does it as ...

a passive aggressive comment on their career trajectory probably isn't worth a second glance.

[barbtries]

14. i would.

seriously.

[Liberal In Texas]

15. Most places have strict rules about changing customers radios.

I would report it to the management and find another shop.

That said, I usually shut off my entertainment system (which is usually on ch 127 or 118) when I have to let them have the car. I don't feel it's any of their business what I listen to.

[tirebiter]

18. If you like their deal and the battery is still good

How important is a station change, really?

[oldsoftie]

24. From the responses, apparently life threatening.

Man, we're going down the drain
Blast away, folks!!

[kacekwl]

56. It's a matter of respecting a customers property.

I worked as a mechanic or shop manager for over 30 years. I could tell you some stories of things that were done to/with customers cars.

[Ilsa]

65. Thank you. It's about respecting a loyal customer. nt

[obnoxiousdrunk]

35. These are serious

first world problems. Don't make light of it ....

[Rider3]

20. I would

[Squinch]

21. I would. And I'd call them and tell them I was leaving and why.

[lagomorph777]

27. I would also write some scathing reviews about how dangerous they are.

[virgogal]

34. I assume you are joking.

[dweller]

22. i had a garage tear my Darwinfish bumper sticker off

TWICE !
the first time i didn't connect back to garage as it could have been anywhere anytime anybody ... so replaced it , and when back at garage months later for other work, boom .. noticed it gone on pick up of car
noticed sign of fish on the company sign on the shop, so i never went back again
years later my daughter's subaru overheated and she pulled into that shop to see why... was given an estimate for $2500. + for head gaskets, timing belt, water pump and she called me freaked... when i found out where she was, told her to drive away slowly to a station and i'd meet her there..
popped the hood and was looking and SHE said, dad could this be it?
on TOP of the radiator was a small bubbling leak .. cooled down, topped up, drove it home and replaced radiator for $70 ... i'd already replaced timing belt a few months before... that 93 subaru is still going as i'm driving it now
replaced timing belt and water pump a few yrs ago... 215k miles
still going strong
i warn everybody about that xtian shylock ripoff artist every time i can

yeh change mechanics

✌🏼

[oldsoftie]

26. Now THAT is a totally different story. Thats vandalism. nt

[GoCubsGo]

51. Always look for that fish.

If you see it. Avoid that business like the plague. That's the sure sign they'll rip you off the first chance they get. Looks like they're into vandalism, too.

[Under The Radar]

23. Yea, and as soon as possible

[lagomorph777]

25. Yes - but before starting it, check underneath with a mirror.

Fuxheads are pretty Fuxed up.

[OMGWTF]

28. At the very least, complain to the manager and owner. That's BS.

[TheBlackAdder]

31. I don't think he forgot to change it back. More likely it was left on to screw with you.

.

He probably heard MSNBC and felt like passive-aggressively messing with you.

If he wasn't driving the car for 30 minutes or more, there's no reason to have the radio on.

It's generally left off on road tests to hear things about the car. If it's just going on the lift, no need to touch it.

.

[Bengus81]

32. Tell him to bring his own fucking radio and leave yours ALONE........

[bucolic_frolic]

33. I used to leave 50 cents in my ashtray

one time it was gone. I never went back.

[Different Drummer]

36. Absolutely get another mechanic at a different place to check it out.

DD

[ToxMarz]

37. Try channel blocking

CHANNEL BLOCKING SIRIUSXM MUSIC

Many of our satellite and internet radios have the ability to block, password-protect, or hide channels you’d prefer not to play. Please refer to your radio manual for instructions.

http://siriusxmca.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/73/~/channel-blocking

[phylny]

87. I do this for DirecTV, now I'll do it for Sirius, too!

Living where I do, I always turn the radio off.

[TNNurse]

38. I leave mine on the local NPR station and it gets the volume turned down sometimes.

The deal breaker for me would be FOX on the TV in the waiting room. I go to a little local shop that does not have a TV.

[Ilsa]

67. I don't mind someone turning down a station

they feel offended by. As a matter of fact, the sound level was pretty low when I turned over the vehicle.

[Blue_true]

68. Yeah, the mechanics that do things like oil changes turn

the radio down or off, but they never touch the channel.

[5X]

42. Even wallie world and jiffy lube don't do this, at least where I have gone.

[ToxMarz]

44. If you left the car with the radio on MSNBC or CNN (or something considered left wing)

They probably didn't do it to listen to Fox, they probably just did it to troll you.

Could have done worse, had my car keyed in 2008 with an Obama bumper sticker.

[GoCubsGo]

52. Yep. Sounds like trolling to me, as well.

I don't usually listen to the radio, but I do turn off my music whenever I have someone work on my car. It's always right where I left off when I turn the thing back on. I used to listen to NPR when I drove more frequently. Did the same back then, too. I think I only once ever had a mechanic change the channel, and then it was to some country station.

[TeamPooka]

47. It was intentional. He thought it was funny. Pull your business. Go elsewhere.

[Gore1FL]

49. As explained by the King of Siam...

Is a danger to be trusting one another
One will seldom want to do what other wishes
But unless someday somebody trust somebody
There'll be nothing left on earth excepting fishes

I wouldn't sweat a radio button.

[czarjak]

50. After the 2018 election I heard grease monkeys saying "our side didn't do very good".

[lark]

53. !00% yes, he was sending a message that your kind isn't wanted there.

I'm sure there is a good mechanic who is also Democratic and hopefully not far away.

[kacekwl]

55. Any mechanic knows NEVER change customers settings.

Any reputable shop would have that policy in place.

[Joinfortmill]

57. Good idea

[Blue_true]

60. Find someone else to fix your car.

No mechanic that I have ever used changed my radio station. All of them seem to turn the radio off while working on the car, but never change the channel.

[58Sunliner]

61. Check your oil level, look at the oil on the stick, it should be amber, not grey or black.

Make sure you aren't leaking either. I had an ass not tighten the nut on the oil pan.

[iluvtennis]

64. I have Sirius and it's typically on MSNBC or CNN. Whenever I leave my car for service, I change

Last edited Tue Feb 4, 2020, 08:28 PM - Edit history (2)

the station to some sports station as I fear some trumpian might do damage to the car.

[Ilsa]

72. Good idea. I have some presets close to an ESPN station. nt

[iluvtennis]

79. Perfect.

[mountain grammy]

69. I picked up my car from the shop

Turned on the radio and out blared Rush. Never went back. He wasn’t that good of a mechanic.

[Ilsa]

71. This was my reply to Codeine before reply #59 was deleted:

I'm not outraged or upset. I am just surprised soneone would take liberties with my property.

Yes, my life is a wreck. I take care of a 20-something son with severe autism and aggression, around the clock. (I've had broken bones from it.) I also take care of my elderly MIL who lives with us. She has dementia and cannot remember yesterday. I managed the medication regimens for them (a total of at least 13 medications) and dose them multiple times a day. My spouse works 60 hours a week.

I have multiple degrees, am a licensed RN, and my doctor tells me part of my restless sleep and depression is because I don't get the mental stimulation my brain and personality crave because my life isn't my own right now.

But I thought this would be a fun post "about nothing", but you've decided to get a dig in at me over it. Congratulations.

[bdjhawk]

80. You didn't deserve the digs

I think the behavior of the mechanic was creepy aggressive. If you are a woman, all the more likely a target if these insecure microweenies. I had the same thing happen with a mechanic and also twice with the valet guy at the hospital when I took my elderly mother and didn’t want to leave her to park it myself. Had the radio on MSNBC and it came back on Fux Noose. Both times the same Hispanic valet took and brought back the car so it was definitely him who made the change. Here is someone with Hispanic accent, providing for his family working hard as an independent (not hospital employee) parking valet who I would think would have more concern about economic fairness, healthcare, racial issues, etc yet what struck me was how he acted toward me as a woman. Much shorter than me and stuck his jaw out with a smirk on his face as he handed me the keys. I’m guessing being the macho king of his home “trumped” any other issues that could impact his family.

[Ilsa]

100. Wow. Just wow. nt

[Snake Plissken]

75. I'm not at all surprised that someone who aspires to change oil for a living listens to Fox News

The people I run across with the lowest IQs tend to be the exact audience Right Wing talk radio is targeting.

You should have asked the person who changed your oil if he purchased any of those penis enlargement pills they advertise on those Right Wing channels.

[MichMan]

85. Right,anyone who performs manual labor deserves to be looked down on

Do you feel the same way about waitstaff, custodians, and housekeepers too?

[Ahpook]

97. Tighten that up

Its not fair! With this crazy country you never know what can happen or why people are doing the things they are

That class crap needs to stop.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

122. What a shitty thing to say.

[The Figment]

76. A suggestion...

Find someone with an extremely nice hotrod, like go to a local car show or cruise nite and ask around with this question...

"If you had a relative that you really liked,were concerned about their safety, and didn't want to see them ripped off,where would You take their car for maintenance and repairs?"

Most gearheads know all the local shops and mechanics both Good and Bad, trust me a true car enthusiast is more than happy to tell who is gonna fix your car correctly and who is just hand you a bunch of Bullpuckey.

If a shop name comes up more than a few times then chances are good that they know what they are doing and will charge a "Fair" price...remember Good Doctors, Lawyers and Mechanics aren't cheap, you get what you pay for!

With that said some folks that used to bring me their aircooled VW's could not stand the Grateful Dead blaring outta the shop sound system...but the Always got proper Repairs and Care at our shop,we liked customers that came back and told their friends and family.

[Dagstead Bumwood]

77. When I pull into the garage

I take a moment to tune the radio from Progress, where I usually camp, to the classic rock channel, then I turn off the radio completely. I figure they either won't turn on the radio or, if they do, the worse thing that will happen is they'll start air guitar-ing to Freebird. And if that happens, hell, I may run in from the lounge and join them.

[WyattKansas]

78. All of you should be ripping their employers and managers for tampering with your personal property.

NO person performing service work has any right to alter a radio station or manipulate your property. If present, the most they can ask you to turn down volume if they need it for their work or turn the device off if you are not present. That is it.

Rip their bosses asses for hiring questionable employees that do not respect your property.

[Captain Stern]

84. Well, not all of us.

I don't really give a shit if the guy or gal working on my car wants to change my radio station to something they'd like to hear while they are working.

It just takes me one second to change it back.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

95. if the problem isn't the radio, why are they messing with it?

I've worked as pump jockey, grease monkey, tire juggler and broom king. Never, ever mess with the customer's property outside the parts necessary to do the job.

Customers expect problems solved without having any of their stuff moved, altered, examined or pilfered. Many already feel nervous because they lack either time, knowledge or skill to work on the problem themselves. Most have personal effects strewn through the vehicle. A good mechanic or service person is deliberately blind to those personal effects.

Anyone who cannot keep their noses out of the customer's personal business should not be in a service business.

[Captain Stern]

104. I don't know. Maybe they wanted to listen to the radio while they test drove the car.

I really couldn't care less.

Heck, I know this is going to sound crazy....but I don't even mind if they adjust my seat!

Ah well, to each his own. As long as they don't steal or break something, I'm ok.

[MichMan]

89. You could always change your own oil

I am over 60 yrs old and have never paid anyone to do something as simple as an oil change. That way I can use the exact oil and filter I prefer and look over the rest of the car for any other issues while I am under there.

It's only a radio station for pete's sake. I think some here would be satisfied by nothing less than the technician being fired.

[Luciferous]

92. I always turn my radio off or on to the rock station, never had a problem.

[Catherine Vincent]

93. How dare that person

Most mechanics turn the radio off. If I were you, I would call that shop and let them know you don't appreciate it that one of their mechanics changed the station. Unless of course you had battery issues.

[JDC]

94. I once has a small bag of weed in my car

Sent it through the full service car wash and I noticed it was gone as I was leaving. I went back in and told the guy taking the money. He went outside, came back w my baggie.

This has no relevance other than if it bothers you, say something. If not, move on without another thought.

[MichMan]

113. Should have called the police about the theft

[Ahpook]

96. As mentioned

I wouldn't worry with the channel thing. Fuck em!

What I would worry about is an oil drain plug deceptively not tightened or the actual oil/oil filter not changed. You never know!

If they are that petty, they may do stupid shit like that as well.

[Muriel]

98. This is not okay and illustrates the de-evolution of social our social constructs

Without knowing what make/model your car is, it's impossible to determine whether the tech had a need to turn the ignition on to reset the "change oil" dash message. If that was the case, anything beyond turning the volume down is just plain unprofessional. Those posting that we should just get over it or give the guy a pass, don't understand that by allowing this we slide further and further away from what we as paying customers expect and instead find ourselves dealing with under paid, poorly trained workers who aren't invested in their jobs.
I'm willing to bet that changing that station was done on purpose and meant to have the exact affect that it had with the original poster, but tolerating this seemingly insignificant slight only sets the bar lower and lower.

[ellie]

101. I would leave a Yelp

review and state what happened after I called and asked why the station was changed when the car was in for an oil change.

[Cha]

102. I found another mechanic way back

in the '90s when I lived in upper state NY. I came back and he was listening to fox screws.

You're right.. he had no business touching your dial.. and the stupid didn't even turn it back.

[ibegurpard]

103. I'm fine with someone turning down the volume

I don't expect them to try to work on my vehicle with something blasting they don't want to listen to. But changing the station is out of bounds. If they want to listen to Fox News they can play it in their garage. That was a passive aggressive poke at you and I don't blame you for being pissed.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

106. Are these responses for real?

[bluedigger]

111. Generally speaking, a good mechanic is irreplaceable.

The question you have to ask is, "Is my mechanic any good?", and act accordingly.

[MineralMan]

112. After I took my new car in for its first oil change,

I was asked to complete a consumer survey about the dealership. One of the questions in the survey was, more or less:

"Was anything changed on your vehicle's entertainment system?"

Apparently this is a problem with some auto service facilities. What I do is turn the radio off before getting out of my car at the dealership. I've never had anyone change stations or anything of that kind. However, if they did, my favorite station is the first preset on the system. I'd be annoyed, though, if someone changed it, and would probably contact the dealership if that happened.

Also, I worked at my father's auto repair business for a while. His rule was, "Change nothing in the car." That included the seat position. So, I've test driven customers' cars with the steering wheel touching my chest when a short person was the customer. It was a good rule.

[pstokely]

119. dealers are usually way overpriced for non-warranty work

Last edited Wed Feb 5, 2020, 10:59 PM - Edit history (2)

at least for the luxury brands, you pay for the waiting rooms

[MineralMan]

120. I don't pay anything for scheduled maintenance

at my dealer for five years. I negotiated that when I bought the car. Besides, if there are any factory computer updates, the dealer does those, too. This time, there were two. They also wash the car.

[Quackers]

114. I have a dash cam in our car. If the ignition is on, it is on. It records everything. nt

[MichMan]

115. Was waiting for a DU Mechanic to chime in

to say they always reset a customer's radio to be on Sirius Progressive Channel 127

Same way people post about going into bookstores and rearranging or hiding the RW books.

[Crunchy Frog]

116. I think you should complain to his supervisor

And find a different mechanic.

[DiverDave]

117. Plenty of mechanics

That aren't trumpers. It's your money, kick him to the curb.