Car Winterization (Saturday Part 1)

Saturday was a long and busy day. This is a good thing in many ways. Not in the area of discipline for myself though.

The day started off with our Men's Ministry annual Car Winterization event. Last year, we tried out the idea of offering some car care services to the single ladies and elderly folk at church. Alot was learned, but JonnyB did an excellent job dealing with the volume and complexity of the jobs.


Both years, the Hoerr brothers (standing left) offered up their shop at DHX. We fit four cars in the main bay, and one in the indoor wash bay. Very convenient. You might recognize the one on the left from the New York Team!

This year, Jon hit it hard with tons of prep and communication. It went very well! Great job dude! There were checklists of at least 20 points of inspection that were signed off by team leaders for each pit. We replaced (as needed) filters, oil, batteries, break pads (one serious break job). Checked and filled fluid and tires, cleaned interiors and washed exteriors. There are many other details I'm leaving out.

At least 15 guys showed up from the church to offer their knowledge and experience. From what I could tell, it went VERY smoothly. Only one car required extra care, and they were prepared for it.




The ladies were very patient and appreciative. Joy made sure they were comfortable and well fed. I stopped in every once and a while to get a cheap laugh. Elderly ladies are pretty easy to entertain, thank goodness. They weren't all elderly though. Melissa (left) just laughed to make me feel better.



Melissa with her car. Another happy customer!


Funny thing was that there was a brunch at church for the "Women On Their Own" ministry. Some of the ladies were actually dropped off (or their cars picked up) at church and then had their cars returned before brunch was over. Great timing.


So what was I doing? We already had an errand boy, and Joy took care of the ladies. The pits were a little intense for someone like me, though I can take care of some things. The car wash bay was my place this day. I think technically I was in charge of it actually. Either that, or Mr. Powers (below) just let me think so to protect my ego :-)



I let someone else use the sweet heated pressure washer two times the entire morning. Only so that I could take pictures, of course. That thing is awesome. It's like a flamethrower in a barrel of water!!!

This Saturday is a three-parter, by the way. Stay tuned.