Jobs for the Boys

I had to get new tyres on my little Nissan Micra today. It’s a chore that is getting harder and harder every year. Now those nice young men in Quikfit are a fine and hardworking bunch but God, their attitude to women is positively medieval. Whilst awaiting my turn to be attended to, I watched these boiler-suited adolescents interact with 5 other customers. They were courtesy and respectful at all times to these male clients. I marvelled at how they multitasked too. They answered the constantly ringing telephone, checked stock on their antiquated computer in between nudging 2-3 car jobs closer to completion. I’ve always said that men can’t multitask. This bred are the exception that proves the rule. Unfortunately their greater mental dexterity has come at quite a high price.

I’ve never been so patronised in my whole life. Gus (according to the greasy nametag) inhaled deeply before explaining in baby steps the importance of having my wheels balanced. He also noted that the grooves in my tyres were more than just there for decorative effect. He offered Dunlop, Pirelli and Firestone and enquired in all seriousness that perhaps it would be best to ring my “old man” for advice. The ‘cross treads v radial’ decision wasn’t one to be made without careful consideration and – his tone clearly implied - certainly not by a girlie.

Now, perhaps Quikfit do get their fair share of pathetic dipsy female customers that has seen these guys develop their attitude. But that’s still no excuse. I’m not a petrol-head but the two summers I spent in my uncle’s garage in Galway taught me the basics. I know that a “McPherson Strut” isn’t what Elle does on a Milan catwalk. I know that a “Rack & Pinion” isn’t a wooden frame festooned with bird wings. And a 'Constant Velocity Joint' isn't a even burning cigarette!

I wanted to scream at this spotty, dismissive youth. How dare he! I wanted to tell him that I deserved the same courtesy as he had extended to his male customers. Yes, I had changed a tyre before. I do occasionally check fluid levels in my battery. And the reason that I had darkened his door in the first place was because I recognised that that decorative effect on my tyres was beginning to wear thin!

I wanted to take my business to the FastFit competition down the road but both he and I knew that regardless of the outfit’s name, there really is only one show in town. And it's a man's world!!!