Donstar

Grumpy's question about finding a good hot-dog provokes a lot of thought and discussion. A shortage of workers for lower paying/entry level jobs is a current reality in much of US & Ca. I believe many of the people who previously held these jobs advanced to more rewarding employment opportunities. This is causing employers to find ways to attract workers to these traditionally lower paying jobs or modify their business plan or to close. It is also causing customers to change their habits or expectations. Last Friday we took a couple to lunch at a popular restaurant we frequented in the past. The charm and food were still there but the staff was lean and noticeably younger. Our server was terrific, but struggled with our language differences. She was able to get our order correct and was very attentive to our needs. This experience rattled our traditional expectations but earned a very generous gratuity. We left feeling like we just watched a great movie with English subtitles. All server jobs my kids worked in required strong communication skills. A wise employer now could advertise a restaurant job as an opportunity to learn strong communication skills!

At present, I am immersed in dealing with a dear friend at the end of her life. There are many beautiful shared moments but some sad ones due to minimal pre-planning and incorrect assumptions. When you are tapped on the shoulder, it will no longer matter what your truck looks like or if the renovations are finished. Make sure you have an exit plan in place before you devote anymore of your spare time to other projects. Don't assume your "loving family" knows what to do and will make sure you're well treated. Draw up a plan and appoint a trustworthy power of attorney who agrees with your wishes. Have a serious and clear conversation about your wishes and revise regularly. Keep it all in writing with copies to close family/friends. Death happens to everyone and many/most will have advanced warning when it is close. You will want this time to have closure with the ones you love and be free of "earthly worries"

I like to believe the future is good and proceed accordingly. I do follow current events and know I could sit back in recliner with a beer in hand and curse at the TV all day long. Or, I can join any of the many protests that block our streets on a regular basis. There is little value in wallowing in doom and gloom. I have spent the past two days shuttling seniors to the palliative care unit to share happy memories with a mutual friend. These are 80 & 90 year old people who have lived through some very sad times and statistically have limited futures. You'd think that this demographic would have a right to be full of doom and gloom but, without exception, their views on the future are positive. I had lunch with three seniors yesterday and the conversations of EV's was raised. The research that backed up their opinions was outstanding. Their motivation for pursuing this purchasing decision had absolutely nothing to do with finances or powertrain preferences. They all wanted to do their part in reducing their personal impact on climate change. "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem," was the mantra of this seasoned crew!

I know. I have a shiny new 1/2" torque wrench c/w 22mm socket and it is very easy to tighten lug-nuts with zero contact to wheel finish. The damage to my wheels might have happened by the guy sent out to the parking lot to do the final torque check. I don't know but it really is up to the company to "make me whole" again. I was hoping that they would take the imitative to contact me with restitution or compensation. Their silence in this matter only serves to increase the amount required.

I'm not familiar with the 60 min. story yet, but I will make a point of watching. I am interested in the transition to electric powered vehicles and don't doubt there are potential large scale problems. The movement to EV's is driven by large scale problems by continuing with existing way of powering our personal transportation. Unless something happens to slow the momentum, I'm excited about my next truck being electric. I'll either convert my existing truck or buy new. Those of you who drove pickups in the seventies, like me, will love this... https://flip.it/2LEFdp

A few weeks ago I decided to try out our local drive-through oil change shop. During the service, the technician showed me the prematurely dark color of my transmission fluid. I attribute this to hauling a heavy travel trailer for a couple of seasons. I knew from my time on this forum that a change c/w filter is the preferred remedy. However, I decided to go with the flush offered at this facility because of cost and convenience. My transmission now has red fluid coursing threw its veins, which is the desired outcome of a flush or a change!

I had the assurance from the tire shop that they'd be careful with my newly re-finished wheels. This direction appears on the work order. I also specified no clip on weights. I never met the actual installer but I suspect "tire changing" is not his passion or his lifelong career choice. The lure of Friday afternoon cocktails may have quickened his pace to the point of carelessness. I have written a letter to a representative of the company. Speaking in-person to the "assistant manager" was not effective. It was evident he thought my expectations were unreasonable and was not forthcoming with any compensation. It is too bad as I was hoping for a more customer focused experience. In the future, I'll return to taking my place in-line at our favorite big box store! I am confident that my concerns will be heard as this tire company is a popular franchise. The assistant manager is limited in his experience and still learning. I actually sensed a tinge of ageism in his responses. (nothing overt but that "be polite to old people" type of talk) I've always been this fussy, but now I have the time to follow-up! Below is a picture of the hardest hit wheel. It looks worse in the picture and not obvious when standing.

It appears my tire installer was more interested in speed than quality. An apology and/or token compensation would have been appropriate as the technician would have noticed his oops. The fact that nothing was said has led me to follow up with management. A mistake may still get you in trouble, but a sincere apology is the most effective way to minimize the consequences. I do recognize that excess free time makes my expectations unrealistic. I'm certain 90% of the customers at this tire shop are more interested in getting their cars back quickly and think battle wounds on their wheels are part of the process. However, I worry that if a worker is careless in the visible tasks, what is the quality of the stuff you don't see?

Weeks of spare time researching the optimal tire/wheel combo for my truck, and looking for the best venue to perform the task, came to an end on Friday. I found a tire store that promised me that they will handle my freshly refinished wheels with care, and that the tires I ordered will be fresh. Neither promise was met. To add to my disappointment, there was a 5 psi variance in tire pressures confirmed by TPMS and tire gauge. This is not a big deal but reflects a work ethic that explains the nicks and scratches on my wheels. I don't know if tire shops generally check to see if wheel location corresponds to the info display but my wheels were also mixed up when I evened out the pressures. I also had this tire shop give me an estimate to install my MotoFab 1.5" level kit and they told me a spacer like this won't fit without grinding and modification. Their response to my MotoFab kit demonstrates that their technician hasn't attended GM Trucks Forum University! I have a new spare time project which is to get some restitution for damage to my wheels. The fact that my very popular sized Defenders spent their first 9 months on a shelf is not a complaint worth pursuing. However, this was my seventh set of Michelins since 1999 and all previous tires were well under six months old at time of purchase. I guess my future tire purchases return to Costco!

We've talked about activities and projects that occur when we find ourselves with uncommitted time. I cannot enjoy or consider a project if I haven't dealt with my personal health. Keeping vaccines up to date is a great example. On a broader scale, I make sure to have a comprehensive physical once a year because most maladies have better outcomes if detected early. My exam in September revealed an exceptionally high PSA level. Subsequent testing indicates I have no immediate worries but it was a wake up call to remain diligent in preventative maintenance! My father had such tests done in reaction to debilitating discomfort and he experienced the worst of outcomes at my current age range. We seldom wait for something to break on our trucks before giving it a check over. You don't need to wait until something hurts to visit your Doctor!

I bought a kit that was advertised as a "Tire Change Kit" that included sockets to fit most applications. I was surprised that a Sierra/Silverado 1500 didn't fit under the category of "most". I would have bought a set of metric 1/2" deep sockets if I wasn't trying to streamline my tool collection. I actually sold a good quality 1/2" Torque wrench c/w sockets a while back in my Covid 19 spare time decluttering efforts. I've always found that the time you will need a tool the most is after you've sold it or loaned it to a friend!

Living a substantial portion of my adult life pre-internet really helps me appreciate the pros and cons of spending leisure time online. I find myself taking interest in things I wouldn't have bothered with if I had to use the traditional methods of research. I recently had my wheels refinished and was subsequently reading reviews on the company that provided this service. One writer complained about wheels not torqued properly after having this work performed. I decided to check my truck but my 3/8" torque wrench was only good to 100ft. lbs. This served as a good excuse to buy a new tool. My research informed me that not all torque wrenches are created equal and it took hours online before I could find the right one at the right price. It turns out that the reviewer was correct and one of my wheels required some tightening. I was proud of my efforts and my new complete wheel replacing kit c/w a 1/2" torque wrench. Yesterday I was reading old threads on this forum and discovered that the 7/8" deep socket that came with my new kit works but is the wrong size! Thanks to the internet, I went to the tool store and spent $12 more dollars on a 22mm deep socket for the next time I decide to check the lug nut torque of my truck! Ignorance could have save me time and money!

After six years my engine compartment is dusty but not dirty. A couple of years ago a tech at my dealership wrote in my service record that there were signs of rodent activity in my engine area. There were tiny footprints in the dust. I had the truck checked thoroughly and it appears the intruder was just passing through. I cleaned off the tracks and now check regularly to make sure the dust is undisturbed!

My son pulled my words to him from his youth and they were similar to yours. I also recognize that maintaining a vehicle is cheaper than buying new. However, I am experiencing some significant maintenance costs with my six year old truck. I am not totally dependent on my truck on a daily basis so I can afford the commensurate down time. October will end with me totaling $2100 in truck maintenance during the month. The sad part about these costs is no one but me will notice! This does not include new wheels but I am getting my factory wheels re-painted. My tires are a new replacement set of Michelin Defenders but 265 vs 255 width. The larger size is $30 per tire cheaper. Now I'm faced with the same dilemma I struggled with the last time I got new tires c/w alignment. Do I pay the extra and have my 1.5" level kit installed? My hope would be for a subtle enhancement to the truck without making entry/exit problematic. My intention with the spacers was to enhance the look without looking modified. Opinions? Experiences?

I'm dealing with a family who has very little spare time to care for their dying mom(in-law). These two have busy lives but really have mixed up priorities, imo. They haven't managed to arrange for POA but I'm told it is on their list of things to do. I suspect they are also uncomfortable with the level of physical and emotional support required by someone in their mother's stage of life. If you have time for hobbies or recreation, forgo your next activity and make sure every adult in your immediate family has a will and a designated power of attorney. Life insurance is also on this list. Take time to prepare for an event that will happen to everyone. We don't all know how or when we'll die but being prepared will make this event easier on those we love and who love us!

Yesterday a doctor told our friend that she will not likely be with us for Christmas. This is not a surprise to us close to her. We have behaved accordingly for a few months. This clearly stated prognosis has shocked her family more than it should and is causing logistical struggles for them to come and visit. When my father was told he could live with his slow progressing cancer for a few years this was enough information for me to put my ducks in a row so that I could be with him for every appointment and upset. His few years were only a few months but we were able to share all of our fears and emotions prior to his passing. I wanted to make these comments because if you're delaying a visit or spending time with a loved one in declining health, you may want to review your priorities.

A few years ago, I could have written the same comments as you about aftermarket products on my dash. It was with great reluctance that I went aftermarket. I was comforted with how easily it could be removed and leave no visible marks. The reality is I don't notice the controller and it is there when needed. I also take great pride in my truck and after a bath it would look as it did when it rolled off the assembly line six + years ago!

It is often more convenient and less expensive to go elsewhere for some services and products. An oil change is pretty basic and usually easy to check to see if done correctly.

I imagine when the oil gets darker it will be easier to see if it overfilled. The cross hatches work well to retain a good reading following the steps you have suggested. The cable itself does a poor job. My concern is escalated by the fact that the cross hatches all fill even when I don't fully insert the dipstick (approx 1/2" out). The traditional blade style (like the transmission dipstick) would suit my needs nicely if available.

Welcome to this forum and congratulations on your new truck! This forum has helped me avoid problems like you have encountered. The GM aftermarket brake controller is inexpensive, easy to install (plug & play), and works well. It mounts under the dash and becomes unnoticeable after a very short period of time! The time spent browsing this forum will save you a lot of money and frustration on this and future mods!

Warranty is over and decision has been made to keep my truck for the long term. As a result, I have stopped going to the dealership for all my maintenance. I have become much more zealous in checking the work done by other service centers. I have a concern that the cable style dipstick that is found in the 4.3 is almost impossible to check for overfilling. How do you tell if fresh oil surpasses the hash marks and goes an inch up the cable? I tried googling to find a traditional blade style replacement to no avail. Doing the work myself is no longer an option for me but I still want it done correctly. Has anyone of you found the cable type dipstick a problem, and if so, have you found a replacement or work around?

Yes, the reviews on the Agilis don't compel me to take the gamble. Tires are a major purchase and I want to spend wisely. The Defenders and its predecessors have served me well and I'll likely buy again. However, I'm the type of person that actually looks at tires on a truck and 20+ years of the same look on my trucks diminishes the excitement of such a major purchase!

My sincere condolences for the passing of Trixy. The loss of a pet is an exceptionally sad and emotional experience. I remember our suffering over the loss of our previous pet. It was so intense that we made a commitment to never put ourselves in that position again. We broke our promise a year later when we had the opportunity to save our current rescue, Star. The line that, "Tis better to have loved and lost, / Than never have loved at all", was our rationale. Your loss will soon be overshadowed by memories of all of the joy Trixy brought to you and Mama Bear!

Supply and labor shortages are evident in many areas as a side effect of covid. Fortunately, I have the time and money to explore other options. Yesterday, I decided to try my neighbourhood quick oil change facility as they looked like they could use some support and I had a $10 off coupon! A man in training did my service but he was well supervised. It was revealed that my transmission fluid was dark for my low mileage and I had that replaced as well. This dark fluid was likely a residual expense from my towing days! I must admit I was initially apprehensive about providing a training vehicle but believe I owe it as payback for my career training experiences. At least in a venue like this you can observe the workers. When you drop your vehicle off at a dealer, you seldom see who performed the service!