Suffering from FOAF? Cure it with a Qwik-Change

Kent Sasser and Deven Beeks check fluid levels on Ann Marie Woolsey’s vehicle on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Deven Beeks eyes that oil as he fills the crankcase. Oil changes go a long way toward getting the most out of an engine, delaying costly repairs.

By Tom Peterson

You ever have that sensation you’ve been driving your car on borrowed time? 

Engine sounding grindy?  

Maybe the brake pedal just went a little too far to the floor? 

Or that burned-out taillight is about to get you pulled over?  

Well, you may not know it, but you’re Suffering from FOAF - fear of auto failure. 

It’s as common as a cold.

And it can be excruciating with a long drive in front of you.

Thankfully it can be cured. 

You just need the right person - someone to put those flames out like a gorge wind on a birthday cake.  

Kent Sasser is your guy. 

He’s been under a lot of hoods.

Qwik-Change can handle compacts to diesels, but prices vary depending on the size.

Albert Olson with Oregon Fish and Wildlife has been bringing this truck to Qwik-Change for years. He said it was money well spent to prevent breakdowns in remote areas such as Post, Oregon. He is a fish screen fabricator for ODFW in The Port of The Dalles.

Thousands. 

He’s been working on cars since he was 14. 

He spent 27 years working for Ford garages both in The Dalles and Milton Freewater/Walla Walla. 

And he bought Qwik-Change Lube Center at 700 E. 2nd St., The Dalles 10 years ago. Happy Anniversary Kent! 

Time flies.

But the work, the work is what keeps him going. Making sure people's cars are in good shape, and putting them right when they’re not. 

Kent said the standard Qwik Change Lube service starting at $48.95 goes a long way toward squashing your FOAF.

Good Man, Kent.

Sasser helps Ann Marie Woolsey reset her oil change light. Woolsey said she liked the convenience of the shop with first-come, first-served service. “I like these guys, and I want to support downtown business,” she said.

Here’s how.

• First, they’ll get you plugged into the computer and log your mileage and other pertinent information.

• They will check your brake fluid and add some if needed. 

• They’ll check the clutch fluid and add some if it is applicable.

• They’ll check the power steering fluid and add some if needed. 

• They’ll check and top off the windshield washer fluid.

• They’ll check the air filter and suggest a new one if it is too clogged with dirt - that car has to breathe.

• They’ll check the automatic transmission fluid if applicable.

• They’ll drain the old oil and replace the oil filter and add beautiful clear oil to your crankcase.

• They’ll check the gear oil in the manual transmission if applicable.

• They’ll check the gear oil in the rear differential.

• They’ll check the fluid in the transfer case if applicable.

• They’ll check the gear oil in the front axle differential if applicable.

• They’ll lube all the grease zerks underneath the vehicle.

• They’ll check your battery posts for corrosion and clean them if necessary. 

• They’ll check for damage to the constant velocity joints on the axles.

• They’ll generally inspect the underneath of the car, especially looking for possible exhaust leaks or other leaks that could be dangerous.

• They’ll start the car and recheck for leaks or drips. They’ll recheck all caps to ensure they are secure.

• They’ll check all your lights.

• They’ll check the wiper blades.

• They’ll even have you honk your horn, especially if you're going to portland ;)

And Kent ain’t pushy.

Beeks checks the taillights on Woolsey’s vehicle in the final steps of completing the service.

“We don’t hard sell anything,” he said today. “We tell people what we found and make recommendations, and we let them make the decisions.”

But if you do need some work done, Qwik-Change mechanic Caleb Smith is on hand to help. He can tackle a lot of problems and has been certified by Nissan and Mercedes-Benz in years past. If he can’t fix it, Kent can tell you who can. 

On a side note, Kent said he hired Smith years ago while working for Ford in The Dalles. He even helped him move to Bend a few years back. And when he returned to TD, Kent hired Caleb a second time.

And here is something convenient. No appointment is necessary. They are open Tues. - Sat. from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from Noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 541-296-2460.

“You’ll be done in 20 or 30 minutes,” Kent said. 

Just what the doctor ordered.