Welcome to Vic's Blog. I will have Auto stuff on here and just personal views.

Have you noticed that most people behind the Auto Parts counter do not have a clue about auto parts.

The other day, I went to the local Kragen Auto Parts store to purchase a thermostat gasket. Well a half an hour later and two counter persons later, I finally had the part.

Here is how it went: I went to the parts counter and asked for a thermostat gasket for a '68 Chevelle with a 307. First, the guy behind the counter did not understand what I said. Second, he keep on asking if I wanted a thermostat housing. After a few minutes of saying gasket, it finally dawned on him that I wanted the gasket. So he goes off to the back of the store looking for the gasket. The bad part is I am looking at the gasket and its at the front of the middle isle. I try telling him that it should be at the front of the middle isle. He has no clue. It's about 10 minutes later and I state to the girl behind the counter, the guy needs help. So she goes off to the back of the store to look for the gasket.

By this time the guys is back and I ask him if I can look down the middle isle. He states yes. I walk over and grab the gasket and walk back to the counter. We compare part numbers, it's the correct part number, and it only took 4 seconds.

But it amazed me that the people working there had no clue where the parts are located in the store they work at.

Another thing that baffles me is when they ask what size engine you have in the car and you're purchasing a head light. It does not mater what size engine you have in your car. All that maters is what car you have.

Example: a 65 Mustang with a 6 will have the same head light as a 65 Mustang with a V8. For a Camaro, if it's a 6 or a V8 it is going to be the same head light for both engines.

My question is: do these people think? Is this the dumbing down of America?