Opinion: Auto parts store offers logical explanation

Auto Air Fresheners A few thoughts and observations:AdvertisementFirst, let's revisit my $4 gas can with a warranty.A couple of weeks ago I complained about the personal information sought by a sales clerk at Advance Auto Parts.While it was a mildly frustrating experience, it was also but a microcosm. More and more, it seems, we're being asked for names, addresses, phone numbers, zip codes, and even Social Security numbers by folks who wouldn't seem to need that information.For the most part, I don't play that game. I politely ask that we move on with the transaction, and, if they insist on proceeding, I take liberties with the accuracy of my responses.OK – back to Advance Auto Parts.I was impressed with the response and explanation, first from corporate staff in Grand Rapids, and then from headquarters in Virginia. Basically, asking for that information was human error.The chain's database asked for warranty information on that item, due to a coding error, and it should not have done so."Each item we sell in our stores has a warranty code attached so that the terms of the warranty will print on your receipt,"wrote Axel Oberg, warranty claims manager for the chain."Items such as air fresheners, magazines and soft drinks do not print a warranty on the receipt, but most other products should." Oberg went on to say that many parts – actual auto parts like starters, alternators and batteries – have limited warranties.And other items, like suspension, steering and brake parts, could occasionally be subject to safety recalls.In the event of lost receipts, Advance Auto has a record of warranted purchases and can serve customers without receipts.For recalls, they have names and addresses to notify customers. He said staff is reviewing codes that do and don't ask for warranty information and making sure they are correct.OK. I buy that. And I'll be back.And, while it's a bummer that my gas can may not actually be under warranty, the little red thing is holding up just fine.Speaking of gas cans, are they still gas cans?My dictionary says cans are usually made of tin.I can't remember the last time I saw a real gas can.Makes me long for the gas stations of old.A dime and a nickel would buy a Nehi from the machine out front, with the dirty glass door covering the bottles, each one held in place by metal claws that somehow released when payment was made.Meanwhile, my grandfather would fill his gas can for the days chores. It was a proper tin can, made of shiny metal painted red with yellow accents.Not sure what kind of gas he bought.Probably Ethyl.It's not just gas cans, either. Kids these days won't remember half of the reasons we call things what we call them.A few weeks back, for example, I was helping Zac with a computer issue, looking over his shoulder."Hit the return key,"I told him."There isn't a return key,"he responded."Yes there is,"I insisted. "Hit the return key, boy.""No there's not,"he said.So I did it myself."Dad,"the boy said, "that's the ‘enter' key."Well I'll be darned.He's right.Made me remember how cool it felt the first time I used an electric typewriter that actually had a return key instead of a carriage return. Almost made me ask if he knew what the "cc"in his e-mail stood for.