[English]A Simple Question Saved Me $2,800: The Power of Asking

Hi, it's Homo Efficiens.

 

Today, I want to share a life lesson I learned from a recent experience where a simple question saved me a whopping $2,800.

It all started with my Tesla Model 3, which I've had for over two years now. After I first got the car, the shop where I had the tinting done told me I'd need to replace the tires after about 30,000km. They quoted me around $2,000 for a new set. I was shocked! $2,000 for four tires? My Santa Fe's tires only cost about $500 for a full set...

The price difference between the two cars' shoes was surprising, but I figured electric car tires would become more affordable as they got more popular.

Fast forward to now, I'd driven over 30,000km and was starting to think about replacing the tires. But the $2,000 price tag was weighing on my mind.

Then, I had to take my car to the service center for some minor repairs. While I was there, I decided to ask about the tires. To my dismay, they told me a new set would cost around $700 per tire ($2,800 total)! Yikes!

I explained that I had driven over 30,000km and asked if I needed to replace them now. The technician wanted to take a look at the tires himself.

After inspecting them, he said they were fine and should last me until at least 50,000km. He did recommend rotating the tires for optimal performance and safety.

He explained that tire rotation involves moving the tires to different positions on the car:

• Left front tire to right rear
• Right front tire to left rear
• Left rear tire to left front
• Right rear tire to right front

  

This ensures even wear and tear, extending the life of the tires.

 

Replacing all four tires would have cost me $2,800, but I didn't need to do that! A simple rotation for $40 would allow me to drive another 20,000km without any issues. It was a no-brainer. I asked them to do it right then and there.

I had been prepared to spend over $2,000, which then turned into $2,800, but in the end, I only needed to spend $40!

I was able to take care of the tires while I was already at the service center for other repairs, saving me multiple trips. Asking one simple question solved several problems at once.

 

One of my favorite books, "Tools of Titans," talks about how asking questions is one of humanity's greatest strengths. We often avoid asking questions because we think they're too trivial, or we don't want to bother anyone, or we're embarrassed about not knowing something.

But by asking a simple question at the service center, I saved $2,800, took care of a potential safety issue, and gained peace of mind. I learned a valuable lesson that day: don't be afraid to ask questions!

Today's takeaway:

• Don't hesitate to ask questions.
• Rotate your tires for safety.
• Electric car tires can last for 50,000km without any problems.

I hope you found this story helpful. Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question!