But think again, says Scott Linde, Senior Market Manager for Florida’s west coast. "Not only do we stand for complete car care now, but we also train our people to care for customers from the time they walk in our door." He adds that the name Midas is often thought of just in terms of mufflers, but today’s Midas store does "everything from oil change to engine swap.

"I talked with three Midas representatives at our recent Senior Fun Fest in Clearwater’s Harborview Center as they handedout free oil change coupons. As they told me about Midas’s full auto service, I asked why a senior customer would go toMidas for car care instead of to a dealer’s service center. One reason, according to Bill Ready, a district manager with Midas is "Location, location, location. We’re neighborhood friendly and we train for customer courtesy. I want women like my mother to be able to walk in and see ‘Dave at the store’ and know he will take care of her."

Another reason to use Midas shops is cost. "One example," says Mike Smith, Market Manager for the Tampa area, "is that an oil change is about $20 at Midas while a dealer cost will be $25 and up. A transmission fluid flush which runs $150 to $200 at the dealer will run $90 to $120 at Midas, depending on the vehicle." Appointments can be hard to get at a dealer’s shop, but Midas tries to give same-day or next-day service, according to Linde. Their computer systems mirror what the manufacturer says needs done at a car’s mileage status. According to Ready, Midas training is outstanding. Mechanics must pass a list of courses over a period of time. Linde says that because of a personal investment in tools, a mechanic is going to be dedicated to giving good service.

The government’s ASE certification process is a major consideration with Midas supervisors. Midas will pay for its employees to become ASE certified above and beyond their Midas company certification. Linde adds, "We use MAP (Motorist Assurance Program - standards set by the government to protect both the customer and the company) guidelines for replacement or recommended procedures.

So, if the mechanic brings out a part from your car, he can show it to you and say ‘MAP standards tell us to replace this part when it’s worn like this or MAP standards recommend replacing this part.’ And Midas parts will always be equivalent to the auto maker’s parts." Midas is serious about making senior customers feel comfortable using their services.

At our recent Senior Fun Fest, they handed me a coupon for a free oil change. "We want to know how you are treated," Ready emphasized to this particular senior (who is totally at the whims of what a mechanic says!). And, do you know what? I will definitely go to Midas and check out what they told me.

Look for the Midas display at the next Senior Fest and get YOUR free oil change coupon. Try out the company known for mufflers - and now for full auto service.