It was a Sunday afternoon, right in the middle of the nationwide lockdown and I was stranded.

My rear left tyre had a slow puncture and with a popular tyre fix franchise that I often run to at times like these, was shut, I only had one option. But before I tell you the story, allow me to digress a bit to a couple of years back – 2012 in particular. I always travel between two provinces because work and home are located in two different cities in different provinces. It was on a Sunday night, and I was driving back to my work province from visiting home over a weekend and I saw my fuel tank flashing empty, so I decided to pop into a garage, located halfway between the border to fill up for the journey ahead.

While filling up, the friendly petrol attendant offered to also check my tyres. While checking the tyres and ensuring that the correct tyre pressure is maintained, he picked up that one of my tyres – the one in front and on the driver’s side, had an issue. He said to me, “There could be a nail or something that has gotten into the tyre to cause a slow puncture.” He also asked me to gradually move the car back and forth while he assessed the tyre as thoroughly as he could. Mind you, he took his time in doing all of this, while it was a little after 8pm at night. It’s only a pity I can’t recall his name. But I can’t forget his humility and patience throughout the entire process.

He then asked me to step out of the car as he had discovered something. And I did so. I saw a nail, right inside the tyre and I had no idea all along. I then asked, taking a long shot, ”Can you help me sort it out?”

He replied, “Sure, it’s gonna take less than minute. Only if you give us the go ahead.”

To which, I gave the go-ahead for a small added fee of course. And before I could even blink, he took out the nail and patched it up for me, right in front of my eyes. No delays. No fuss. Fast. He promised that there won’t be any issue with the tyre as I embark on my journey, and I remember having one of the most pleasant trips back that I could ever think of. For that small fee, I think he helped me out a lot for that assistance so late in the evening.

Back to my story of the unsung heroes.

Petrol attendants are rarely given the credit that is due to them. They work incredibly long shifts that often include peculiar hours of the night and early morning, where they need to be at their best to offer a service for someone wanting to fill up and have their ride quickly inspected here and there. I want to salute them appropriately with this article. This one goes out to all hardworking petrol attendants.

I have also noted, with deep concern, how most of them even share a tiny room that is often not well kept at the garage, usually hidden from sight, where they get to keep warm, warm up and keep their food and clothes. I wish these spaces can be well-kept and maintained for their good health, safety and comfort while on duty. I worry for their security at such common areas where people from many walks of life, some dodgy, converge to make use of the various services offered. A garage brings together people who want to make use of an ATM, who need to buy some bread, ice, snacks or charcoal and those that want to fill up or get their tyres air pressure checked. Garages provide an important service to the public and their relevance to society should not be downplayed. This multiple converge of people easily opens up room for thieves to possibly infiltrate. I hope security measures are adequately in place to protect these essential services men and women should there be an emergency.

So, as I mentioned, my rear left tyre had a puncture and I wanted to sort it out on a Sunday so that I don’t get to worry about it during the week. The last resort would have to be using the spare tyre but it’s also risky having to use the spare tyre without sorting out the one that needs to be attended to. I drive up to this local garage, tell one of the guys that I need help with a slow puncture. I am then asked to bring the car closer so that they can have a closer look at it. The gentlemen by the name of Thabo also asks me to drive slowly back and forth while they (a couple of other fellow petrol attendants also join Thabo to assist) inspect it. Still, taking their time and not rushing the process.

They go check if they have any tyre patching equipment in the store for me to buy so that they can assist, if possible. I also go inside the store, and I find out that they are sadly, out of stock.

Shucks.

What do I do now?

Thabo tells me not worry and that he may have a spare patching kit there by him. I feel reassured. After he completes his inspection of the tyre, he comes up to me and says, ‘You actually don’t have anything to worry about. Whatever pin that’s struck your tyre is quite small and will not have that much of an impact of flattening it down.’

I stand there confused.

He reassures me that the pin is too small and asks me to come have a look. Then he says, he’d advise me to not get it sorted out now. To save costs because we’re in the middle of a nationwide lockdown. Thabo then says he will just top up the pressure and asks me to monitor it as I drive and should there be a concern, I must come back to him. He’s adamant that it’s not a big issue and that if he happens to patch the tyre up for me, he’d be doing so only to milk me. Okay. I rest assured and continue with my day.

It’s now more than 3 weeks later and what he told me was true. I am yet to experience any flat tyre issues at the back. But I promise to have it checked out once the tyre repairs are allowed back to operate – I know those ones will claim that they do it ‘professionally’ & will certainly milk me but I am grateful for the help that the petrol attendant offered to me, free of charge.

So, what else makes them heroes?

If you’re wondering what is your recommended vehicle tyre pressure, and that sticker with the necessary information, located on the reverse side of your car’s tank lid is no longer clear – ask them, they will be glad to help.

I’ve also seen them assist with changing a flat tyre for a motorist that was desperate and unable to on their own. So kindly ask and they will assist.

Some will even offer to clean your windscreen without even asking you for it. I’ve seen others also offer a bin to cater for all the garbage that could be pilling up inside your car.

Having issues with your engine water and oil? Shout for help and they can also assist. They can also assist with jump starting your car, should the need arise as well.

Next time you drive to your nearest garage, take some time to appreciate and maybe, tip for the service you will experience from a friendly petrol attendant. I am sure the little gesture will go a long way!