Carlson's Automotive

About this location

A few stories people tell about this place

1. One morning, a delivery driver pulled up to Carlson’s Automotive and noticed an odd humming sound coming from under the hood of one of the cars. As he got closer, he realized it wasn’t just any noise—it sounded like someone singing ‘Happy Birthday’ in a deep, mechanical voice. The delivery driver leaned in curiously, and suddenly the engine stopped humming altogether—replaced by the sound of a distant radio playing classical music. Confused, he walked away only to hear the song start again as soon as he turned his back. A regular customer, passing by, laughed and said, 'Ah, that old car always does that when no one's watching!' And indeed, every time someone left the garage, the mysterious birthday tune would stop.

2. Late one night, a delivery driver pulled up to Carlson’s Automotive and heard an urgent announcement over the workshop PA: ‘Attention, all mechanics! Your next appointment is a talking tire!’ The mechanics looked at each other in disbelief, but soon enough, a large, grinning tire rolled into the workshop on its own. It introduced itself as ‘Tyrese,’ claimed it had a flat tire, and asked for immediate assistance. After much laughter and some creative repairs, Tyrese was back on the road—with a new friend, a delivery driver who promised to bring him donuts every week.’

3. Late one night, a delivery driver pulled up to Carlson’s Automotive and saw something peculiar: the headlights of every parked car seemed to follow him as he walked towards the door. Curious, he entered the garage, only to discover that each headlight was aimed at an old, misaligned reflector on the wall. With a laugh, the delivery driver adjusted it, and from then on, Carlson’s Automotive became known for its unique way of greeting customers—with a friendly beam from every car.

4. Late one night, a delivery driver pulled up to Carlson’s Automotive and heard a voice over the intercom: ‘If you leave your engine running for three minutes, we’ll give you a free cup of coffee.’ The delivery driver left his engine purring like a contented cat while he sipped his free coffee and chatted with Carlson. As he drove off, he noticed an old neighbor waving from across the street. The neighbor grinned and yelled, 'That was some deal—free coffee AND a working car!' The delivery driver laughed, realizing that maybe Carlson’s secret was just goodwill and a little bit of charm.