[fabsroman]

There won't be plenty of work for mechanics because people will not need to drive since they do not have jobs. Americans have already cut back on their consumption of gas. Why do you think oil futures are below $60 a barrel right now? It is because the demand for oil has decreased significantly compared to last year. I think the number of miles driven by Americans has been cut back by the billions. I think it is something like 6 billion or more.

Another example I have is a homeowner in a HOA I represent. The homeowner owns his own auto mechanic shop and he has been over a month late on his dues for the past couple of months.

If people don't have money, do you think they are going to change the oil as often? How about changing tires before they are down to the radials? Will they bring the car in for a noise they hear, or wait until it really breaks and they really do not have the money to pay for the repair. Better yet, what happens when they bring the car in for the repair and after the work is done they cannot pay for it? Do you think people will be getting their regular maintenance done if they don't have money? 30,000 mile check ups will turn into 60,000 mile check ups, if that.

I know my wife and I have cut back on our driving, and we really aren't even close to struggling for money yet. However, I have noticed that some of my clients are taking longer and longer to pay me each month, which isn't a good sign, and it has me a little worried. For those of you receiving a steady pay check, it isn't a problem until it really is a problem (i.e., pink slip, layoff). Business owners start to feel the pinch way before employees do.