Premature Detonations

I feel inadequate when talking with a mechanic, so when my vehicle started making a strange noise, I sought help from a friend. He drove the car around for a few minutes, listened carefully, then told me how to explain the difficulty when I took it in for repair. At the garage I proudly recited, 'The timing is off, and there are premature detonations, which may damage the valves.' As I smugly glanced over the mechanic's shoulder, I
saw him write on his clipboard, 'Lady says it makes a funny noise.' (Kate Kellogg)