should i become a mechanic?

Question

my boyfriend was changing his spark plugs today , he spent an hour struggling with his one plug for an hour, he got frustrated and walked away. then i had a go and done it first time. does this mean i should become a car mechanic? or does it just prove that i am more determined than he is?

Answer 1

Give it a go, you may like being a mechanic.

Answer 2

Suppose that the spark plug separated in the engine and you will have to use EZ out to drill it out. Do you think you would still enjoy it?

Changing spark plugs is NOTHING. Make a decision when you've changed 20+ fuel filters, 100 oil changes, replaced radiators, and replaced engine or two. If you like the experience after that, go for it. Otherwise keep it as a hobby.

BTW, I did all that, and found working on car is a hard job. I like working on cars, but I enjoy doing other things to make money.

Answer 3

To speak honestly, it doesn't really prove anything except that your boyfriend doesn't seem very mechanically inclined. That, or he didn't allow himself a complete understanding of his project before he started.

Changing spark plugs is by far one of the easiest and most common maintenance performed on any vehicle. That is not to say that anyone can walk in and do it, but anyone who is willing to read a few short paragraphs, learn a little and has the right tools should be able to complete the job fairly easy.

To answer your main question, it really depends on you. Did you enjoy changing the spark plugs (whether it's the actual act of changing them or simply the fact that you were able to do it)? Would you like to be able to perform more services on your car or did you just do it this one time to help out? Are you interested in finding out what the spark plugs do inside the engine or do you just want them changed?

The best way to know is to try it out yourself and see if it interests you. Buy the service manual for your car (if you don't already have it) and check the suggested mileage for when to perform all the basic maintenance (brake pads, oil fluid/filter, transmission fluid, tire pressure/rotation, etc) and read through the book on how to do each of those. If it doesn't sound too daunting and you're over the suggested mileage, go ahead and give each of them a try. This will give a very basic idea of what it's like to work on cars and you will be almost as knowledgable as any of the lube-and-tune employees (who just change oil/plugs/etc) that can be found at almost any dealership.

The more you know and learn, the more you will be able to save money by fixing your own car problems, make money on the side fixing other peoples car problems and even become a full fledged mechanic if you really want. It takes a lot of hands on experience and you have to be willing to get very, very dirty at times.

3-4+ years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about cars. I had no understanding of how they worked. I slowly become more involved out of necessity (having my car break down often and having to fix it on the side of the road one too many times taught me fast!). I never had an interest in car mechanics until I was forced to learn because I couldn't afford to pay other people to fix my vehicles. I started with the basics and slowly, as my understanding grew, I was able to complete more obscure operations such as replacing the timing belt or clutch. As my understanding grew, more and more opportunities opened up to me and now I have been working as a full fledged mechanic for nearly a year. I have even spent the past week completely rebuilding an engine for my car that should be ready to drop in within a few days. It's quite a lot of fun...but also quite a lot of work.

If you have a serious interest, it's worth pursuing, even if you walk away later. At least you will have a much better understanding and won't be ripped off like other people I see on here asking if $1000 is too much to replace an oil cap (exageration).

So good luck with whatever you decide!

I have to ask though, did you gap the plugs before you put them in?

Answer 4

If you've got that far down the road to a "comfortable" career then I suggest this may not be the road to take. Most people who become mechanics have been " dabbling" since childhood, however there's nothing to say that you aren't the exception. With that in mind my advice would be to find a local garage ( probably a family run business is best) and offer your services for free at mutually agreeable times so that you can get a "taste" of whats in store. Good luck.

Answer 5

Why not, give it a try. You might have fun. Working on cars is really not that bad especially when you have the right tools. I'd say give it a try or at least learn some of the basics.
One thing I can't stand is when shops ripoff women and seniors I HATE that. Just by learning the basics, you might end up learning more than your boyfriend.
With the basics you may be able to get involved with "car talk" with your boyfriend and his friends.
Give it a try. I'm glad you asked this question, I enjoyed answering it. Good Luck.

Answer 6

You can do any job if you enjoy it. Being mechanic takes a lot of patients. You must have a basic understanding on what makes thing operate the way they do. You may have advantage over a man, simply because you have smaller hands & arms.

The disadvantage is that you will have to contain your hair so it does not become wound around a creeper wheel, or soak up oil like a sponge. Your hands & nails will be a mess, scared & rough. . .still want to be a mechanic?
_ _ _

Answer 7

Been a truck mechanic over 30 years babe and they havent trained any body for years you can ask your own price if your good but theres a lot of bloody cowboys and 12 month wonders out there.If you have the "feel" for the motors go for it but it takes at least 10 years to know the job properly and you never stop learning

Answer 8

Generally women can undo small things that men can't (spark plugs, bottles) and men can undo big things that women can't (oil filters, pickle jars). There's nothing to stop you becoming a mechanic - the main problem is whether you want to get covered in grease bound dirt.

Answer 9

It just proves that you are stronger and more competant at changing spark plugs. If you fancy being a mechanic then go for it.

Answer 10

to become a mechanic it's fun. but not fun when you face the hard things like fixing engine so you may love it just go for it give it a try. i love working in car's i found it really good am still in school for it

Answer 11

The thought of a hot babe all oily underneath a car is so sexy why is that?

Yeah if you think you will enjoy it I have dabbled with a few old VW campers and beetle projects in my time. The one thing I can remember is never being able to shift oil and grime from underneath my fingernails etc. If you can put up with that you should be ok.