How much do you know about cars, who taught you?

Question

How much do you think the average person knows? Who would teach them? Do you think everyone should take auto classes?

Answer 1

I worked with my uncle who was a diesel mechanic as a child, then I took automotives while in high school. I also read lots of magazine tech articles while growing up which helped me understand the actual mechanics of how cars operate. Most people know how to put gas in the car and not much else. Just a few hours ago, I was at an auto parts store and had to show a girl where to add brake fluid to her car. Once while working at a gas station I had someone call to ask "how do you get the oil down that little tube". I told her not to touch anything and come to the station before she added ANYTHING to her engine. Men are guilty aslo because they know just enough to be dangerous. Just last week I had to help my neighbor after he dropped his truck off the jack because he didn't chock the front wheels before changing the rear brakes.
I think everyone who drives a car should have some type of vehicle maintenance education, if only to know where the vital fluids should be deposited and when they are needed. My daughter will not drive a car before she knows these basic facts.

Answer 2

I believe everyone should take some auto classes if they are going to drive a vehicle. I also believe everyone should know how to change a flat tire. People come thru our shop constantly with very costly repairs because no one every explained to them that they need to check important things on the car.

Answer 3

The average person knows about %2 as much about cars as they should. I know a lot more, but not nearly enough. Anyone who wants to drive should take shop and automotive class.

Answer 4

yes i feel everyone should take an intro to automotive in high school..........or have a dad like me :)

ASE certified mechanic for 15 years, 7 of those a master ASE certified mechanic. Also a Honda certified tech as well as several others and still certified as an automotive AC specialist. 3 years specializing in 12/24/36 volt electrical systems and then I left the automotive industry to become a hydraulics/ pneumatics specialist. Now I am on my third career, an IT specialist

Answer 5

I know a little bit, wish i new more. Most of what i know comes from working on cars as a teenager with friends. A lot has come from my cars breaking down and not having the money for a shop to fix it. I learn something new every time it breaks down.

Answer 6

i grew up on a farm back in the 50's and 60's,we had no choice,if the car or trk didn't run we had to fix it,but let me be straight up with you,these new cars now are not made to work on or fix,we do more damage to them trying to fix them now,so take some good advice,call a wrecker and take it to a pro,they have already been to school on it,plus they have the machines and stuff to find out what the matter is right off the bat

Answer 7

average joe knows nothing of the new cars with all the electronics and sensors,and gizmos..they all like the gizmos in the cockpit,but scream bloody murder when they get the bill for the fix..i started years ago tearing cars apart to see what made them tick...and at a 100 per dealer hour ya can;t go wrong

Answer 8

Personally, I'm self taught through bad experiences. But, I could always learn more through reading.

Answer 9

I've almost always dated guys who can fix cars so I learned a lot from them!

Answer 10

ive taken automotive class.. and the average person knows nothing of automobiles.. and alot of them claim too.. theres alot of things that people dont need to know.. but wish they did