Quote:
Originally Posted by ma5cmpb
Like I said, just because you find it easy and can do it doesn't mean everyone can. Some people might try it and end up damaging the vehicle.
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Yes anyone can learn the basics. It is good to have information on the internet because otherwise they are likely to do it wrong, or to take it to a quick change place and have a high school drop out with no real training try to do it without looking up how to on the internet, which is worse.
The tools you need for many of the basics are common and cheap. A set of screwdrivers and a socket and ratchet set can be had for about $20 at pretty much any store (even the grocery store has them). Yes, that is a crummy set and may give you trouble, so if you want to do it right, got to sears and spend $40 - $50 for basic tools.
If you really have no idea of even the basics, start by looking up "How to tighten or loosen a screw" then move up to bolts and nuts. "How to jack up a car" is an important one.
Once you have mastered these, then you are ready for "how to change the oil and filter." With most cars, this is an incredibly easy process. The only difficult thing is storing, transporting and disposing of the old oil. Also be careful you do not over tighten the oil pan drain plug when you put it back in. (This is unlikely unless you have air tools, a really long ratchet, or are super strong). If you can follow a recipe in a cookbook, you can certainly change the oil and filter on your car. Operating a dvd player is far more complex and difficult than an oil change.
Everyone should know the basics so you are not helpless in a crises. If you do not at least know how to change a tire, what are you going to do when you get a blow out late at night and your cell phone is dead or out of range? Lay down and die?
If you cannot change a tire, then you should not be driving. If you are going to operate a 2 ton potential death machine, you should have some idea how it works.
If you can change a tire, you can change oil. Actually, changing oil is a lot easier.
If you can change the oil, you can replace brake pads. Things like changing spark plugs and wires - on many cars is just a tiny step more advanced (some cars are very difficult).
First step look up how to loosen or tighten fasteners, what the basic tools look like and what they do. This is easy. Learning to properly jack up a car is very important, especially if you are going to use those stupid jacks that come with cars. (Never jack on a hill or on soft ground, always have a secondary means of supporting the vehicle if the jack fails. Always block the wheels)Then master a tire change. Practice it several times in your driveway. Then when you need it you will already have it down.
Remember the people at the mechanics shops are not always certified mechanics, they work under certified mechanics. Many are not very bright. If they can figure it out, you can too.
If you cannot figure it out, please do not attempt to drive. That may seem unfair, but there are some people who simply should not be driving. Uber or Lyft or bicycling can be a reasonable option (although if the complexity of operating a screwdriver are beyond you, I suggest not riding a bicycle either - Uber or walk).
Learning the basis will also help you understand movies. When the bad guy cuts someones brake lines, why does that matter? When a bullet makes a car explode why? (the answer to that one is because the movie people put dynamite in it and set it off. Cars do not explode like you see int he movies. But it woudl be good to know that to help separate reality form fantasy).
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