Car Repair Skills Everyone Should Have

[lustindarkness]

I've never had to use roadside assistance, but I've heard good things about it. I think it is worth including in your insurance.  I can change a tire faster than waiting for them to show up. Now, your car breaks down? Accident? Yeah, call for the tow truck.

[sbr]

Yeah sorry about that, 50 a year

[alfred russel]

adding to your list

- checking and filling engine oil
- checking and filling water
- checking and filling wiper fluid
- re-setting the car alarm
- aligning mirrors to the new driver (life or death thing)

I agree with your additions (except for the car alarm thing).

However, when was the last time you checked the engine oil? I have a light in my car for that.

B4, are you saying I should check it?

I do have a light, and I regularly change my oil. I'm not sure why I should check it manually.

[garbon]

Would I though? I'd have to invest the time learning how to do these things and properly. Given how little use they have been to me in 7 years of car ownership, I'm unconvinced that I should pick them up.

Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?

I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.

My first 3 years, I used my car on a daily basis and even drove it across country.

[11B4V]

adding to your list

- checking and filling engine oil
- checking and filling water
- checking and filling wiper fluid
- re-setting the car alarm
- aligning mirrors to the new driver (life or death thing)

I agree with your additions (except for the car alarm thing).

However, when was the last time you checked the engine oil? I have a light in my car for that.

B4, are you saying I should check it?

I do have a light, and I regularly change my oil. I'm not sure why I should check it manually.

If you trust that light and sensor...rock on.

[derspiess]

Idiot lights are useful but I don't trust them 100%.

[lustindarkness]

Would I though? I'd have to invest the time learning how to do these things and properly. Given how little use they have been to me in 7 years of car ownership, I'm unconvinced that I should pick them up.

Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?

I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.

My first 3 years, I used my car on a daily basis and even drove it across country.

How often do you drive it now?

[crazy canuck]

If you trust that light and sensor...rock on.

Tell me something, if you owned a new car that was serviced regularly pursuant to the terms of its warranty is there some reason not to trust the light?

[11B4V]

Idiot lights are useful but I don't trust them 100%.

Exactly. Whats 5 mins of your time vs possibly damaging an engine

[11B4V]

If you trust that light and sensor...rock on.

Tell me something, if you owned a new car that was serviced regularly pursuant to the terms of its warranty is there some reason not to trust the light?

and new cars never have issues. Do what you will by all means. 

[garbon]

Would I though? I'd have to invest the time learning how to do these things and properly. Given how little use they have been to me in 7 years of car ownership, I'm unconvinced that I should pick them up.

Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?

I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.

My first 3 years, I used my car on a daily basis and even drove it across country.

How often do you drive it now?

One a month - which, of course means that it now suffers from the issues of not being used regularly.

[crazy canuck]

Idiot lights are useful but I don't trust them 100%.

Exactly. Whats 5 mins of your time vs possibly damaging an engine

So how often do you check your oil?  Everytime you drive it?

[Zanza]

Garbon, didn't you post that you keep your car parked some distance from where you live and it is a luxury, not a need? How many miles are you putting on the car?

I've changed a lot of flat tires. All the skills I've posted have been used. It could be you don't drive much, or when you do the road conditions are better.

You drive into ditches in remote Argentina. In those situations, having those skills obviously makes sense.

[Jacob]

I agree with Vike about adjusting the mirrors. All the rest? I don't know... I expect my son to avail himself of the conveniences of a modern service economy. Besides,  with technological changes in car design and transportation infrastructure, who's to say that these skills are even applicable by the time he's driving?

Most of those skills are wonderful skills to have, but are only really necessary if you are either planning on a job in a garage, or if you are a car hobbyist.

[Jacob]

and new cars never have issues. Do what you will by all means. 

Presumably a new car is covered by a warranty, so if it does have issues it'll get fixed and/or replaced?