What Should non-Jalops Know About Their Car?

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland) 12/28/2013 at 16:44 • Filed to: ADvicelopnik, discussion, articles

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I saw !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! onto Oppositelock. While it is clear that the author is not a gear-head I do want to give him or her credit for two things 1. getting a used car inspected by a mechanic before buying and 2. getting multiple quotes for a repair. However what struck me is not once in the post was the make or model of the car mentioned. So that got me thinking, we all know plenty of non Jalops that ask us for advice, and you know the saying "teach a man to fish...and something, something." Anyway, what knowledge should non-Jalops know? I think the basics should include: year/make/model of their car, what engine they have, how to find the tire size, and what gas is recommended for that specific vehicle. Anything else?

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Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 16:47

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How to change a flat tire

check the tire pressure and general condition

what type of oil it needs

Tom McParland > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 12/28/2013 at 16:48

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All good stuff

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 16:49

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Oh, and one more, READ YOUR DAMN OWNER'S MANUAL, IT IS THERE FOR A REASON.

Singhjr96 > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 16:54

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Finding tire size, the basic parts of a engine (watch a video online or something), jumping a battery, what kind of engine their car has. Changing your own oil. rotating tires. Checking and filling tires, checking transmission, oil, and power steering fluid.

talking about engines, my drivers ed teacher told our class a great story. once she went into a shop to get her oil changed or rotors or something, and the guy that was working on her car walks out and tells her that her fifth cylinder out of her 6 failed on the car. She asks him to call over the manager. the manager comes over, she has him tell what the problem is, and then tells the manager that she knows her car is an inline four cylinder. needless to say, that mechanic was gone. He was trying to pin a bill of a couple grand, for something her car didn't even need. My teacher knew the manager apparently, and the manager not wanting to lose a customer, gave her a free checkup and waived the bill for that time. That's why it's important to know the basics of a car.

DCCARGEEK > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 16:57

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Monthly Payment.

AAA Card.

The End.

d00mZ > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 16:59

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Fluids FLUIDS FLUIDS!
That means EVERYTHING. Oil, Brake, Steering, Coolant, even god damn windshield washer fluid; if you know this, then generally you know how things work in your car
such as the technical stuff: Filters, Lines, Brake Pads, Wheels, Bulbs, Belts, OBD scanners.

anonsagainstanonymous > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:01

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How to find the number to a rescue service, where the first aid kit is, how to replace a wheel, how it reacts in dangerous situations.

Those are some things everyone should know about their car. The rest depends on make, model and style of ownership. I couldn't care less whether an owner of a 2013 Honda knows how to replace it's oil. If they buy a 1984 Fiat without being willing to learn how to maintain it, however... That's another story.

langadamd > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 12/28/2013 at 17:14

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My roommate had his oil light on and went to the store for oil and as he got back I asked if it was the correct viscosity. He replied with "it's all the same, isn't it?" He didn't get the correct oil.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > langadamd 12/28/2013 at 17:15

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Goddamnit

philphil > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:20

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Meee-yow!

Dunnik > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:21

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Good post, I'd say every owner/operator of a motor vehicle should be familiar with the following, in no particular order:

1. Know the manufacturer maintenance schedule . Let's rememember that being familiar with it does two things: it puts them in tune with the car (no pun intended), making them more aware of what's going on ("Temperature is a bit high, and I'm nearing the coolant replacement mileage. Time to take it in.") and it also protects them from fraud ("Oh ya, you need new X before A. Better get it done or your car will explode!", allowing them to reply, "BS. Manufacturer doesn't recommend replacing X until B.")

2. They should be familiar with the basic stats of the car. Engine configuration: number of cylinders, fuel type/grade, displacement, boosted/normal (bonus points: power). Type of brakes. Listed fuel economy (for comparison/diagnostic). Make/model/year.

3. They should know what all the buttons do, and how to operate the vehicle's features, like cruise control. Yes, cruise control. I've had several convo's that go like this, "Why don't you turn on cruise control?" I ask, "I don't know how," they reply.

4. Tire pressures : they should know to get that info from the vehicle, and not the tire, and they should be familiar the dangers of over/under inflation. Buys a tire gauge for five bucks and keeps it in the car.

5. Consumables . Know what kind of oil and what weight is required. Partially to protect themselves from scammers trying to upsell synthetic oil for their 10 year old Kia Rondo. Know what kind of coolant is recommended, demand that they get the right type, and understand the consequences if they don't.

6. Know the vehicle's limits, drive within them. Operators of the RAV4, RVR, Compass, Patriot, etc., should, for example, understand that their car will tip under hard cornering. Vintage Porsche 911 owners should know, for example, that their car can be a bit of a tail-happy Black Widow. This may include tow limits, if the person does that, and certainly includes the max payload rating.

Kookanoodles > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 12/28/2013 at 17:25

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Advice to be followed for anything that comes with an owner's manual.

nikiaf27 > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:25

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Learning how to open the hood is a good place to start. You can't do much without first figuring that out. (I say this from experience, by the way).

mcseanerson > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:30

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Know the difference between different drivetrains and how to drive each in different environments properly. Also difference between winter, summer, and all season tires and the benefits of different tires.

Galant Enthusiast > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:31

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How to drive your car, not a car, the one you drive every day. More people need to understand how their car acts on the limits and where those limits are.

bobrayner > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:35

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Safety comes first; non-urgent maintenance comes second. Concentrate on things like:

* How to change a tire

* Recognise brake problems and get them fixed promptly

* Always wear a seatbelt, check your mirrors, prise yourself away from Candy Crush Saga. " I'm only driving a few minutes " counts as part of " Always ".

* Check each wheel occasionally; if one is running low, or something looks (or smells) different to the others in some way, either fix it or call somebody else who can fix it

* Know where your fire extinguisher and first aid kit are. Think about carrying other equipment if you're confident using it.

* Seriously dude, just scraping a hand-sized hole through the ice on the windshield doesn't give you enough visibility, what the hell

RichardNixon72 > anonsagainstanonymous 12/28/2013 at 17:36

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I don't think Fiat circa 1984 cared if their cars were maintained, for what its worth...

Triborough > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:36

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Your license plate number.
A lot of people have no idea what it is.

jalop1991 > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:36

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1) where the owner's manual is

2) how to read it

3) that one HAS taken the time to read it and understand the information contained therein, as it involves such basics as tire size, tire pressure, oil type, maintenance schedule, everything needed to validate whatever the service guy says

If one does not know where the owner's manual is, if one has not read it, then one should park the car and walk.

TheHondaBro > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:41

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The strange yellow lights.

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Your-Turn-…

Dunnik > Dunnik 12/28/2013 at 17:45

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One more,

7. Willing/able to perform very basic maintenance . By "very basic" we're talking replacing bulbs (if reasonably accessible) and topping up window washer fluid. Being willing to check and monitor all fluids, and, as the case may be, top up with more.

raytheater > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:46

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They should know that with a little search on youtube, you can ALMOST fix everything.

kasheed > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 17:51

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This may be obscure, but they should know how to find out what they don't know, and what they need to know. People should know whether or not changing a headlight is something they should try themselves. I was able to change both in my old Hyundai Santa Fe in 30 minutes, but a friend of mine gave up on his Audi A4 after 4 hours and paid the dealership to do it; he wished he had that 4 hours back. Same goes for DIY installations; I was able to install a short shifter on my Focus ST in an hour (no previous experience, and I had to ride my Triumph to the store to get a bigger hammer halfway through), but I have friends who drove their Abarth into the dealership with lots of interior trim in the trunk.

Shitty DIY jobs make for the most dangerous cars on the road in my opinion.

vroompshhhh > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 18:08

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1) As has been stated, knowing the maintenance schedule. This means knowing if your car has a timing belt and how frequently it should be replaced. How often the oil needs to be changed, how often (if at all) the transmission needs to be serviced, etc.

2.) How to check both the volume AND quality of all vital fluids. Sure you can have the right amount of oil, but if it looks like a milkshake you've got problems. If you don't do anything about it, what might've just been bad intake gaskets could turn into trashed bearings.

3.) What a tire is supposed to look like. The tire is, literally, where the rubber meets the road. If a tire has chords showing, uneven wear, dry rot, or any other characteristics that deviate from how a properly maintained tire on a properly maintained car should appear, they need to be addressed immediately.

4.) Every non-jalop should have a jalop friend that can tell them the noises they can ignore, the noises they don't need to worry about unless they get worse, and the noises that require immediate attention.

DayWooTang > Dunnik 12/28/2013 at 18:08

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Tire pressures : they should know to get that info from the vehicle, and not the tire,

I'm surprised at how many people don't know to read the sticker on the inside of the door jamb.

alan666 > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 18:10

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How to put fuel in it.

Mmmmm > Dunnik 12/28/2013 at 18:13

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DayWooTang > langadamd 12/28/2013 at 18:15

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Aww hellllll no he didn't!

xs500 > Dunnik 12/28/2013 at 18:19

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"Temperature is a bit high, and I'm nearing the coolant replacement mileage. Time to take it in."

What the hell are you talking about? Most modern coolant temp gauges will sit dead even despite real (and normal) fluctuations of the coolant temp. This was done so clueless people wouldn't freak out every time they climbed a steep hill and the needle went up a tad. Top tip: if your coolant temp starts creeping up on a modern car, you likely have more serious issues than just "oh my coolant is older than recommended."

Replacing coolant can aid in reducing corrosion inside the system, and can potentially prevent blockages from whatever gunk/grime may have found its way inside.

jmilone > Dunnik 12/28/2013 at 18:26

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Reasonably accessible is so true. Had the mirror light go on my dads SL had to rip apart the while mirror to change it. And don't get me started on Mercedes head lights

kayldera > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 18:39

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They don't even need to memorize any of that stuff. Just know where the damn manual of your car is. It's astounding the number of issues that could be solved if some people just RTFM.

Kerberos824 > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 18:41

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That wires showing in your tire is not a normal thing.

RiddldedTomcat > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 18:44

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How to change oil and tire

Tom Bell > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 18:46

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that it is a machine, like all machines it requires maintenance, and that they all break at one time or another.

F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 18:49

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How about having GOOD insurance?

I've had AAA for years, and yes they're a bit more, but they're roadside service is awesome, and you can do your DMV renewal in their office.

Having good insurance is paramount. Don't get the cheap crap if you can afford not to.

Buggalo77 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 12/28/2013 at 19:00

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This. One million times, this!

theboyracer > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:12

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Basics? Knowing which wheels do the driving would be good. A coworker of mine swore her Mini Cooper was rear wheel drive.

burdickjp > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:16

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How to assume a proper driving position.

How to position mirrors so you can actually use them while driving. They should be positioned so that a vehicle leaving your mirror should be visible in your peripheral vision, or as close to this as possible.

Cole Paquette > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:19

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How to: check oil, air pressure and coolant

At least add oil, coolant and air (the cost of having a shop do an oil change is usually worth the extra over doing it yourself, it's usually only a tiny bit more for them to do it)

Know how to change a tire/put on their spare safely.

I'd like to say also know how to use a code reader (plug into socket on car, write down code) since even if they aren't going to do the repair themselves they can go to the mechanic with something more than "it was working and now it isn't "

Know to scan a code or take it to a shop when the check engine light goes off. Usually, having it looked at now can mean a several hundred dollar repair versus potentially several thousand dollars by letting it sit.

Know at the very least when to change a timing belt, especially on an interference engine. They don't need to know how to do it, but letting it go too long can mean a whole new engine and labor to install versus swapping in a new belt.

Know the handling and feel of the car intimately. This might be weird, but sometimes the first indication I've had that something isn't right before it was enough to trigger a code or check engine light was just a different feel in the handling or sound or even how it felt at idle or when shifting. Being able to notice a much rougher feel from the engine had me checking the car to find all the rubber mounts had disintegrated. Knowing your vehicle means you'll know what isn't right.

quasi mofo > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:23

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How to use the turn signal.

Gabor Vajda (@Gabor_V) > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:34

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Car =/= smartphone. It's not good for multitasking... well, you can do a multi-takedown if you wish.

Vernon > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:35

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As a professional auto tech and shop manager I can think of a few.

1. What each light on the dash indicates. This would prevent needless panic and trips to me.

2. How to operate all of the components, i.e. A/C buttons, radio power, tilt wheel, etc. This would save them complaining we "broke their car!"

3. The intended purpose and proper use of the side and rear view mirrors. Using the side mirrors to view blind spots is much safer than three angles of your trunk.

4. Exactly what type of fluids their car uses. Power steering fluid isn't universal, neither is coolant, ATF, etc. Also one should never attempt routine maintenance after drinking. Brake systems don't appreciate power steering fluid.

5. If you always get bad mechanical help you probably suck at picking mechanics. Change the way you choose them. Nothing is free, so when you shop for no charge diagnostics you pay more for repairs than you would have paid in the first place at the honest shop who charges a reasonable fee to check it honestly.

6. Change your plugs at the schedule or sooner, no matter how good you think it runs. Catalysts cost to much to buy needlessly.

7. Cars usually take longer to repair than you think. You can't go into most good busy shops and get anything more than a bulb or oil change while you wait. Make plans for alternate transportation.

8. Expensive cars that are bought several years older for cheap still have the most expensive ownership costs. Yes a $3000 euro car can cost you $4500 or more to repair. Buy what you can afford to own, not what you can afford to buy.

9. Everyone should know whether their car has a spare or not and if it has air in it. How to deal with a flat on their car as in where's the jack or compressor.

10. Where to hide a spare key that they should have made so they don't accidently lock themselves out, especially with the baby in the car.

on their car, and if they have a spare wh

J. Drew Silvers > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:49

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Driving is a privilege, not a natural-born right. The majority of licensed drivers in America are not skilled, nor trained, nor knowledgeable enough to drive a car. Don't let your own ignorance triumph because we live in a whiny society where it isn't "fair" if everyone can't drive a car. You car is a mode of transportation and also a deadly weapon, so continually educate yourself on what you are doing.

Cole Paquette > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:51

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As a separate part of my other comment, this one doesn't really answer the topic but I want to say it anyways since it's tangentially related. I've had good luck showing friends the photos from reddit's just rolled into the shop board. Explaining the damage, what went wrong, why it's bad and what other problems something may cause is one thing, but explaining why they should inspect and have their brakes done is another thing when you show them a photo of missing rotors and explain the lack of checking means the rotors no longer work to stop the car... meaning hitting someone or something because they can't stop in time, or how putting off changing the belt will do *shows picture* this damage to an engine and cost $4000+ to replace the engine.

The results I've had from doing that is non car people commenting that they will now try to check the stuff more often to prevent such things happening to them.

onefineday > mcseanerson 12/28/2013 at 19:55

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From my s2000 to my jeep grand cherokee to my g37x.... Extremes to a healthy middle ground.

onefineday > Kerberos824 12/28/2013 at 19:57

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But I thought it meant I was grounded to the ground. And the sparking was approval points.

nrj > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:58

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When behind the wheel, they should have an approximate understanding of the vehicle's dimensions. I'm talking about basic stuff, like where your hood and trunk end, and how much clearance you have on either side of the vehicle. And by approximate, I mean within 6 inches or so.

This simple knowledge will make parking, maneuvering, and driving in general a lot easier for everyone.

onefineday > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 19:59

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In laymans terms. Two year lease. Not my problem.

Kylemaro > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 20:02

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well, because there is absolutely NO excuse that people in this country or any other in this modern era shouldn't be able to read, people should, not just jalops but everyone should know EVERY FUCKING THING IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. for fucks sake

davedave1111 > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 20:07

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Only one thing is essential: knowing that you don't know and have to ask. One of my best friends is a bit of an odd duck - likes cars, but knows nothing about them. But he knows he doesn't know, so doesn't do even the most basic thing without checking with someone who does.

Other than that, for most people the only real essentials are things that make the car grip and stop. If you don't go it's an inconvenience, but if you don't stop or grip it's a crash.

onefineday > onefineday 12/28/2013 at 20:09

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ETA. I know all the basic crap and ive been through most every situation that can happen to a car. Im just stating that its nice to have something new occasionally and not have to worry abut your vehicle breaking down because you sneezed in its general direction.

GR1M RACER : Wrong Most of the Time > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 20:22

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How a Turbo works and or How a Engine works.

http://jalopnik.com/how-much-can-c…

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Clown Shoe Pilot > Triborough 12/28/2013 at 20:26

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I have to confess here - the ONLY reason I know my tag numbers are because I have vanity plates. Before I got them, I couldn't tell you what my tag numbers were.

For some reason, I DO remember that my parent's 1980 Honda Accord hatchback was WLA-662. They sold that car when I was about 10.

I'm 40.

Clown Shoe Pilot > Kylemaro 12/28/2013 at 20:28

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I don't think you need to have the manual memorized, just as long as you're aware that it exists and you read it when you need to.

ICantStandNewJalopnik > Galant Enthusiast 12/28/2013 at 20:39

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People don't realize how long it takes to panic stop. Even Jalops. You're exactly right.

Pittabreadconsumer > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 12/28/2013 at 20:49

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So much this. Not just for any big stuff you might have missed but modern cars are usually hiding a number of small and quite useful features that may not be obvious.

tommyscooter > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 21:04

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How to drive it

Built BMW Tough > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 21:05

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Your car comes standard with turn signals.

desertdog5051 > Triborough 12/28/2013 at 21:09

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Write mine down on the drywall in the garage for all the cars and M/C's. No Duh's.

Vincent Davidson > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 21:09

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13 year tech here. Lets keep it simple for all the educated idiots out there that have four year degrees in liberal arts but don't know how to change their oil.

1) TIRES. Check them. Condition, inflation, et. al. If one is flat, stop at a gas station (buy a gauge! so it doesn't get over inflated). If cords are sticking out of it or a nail is sticking out of it, replace.

2) FLUIDS. Oil level (and if it hasn't been changed in 10-20k miles, change it), washer fluid, coolant.

3) LIGHTS. Headlights, brakelights, taillights.

I'm missing a lot on purpose. Like I said, keep it simple.

If any of these need attention, fix. If you don't know how, you pay. And don't bitch about having to pay. :)

Who's the dummy now? lol

dragonfli-labs > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 21:15

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On the note of changing wheels: Know your tire and wheel information - size, bolt pattern, etc

This can come in handy if you ever need to shop for new wheels and tires, especially if you got an optional wheel size that didn't come on your vehicle (for example, a Kia Rio might come stock with 14" wheels but you got the 15" wheels instead).

EmotionalFriend > Kylemaro 12/28/2013 at 21:34

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Have you seen the factory manual for an MR2 Spyder? It comes in 2 fucking volumes. VOLUMES! As in books so big you could use them as wheel chocks when your handbrake inevitably fails.

Takuro Spirit > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 21:36

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See this, darlin'? It's not a kitchen. So kindly back away.

Daniel Fleck > Tom McParland 12/28/2013 at 21:54

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Ahh, see the problem here is with your interocetor. You'll probably need a new one.

jalop1991 > Clown Shoe Pilot 12/28/2013 at 22:22

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The problem with not being extremely knowledgeable about the car via the owner's manual, the problem with simply being aware that it exists and that you "can read it when you want to," is that you'll never want to. You'll ALWAYS be too busy, and you'll never touch the thing because "I know how to drive! I don't need no stinkin' manual!"

Meanwhile, you fail to use/acknowledge much of what your car has to offer, and what you don't know can and will hurt you. You won't consult the manual when you need to, you won't know what to look for... Imagine you're a a doctor: "hell, I don't need no book! I know what the human body looks like! As long as I know where the book is and can read it when I want to, I'll be fine!" and then practicing medicine, every day, day in and day out.

That's what you're doing when you drive your car every day, day in and day out, without knowing what the engineers thought you should know about your $40,000 shiny 3500 pound missile you pilot at 70mph.

I remember seeing on priuschat a discussion about the door locks. Yes, they're power; yes, every prius comes with a remote for locking/unlocking the car. But of course, the prius has normal door lock buttons, just like every car does. Turns out some priuschatter thought his car was SO SPECIAL, he was completely surprised by those red things underneath the inside door handles. He had no idea what those were. He had no idea you could just LOCK or UNLOCK a door, no fancy prius technology required.

I could almost hear him giggling like a girl as he revealed his newfound ignorance to the world.

Frankly, it was scary that he would feel no embarrassment whatsoever at revealing how ignorant he was about something so basic.

Imagine if he had just read his owner's manual. But I bet, as unusual as the prius is in the world, most prius owners have never read the owner's manual. "Hell, I know how to drive!"

We just had a discussion about using the hazard flashers to alert truckers that they're clear to change lanes. I bet most owners couldn't find their hazard flashers, even on a car they've driven for years. Many may not even know a car HAS hazard flashers. Sometimes, reading the manual alerts you to a feature or a concept you've never been exposed to before. "Hell, I know how to drive!" Do you? Do you know how to drive this particular car? Turn on the wipers? Headlights?

Do you know how to stop the car in an emergency? As in, turn the engine off while retaining steering and braking control, without locking the steering wheel? Maybe knowing that would come in handy...

onefineday > TheHondaBro 12/28/2013 at 22:24

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Optional in new jersey.

dreygata > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 12/28/2013 at 22:33

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I'll add how to locate your battery and how to jump off your car.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Clown Shoe Pilot 12/28/2013 at 23:08

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After 18 years with the same car, I'd have to check with a doctor if I didn't remember mine, haha...

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Dunnik 12/28/2013 at 23:15

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QuikSlvr223 > Gabor Vajda (@Gabor_V) 12/28/2013 at 23:28

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static4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080805182213/burnoutparadise/images/5/55/Burnout_3_Boxart.jpg
Damn right I can.

Maxaxle > Takuro Spirit 12/29/2013 at 00:01

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Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

WayDude > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 00:03

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I would add know the difference between all the fillable holes in the engine, anything with a cap you can screw off. And be able to add to them if needed.

JustARegularReader > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 00:22

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Actually when you go to mechanics, then you act like a person who know much or a bit of engine and mechanical... versus act of a person who know nothing, for sure the result may vary.

Either their way to serve you and their charge.

jmitch356 > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 00:27

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Basic stuff! Checking oil level, oil type, coolant, and other fluids. Tire condition and pressures including the spare that no one ever checks until they need it. Location of the owners manual. I work on cars for a living and I have probably used most customers owners manuals more then they have. Its amazing how much info most manuals give you.

FrankenB5S4 > Clown Shoe Pilot 12/29/2013 at 02:29

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I can remember both of my parents cars plates growing up, but have absolutely no idea what mine is.

shitheelandtoe > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 02:43

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How the computer adjusts the variable valve timing in response to temperature. As in, the exact equation used by the computer.

Too much irony here? Maybe.

Coalman > dreygata 12/29/2013 at 03:04

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YES! Once had my battery die at a HARDWARE store and the excuses people gave me when I asked for a jump WHILE I WAS HOLDING CABLES were ridiculous. "Oh, my battery is too old..." etc. Finally had one nice person let me get going. But geez! Plus I can't tell you the amount of times I've seen FaceBook posts about "Got a flat tire/dead battery, had to call AAA" It's like *headsmack* AAA usually just puts your spare on for ya.

SPNKiX > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 12/29/2013 at 03:07

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… reminds me… I need to check how many cylinders banks my car has.

Coalman > Dunnik 12/29/2013 at 03:09

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1 Should be made mandatory somehow. Can't tell you how many people I've talked to that don't know if they're car even has a timing belt or when it should be replaced..not to mention things like Automatic transmission fluid and other vital info on basic maintenance.

yung bramblepelt > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 12/29/2013 at 03:16

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Mike D F > Vernon 12/29/2013 at 03:17

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All of the above. Especially #5 through #8. As to #4 one shouldn't attempt anything car related post alcohol.

#5 Free inspection loosely translated to tech takes car around block, puts up on hoist and proceeds to condemn anything he (or she) figures might be the problem. You may have to agree to pay for the inspection but that's just so we don't waste each others time. Also like my boss I like to get paid.

#6 Not necessarily plugs per say, but a somewhat simple check engine light issue can turn into a HUGE bill later if ignored. And why does it cost so much for the scan you ask, A professional, professional being the key word, scan tool costs upwards of $10000 dollars and the software update costs about $2000 a year. We really don't make much money off the scan itself. If any.

#7 Sure on TV shows they use a little impact and everything comes right off, but that is nowhere near the reality of it. If something is rusted or corroded on we gotta get it off without breaking it or something else. Alternative transportation is a great idea, the last thing you want is someone rushing to get your car done.

#8 So critical. So very very critical to know. Not only will the parts inherently cost more to get but they're usually further away. Parts that are generally aftermarket will often have to come from the dealer. The cost of maintenance and repairs is directly proportional to the original sticker price.

It's nice to see someone around these parts that's a professional with real advice. Not picking on anyone on here just I read some facepalm material in other places.

Mike D F > DCCARGEEK 12/29/2013 at 03:19

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Insurance and registration if separate.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > yung bramblepelt 12/29/2013 at 03:45

1

I'm not sure what's going on. Stupid kinja.

bariki > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 04:55

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Everyone who drives a car should know enough about how it works that they don't have to pay a mechanic to make any diagnosis that doesn't require special tools, and enough about working on cars to do anything repair that doesn't require special knowledge and tools.

Packardbaker > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 05:42

1

At least know if it's front or rear wheel drive. I'm looking at you 1 series owners. 80% think it's front drive.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/110032225250/8…

vc-10 > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 08:22

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1) Basic maintenance- how to check fluid levels and refill them if appropriate, tyre condition (damage and wear) and pressures, check lights and change bulbs if appropriate (some bulbs are basically inaccessible for all but the most hardened DIY-er) and most importantly know when to take the car to someone more knowledgeable. So- if the brakes need changing, they should know to take the car to have the brakes changed.

2) Maintenance schedule. Know where to find it, and follow it. Your car manufacturer knows more about how to maintain their products than the average Joe.

3) Car controls. Know how to do things like turn on the lights (and fog lights too) and when it is appropriate to do so (no fog lights on clear nights, and no driving in rainstorms with no lighting). Know how to demist the interior of the windows (I see many cars completely misted up). Know how to use the car's Bluetooth (seen people in brand-new BMWs using their phones, in a car with Bluetooth fitted as standard. WTF?) and radio without it being too distracting.

4) Most important- know your limits, know your car's limits, and know the weather and road condition limits. When it's foggy and raining and you can't see more than 10m in front, don't continue driving at 80 down the outside lane of the motorway. And likewise, when the road is clear and straight, don't drive at 40mph in a 60 zone holding everyone up (if you can't do that- you shouldn't be driving. You wouldn't pass the driving test, therefore you shouldn't be driving).

Masterify > langadamd 12/29/2013 at 08:23

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Car manuals are much too vague in telling which oil to use for non-jalops to understand.

john kinney > kayldera 12/29/2013 at 08:46

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rtfm.... my favorite acronym

Jeeper1 > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 08:46

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Whether or not it takes diesel.

-Bam Margera

juggaho > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 08:54

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Everyone should know how to check their oil and find out if their engine burns oil, then figure out how much it burns. If you blow a tire, you should know how to replace it but not everyone has a spare/donut, and you can always get a tow. If you don't know your car is burning oil, eventually you'll be looking at a seized engine, and as we all know, that is not a quick and inexpensive fix.

Jeeper1 > jalop1991 12/29/2013 at 08:55

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That lat paragraph. Sorcery.

Jeeper1 > jalop1991 12/29/2013 at 08:55

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That lat paragraph. Sorcery.

Anima > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 08:58

2

That it's a big chunk of metal powered by explosions you are flinging down the highway at speeds our brains were never meant to cope with, mere feet away from similarly or even larger boxes of metal at the same speed.

If they realize that, they might start to pay attention again and not put all their trust in the cars safety systems to figure it out for them. And not skip important maintenance.

Other than that:

Owners manuals are usefull

If you dont understand something technical, don't mess with it and leave it to a professional.

discbrakes should not look like this:

lie2me > desertdog5051 12/29/2013 at 08:59

1

No Duh's? DUH-51 That's my License plate number, seriously

Anima > Takuro Spirit 12/29/2013 at 09:00

3

Soooo tempted to crosspost this to Jezebel.

Gmonster > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 09:02

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If you drive fwd and get a flat in the front, And if your spare isn't full size (e.g. A donut) put spare on rear and move a rear tire to front.

I see fail all the fucking time.

juggaho > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 12/29/2013 at 09:02

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This. "I need to change the, um....hoses, in my car." Ok, what's the vehicle? "Uh...i have an, um toyota." The year? "I think its, an..um...2000?" OK what kind of toyota? "Pffffff shit...the little car...I think CORONA?" They didn't make that car in 2000, sir. "Hmmmm...try 2004".

That is the beginning of a head ache and possible return of "wrong parts this guy sold me" due to lack of the right information and VIN number.

Anima > onefineday 12/29/2013 at 09:05

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Yet this mentality is the exact reason why cars now break down if you sneeze in their general direction.

GirchyGirchy > Tom McParland 12/29/2013 at 09:33

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Multiple quotes for a repair? No thanks. Ask around for recommendations, find a place you like, and establish a relationship with them. Shopping by price alone is asking for crummy work.

onefineday > Anima 12/29/2013 at 09:50

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by the time that happens, its not my car anymore.