UUGGHHH!!!!! Doesn`t anyone know how two jumpstart a car anymore!?!?!?

[dodj]

Wow, this is the second time I heard the wedding ring story. 

At the complex where I work we are not allowed to wear rings, chains, or watches with metal bands for that very reason.

[Aussie Challenger]

I used to wear rings back in my teen years but when I started my Mechanic apprentship was told to take off. When I got married I left my wedding ring on and have only had a couple of minor sparks from the ring, I have seen some nasty bad burns from rings.

[jimynick]

I agree with most of the comments about the new generation's mechanical aptitude, but I have 21 year old twin sons who have been into pulling wrenches since they were old enough to hold them- lucky I guess. They've changed 3-4 engines/clutches, etc. and I hear them talk about their friends who don't know a socket from a sack of beans. It's funny to see them around carbs- they grew up in a FI world and I had to show them that you have to give the old girl a couple of kicks when she's cold to get 'er to start, but then it's ME who's got to go to THEM to fire up THEIR scanner to turn out Mom's engine check light! Some of the new crew will be OK.

[usraptr]

I agree with most of the comments about the new generation's mechanical aptitude, but I have 21 year old twin sons who have been into pulling wrenches since they were old enough to hold them- lucky I guess. They've changed 3-4 engines/clutches, etc. and I hear them talk about their friends who don't know a socket from a sack of beans. It's funny to see them around carbs- they grew up in a FI world and I had to show them that you have to give the old girl a couple of kicks when she's cold to get 'er to start, but then it's ME who's got to go to THEM to fire up THEIR scanner to turn out Mom's engine check light! Some of the new crew will be OK.

   I had exactly the same experience with my son's and a carb engine. However, now my middle son is a certified mechanic and I frequently call on him for trouble shooting etc.  I still change my own oil, do my own brake jobs and stuff like that.  However, I leave the modern day car repairs to him.  'Course that doesn't count my 'Cuda restoration.  That's my baby entirely.  I do let him help though occasionally. 

[sadil340]

I have a lift in my garage so I get to see how skilled (or unskilled) these kids are - most are pretty curious and willing to try and are good kids. Of course I brought my kid up to do for himself - no free car (although I pay his insurance while he is in college) and he earns all of his gas/car repair/entertainment money by working while he is in school. Bottom line: if you don't give the kids everything and expect them to be self sufficient they will. Yes they will whine that their buddy got a BMW for a high school grad present but you just ignore it and show them a good example and 9 times out of 10 they will turn out well.

[Matt70]

I have tried to teach my daughters all I can. Don't want them depending on a guy to do it for them. I was very proud and alarmed to hear that my oldest daughter's boyfriend changed a brake line and didn't know to bleed the lines. She had to show him how to do it!

[sadil340]

I have tried to teach my daughters all I can. Don't want them depending on a guy to do it for them. I was very proud and alarmed to hear that my oldest daughter's boyfriend changed a brake line and didn't know to bleed the lines. She had to show him how to do it!

Even more important for girls to learn - they get taken advantage of at less scrupulous shops. I have several times coached females on what to say when they go in for evaluation so they sound like they know about cars and are less likely to get taken advantage of. It may not be a widespread problem but it's good to take precautions.

[Matt70]

Very true