In both my helicopter technician background and my work studying business management, a common theme was shared: when you are at an impasse and need advice, consult a subject matter expert. It’s sound advice…who better to ask than someone who knows all there is to know? If you wanted to know why the air conditioner to your house just kicked the can, you call a technician, someone who focuses on HVAC systems. If the toilet backs up and you can’t handle it, you call the plumber…then you call your brother-in-law and inform him that his poor diet will haunt him twice as he will be footing the bill.
In my world of friends and acquaintances, I’ve tended to be a focal point when it comes to anything with wheels and an engine. While I’m proud enough to admit that I may know a thing or two, by no means am I an expert. For one, an expert on cars wouldn’t have spent years trying to diagnose gauge lights in a Dodge on it’s last legs. But nonetheless, people have come to me for words of wisdom, and I do my best to provide insightful, relatively unbiased information. Sometimes it works, and sometimes they go and by a PT Cruiser anyways. But whatever the question, I usually find myself questioning my decision shortly afterwards. Currently I’m reviewing three-year-old Mazda 6s and Toyota Camrys for a friend to make sure that he gets the right car for his family. Do either car turn my crank? Nope. But I want to make sure that whatever the case, that he gets the best info I can provide.
I’m certain that you have encountered this in your travels of life. Where to take a car for work, why do I have to replace my timing belt now, what the hell is that popping noise when the steering wheel is turned right…do you find that it comes naturally? Do you do research and give the best answer? Do you wing it and let the fates decide? How do you deal with being the automotive guru?
(By the way, that PT Cruiser is, beyond belief, still living and somehow, still running ten years later…dammit.)
Free beer and pizza, plus people to help me move heavy stuff when I need it. That’s how I deal with it.
I generally turn wrenches on cars of friends in order to bulk up my beer budget.
Doing essentially 18 years of back-maintenance on my friend’s car netted me a bottle of absinthe once. Pretty sweet deal.
Generally answer a lot of questions, dumb or otherwise, without expecting much in return. I oughta start charging my one friend in TN for tech support with all the LS-related questions he is always asking me.
I have learned to stay-the-hell-away from giving people advice on cars. Listen to what they say, nod understandingly, then get out.
When it comes to “what car should I buy” my answer has evolved to two,”can YOU fix it or afford to fix it when it breaks”, “does it have to run every time you get in it”? If the answer is yes to either my answer has become buy a new car with a warranty.
My problem with actually working on others cars is I give too much , time , parts supplies, days off work…..Then I never see them again until they have a problem.
I very well could be an @$$hole that nobody wants to be around too.
I always start off by talking myself down, “I’m not an expert be clear / You don’t have to listen to me but if your asking,” but then when I’m right its a little victory for everyone.
I find most people that ask tech questions will ignore your answer {Askholes}
All guys are mechanical experts, so over 30 years hands on experience is irrelevant I’ve been told.
And the guys on TV goof off for 45 minutes and at the end of a hour have a car that sells for 6 digit numbers , nothing to it.
I DON”T
I don’t give advice on what kind of car to buy.
I don’t diagnose problems.
I don’t work on other folks cars.
I don’t care if they call me an A hole for not.
I work for beer, rate the job on how many beers it will take to finish. No guarantee my work after 12 beers.
Great choice of using the Tappet Brothers for the main photo. RIP Tom.