Do you know anything about cars or just computers?

[Skunk-Works]

So I know a lot about computers, I can build 'em, upgrade 'em and fix 'em, but when it comes to car repair or a simple oil change, I know nothing, but just some common sense things like how the car functions.

What's say you?

 

[BoomerD]

I used to know a lot about cars, built/rebuilt engines, overhauled tramsmissions, both automatic and manual, worked on heavynequipment for 30+ years, but the changes and computerization over the past 20-25 years has kind of passed me by. I know a middling amout about computers...have built my own for about 30 years.

 

[lxskllr]

I wouldn't say I know a lot about cars, but I can do a fair amount of work on them. I just don't like to. I don't like getting greasy, I don't like busted up hands, and I don't like dicking with stuck rusted parts. Computers are easy and satisfying.

 

[pmv]

I don't know much about cars, but I know I dislike them.

Also - this is a poorly-structured poll. The answers are not mutually-exclusive.

 

[Paladin3]

I know computers well, but cars only somewhat. I can do simple things on a car like brakes or change out an alternator or starter without much trouble. After that I have to go searching for help and how to videos on youtube.

I'm still struggling to diagnose a charging system problem on my daughter's car that I thought I had fixed. It's either a bad ground wire I can't find or the voltage regulator in the PCM computer unit is bad. I think it's off to the shop next week to let a professional figure it out.

 

[skull]

I know computers well, but cars only somewhat. I can do simple things on a car like brakes or change out an alternator or starter without much trouble. After that I have to go searching for help and how to videos on youtube.

I'm still struggling to diagnose a charging system problem on my daughter's car that I thought I had fixed. It's either a bad ground wire I can't find or the voltage regulator in the PCM computer unit is bad. I think it's off to the shop next week to let a professional figure it out.

Saying the words I'm giving up and sending it to a mechanic is blasphemy. Voltage regulator is normally on the alternator, do you not have 14 volts at the battery with the car on?

I've been building computers since before I joined here at 14, been working on my own car since I got my first one at 16 only taken one to a mechanic once when I was younger that bill was enough to never do that stupid shit again. Since then I've fixed almost everything that can break on a car.

 

[snoopy7548]

I've never taken the time to really learn anything about cars. I guess my main reasoning is if I screw up my computer, it's not a big deal. But if I screw up my car, I'll have to get it towed to a mechanic or find out on the highway...

 

[brianmanahan]

my memory only works well on abstract concepts, like software. i can't remember much at all if i'm working on physical things like cars or appliances or houses, or even computer cases. i'll forget where i'm supposed to put stuff, or where the tools are, or where i set stuff down.

 

[IronWing]

I know everything I need to know about cars.

"Here's my credit card, make the bad sounds go away."

 

[brianmanahan]

i am from a rural area where everyone is expected to know how to work on cars, so i get made fun quite a bit because i don't even change my oil.

 

[IronWing]

i am from a rural area where everyone is expected to know how to work on cars, so i get made fun quite a bit because i don't even change my oil.

I've pulled the heads off an engine and correctly reinstalled them, repaired lots of other stuff on cars but I've never changed my own oil.

 

[SKORPI0]

I know almost anything about cars (how they work, how they're made), except for fixing them. I can do the simple stuff (oil, replace brake pads, change lights/wipers/air filters)
but I'd rather have a professional do them. Too messy for me.
I've been assembling parts of computers to built a PC since the early '80s. I've written my own simple programs using Basic, Cobol, Fortran, Pascal/Modula during those times.

 

[skull]

my memory only works well on abstract concepts, like software. i can't remember much at all if i'm working on physical things like cars or appliances or houses, or even computer cases. i'll forget where i'm supposed to put stuff, or where the tools are, or where i set stuff down.

I have the opposite problem I can break even random things down like say a generator having never worked on one before. Throw all the parts and bolts in one pile leave it that way for weeks while I wait for a new part, go back and throw it back together. Its not even that I necessarily remember where things go its part of it but I can just logically see where things go. It might be learned though, when I was a kid I randomly took stuff a part but couldn't always figure out how to put them back together correctly. When I started fixing stuff for a living at 17 it wasn't always so easy for me I still had a knack for it but these days its second nature. I can be talking on the phone or whatever while putting a boiler back together that I have never worked on before. Wiring the controls on it on the other hand I'm still good at but can't be distracted while I do it, if the control setup is really complicated I'll have to write things down as I go.

Abstract things on the other hand are a lot harder for me. I've dabbled in programming and even managed to make a few very basic programs of my own creation but its a lot harder for me. The memory part of it completely escapes me. If I wanted to program again it'd be like starting over and even when I messed around with it I had to have the book in front of me telling me step by step so I could adapt for my needs. Where repairing things the only things I really check manuals for is certain specs generally not a step by step process.

 

[PricklyPete]

I enjoy working on both and am pretty knowledgeable in both spaces...but because of time...I do a limited amount of either. I barely have enough time to work on my mountain bikes which are a much higher priority to me.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I don't know much about cars. Like I might have a general idea of what an issue might be but I bring it in to the shop for stuff that would probably be easy to do myself if I knew how. Biggest issue for me though is not having a proper work environment. If I had a nice big heated garage I'd probably take the time to learn how to do at least more basic things like brakes.

About the only thing I do is swap out my winter/summer tires.

Computers I can put together fairly easily without really thinking too hard about it. Though because I don't do it that often, whenever I do it, it's a new cpu socket, or new type of standard etc so I end up taking time to make sure I'm doing things right.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I've pulled the heads off an engine and correctly reinstalled them, repaired lots of other stuff on cars but I've never changed my own oil.

That.

The indie mechanic down the road will do it for $5 more than the cost of oil and a filter at Walmart, and he'll dispose of the oil for me, and he's got WiFi. Why would I replace my own oil?

Maybe if I was in some Purgatory where my only options were Jiffy Lube or a dealership...

 

[BoomerD]

That.

The indie mechanic down the road will do it for $5 more than the cost of oil and a filter at Walmart, and he'll dispose of the oil for me, and he's got WiFi. Why would I replace my own oil?

Maybe if I was in some Purgatory where my only options were Jiffy Lube or a dealership...

99% of the time, I have the oil changed at the dealership for our cars/trucks. The RV goes to an independent shop.
I used to change the oil in all our rigs, but since I got busted up, it's just easier on me to take it to a shop.

 

[brianmanahan]

99% of the time, I have the oil changed at the dealership for our cars/trucks.

same here, as long as i buy a "5 oil changes" punch card from them, the price is only about 5-10$ more than if i did it myself

 

[BD231]

I crash them and get them repossessed by credit agencies.

I do the same with my cars

 

[PliotronX]

I wish I knew cars as well as computer hardware and software, I'd switch fields as cars seem more lucrative for mechanics, techs, managers, and owners. I replaced my alternator and can do fuses, light bulbs, tires, generally low level stuff. I also do my own oil so that I can be sure the right type is going in and subarus are very picky about oil filters. As far as like head gaskets and hard to get to stuff.. I am hoping that augmented reality takes off because it can highlight parts and show videos without having to dirty up mobile devices.

 

[Exterous]

i am from a rural area where everyone is expected to know how to work on cars, so i get made fun quite a bit because i don't even change my oil.

For the longest time I didn't understand why everyone said I should do it myself to save money. Changing the oil for my civic at the dealership cost $25 (Its only recently changed to $35). Then I got my Audi TT and everyone wanted to charge $100+

"Oh I get it now"

 

[brianmanahan]

For the longest time I didn't understand why everyone said I should do it myself to save money. Changing the oil for my civic at the dealership cost $25 (Its only recently changed to $35). Then I got my Audi TT and everyone wanted to charge $100+

"Oh I get it now"

lol true, i know a guy who gets charged a couple hundred by his mercedes dealer.

i'm gonna be a honda-til-i-die guy so will probably just keep going to the dealer. waiting until the fit gets to 250-300k miles and then i'll probably just get another one.

 

[AdamK47]

I overclock my computers and my cars.

 

[5to1baby1in5]

I know a little, and







Baby I can guess the rest.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

I've gotten more invested in taking care of things myself - including on my car.

Lately I've gotten more adventurous, replacing my power steering pump on my own - as well as the serpentine belt and change the oil a couple times. Last week I changed out the spark plugs. At this point, the key is that EVERYTHING you are able to google. I can get a youtube video showing me EXACTLY what parts and EXACTLY HOW to replace all that stuff on MY 2006 Acura. It doesn't get any easier than that - hell, have it on while you're doing it, pausing inbetween.

Same goes with appliances - had some issues where my dryer kept turning off 5-10 minutes into a cycle. Google'd the error code, found a replacement part and put it in. I had no idea what the hell it was, but it sure fixed my issues.

It all boils down to costs as to why I've gotten more adventurous. When it comes to a mechanic or an appliance repair person - just utilizing their time in anyway shape or form will cost you $150 minimum. I find that to be insane. I changed out my spark plugs and A/C filter in like... 15 minutes. And I was a newbie doing it for the first time while watching a youtube. Go to your stealership and ask how much they charge for those.

I won't ever say I'm an expert in cars though - probably more than average though.