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speaking as an engine mechanic for a small chain of auto repair shops, it feels like americans have grown outright apathetic to the commute offered by cars --an

speaking as an engine mechanic for a small chain of auto repair shops, it feels like americans have grown outright apathetic to the commute offered by cars --any car-- in this age. How do i figure? Maintenance. My most common customer comes in complaining about a noise or a smell and stares at her shoes when asked when the last major service was, what the mileage is, or when the last oil change was. Its almost like drivers have learned to internalize their hatred of the commute into the car itself. Like they just dont want to think about any of it. Bare brake pads, scored rotors, and boiled oil are all so common it hurts. I once had to spend two weeks rebuilding most of a partially seized engine because a customer couldnt understand why his two year old car idled so rough. a $40 oil change could have prevented what ended up being $8000 in parts and service.

analog31 8y ago
I'm glad for the light on the dash that blinks when my car needs an oil change. And I'm lucky to have an honest mechanic who keeps me up to date on issues without gouging me. I've become apathetic about driving too. It's become mostly unpleasant due to congestion. What you say cuts pretty close for me: A car is an appliance. But also, cars have gotten so reliable that it's easy to stop thinking about what's going on under the hood.
antod 8y ago
I can understand the feeling though. Even though I don't commute by car any more, I see the same thing in how I treat my mountain bike vs how I treat my commuter bike. My mountain bike is for fun and gets cleaned/maintained etc after I use it in the weekends. My commuter bike is used during the week either first thing in the morning or early evenings before getting home for a meal and seeing my family. It's kinda a necessary evil and resented a bit compared to my mountain bike. I want it to just work and not have to think about it (until it annoyingly doesn't).

analog31 8y ago

I'm glad for the light on the dash that blinks when my car needs an oil change. And I'm lucky to have an honest mechanic who keeps me up to date on issues without gouging me. I've become apathetic about driving too. It's become mostly unpleasant due to congestion. What you say cuts pretty close for me: A car is an appliance. But also, cars have gotten so reliable that it's easy to stop thinking about what's going on under the hood.

antod 8y ago

I can understand the feeling though. Even though I don't commute by car any more, I see the same thing in how I treat my mountain bike vs how I treat my commuter bike. My mountain bike is for fun and gets cleaned/maintained etc after I use it in the weekends. My commuter bike is used during the week either first thing in the morning or early evenings before getting home for a meal and seeing my family. It's kinda a necessary evil and resented a bit compared to my mountain bike. I want it to just work and not have to think about it (until it annoyingly doesn't).