Do It Yourself

     When I was young we played on the street till the lights came. When I was young the Saturday matinee lasted four hours, cost 15 cents and you brought your own popcorn. When I was young there was a love between the car and it’s owner. What happened? How did this love affair go so wrong? First off we were all ignorant of the effects on the environment of the car. We were also ignorant of the lack of safety equipment. Cars were relatively simple. To correct these short falls the manufactures invested heavily in technology. The result, cars that are so complex the average guy couldn’t service it.
     Some say this is not a bad thing. I make my living as a licensed tech. I have background in mechanical engineering and have invested heavily in tools, equipment and real estate. Fact, it’s not illegal for me to service my own furnace. Reality, I wouldn’t , I understand the consequences if something should go wrong, or should I say very wrong. Yet, any average Joe, thinks nothing of overhauling his car.
     Just imagine this guy’s behind you on the highway. He “fixes” his own brakes. He didn’t replace all the components because he didn’t have the funds or he didn’t understand the system’s function. How safe do you feel now? There exists a myth that because you’re a REAL MAN , you can fix your own car. This is especially true south of the border where this tale is perpetuated by parts retailers. It’s time we took a hard look at car maintenance and repairs.
     Auto repairs should be treated in the same light as health care. We should hold the repair industry the same standard as doctors, dentists and yes, gasfitters. Try and buy prescription drugs over the counter. When was the last time you pulled out the old vacuum cleaner to perform liposuction on your spouse, just to save a few bucks? Any automotive parts that are safety related should only be available to licensed professionals. Start regulating the sale of these components and enforce the regulations with heavy fines. Times have changed, perhaps so should our laws.