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Not sure why people are arguing about this.
Everybody has their own area of expertise, but if you're going to drive and own a car, you need to know some things.
Such as: how to check the oil and check other fluids (coolant, brake, transmission, windshield washer fluid)
When to take it in for an oil change (or change it yourself)
How to change a tire
When a tire needs to be replaced
When windshield wipers need to be replaced
As a girl in the 1960s, I was never encouraged to learn HOW to change oil, but I can check it, add oil if necessary and I know that it's important to have regular oil changes. Over the years, I've learned the symptoms of a bad alternator, fuel pump, water pump, bad rings, dying battery, loose belts, snapped timing belt and other stuff that comes from experience. Often that has saved me from being scammed by a garage - yes, even at a dealer's garage (they're the most expensive lessons!)
Those two are NOT "some of the most essential components of being and adult".
Actually, I know people who won't let their kids (including and especially daughters) drive alone until they can change a tire themselves. Now maybe this was more common before cell phones and run flats, but I still believe it to be sound practice.
I don't mind what parents teach their kids or what pass or not. But I do mind when parents wont teach their kids good manners and good behavior.
OP your past is not the present. Some people like work with hands some are not and some are talented and some are not. If you are not able to help please do say NO that completely okay!
I'd rather teach my son to excel academically so he is not "hurt financially" by a $40 oil change.
Also my friend taught his boy to make apps for phones. That kid makes way more than $20 in half an hour. Neither bothers with their own oil changes.
To answer your question, my boy is 4 and he is already learning to use hand tools and drill, etc.
He recently put together a table for his playroom. Our next project is letting him put together the wagon my brother got him for xmas. He has used the mower, as well. And he helps in the kitchen, has been making and serving coffee since he was 3, etc.
I think parents should teach their kids everything they know. And learn new stuff to give their kids more.
My DH by profession works on cars and he can fix almost anything electrical in our house (he's a whiz with fixing our AC when it's not working and it saves us lots of money) but he hasn't taught our son any of his skills yet. Our son is 8. DH will usually let him watch if he's doing something but most sometimes it isn't safe for the 8 year old to be to close when DH is checking out whatever issue we having going on. I was helping him fix our AC issue a couple of years ago. He was on the phone telling me what to do and I ended up zapping myself. As both of the kids get older, I know DH will show them both how to change oil and to change tires.
Just to make it clear, I am wondering why a father would not teach their kid how to do somthing such as working on cars when the father does know how to do it and does work on his own car. im also wondering at what age you taught your kid to work on cars if you do work on them your self. No where did I say why don't people that don't work on cars not teach their kid how to work on cars. Sorry if that point was lost in my first post.
FWIW, my dad wasn't a mechanic nor is he particularly mechanically inclined. He works in an office. At one point he did his own brake jobs and the odd oil change to save money. He would also do basic maintenance and repairs to the snow blower, lawn mower, and Outboard on our fishing boat.
I don't remember that he ever specifically taught us to do anything except change a tire. I can do as much, if not more, than he can. I learned from following him around.
No they aren't. It's just perceived that they are more difficult due to the number of wires and plastic shrouding in the newer engine bays. Truth is most of the vehicle maintanence needed by a brand new 2016 automobile can still be done at home, in your garage, with basic handtools. Changing power steering fluid, or bleeding the brakes, or changing differential fluid or engine oil or spark plugs is still done the same way it was 30 years ago. Brakes haven't changed designs in decades. Engine's still have the same basic geometry as they did 30-40 years ago. They just cover them up with more plastic these days.
You can download a $5 app on your smart phone, a $5 wifi dongle off ebay, and access the computer to read codes and see sensor readings.
It's only more complicated if you don't understand how they work. Once you have an understanding, I'd almost venture to say vehicle care these days is easier than 20-30 years ago. At least that's how I perceive it.
EDIT: Don't misunderstand my post as to imply everyone should still work on their own cars. Not the point I was trying to make.
And with Youtube, there are readily available instructions on how to replace most every single thing, even down to your specific year and model.
Actually, I know people who won't let their kids (including and especially daughters) drive alone until they can change a tire themselves. Now maybe this was more common before cell phones and run flats, but I still believe it to be sound practice.
Same here... but doing that does not make them an adult.
It is not even one "of the most essential components of being and adult" (which was what I was commenting upon).
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