When people go to get their oil changed, they are often shocked with unknown
jargon and unanswerable questions. Many are overwhelmed with their lack of
knowledge and end up procrastinating, therefore damaging their cars. However, cars
are an essential part of everyday life, especially in the American suburbs. So how can
people know so little about something they use every day? The answer is simple: there
is little effort in both teaching and learning auto mechanics.
jargon and unanswerable questions. Many are overwhelmed with their lack of
knowledge and end up procrastinating, therefore damaging their cars. However, cars
are an essential part of everyday life, especially in the American suburbs. So how can
people know so little about something they use every day? The answer is simple: there
is little effort in both teaching and learning auto mechanics.
While interviewing, a pattern noticed is that many people do not know how cars
work because they weren’t taught about it growing up. When interviewing Brynlee
Beckstrand, a senior at Davis High, and asked about her general knowledge of cars,
she said, “[I learned about cars from] maybe, like, a little bit from shows I watched as a
kid.” She, along with countless teenagers at school, agree that their parents or other
adults did not make time to teach them about cars and how to take care of them. Their
limited knowledge comes from outside sources, often little references in TV shows.
work because they weren’t taught about it growing up. When interviewing Brynlee
Beckstrand, a senior at Davis High, and asked about her general knowledge of cars,
she said, “[I learned about cars from] maybe, like, a little bit from shows I watched as a
kid.” She, along with countless teenagers at school, agree that their parents or other
adults did not make time to teach them about cars and how to take care of them. Their
limited knowledge comes from outside sources, often little references in TV shows.
However, there are other students who were taught about cars. Kate Moulton,
another senior at Davis, explained, “It was my dad and my brother that taught me about
cars. I even learned how to drive stick with them.” Kate also is able to easily identify car
models and can differentiate car parts from each other. Because her dad was able to
teach her, she has more knowledge about her car and how to take care of it.
Kate also claims, “I’m very observant. That’s kind of how I know a little bit about
cars.” This can lead us to believe that one’s knowledge about cars are not always
dependent on what they are taught. Sometimes, you have to take accountability for your
own learning.
another senior at Davis, explained, “It was my dad and my brother that taught me about
cars. I even learned how to drive stick with them.” Kate also is able to easily identify car
models and can differentiate car parts from each other. Because her dad was able to
teach her, she has more knowledge about her car and how to take care of it.
Kate also claims, “I’m very observant. That’s kind of how I know a little bit about
cars.” This can lead us to believe that one’s knowledge about cars are not always
dependent on what they are taught. Sometimes, you have to take accountability for your
own learning.
If you are not taught about cars growing up and find yourself stuck when
trying to get your oil changed, it really is up to you to learn how. That is why auto
mechanics should be more prioritized in education across the country.
Because cars have become such an essential part of everyday life, it’s important
to understand how to maintain them. If you weren’t taught about cars by those around
trying to get your oil changed, it really is up to you to learn how. That is why auto
mechanics should be more prioritized in education across the country.
Because cars have become such an essential part of everyday life, it’s important
to understand how to maintain them. If you weren’t taught about cars by those around
you, make it your own responsibility! Take a class, watch a YouTube video, and/or
deepen your knowledge about your vehicle. You’ll find that when you do, taking care of
your car will become much easier!
your car will become much easier!
