The Knowledge Gap

The Knowledge Gap

I’ve owned my car for a couple of years now, and sometimes I still can’t believe that it’s mine. I know I bought it, and I know I drive it almost every day, but I feel as though I am so ignorant about even the most basic parts of cars. Nobody ever taught me, but that’s not really an excuse. I’m old enough to do my own research if I need to know something. I guess that’s why the internet is there.

For example, the other day I looked up how to schedule a log book service in Lockleys since that is apparently something I have to do as a car owner. I didn’t realise I had to take my car in for services at scheduled times throughout the year, or when it reaches a certain number of kilometres driven. The previous mechanic even put a little sticker on the corner of the windshield to let me know when I should get it serviced next, but it didn’t even register in my mind as something that I should do.

I wonder if there is a class I can take to learn about basic car things, like all the little buttons on the dashboard that I don’t understand. Perhaps once I’ve mastered that, I can graduate to more difficult topics, like car maintenance and repair. When I was talking to my mechanic over the phone, he suggested that based on the sound of my car’s issues I would likely need a clutch repair.

Imagine how cool it would be if I learned how to do that myself! I know all of my friends would be jealous of my immense car knowledge, and it would certainly save me a lot of time, money and general hassle. Either way, until I find one of those classes, I’m okay taking my car to the local mechanic. He is extremely professional and ensures that everything he does keeps your car under the manufacturer’s warranty.