One thing my dad instilled in me from an early age was, "If you can do it yourself, don't pay for it." This applied to many household projects, but the primary focus he had for this was automobiles: how to change a tire, change your oil, do your own brakes, string together curse words when the brakepads were stuck; all of the basics.
In recent years I've realized how many of my friends have been grossly overpaying for oil changes. And every time this simple car maintenance is brought up, the genetic makeup in me that was donated by my father overtakes my body and says, "An oil change is the easiest thing you can do. Just pay for the oil and a drain pan, it'll take you 10 minutes." And through this I have taught at least 3 friends that weren't put off by my abrasive offer.
I still offer to teach or plain perform the oil change because of a few reasons:
1. I am very ostentatious about my car upkeep.
2. I truly believe that overpaying for an oil change is a waste of money.
3. Learning affordable ways to maintain your vehicle or any belonging is a valuable skill in life.
4. I want to.
There have been other moments where I have helped a friend fix a flat in the winter, jump a battery, and changed air filters. And there have been moments where I've called friends to get their input and advice when I am stuck on a car project.
Doing this for my friends makes me feel useful in the world, as silly as it sounds. But it also gives me a chance to connect with them and expand what our sense of community and friendship truly means. In a world that is so disconnected by the internet where we can easily go to YouTube or Google, it is always superior to have a friend lending a hand and bonding with you over something as simple as 0W-20 motor oil.
In recent years I've realized how many of my friends have been grossly overpaying for oil changes. And every time this simple car maintenance is brought up, the genetic makeup in me that was donated by my father overtakes my body and says, "An oil change is the easiest thing you can do. Just pay for the oil and a drain pan, it'll take you 10 minutes." And through this I have taught at least 3 friends that weren't put off by my abrasive offer.
I still offer to teach or plain perform the oil change because of a few reasons:
1. I am very ostentatious about my car upkeep.
2. I truly believe that overpaying for an oil change is a waste of money.
3. Learning affordable ways to maintain your vehicle or any belonging is a valuable skill in life.
4. I want to.
There have been other moments where I have helped a friend fix a flat in the winter, jump a battery, and changed air filters. And there have been moments where I've called friends to get their input and advice when I am stuck on a car project.
Doing this for my friends makes me feel useful in the world, as silly as it sounds. But it also gives me a chance to connect with them and expand what our sense of community and friendship truly means. In a world that is so disconnected by the internet where we can easily go to YouTube or Google, it is always superior to have a friend lending a hand and bonding with you over something as simple as 0W-20 motor oil.
