There is a domain that remains yet where men are still king - the garage. Men might be dominant in some places, but in all the rest of the world, men furtively glance around before even THINKING about saying something sexist. Why? Because men don't share the inner workings of the garage with women. And yet...
And yet, most men would really like a girl who knows a bit about what's going on in the garage, and would know the difference between an oil change, chopping the roof, and retooling the engine. Sadly, there are many women know more about the difference between makeup brands and gossip shows than they know about the difference between Chevy and Honda. So, let's look a little at the things a girl might want to know if she wants to show her guy that she knows something about cars that will impress him.
1) If your car is leaking oil, it's probably a bad seal. What does this mean? Well, you see, engines are made out of metal. And, between the metal pieces, there are rubber pieces that are put there to make sure that there is a good seal. That way when the engine heats up and expands while it's on and shrinks and while it cools - at no point will it leak, because there's a bit of stretchy rubber between most important parts that makes sure that there won't be any oil (or other fluids) leaking out. And, if you park your car and see oil on the pavement, it's likely because there is a bad seal. Got it? Good.
2) Know your engine's size. Car engines (for the most part) come in three different options: an i-4, a v-6, and a v-8. It has to do with the shape of the engine's cylinders - i-shaped ones are in a line (inline). In a v-6 or v-8, they're arranged at angles, like the letter "v". And, in your manual, it should tell you what size engine you have. Knowing this will score you major bonus points with your guy. Got it? Good.
3) Learn how to change your own brake pads. Most cars today have "disc-braking." That means whenever you push the brake pedal, a pad pushes up against the inner part of the wheel to bring it to a stop. It's similar to the brakes on your bicycle, actually. And, after a while, these wear down (if you hear a screeching sound every time you push your brakes, it's time to change them). To change these pads, you will just need a few tools, a jack, and a little bit of time. So, take the time to learn to do this, and you'll impress your guy - moreso than even an oil change. And it's actually not that hard to do. Plus, if you say, "Yeah, I can't go out tonight, I gotta change my brake pads," there's a fair to middling chance the guy may have to propose to you on the spot. Or at least ask to help! Got it? Good.
So, those are three quick and easy ways to come across as a bit of a motorhead as a girl - do those, and watch your men swoon, ladies! Good luck!
Got your own guide to share with members of the opposite sex? Send it to us
here.
True
Comments (80)
I know two of the three. I never do much in regards to cars.
lol
I didn't know of any of these things. Wooo, learned somethin' new today :P
I'd probably do something like "Three Things You Should Never Say To Your Girlfriend, No Matter What". Thanks for the car lesson, though!
that's funny, because yesterday i watched my seventeen year old FEMALE cousin, change all four break pads on our uncles car. It empowering as a female to know she can do that. I want her to teach me lol
I'm willing to bet most guys will be super impressed too, if you know how to drive a manual. :D
my ex boyfriend who was 7 years older than me knew less about his car than I did. he wasn't very handy either. I think that's highly unattractive.
lol i liked this
I seriously need to learn how to change my brake pads and the oil.
good post.. heheh
now all i have to do is memorize that list.
I actually more or less learned how to change a car's brake pads two weeks ago when my boyfriend and one of his friends went on a DIY fest with my boyfriend's car. Had his friend had all the tools he needed, I would have learned how to change the rotors too. It would have been more interesting if it hadn't been so cold out though (I tried to spend as much time as possible sitting in the sun/huddling with my boyfriend in his sweatshirt because it was damn windy and chilly out).
I think it's more common sense than anything else to figure that there's a problem if your car is leaking oil, but then again, common sense often seems to be in short supply these days.
I am proud to say I have a 4 cylinder 1.7 liter engine. (Ok, not so proud to say that but I don't need a car built for speed!) I change my own tires, oil and brake pads. Yeah, I pretty much rock.
@x_Butterflies_and_Hurricanes_x@xanga - My boyfriend drives a manual and I've been begging him to teach me. I'm one of those prepare for the worst kind of people, so I think it'll come in handy just in case we (or I) ever get into a situation where I have to drive his car or the only car available to drive is manual. Hopefully this summer I'll get a chance to learn =)
my cars brake pads/shoes are semi-impossible to change for some reason. both my grandfather and my father had to be bribed to change them (they're both good with cars) and i sure as hell haven't figured them out either so now i just take it to the shop LOL
I guess I should take a mechanics class.
I did multiple choices and fill in the blanks.
haha i know the first two but i haven't had to change my brake pads myself yet.. so eh
also manual ftw. my bf just taught me how to drive stick last fall =)
Yeh, yeh, I know this stuff.
Now on car models... ACURA TSX + INFINITI G COUPE = PURE SEXINESS. Now if I was only 18... sigh -____-
this is probably the most helpful post i've read on here in ages. i did not know any of this and probably won't be able to remember it all, but thanks Matt =)
i can check my oil and fluid levels! lol.l know how to change a tire! though admittedly, i've never done that myself. that's what menfolk are for! lol.
@x_Butterflies_and_Hurricanes_x@xanga - that would be impressive. i wish i knew how to drive manual. i tried once but failed miserably
this was a GREAT blog!! thanks!!
hey cool. Â It's getting me wondering what three things every GUY should know about... Â hm.. Â makeup? Â sewing? Â I changed my own cabin air filter. Â it sounds cool but it was blindingly easy. Â
I know my way around a car or truck or heck tractor for that matter... I'm not a mechanic, but I hold my own.I have yet to see a guy swoon when he finds out. Mostly they seem a bit peeved with me for not needing them as much as they think I should. Sometimes they are even angry that I might know more than they do. Where are these men who are impressed that a girl might have something rattling around in her head besides facts on makeup and fashion?
I luld at number one only because "seal" is so nondescript.
@AnonymousBlonde@xanga - I'm curious, what tools didn't you have? Typically, the caliper and mount are held on with bolts identical in size, and from there the rotor just slides off.
@SeitekiChibiNeko@xanga - What car? Do they have problems with the pads, or the shoes?
@spanz@xanga - The G coupe MAYBE, except for the fact they fucked over the rear end for the new models. The TSX and TSX-S both have a front end that is every farmhand's wet dream, a built in cattle-mover. :P
On the subject o brake pad changing: You need more than a jack. Trying to work underneath a car not properly secured on a lift or stands is absolutely stupid. Also, try it with brake drums. Those are a very large pain.