I've loved mechanics since I was a kid — by the way, my academic path didn't go through mechanical engineering. Afterwards, the fact that I grew up in Alentejo surrounded by XF's-21s, DT's 50 (who also drilled pistons that put their finger in the air!) and old cars, certainly contributed to sharpen this taste.
Therefore, whenever I have the opportunity, I practice the DIY modality (do it yourself).
So after an entire day locked in a garage doing such basic things as changing the oil and filters, straightening a bumper and changing two bearings on a 99-inch Renault Clio, I have come to look at the profession of mechanic even more respectfully. Why? Because almost everything is a challenge. I've put together a list of 10 considerations for the challenges mechanics face on a daily basis:
1. It's all hard to take apart
There is always a ray of a screw hidden and difficult to access. Ever! Whoever designs the cars should be forced to take them apart and repair them to find out what is good for a cough…2. It's all hard to assemble
Metallic parts are not so much, but everything that is plastic once disassembled never returns to its original state. Either plastics grow, or the car shrinks (I don't know…) but nothing fits in without the precious help of that universal and fantastic tool called… hammer! Blessed Hammer.
3. Does your back hurt? Bad luck
Gym is for boys. If you're a mechanic, you'll work muscle groups you've never heard of. You usually have to take up working positions worthy of Circo Cardinali and put as much force on your fingertips as a metal press. It's not easy and when you reach the end of the day, areas of your body will hurt that you didn't even know existed.4. Bolts and nuts have life
No matter how firm your hand, there will always be a bolt or nut that will slip out of your hands and land in the tightest and most complicated place. Worse… they multiply. When it's time to assemble, there are always screws left. Because… lightweight!
5. Tools disappear
It looks like a witch. We put a tool down beside us and 10 seconds later it disappears as if by magic. “Has anyone seen the pole seeker?”, no, of course not! There are invisible goblins that when we turn our backs change the tools of location. These goblins also do odd jobs with keys, television controls, cell phones and wallets. So you must have already come across a…6. We never found the right tool
Do you need a 12 key? So in the box you'll only find 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13. Usually the key we need is on Mars... Also here I deeply believe in the existence of goblins, fairies and other enchanted creatures that dedicate their lives to hiding this kind of tools.
7. There is always something else
It was just to change a bearing, wasn't it? Well then… when you start disassembling you will see that after all you also have to change the inserts, discs and cardin of the transmission. When you notice it, in that little way that would only cost 20 euros and take three hours, it already costs 300 euros and a whole day's work. Good… there went the vacation money.8. The parts are all expensive
Whole is worth nothing, but I bet that if I take my car apart and sell it in pieces, I can buy 50% of Sonae. All car parts are expensive, even the most insignificant. If finances find out…
9. Oil everywhere
No matter how careful you are, you'll get dirty. And no, engine oil does not hydrate your skin.10. It is a challenge to our ability to cope
The older the car, the more your skills for dexterity will be put to the test. Either because that part is too expensive or because it just doesn't exist anymore, you'll have to find a way to solve the problem in another way. Usually these solutions go through the intensive use of the tool I mentioned in point 2.
Summing up…
In spite of everything, it is very rewarding and therapeutic to spend a day closed in a workshop, to come to the end and say “I arranged this!”.
My dream is to uncrate a Caterham, assemble it in my spare time and participate in track-days with it. Now you know, the next time you are with your mechanic give him a big hug and say “calm down, I know what you've been through”. But do this before he presents you with the invoice…