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I am a fairly self-sufficient woman who can change her own oil and has. I can change filters, tires, spark plugs, and I even have a spark gapper. If you don’t know what it is, ask your dad. I bet they have one on their key-chain. But, I don’t “get” cars.
While I can take care of simple things to do with my car, I don’t enjoy doing them. I choose not to do them myself now that I am no longer a poor college student. I don’t understand the passionate love of one brand over another, or the fond memories of a car that seems to be akin to remembering an old lover.
by Katie@! via Flickr
I have never named a car, though I know many men who have. It seems to me an odd thing to do, like naming a refrigerator, or a washer or a stove. I love my table top range and my fridge is where I keep my beer and chocolate and so is deeply appreciated, but I haven’t named them. They do what they were made to do, and I don’t need to assign them personalities that would go along with a name. I appreciate them, but I don’t love them. I think about my car the same way.
To men, cars have personality. They gift them temperamental emotions and desires that maybe are part of the mystery of the internal combustion engine. It makes me wonder when I hear someone refer to their car by name is they have ever seen the old Stephen King movie “Christine”. To me, that way lies scary badness.
byIM SNOT REAL via Flickr
I think of myself as a thoughtful consumer, and I believe most women in modern society are. If one model of car seems to be the better buy after looking at consumer reports, safety ratings and gas mileage, well, it just doesn’t matter to me if it’s a Ford or a Honda. I know a lot of men to whom it really does matter, and they will have dozens of reasons as to why.
by Bally Hoo via Flickr
Its un-American, its bad for the environment, and on and on. When pinned down it comes to “I just don’t like them, okay?” An emotional response. A favorite car on the other hand, can do no wrong. After parts recall, after recall, after recall my brother in law will still swear by Ford like his car is a member of the family. That car can literally do no wrong even when it’s broken its more like a sick child than an appliance, and I suppose that’s fine.
While I don’t “get” cars, or the relationship that men seem to have with them, I can appreciate them. It’s like I can appreciate cubism, even though I don’t “get” it. While to me cars are simply a necessary part of existence in rural America, I can appreciate the vintage car shows that my brother likes to go to, or the parades that show off the very latest in really old. Like so many things, I don’t need to “get” it. It’s fine that others are passionate about it, that some need of the soul is fed. My husband doesn’t “get” knitting. We are all okay with it.
Other little things by Me:
http://athingforcars.com/buying-selling/eight-tips-for-first-time-car-buyers/
http://therealowner.com/humor/five-reasons-why-i-love-dogs-more-than-cats/
http://www.socyberty.com/Relationships/The-Worst-Date-Ever-or-How-to-Have-a-Good-First-Date.763877
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September 03, 2009
Nice one to share with us…Nice choice
September 03, 2009
Nice one to be shared…Nice selection…
September 03, 2009
Annie, this is cleverly written. I too have gapped my own spark plugs, changed my oil, flushed my radiator, even upholstered the ceiling of my first car. They are all called Bessie, and I am so grateful to have one – but there is a difference between my “relationship” with my car and that of my husband or son and their cars.
September 03, 2009
I gave up gapping my own spark plugs after one flew out of my engine to land in the grass beside the road. We all have our talents–and our interests.
September 03, 2009
I’m one of those guys Annie I love my Chevy’s.It’s OK I don’t buy Jiff,I buy the peanut butter on sale.
September 03, 2009
I’m one of those women who are really clueless when it comes to cars.
I would rather play toy cars with my son than disturb my husband with the real ones.
September 03, 2009
i do all the work on my boyfriends truck, and his 68′ Camaro, i know more than most guys and i truly am an enthusiast. More power to other women like me who know their stuff and love cars!!
September 03, 2009
The machine of a dream
Such a clean machine
With the pistons a pumpin
And the hub caps all gleam
When Im holdin your wheel
All I hear is your gear
When my hands on your grease gun
Oh its like a disease son
Im in love with my car
Gotta feel for my automobile
Get a grip on my boy racer rollbar
Such a thrill when your radials squeal
Told my girl Ill have to forget her
Rather buy me a new carburetor
So she made tracks sayin
This is the end now
Cars dont talk back
Theyre just four wheeled friends now
When Im holdin your wheel
All I hear is your gear
When Im cruisin in overdrive
Dont have to listen to no run of the mill talk jive
Im in love with my car
Gotta feel for my automobile
Im in love with my car
String back gloves in my automolove
September 03, 2009
I happen to be one of those people that’s just in LOVE with cars. All cars (I have my favorites, I am incredible with a wrench, and am who everyone comes to friends and family with car problems, as I am a certified mechanic).
I have had this conversation with my mother on many occasions, and my grandmother. I liked the article, well written, and a funny other side of the spectrum to myself.
PS – I have a spark plug gapping tool on my keychain.
September 03, 2009
i am one f those women who actually “get” cars ;p i am in love with them. currently restoring a ‘66 ford galaxy that was all neglected. i drool at car shows… lol, i go to car shows. i know my my way under the hood of a car and my family thinks i should change my career from office drudge to mechanic.
i also believe all women should at least know how to do basic maintenance on cars and have the knowledge to not be taken in by some mechanic who treats women like brainless idiots.
all, in all, i know women like me may be a rare breed, but i commend you and all the women who replied who do maintain their vehicles and know enough to make informed decisions. maybe not all of enjoy the smell of motor oil like i do ;p
September 03, 2009
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September 03, 2009
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September 03, 2009
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September 03, 2009
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