[flatbed]

I have two teenage daughters who are both getting ready to drive and are looking for cars. When I got my first car, my dad believed it was imperative to teach me how to, not only get under the hood and learn basic maintenance, but also learn how to change a tire and even change the oil. I am also planning to teach my daughters these skills. I think it's important for them to know how to take care of a car if they're going to drive. I think we sometimes fall into the stereotypical idea that only boys should learn these things.

[Dodge Doll]

*applauds*

I may not be able to fix my own wheels anymore, but I can trouble shoot and I can manage the basics myself: I remember replacing the front brakes on the one Neon when I was 7 mos pregnant, and how beside himself one of my neighbors got about it: he actually made me sit down and he finished the job himself (I still laugh about that).

Being capable on a basic level is wise, for many reasons, and it could save on repairs, too, if you're aware enough to trouble shoot things.

I believe that in Britain, changing a tire is part of the licencing tests: we should have that here!

[Guy]

Whenever we have gotten any kind of new vehicle with tires, I take the time to make sure I know how to change a tire on it. Same for my wife. On the scene of a mishap is not the best time to be learning.

[Crissy]

I think that is so great! You should teach them. My dad taught me how to change tires on my car, but if I ever had to actually do it on my own, I'm still not sure if I would be able to do it. I learn things by lots of practice. So to see it done once or to help do it once, won't help me to actually learn how to do it. You should encourage them to take an auto class at school!

[DrivesMeCrazy]

I know *how* to do a lot of things, but I'm terrible about forgetting TO do them. My daughter hasn't yet learned as much as I would like her to, but she's a lot better about remembering. I was one of those teenagers who forgot to check the oil in my car and ended up driving it dry. Thankfully, it didn't ruin it! I think my daughter won't do that!

[vroombaby]

I think both genders need a step by step when it comes to autos. I have seen all types miss key things, like not knowing how to change a tire or even refill washer fluid. It makes me wonder what they are teaching in drivers ed now.

[flatbed]

vrommbaby, I don't know what part of the country you live in, but here in CA, where the economy has completely tanked, Driver's ed courses have pretty much been eliminated from public schools. Now we enroll our kids in private courses, for hundreds of dollars of course, and they get three behind-the-wheel practice drives and a written test. And that is the extent of the 'lessons'. Really scares me to think of my kids out on those CA roads with all those crazy CA drivers and only a few miles under their belt. I grew up in the midwest where we were driving the country roads almost before we could see over the steering wheel : )

[Buyer]

Having learned to drive in Great Britain I can tell you that there is no requirement for changing a tyre in the test. There is however a requirement for being able to check all of the fluids, and you must be able to test your brakes and clutch and know how to inspect your lights.

Girls should know this stuff-of course they should. But then boys should learn to sew on a button as well.