Originally posted by Karen
Oh, Mugsy, how lucky you were. Nice guy! By the way, I can tell you weren't brought up in MY family. Each one of us, male or female, had to pass the "Dad" Test before we were allowed to go for our Driver's Test at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The Dad Test included demonstrating:

a. Checking the oil
b. Showing you knew were to put more oil in, if needed
c. Changing the tire
d. Identifying other "fluids" and where to check them - brake fluid, transmission fluid, even windsheild wiper fluid
e. Identification of major engine parts (for example, dad would point to the radiator and say "what's that?" and then move on to other parts

He never wanted any of us to be at a loss by the side of the road with a "simple" problem. Standing orders were, if your car broke down and it was towed to some unknown garage, sit on the hood and don't let anyone touch it until Dad showed up. Never had to test that one, although my first three cars were all 12+ years old when I got them. Smart Dad.
Karen,

I think you and I had the same Dad! I come from a long line of mechanics, pilots and truck drivers.