Don’t Be Afraid To Try New Things 

My late grandpa would say " you cannot learn from your mistakes unless you are brave enough to try."

I'm just a hobbyist. But trying new things and expanding my skillset has allowed me to take the hobby to a whole new level. Plus, doing my own repairs has saved untold amounts of money.

My dad is a mechanical engineer and a farmer. He was raised on a farm that had a machine shop and fixes and maintains the specialty equipment required for walnut harvest. My uncle now runs the family farm and machine shop and my dad works for a company that runs geothermal power plants. My dad has always had his feet in 2 worlds, the "white collar" engineering world and the "blue collar" farming/machining/ get your hands dirty world. I went to a party for my dads 30th year at the power plant and it was awesome to see the coworkers and friends who came out to celebrate. The whole engineering staff as well as a lot of the machinists and well drillers. The complements he got from the "blue collar" guys were things like "your dads the only one I know who'll come down to the shop with a drawing of what needs to be made then will help me make it" As my dad is approaching retirement hes not slowing down, just shifting gears. He now works 4, 10s at the power plant and 3 days a week he works with his brother on the farm. My dad is my roll model, I'm sure that's cliche, but its the truth. When I graduated high school I wanted to be just like him. I went to community college starting down a path that would take me to engineering school. But I couldn't keep myself away from the automotive program. I got hired by an engineering firm as a part time job. I completed the automotive repair training program, I then took classes for the automotive machinist program. I never finished the classes I needed to transfer to engineering school. My boss at the engineering firm saw something special in me and hired me as a designer without going to engineering school. I guess my weird path through all things mechanical is worth something. Today I've worked at the engineering firm for 20 years. My friends are all ether engineers for mechanics. My garage looks like my dads, all kinds of tools to fix cars, weld, and do a bit of wood working. I really enjoy having the ability to help my friends. I've welded up specialty tools for my mechanic friends (stuff like that cradle you showed) and I've fixed plenty of my engineer friends cars. One of the greatest pleasures in life is seeing a problem and being able to build your way out of it. To see the solution in your mind and make it a reality with your own hands. This is why I'm a fan of your channel. Stay Dirty!

Never too old to learn. Went back to night school at 45, had a Bachelor’s and an MBA by 53. Glad I did. Love your vids. My Bday was last week but I’ll take today’s cake anyway! Take care

1989 dad taught me oil changes. 1990 I painted the black trim around windows of my 1984 Buick Skyhawk. 2010 sold my garage heaters so other people could fix my cars. The side hustle mechanics I worked with told me I could save $ if I DIY. I started buying more craftsman and was new to harbor freight tools. Now I've painted my corvette, replaced a 2001 Eclipse clutch, countless steering, suspension, and brake work to multiple vehicles now. I have spent thousands and saved thousands more than I've spent thanks to people like Eric the car guy! Thank you. I'll keep leaning

After years of waiting, I finally get a ETCG1 digital cake on my bday!

Reminds me of when I had to do the heater core on my '87 Accord LXi. I'd scarcely picked up a wrench before, and all I had was a no-name Chinesium toolset that I picked up from a bottom shelf caked in dust at a very rural Ace Hardware. Took me 4 days, but dammit, I did it.

Was a truck driver for more than 10yrs, decided to jump out of the truck a year and a half ago to pursue welding. The school wanted too much money, so I found a shop and learned the good old fashion way. Now I weld, cut and burn with torches and even know how to use the frame machine. I love it, was scared to death about the change because I have a family to support. But with the mentality I can't and won't fail I've learned a lot. I'm 42 now, and look forward to learning more. I subscribed years ago to learn how to work on my own car, and I have learned so much from this channel. Thanks Eric!

That's one reason I am a DIY'er. I like figuring things out. I find it rewarding. Thanks Eric.

I’m a shade tree mechanic, come from a long line of shade tree mechanics. Because most of the time something needs fixed and the nearest shop is an hour away so it’s cheaper to fix it yourself.

I'm a mechanical engineer that's pretty much a backyard mechanic. Started working on my own cars by having that feeling that I could be saving so much money by doing oil changes myself. Started with a "lift" of a few 2x4's on the ground and rolling my Nissan Altima on top of them, just high enough to fit my body underneath to reach the drain bolt. That was about.... 4 years ago? Now, I've done two head gasket replacements (one currently still in my garage, just need to get it put all back together tonight) and I haven't found anything else that will draw me in and consume my focus like automotive repair. Having the engineering mentality, plus the know-how on fixing cars, I want to make things better for assembly, disassembly, and overall maintenance of vehicles. Building things better every day!

Hey Eric, I’m not a full time mech but I’ve been twisting wrenches my whole life and I’m an owner operator truck driver who does 90% of my own work. I just had to rebuild the engine in my semi truck and I couldn’t afford to pay someone to do it, so I had to try my hand at it. Took me two weeks and lots of hurdles to jump, but I got it done and I’ve never been more proud. That was a huge undertaking and there was a lot on the line since it’s my only truck and it’s my business. You always have to strive to do more and be better at what you do. Sitting stagnant makes someone lose their feeling of purpose pretty quick, and nobody wants to feel that loss. That’s a deep dark feeling. Take care brother. Love your vids!

My 1st car was an ugly 1972 Ford Pinto that I blew up in the driveway doing burnouts. My dad's 1st car was a '53 Buick that he blew up in that same driveway doing the same thing. Neither was a Failure because we've been into cars ever since. Too many people are afraid to fail these days, or get too caught up in trying to find the shortcuts to save time. Heck, the long way home lets you see your whole world instead of just your front yard.

When I came out of the Marine Corps, I worked at a Honda dealership. After only a few years, I got really sick of the politics there and got out. The same day I left, I took my entrance exam into community college. Stuck with retail jobs throughout college but eventually obtained my associates and then eventually my bachelors from university. I enjoy where I’m at now but I still love turning wrenches. Your advice is impertinent to everyone and I really appreciate it.

I'm becoming a "DIY Parts Hanger." In September, I changed my daughter's starter motor on her 2002 Camry LE 2.4 Liter, while it was parked in her high school parking lot. That was my first starter motor replacement, as a DIY, and a good practice run to replace the starter motor on our 2006 Sienna, which lost it's starter last week. I'm glad to become a "DIY Parts Hanger" and avoiding paying hundreds of dollars in mechanic's labor charges. When ever starter fails on our old 2001 Odyssey (our back-up car), I'll be going back to one of your old how-to videos to complete that job.

It took me a year to gain enough courage to change the cam chain on my bike. But with a workshop manual, and a little help from the Internet, i did it, without screwing anything up.

Backyard fixer upper person- I use the term mechanic loosely but I’m an insulator by trade, but knowing how to do brakes, suspension and other services definitely helps bring in some side cash and help me save $$ on mine and my family’s cars. Just learn as I go. Went from just oil changes and tire changeovers on my personal cars to being able to buy a used car with a pooched motor and rebuild it. Drive it every day now, put on about 30k miles in 2 years and never lets me down. It’s the reward/ satisfaction I get that keeps my interested and wanting to learn more

This very can-do attitude is exactly why I've taken up DIY car repair and even doing videos for my tiny YT channel. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm willing to try most anything, and that's the attitude my uncle baked into me. Try. Learn. Succeed. Share.

I'm an office guy with a masters degree and working on a second one. I didn't get into DIY repair until about three years ago, but there are definitely times I like to get dirty and turn a ratchet. I have the skills to do basic stuff like oil change and brakes, but definitely don't have the equipment or space capacity to drop an engine and transmission.

I got out of the industry because I needed to make more money. Deciding to take on my Jeep and having to tackle body work, fabrication as a result and learn to plan my work and work my plan. Something J.Kaplon preched to me and I haven't truly understood until this project. Fixing what I find in the middle of this keeps me on my toes and has taught me to work with so many different materials and products I'd have never know about otherwise. Its not done yet and its not a success yet. I'm terrified, excited and determined. None of those will change. But somethings you can't show with a picture or explain in texts. I know that I'm gaining skills and becoming a more efficient problem solver and I'm proud of that. Thanks for all the pointers man. Needs

21 years old, and currently I flip cars for a living. I remember the first time I ever had to do a repair on a vehicle it was a bad alternator on my moms ‘95 civic sedan I drove when I was 15 or 16. man was I intimidated lol. Since then I’ve done countless engine/transmission swaps and a myriad of other repairs on vehicles. It really takes just jumping in head first when you’re scared; best way I’ve found to learn anyway.

Mr O, Mustie1, and You plus many others all have been a big inspiration for me to pick up some wrench’s. I never have had anyone around me to help teach me. I grew up with a Single Mom and three sisters. Luckily my Uncle was a mechanic. Being from Cincinnati you might know him. He worked at the ProCare in western hills pretty much my whole childhood. But he really never wanted me to work on cars. So he never would teach me. Not to be mean but he just wanted more for me I guess. Every since I’ve had my first car I always wanted to be able to work on them. You all helped give me the confidence I needed. I have now done two head gasket jobs, a few timing belts and a few other things I would have never tried without seeing your guy’s channels. So thank you!

I'm a "Back Yard Mechanic". I've done head gasket replacements, wheel bearing replacements, brake jobs, u-joints, AC vacuum/re-charge, radiator replacement and various other electrical things. One thing I don't know how to do yet, is weld; it is one thing I want to learn. If I learn to weld, I think I'll be unstoppable! 😀 I have learned a great deal, over the past 10 years, from watching your videos.

I was a heavy truck mechanic for 14 years . I am now fixing and repairing roads. It’s giving me all new job skills to learn and I love it.

Was a parts hanger for my local railroad. Now i inspect the trains. More satisfied with my job now.

My dear olde mom used to say, "if at first you don't succeed maybe do not try hang gliding." I'm a home garage tinkerer and like to figure things out, yep I've failed lots, but learned lots. And learned to follow fellers like you Eric. I find a lot of satisfaction at doing some of my own work. Thank you for sharing your hard earned wisdom and creativity! You resemble another saying I'm fond of... You make a living by what you earn and a life by what you give.

Eric: I think you have grown so much in front of the camera since the beginning of the ETCG-channel. So much more confident now in everything you do. I appreciate your work, and also that ETCG1-channel is not always about cars. You are a great mentor 👍🏻

Never too old to learn. As a retired appliance tech & facilitator , I've had the time to further my knowledge as a DIY on auto repair. It is very rewarding when you can solve a diagnostic problem, by putting your efforts into repair vs parts replacing, where possible. Over the years I've learned to do that in the appliance business. Thanks for the reminder,Eric

I am very happy to have chosen the path of aviation maintenance due to the sheer range of skills and trades you are exposed to not only in school but in the field as well

Thank you Eric the more we want to do by ourselves the more we want to push ourselves I am watching from South Africa

After my Navy career, I worked as a Nissan/Infiniti technician for 20 years. I certainly relate to the parts changing aspect of your video, cutting the repair time down from the flat rate manual helped the income, for sure. I have recently (since 2018) been volunteering at a place the fixes donated vehicles and distributes them to widows, single moms, and dependents of overseas military. Many different vehicles come into our shop and has forced me out of my Nissan/Infiniti comfort zone. I have learned new systems and have also been humbled by these new systems. The challenge and satisfaction of putting a vehicle back on the road for these recipients is very gratifying. Great video, Eric. Thanks.

I was a wheeled vehicle mechanic in the Army. When I got out I was worried that wouldn't translate well into the civilian world, but happened upon a trucking outfit and picked that up really quickly. After 6 years of that I was offered a job working on heavy equipment. Other than running a few machines for the trucking company I had never touched anything like that but took the opportunity and am very glad I did.

What gets me that I don't understand is I had this guy that works at a big shop an he offered me a job to come work for him and do so many more things and have all the tools and equipment that I would have needed , but I never fell through with it to go and actually try and do that . And I don't know why I can't get myself to do it . it's like I'm scared to work for somebody and not be able to be good enough or be around other people because this shop does builds and everything an when I had gotten asked I was like no way he wants me but why tho? And I kept thinking about it over and over but I never brought myself to go and call him and actually get the job and I really feel stupid and regret it now because that could have been an opportunity to get me started for what I'm going to actually be in life . Who knows

I'm just a DIY working on my family cars but like you I get a sense of satisfaction after the job is complete. It makes me feel like I'm the most talented mechanic the world has ever known, which annoys my wife to no end.

Change is good. New experiences are good. Fear keeps people from trying/doing new things and that's unfortunate. Keep up the good work.

I am a PhD trained univ. prof., but I grew up an Iowa farm kid. I learned so much from first watching my Dad and then helping my Dad--from auto mechanic work to home repairs to sandblasting and spray painting to raising livestock to crop farming. I love tinkering on my own vehicles and I love to help others who have auto repair needs (I keep it simple; no engine swaps or anything like that [yet], although I helped my Dad and brother do engine swaps when I was a teenager). I love working on my house. I love building things and fixing things and getting my hands dirty. I love to do these things with my own son so as to pass on knowledge (and mostly the courage to try). But when I really think about it, I like to do these things because, in my mind at least, it is a way of honoring my Dad.

Yes! Not sure if this is widespread but I see a lot of younger folks afraid to try something if they aren’t sure they will be good. You need to fail, we all need to fail and do poorly! It is part of the learning process and growing!

Anybody can fix it if they have the parts. Fixing it without parts is a skill well learned.

I am the guy keeping my family vehicles going. I refer to myself as an automotive hobbyist. I enjoy it as a hobby but I don't think I could do it every day. I don't have a garage or a driveway so I am the guy the rebuilds an engine on the street where we park. Within the last year I rebuilt a GM 6T70 six speed automatic transmission on the street due to a 35R waveplate failure. Special considerations have to be taken to control the mess for anything that involved. My wife has a brand new vehicle. My office is 40 miles from my house. At 20k miles a year, I refuse to spend more than $3000 on a vehicle for myself to just run the wheels off of it.

Went to back late in life in my mid 30s to college to become a teacher. 6 years later I got my degree. I've been teaching for 16 years and haven't looked back. I now have my masters and I'm glad I didn't give up. You are right. Don't give up and keep dreaming. Don't let anyone take that from you.

Yes ! working on everything can be challenging but it makes you better than dealer people.

Last week had my 1997 GMC K2500 at my local independent shop. The tech working on it just come from a dealer where he had been for 15 years he said the oldest thing he worked on there was 5 years old. He said my truck was a challenge as was working there with all the older cars but he really was liking it. It got him out of his comfort zone made him think more and not just the part changer. And he did a awesome job on my truck.

I'm having the same experience with learning intermediate algebra. As usual Eric, thanks for the mention of encouragement.

I'm not a mechanic but like to tinker with things. Since I have a few used cars in our family fleet, it give me the opportunity to do a variety of things link routine maintenance, repair, installing aftermarket parts, and car audio installation. I do not have formal mechanical training but I can troubleshoot, use a repair/service & ETM manual and will all fails forums & youtube.

Hey Eric you inspire me. Turning wrenches have never been my thing. I couldn’t even figure out which way to loosen or tighten bolts at first. Watching all your videos have helped me learn some of the basics. Now I’m changing oils, coolant, spark plugs, alternator, and just taking care of all my tuneups. I’m even installing new headers and an exhaust this week. I credit a lot of it to your videos. Sure I’ve screwed up many times. Even put engine oil in the transmission, but you’re right. It was what was needed to learn from literally nothing. Thanks man!

Started many years ago learning and tinkering with the automotive world and then I got married and had a few kids. I would be considered a back yard mechanic fixing the wife’s and my own cars. I’ve always been mechanically inclined keeping our cars in the road. I found that anything past 2005 is a throw away car. Mine are VW’s ranging from 87’-2000. That said the 87’ Vw Scirocco I took to a whole new level of expertise. I found an 87’ 8V body rust free VW Scirocco rolling Chassis home and started tearing it down to do a ground up project. I learned auto body and paint from a very good source and did the body work and painted the car in Merlot Sparkling Pearl.(kind of a Maroon color). Purchased all eurospec parts(bumpers/16V body kit/lighting), updated late model transmission/LSD needed for a 9A 2.L 16V T3/T4 build. Had the block tanked abs bored for the new forged pistons/rods/crank. Had the rods spec’d for the bearings to crank measurements. Took the piston rings and filed(1side) to spec and built the motor on stand in the garage. The car is fully customized to my liking but you wouldn’t know it from the outside other than the euro look. Way to much more to list the customized work to get it the car running 300whp@20psi on 93 octane on a 2300lbs car. 350-400hp will be the max for this little car! Cheers from Cleveland OH!

I learned all my automotive knowledge from channels like yours. I have a 21 year old Lexus that I had to take the plenum off to replace the coils and plugs. While I was there I changed the valve cover gaskets. I also have a 13 year old Fusion I have kept on the road. Both cars will rust out well before the engine or transmission dies because of Wisconsin winters. Your channel has given me the confidence and knowledge needed to keep my old cars purring like a kitten. Thank you

I am totally in for learning new stuff. I am an electronics engineer and I design chips for a living 🙃. But during the pandemic I wanted to make a change and I gave myself time to learn how to weld. I bought a simple welding machine >5 years ago but I sucked at my first try. But last year I spent more time on this topic and I managed to build a small yard for my dog, and I even started to build/weld a small electric go kart for my kid which is now almost ready 😉

I run a construction company with a small “fleet” of 1st gen Tundras that all need serious attention. I also drive a 2003 Element that I bought new and have an unnatural affection for. After watching a lot of your videos and another youtuber’s Toyota videos I decided to tool up and take on the work myself. I rebuilt the Element’s front suspension (broken springs and worn out bushings) and will soon do the same to the rear. I think I need to replace front wheel bearings which will be an adventure because there is no youtube video to guide me. The 20-ton shop press is waiting for this and the rest of the 8 Tundra rust-belt rear axle seal/bearing projects. Oddly enough, after a full week of phone calls and contracts, lawyers and accountants, a weekend of disassembly/assembly is relaxing. Thanks for the encouragement Eric. Also . . . i would not complain if you demonstrated the press work for Element wheel bearings . . . I’m just saying. . . .

Parts hanger! My Hyundai Sonata had a rear dime sized reversing sensor pop into the bumper because the mounting bracket broke. The dealer would only replace the whole bumper because the bracket is part of the bumper. I crazy glued it back for nothing. Damned parts hangers.

I've learned how to work on the cars I've owned over the years; never have had a new car so I've learned from trial & error, asking friends, and now watching RU-vid channels like yours, Eric O, and Ivan's. Last year, at 63, I learned how to weld (got a ways to go there!) But...I'm not afraid to try to gain new skills. Thanks for all of your help over the years; started watching when you were in the old shop.

Neat motor/trans unit dolly 👍👍👍. Yes sir been doing this 4 a lot of years. Started when I was 11 and my Dad got a impact from Sears and I started rotating all the car tires. From then I worked in motorcycle shops and car shops. I pulled LOTS OF K CAR MOTORS back in the 80's. But always worked on my own stuff. Still hav2 do the clutch on my 04 civic HX, and thank you Sir 4 all the videos you did on your son's 05.🙌🙌. Its a lot of work on the ground but I have faith in my self thanks to you and my Dad. I will stay dirty as long as I'm still breathing. Can't wait to see the jig u made for the pie lot...

Been an industrial mechanic at a chemical plant for 30 years. Always done my own auto repair and some for friends/family. I’ve worked on a little of everything from my 69 Nova in high school to my wife’s 2012 Pilot.

Good video, Eric. I’m glad you’re working on that Pilot. I see you making repairs (rear subframe) that I don’t think you would have entertained 10 years ago. Myself, I went from essential diy repairs, to fabrication skills, to being able to make custom parts, over the last 30 years.

I went from Firestone to independent shops to gmc dealership. Out of all, I hated the dealership more. So, I opened my own shop a year ago WHILE working for the dealership (candle burning at both ends) and now I get to fix ALL KINDS of stuff! It's waaaay more satisfying for sure!

Same goes for me. Just retired, got time to do things that makes me happy. Trying more challenging auto repairs. I worked in a dealership 13 years, worked heavy equipment 4 years and plant maintenance 15 years. Now I work on cars and trucks to challenge myself.

I always thought my passion would be developing software (which is my full time job). Now here I am changing parts and maintaining my family's cars in the weekends. I am currently working on repairing my differential with the help of your videos and some workshop manuals. Thank you.

Thanks Eric, a few years ago I purchased a '92 Accord for my youngest daughter. The owners were an older couple that bought it new and were the only owners. It was garage kept for it's entire life until I purchased it and the body and paint was impeccable. It had mechanical issues though, bad wheel bearings, leaking CV boots, broken motor mounts, and a ABS light that they said would cost over $400 to fix and was the reason they decided to sell. I was able to fix the obvious mechanical issues buy 'throwing' parts at it. But, being a 92, I didn't know why the ABS light was on. I found the answer on-line. I don't recall if it was one of your videos, but the check involved putting a wire between two posts and counting the flashes of the ABS lamp. It told me that the pump wasn't generating enough pressure and to replace it. Hence the $400 price estimate. Well another online port suggested that I pull the pump and check whether the vanes were stuck. As it turned out, they were. A little crocus cloth to polish the vanes and a 38 caliber bore brush to clean the bores and the vanes slid perfectly. I was able to fix the problem for less that a dollar's worth of polishing supplies. I admit I was tentative to mess with the brake system, but I've been a viewer of your site for several years and I felt that you would have pursued the repair as I did, so I went for it. As it turned out, the repair was a lot easier that I thought, and I was happy to test it at speed on ice in an empty parking lot. This repair gave me the confidence to check out issues for myself, and not simply send it off to a repair shop.

Last two ETCG1 videos have on point personally.

I work on cars for my family and friends. Now it become my hobby. It is fun and satisfying when I see I can fix something and learn something new. Thanks for all your video.

I have to replace a steering gear box on my '93 Ranger, but ya know what? I might just buy a rebuild kit! Let's do a thing!

I work in IT in a help desk position. I'm fairly new to the role, and though I've been around technology my entire life, I have never had to be this intimate and analytical when trying to solve a problem. There are many difficult and complex problems to solve, some taking a great amount of mental strength and stability to solve. But it's so easy to take on the simple challenges that you never really grow if you don't put yourself in positions to be uncomfortable and to force your mind into new ways of thinking to solve problems. The worst feeling is having to tell the customer that you don't know how to fix it after multiple failures, and that may turn people off to careers that involve fixing something, but living through an experience like that is invaluable, because it produces new ways of thinking. If documented, the next person will continue on your work, just like you would have used someone else's experience to further problem solve yours. And that's the beauty of all this: we're all going through the same thing; we're all searching the same thing in the search bar, hoping to find the solution someone may already solved. If we surround ourselves with the right people, co-workers or enthusiasts, we'll further our evolution into greatness.

I soldered a mother board on a 91 GMC jimmy today. Digital dash. replaced capacitor and a couple other components. It was the second time I soldered. It was the first time being successful at it. BAM! I like your style Sir.

It's funny how you mention the pattern recognition that dealer employees should probably recognize... but every time you bring your car there for an issue (common on the internet) they "have never seen it before". Lol.

I’ve had offers to go to local dealerships like Subaru, Chevrolet, Honda and more. I could use the experience but I like working on cars myself, I make more, I’m my own boss, even though things go wrong I’m responsible, only thing that sucks is not having the expensive alldata and Mitchell programs starting off, the information I don’t have is what sucks. Working on the side of the street or in driveways isn’t fun, although I have done a radiator, on my own vehicle a motor/transmission swap, and not in a driveway doing my motor swap on my other car. Point is I’m not an expert, I’m not really a rookie anymore, but I’m still in the middle where I can’t afford a shop, and I also don’t want to work for someone else starting off at $15/Hr when I can make triple that and more doing a job for myself.

I can definitely relate. I worked in 2 subaru dealerships over 5 years and moved to an independent and much further enjoy learning new things then remaining stagnant.

Shade-tree Mechanic (pronounced "Mech-a-nick thanks to a cousin's kid) here. I was influenced to start working on my/family's vehicles after I was quoted for a front brake pad and rotor replacement. It was outrageous, even for the 10+ years ago it's been now. Admittingly, it took an hour, but for a first time I did pretty good. That lead me down the rabbit hole of fixing whatever I could myself and saving the cash. I'd like to rebuild an engine to see if I could do it, I haven't had the opportunity yet.

I'm a hobbyist that learned to wrench in the Marines 25 years ago. Now I just take care of my daily drivers and build my corrado. Wrenching is for the most part relaxing compared to my day job of dealing with numbers.

One of my old managers used to say "experience is what you get when your doing somethibg else". Job satisfaction when its repaired & using the tools & your brain. My phrase is "learn by doing, sure theroretical knowledge is important. Trained in a machineshop & forge drawing office producibg a wide range of crankshafts for trucks, ships, automotive vehicles, even military stuff Production enguneering loved doing that but taking stuff apart is what I enjoy now & figuring out whats going on.

I was working at a large hospital in Miami in Purchasing and Supply and making good money in my mid-twenties. Since I was always technically/mathematically inclined, I quit the job, got an easier and less demanding job and went back to school to bet my BS in physics and later my MS in physics. I wound up teaching physics in community colleges in Southern California. It was one of the best things that I ever did in life, although it wasn't easy at the time.

Great advice. I LOVE learning something new. Keeps your mind sharp. Peace

Not a car mechanic professionally or even as a hobby anymore, for now anyways. I no longer have a car I care about. But I do have experience fixing aircraft and now starting a career in law enforcement. This video opens my perspective. I got more time than I realize at 23.

100% agree. And like you say, change/learning oftentimes leads to happiness, not to mention overall improvement. No offense, but perhaps we might apply this attitude to the CA conversion away from small gas powered tools? Nothing ventured; nothing gained... Just my 2 cents.

Good advice, Eric. I'm not a mechanic but an enthusiastic amateur and fix cars for us, friends, family and people in need. A long time ago, I was frustrated with mechanics just swapping out parts so decided I could do that better. Being an engineer, a car is just another complex system so it behaves predictably. It is a science, not an art - thus can be fixed without throwing parts at it. Shooting a parts canon at a problem to me takes all the fun out of it.

Just sold my 90 gs Integra , went and picked up an Acura TL , very clean car, in and out , except the dashboard is cracked, everything else is pretty crispy still.

The digital cake confection look chocolately delicious , it was missing some digital ice cream 🍦 🍨.

I'm definitely the one in my back yard/garage just trying to keep family vehicles running. Wouldn't have it Any other way.

I build little odds and ends like that all the time. The first one was what I'll call an "adapter" to turn a floor jack into a transmission jack. Years ago, I blew the clutch out of my pickup on a Friday and needed the truck to get to work on Monday. I used some scrap lumber that I had laying around and it worked great. The funny thing is, I still don't have a transmission jack but I do still have my well used "adapter" and it still works great!

Thank you for what you do Eric. You are such a great man,i always get wiser listening to you! Cheers from Serbia 🛠️

Wow....a TED talk from ETCG. Love your approach to mechanical repair and your attitude.

I started wrenching on a recent purchase that is a mid-engine car. Lots of new things to learn. I just fixed some broken shift cables. The car is amazingly engineered and surprisingly quite enjoyable to work on. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from learning new things.

As a mechanic who has built quite a successful career with no formal training, I wholeheartedly agree with you. People who are too afraid to try something new will never get the satisfaction of that task being completed. On top of that, they will never know their true capabilities when it comes to troubleshitting and fabricobbling without stepping out of their comfort zone.

It’s rewarding at the end when you figure it out, and it’s hard at times but look how much you learned and saved yourself.. I have never had a car in the shop for repair, only front end alignments and tires.

I’m a cotton ginner and I fix a lot of stuff using my common sense, I kind of welded a few things and do wood furniture and buildings you gotta keep doing stuff to keep your brain young I don’t know who can dislike your videos , thanks for sharing your views and thoughts

I've been a highly active DIYer since 3 years ago, and have crammed about 8 years of experience into that time. Only about a week ago, I decided to start learning electrical engineering to design my own circuits (instead of tapping into existing ones) to add various things to my vehicles that I can precisely control; Additionally, it's only in the last 24 hours that I finally decided to start taking welding more seriously. I had previously done some welding on my vehicle out of necessity, but whenever ANY alternative existed, even if it was both more costly and difficult, if it was possible for me to avoid welding, then I would avoid it. Now that I'm actually learning and practicing it more, I'm finding a lot of repairs I had put off due to cost, risk, and fear of failure, are becoming pretty simple and cheap fixes that are a lot more reliable than the old ways I'd have handled them. So yeah, I can see what you mean by trying new things. Though I think many people will naturally want to do that as they become more comfortable in the areas they had recently been learning (or maybe I'm biased because that's just how I live.)

I always start my enthusiastic students to wrap a wire around a nail and get busy with electricity/magnet and how a car works, basic relay construction, input/output 12 volt theory.

17yrs in the field. All my friends who were in it, bailed and they all couldn't be happier. I'm soon to follow. Maybe I'll have time to complete some of my projects. Can never stop the itch for turning wrenches. Just not for a business owner who doesn't know how to.

You can't be afraid to fail...and worse can't be afraid for someone to make fun of you cause what you tried didn't work or it sucked. That's the way you learn. If you haven't failed you haven't tried something new.

I took your advice on the VCM deactivator. I bought 2 one for me and a family member. Car gets 35 on the highway now. It used to get 41 😆 I'm happy I got the svcm.

I have left a lot of jobs over the years from what you are saying, they wanted parts changers and i am always trying to move forward. if one is happy with being thats fine thats just not me

I'm a major DIYer however not certified by any means, but I've also been working on cars and trucks gas mainly, as that's what we owned, and a tractor diesel (farm equipment) here and there, for 32 years now, and I still learn, I love learning and even refresh or relearn something. As my pop once said only stupid people turn away from knowledge. Did I or have I made mistakes, oh and how, but I've learned over the years, once in a great great while I'll do something dumb, but it's so minor, like the time I was burping my coolant system after I replaced the radiator, got it all back to working order. The funnel bucket was about half full so I put the stopper in and removed it and lol got a funnel out placed it in the coolant container, and held the bucket over that and pulled the stopper. Sure it worked but very quickly it hit me, you idiot this thing IS a funnel, lol...in my defense I was a bit tired. But I make goofs like that not destroying the engine. Ahhh.....good times. And yes try new things. Like I'm going to try and repair my RE46 transmission come this summer, I've never done this before usually I get a remanufactured or new and slap it in....but it's already broke, so why not see if I can rebuild it myself? I believe very strongly that the clutch pack on gear 1 is all that needs to be replaced, but I'm going in anyway. I might as well while I'm here but careful not to fall into the trap of while I'm here....which I think we've all done at some point or another. Thanks EC!!!

Have a full time job. I try to make the 4 cars of the family run the best possible. During the past 20 years prices went totaly south at the dealerships heure. Found I can fix most things myself and keep learning and improving my skills and toolbox.

I'm a backyard mechanic with one too many projects lol, but I love it!

awesome motivation video upload. I always enjoy working on my own cars doing maintenance. my one car needs a clutch job and I never done such a job EVER. thinking of taking it on.

I love working on cars too, but let me tell you... I'd love it more if I didn't always have to do it in a parking lot or a driveway. For the most part, I have never worked professionally as a mechanic IN A SHOP, but sure would like to work on cars somewhere besides a driveway or parking lot. Maybe some day I'll be able to get myself a studio or my own shop...

I always say "Necessity is the mother of invention". U need it, u build it!

👍You rock! 🇺🇸☺ Eric is the first auto repair guy I ever subbed. If I lived in the same state, I'd bring him a case of his favorite. I'm just a shade tree mechanic, helping anyone that comes along. Thank you, Eric.

This message contains very valuable life advice - mostly as subtext. Often times the ETCG1 channel moves away from the technical side of auto repair, and centers on a more philosophical tone - this video is one of its best. It takes a careful balance to promote wellbeing and mindfulness whilst maintaining auto repair as a theme. Still the best on RU-vid. 🚘🔧😊

I’m a old Mechanic. 35 yrs experience. No Dealership. US Army 6 yrs. a transmission shop 1 yr. 2 different independent shops. Last 20 yrs my own shop. Don’t work on anything I don’t want to. No Corvettes or Euro trash. Even turned away a brake job cuz the lady wanted me to hang their pads only. ASE master tech. I to make some of my own tools. My wife calls them my Contraptions. I would like to quit & ride my Harley around the country

Congratulations! Your hard work paid off! I also started working on cars and went back to school to get a mechanical engineering degree. Never limit yourselves, you can do anything you want!