How much does the average PHer really know about cars?

[rohrl]

I've a good theoretical knowledge and can do basic stuff like changing brakes, springs and shock absorbers, fluids and filters but I wouldn't want to take the head off my own engine.

[HD Adam]

When I was 13, I got a part time job in a garage where I learned the basics and started spraying cars.
Then, I did a proper apprenticeship in the garage trade when I left school.
Although my specialist part was auto electrics, for the Part III of the City & Guilds, you also had to pass exams in different subjects so I covered Engines & Drivetrains.
I got Distinctions in every subject all the way through and upon completion of my C&G III, I was awarded apprentice of the year for the highest exam marks in the East of England.

Since then, I've built a few cars and race my supercharged truck at RWYB which I have modified and do the EFI tuning myself via laptop (mapping).

I'd say my knowledge of what's going on is ok

[New POD]

Having been a manufacturing engineer in Automotive I know a great deal about MAKING :

a) the solenoid that sits on the side of the Lucas DPC pump circa 1990 to 2000
b) the Lucas Version of the Megane/Clio/safran/spider/trafic van column switch assembly circa mid 90's
c) Garrett's Variable Nozzle Turbo's and especially the one's on Fords, after 2000.
d) The Husco Hydraulic Valves on the Back of JCB's circa 2001 to 2007
e) the Lucas 'Colette' Front Caliper of which they were making about a million a year of in 1994.

I can also change the oil on every car I've ever owned, and know the mk2 cavalier inside out. (I managed to remove the scab that caused the itch a good while ago)

[crocodile tears]

New POD said:

Having been a manufacturing engineer in Automotive I know a great deal about MAKING :

e) the Lucas 'Colette' Front Caliper of which they were making about a million a year of in 1994.

[sherbert90]

rohrl said:

I've a good theoretical knowledge and can do basic stuff like changing brakes, springs and shock absorbers, fluids and filters but I wouldn't want to take the head off my own engine.

This pretty much sums up me.

[Captain Muppet]

The Crack Fox said:

"Cars" ? What is this "Cars" of which you speak ? Tell me more...

[averagePHer]It's a product group that supports the finance, insurance and legal industies. [/averagePHer]

[Devil2575]

I think most PHers believe everything they read on the internet

Mind you, that applies to members of most forums...

[Marquis Rex]

Recently quite a low level of knowledge displayed about cars.
I've seen the ignorant here argue on technical topics about their car with people involved with the actual design and development of said car and still not know how stupid they themselves they are.

Alot of the good , technical knowledgable people left the sight.
Have been replaced by those who buy new cars on finance for the best deal or by lentil munching Eco Warriors...

[benjfrst]

I’d rather talk football than cars to someone who has no technical or historical knowledge or biased / stereotyped opinions.

Edited by benjfrst on Friday 27th April 12:44

[Marquis Rex]

New POD said:

Having been a manufacturing engineer in Automotive I know a great deal about MAKING :

a) the solenoid that sits on the side of the Lucas DPC pump circa 1990 to 2000
b) the Lucas Version of the Megane/Clio/safran/spider/trafic van column switch assembly circa mid 90's
c) Garrett's Variable Nozzle Turbo's and especially the one's on Fords, after 2000.
d) The Husco Hydraulic Valves on the Back of JCB's circa 2001 to 2007
e) the Lucas 'Colette' Front Caliper of which they were making about a million a year of in 1994.

I can also change the oil on every car I've ever owned, and know the mk2 cavalier inside out. (I managed to remove the scab that caused the itch a good while ago)

Have a cigar

Now what about the OP original question?

[Devil2575]

I on the other hand, can change oil, brakes, coolant, thermostats etc and with access to the right tools have replaced a cambelt/camshafts and removed a cylinder head.

I undertand the basic mechanicals of cars but only tend to get to the know the finer points of the cars i own.

Lack of access to lots of speciallist tools or a decent workspace mean I still frequently pay someone else to work on my cars.

[J4CKO]

I know wayy too much, been learning about cars for 20 odd years, maybe longer, am fairly practical and will have a go at anything, if I don't know I ask, so probably more knowledgeable than 99 percent of the population but you always come across someone who's knowledge makes yours pale into insignificance, the guys that build project cars and actually follow through on their ideas.

[Pommygranite]

New POD said:

Having been a manufacturing engineer in Automotive I know a great deal about MAKING :

a) the solenoid that sits on the side of the Lucas DPC pump circa 1990 to 2000
b) the Lucas Version of the Megane/Clio/safran/spider/trafic van column switch assembly circa mid 90's
c) Garrett's Variable Nozzle Turbo's and especially the one's on Fords, after 2000.
d) The Husco Hydraulic Valves on the Back of JCB's circa 2001 to 2007
e) the Lucas 'Colette' Front Caliper of which they were making about a million a year of in 1994.

I can also change the oil on every car I've ever owned, and know the mk2 cavalier inside out. (I managed to remove the scab that caused the itch a good while ago)

I bet you still have an unused condom in your wallet from 1988.

[geoffers360]

Been a car nut for years and had a host of old bangers so happy crawling through a breakers yard to get bits to fit (or bodge to fit). General servicing / cyl head rebuild / suspension / brake etc. work I am happy with and I do this on my '98 Jeep Charokee (next job is to drop the transfer case / gear box to replace the front seal once the weather is better). If it is out of action for a week, so what...

My main car I get the Garage to do the work currently.

[chibbard]

My working history consists of 4 year BMW apprentiship plus many more years working for a BMW main dealer carrying out every type of repair possible including installing air conditioning from scratch to new vehicles (I really must share some of the stories I have experienced over the years at some point). I done approx 10 years as Technical Author on Ford/Jaguar/Land Rover vehicles (writing workshop manuals and labour time study development). For the last 5 years I've been working in IT support contracting to Ford supporting their well known Ford website including building and distributing their well known service DVD's. I'm responsible for deployment of certain software too to dealers. Therefore, I consider myself pretty knowledgable when it comes to cars/bikes etc... PS Most of the stuff written on PH is complete crap and as long as you treat it as that you'll be fine !!!! (awaits being flamed with abuse). Hahaha !!!!

[fozzymandeus]

I can mix a mean Martini.

[Sub5s]

Some people on here leave the impression that they'd already be challenged by stacking up Lego blocks, yet talk like they could design and build their own car.

[Triumph Man]

You should have put at the top of the poll "PHers know and understand the BMW E-number system."

Seriously though, I don't get why people bemoan using E-numbers on here. It's a car enthusiast site FFS. I'm not a knob because I know what they mean.

[Kozy]

I have a seriously OCD obsession with how mechanical bits work, particularly brakes. It drives me nuts when people give advice on brakes when it is clear that their knowledge on the subject only goes as far as 'I stand on the pedal, the car slows down'.

Otherwise I've done pretty much all mechanical jobs bar rebuilding a gearbox and and engine. I got as far as taking them to bits, then got scared.

Oh, and I can design my own car.

[qube_TA]

I know how they work conceptually.

Most involved DIYably I got was a rebuild on a small block Chevy, springs, shocks, bushes, brakes, starters etc.

But wouldn't claim to be able to fiddle with any car, but know mine fairly well.