A mental point where being illiterate with cars feels like a mental nightmare, trying to match international friends and their abilities. Or maybe I am too demanding on myself.
I lack the ability to change lug nuts. Maybe it is the technique, maybe it is the lack of correct tools, maybe its…
I normally do my work around 4AM because of the stuffy weather, so the only groups present are western folks and the odd eastern (who perhaps spent the night doing something car-related digitally). They almost always have appreciated tips and tricks that go… not a long way but very juicy fruit for thought for my to-be fruits of labor.
Every now and then do I think, “Hey, knowing people internationally is pretty good” but I feel the ensuing mindset of a rat race, and I sit disappointed as I feel like I’ve seemingly missed the starting line somewhere because of my inability. Being with international groups outside my already tiny bubble in Singapore does make me feel left behind constantly (where automotive is concerned).
I have friends who are not yet 20 with Civic Type Rs, with mechanical knowledge and know-how to setup his car, go to track and have deep pockets to repair parts on a whim for more trackdays. Or other friends within the same age range with a host of nineties saloons in his portfolio who is stumped at my inability to take off my wheel.
I’m two – trying to figure out if I’m far behind – and how long can I keep at this struggle. Four times the charm, or eight?
Its strictly not just friends overseas but some great friends locally – I can only interpret it as knowing the top 10% and comparing their wealth (in this case skills) and my bankrupted account of know-hows.
which is worse when I’m writing on this website. I think we’ll have more disclaimers around about here being an unprofessional website – I’m sorry for normally writing like a brainwashed toddler.
This post will probably not resonate with anyone – I know owning a classic or a “yesteryear” car is already a dream while I’m staring into another. I really want to be hands-on and technically literate to work on my own car safely and to be less dependent on other people, but I’m definitely struggling to get somewhere.
You will likely have differing views on this – my perspective is extremely skewed by the my personal position and trying to rush my dreams and ideas without correct preparation.
~Efini
Read more: Fuel for Thought: Parents, view my reflection on my early car-life
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