Ever wondered what car maintenance through the ages was like? It’s come a long way from basic tools to today’s high-tech auto shops. Here are a few fun facts about how car maintenance started and evolved:
Early Drivers Were Their Own Mechanics
In the early 1900s, cars were rare and auto shops were even rarer. Drivers had to fix everything themselves, often with just a wrench and maybe some pliers. If something broke down, you were expected to know how to repair it, or you’d be stuck!
Gas Stations Did More Than Just Pump Gas
When gas stations first popped up in the 1910s and ’20s, they were one-stop shops for car maintenance. If someone needed a tire changed, an oil refill, or an engine check, gas station attendants handled it all while filling your tank.
The 1950s: The Rise of the Mechanic
As cars became more complex, specialized mechanics emerged to handle the growing needs of car care. In the ‘50s, it became common for people to take their cars to “the mechanic” for regular maintenance instead of doing it all themselves.
Oil Changes Became a Routine Thing
By the 1970s, oil changes had become part of a regular maintenance schedule, not just something you did when you remembered. Drivers started being told to get oil changes every 3,000 miles, a habit that’s still around today.
Computers Changed the Game
In the 1980s, computers started showing up in cars, and mechanics had to learn a whole new set of skills. Diagnostics became easier, and mechanics could use computers to find and fix issues more efficiently.