Auto Makers Can't Seem To Make Enough

Last night I had to partake of what most would deem a very simple task, changing spark plugs. Except the act was anything but simple. A dip stick and coolant reservoir stood in the way of my ratchet. To remove the original plugs we had to get around both items. After some help from my father and one of the craziest ass wrench setups you've ever seen, we fanagled the final plug out from behind the coolant bottle. We still had 3 more plugs in the rear of the engine which required removing the air filter.

Then, it donned on me. This engine was intentionally built to be difficult to work on. Granted, it was a V-6 stuffed under the hood of a 4 cylinder car, but it was done so by the manufacturer. Additionally, this isn't the first car I noticed was a pain to work on.

Nope, my 1987 Ford Escort had it's quips. Such as to adjust the timing chain, you needed a special wrench that only Ford makes that will set you back (at that time) $75.00.

Despite an abundance of Chiltons manuals for do-it-yourselfers, auto parts stores that can get you anything from a serpintine belt (another awful invention, by the way), to a transmission, Auto makers seem to try to kick it up a notch with each new car they design. Problem some 3rd brake lights that are permanently fastened with steel brackets to their housing, oil pans located next to major eletrical circuits which will shower sparks on you if you aren't careful when using the oil filter wrench, and to top it all off cute little signs all over your new car "Please see a dealer for service." Right, like if I need a pro to work on my car I'm going to to the one guy on this planet that will molest my wallet. Um... No.

Oil changes, light bulb changes, and tune-ups are not something you should need to visit the dealer for. And if every yahoo on this planet did visit the dealer for these mundane items, people looking for service on warranrty problems would never be seen.

I'm not sure what the mind game here is the auto industry is playing with us, but I am sure it should stop. It's pointless and people like myself will never go to Mad Charlie's Used Chryslers for a lightbulb.