Why do so many people treat me like a weirdo for taking care of of my car?
Posted by E2A6S@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 204 comments
“It took you a year to find your car??? I found mine in a week”
“Why can’t I eat in your car?”
“Why do you always park in the back of the parking lot?”
“Why do you wash your car by hand?”
“Why don’t you use the window washers at the gas station?”
“Why do you drive so slow (aka not tailgate mfs)?”
“Why would you spend money on parts for your car?”
“Why don’t you drive the speed limit in the dark? Why do you have to drive so slow?”
“Why don’t you just take your car in to get the oil changed?”
“Why do you waste time moving your tires around (rotating them)?”
“Why did you buy a car 3 hours from here? I found mine right in town.”
“I didn’t slam the door that’s how I always close them.”
“We really have to go around that dirt road?”
“Why do you clean the engine (just under the hood in general) that’s so pointless you can’t see it?”
“Why do you have to let your car run for a few minutes before you leave?” (As opposed to just hopping in furring it off and being at speed limit in 20 seconds)
These are all very real questions I have been asked by so many people. They treat me like I’m insane for properly maintaining my vehicle that I spent my hard earned money on. I love my car, it’s not the fanciest, it’s not the fastest, it’s not what you’re going to pick up babes in, but by God I still love the thing and I enjoy it staying in as best of condition as I can keep it.
MEINSHNAKE@reddit
I get it, but this list is at least 50% cringey.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Like?
MEINSHNAKE@reddit
The whole warming up your car thing has been beaten to death, driving it calmly is best unless it’s -30*C.
I assume you vacuum your car so why shouldn’t you eat in it?
Took you a year to find a car? Must have not been looking very hard.
You give people shit for slamming your car door? It happens, get over it.
You will go around a dirt road?
And it kind of sounds like you’re just a slow driver.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Vacuuming doesn’t remove grease stains from suede seats
Looked at every local dealers website as well as car guru, auto trader, and every site like them every day
It happens but so does respecting someone else’s property
Drive slow? Yes, I drive about 5 hours a day for work, seen enough shit to know better
Grongebis@reddit
Itll be a shame when you have to scrap a mint condition car due to catastrophic engine or transmission failure at 225k miles (like every car) and you didn't even get to relax and enjoy food in it.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Food is fuel, I don’t stop and eat shit McDonald’s I take care of myself. Enjoy your burgers in your car tho lol
Grongebis@reddit
Oh i will. And so will my passengers. Enjoy your rice cakes or whatever.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Enjoy being a fatty
Grongebis@reddit
Contrary to popular belief, one can enjoy food in their car and still maintain a calorie deficit.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Sure, you can’t eat 2000 cals worth of skittles a day and lose weight as well. Doesn’t mean it’s healthy
Grongebis@reddit
that's cool and all, except nobody is eating exclusively skittles. or mcdonalds, etc. The problem most people have with "eating healthy" is that they eliminate so much stuff from their diet that they become deficient in certain nutrients. The true problem is lack of exercise and activity.
according to google AI: To burn 2000 calories by walking, a 5'10", 170lb, 41-year-old man would need to walk approximately 23.7 miles.
that is my calculations, and as you can see, somehow I'm not fat and definitely don't walk 24 miles a day.
Turbosporto@reddit
Man it’s funny how much hate you getting. If we don’t like your rules we don’t have to ask for a ride am I right?
Mike312@reddit
FWIW I'm with you brother.
GF decided to carry stuffed mushrooms in the front seat to family dinner the other night. Slipped and a few went wild. Got the mushrooms out, but now I've gotta pull the seats out to get the grease off the center console, seat, and carpet.
Took me about a year of searching for my current daily. 6 months of seriously searching, by which I mean I had an old laptop with filters and everything for specifically what I wanted and range filters for the entire west coast sitting in the kitchen. I'd wake up in the morning, pour a bowl of cereal, and hit refresh on every tab. The car I got was the 4th I saw, was 492mi away, and I took a flight the next morning to go get it.
I hate when people slam my doors, and especially the trunk. The doors close so gently, you don't need to do that, please respect my property.
And yeah, I'm the guy in the electric blue sports car driving the speed limit. Seen tons of accidents or people doing dumb road-rage bullshit, but also fuel efficiency and the environment are a concern. My car gets 35mpg on the freeway; I'm not interested in a Prius (though the new ones look good), I just want something quicker, RWD, manual, but still gets decent MPG.
ethnicman1971@reddit
Did you want a specific model, color, drivetrain, etc? If so then I can see looking for a long time for a car. If you are just looking for a car and are not so particular, then it shouldn't take so long.
Mike312@reddit
Specific model and color, manual, with a sports package option. About 1 per month was appearing at the time as they came off lease/warranty.
But I know plenty of people who walk onto a car lot and go for the first thing they test drive.
ethnicman1971@reddit
And both things are fine. You knew exactly what you wanted and had the means to wait to get exactly that. I looked for 2 weeks to get an idea of what I could get in my budget, went to the dealer and got what I liked within my budget in 1 day. Didn’t care what color as long as it was understated.
HandMadeMarmelade@reddit
Are you driving under the speed limit? Because I've driven across and up and down the whole United States and all slow drivers do is cause other drivers to road rage.
Drive the speed limit. If it's that big of a problem for you, you could exclusively drive on residential side streets.
switchblade_sal@reddit
Driving under the speed limit especially on the highway is incredibly dangerous because it is an unpredictable behavior as far as other drivers are concerned. I’d argue you are more likely to cause an accident going 10mph under the speed limit than over bc you have control when coming up behind another vehicle but if your going 10 under another car coming up behind you is expected you to be going a similar speed and can easily misjudge safe distance.
texas1st@reddit
I've actually been stopped in Dallas many years ago (30?) for doing the speed limit on 635. The cop told me I was going to get myself or someone else killed if I didn't keep with the traffic flow.
Turbosporto@reddit
After my first trip to Dallas I was impressed how many cars were going 100. And, strangely enough I saw a crash every 5 miles. That was 40 years ago. Never got pulled over but some of the locals were obviously irritated to have an out of state Civic on their roads.
Prestigious_Army5457@reddit
Everyone down voting you has nasty cars for sure lol
toefungi@reddit
100%
I got my car from many states away and hand wash it and change my own oil and I have never had people be annoyed at that and flabbergasted as to why.
This post is weird.
Also the driving under the speed limit because it's dark out? Wtf?
Br0boc0p@reddit
All that tells me is that he has poorly adjusted headlights and overdrives them at the speed limit.
Misterndastood@reddit
That or he needs glasses. Never heard of slowing down because it's dark.
CaptainWaders@reddit
You have to give the lights time to travel to light up what’s in front of you. Light travels slower than Ops car /s
exenos94@reddit
Eh I'll drive slower on a damp dark night but normally I'll agree. Some conditions just make It suck to see no matter what
cookie-ninja@reddit
I drive as soon as my revs come down, within seconds or if it's -40c (I live in Canada) I have to wait up to a minute.
Just don't beat on it until it's at operating temperature
imothers@reddit
Yes, if a few people ask it might be them. If a lot of people ask, there's a pattern forming, maybe OP is overly cautious or fussy or whatever. I buy my cars to use them, and have some fun along the way. I don't abuse them, but I don't keep them in a museum under glass either. I sometimes eat in my car, but I keep it clean. Nothing makes a car dirty like going camping... I used to have a Camper van and boy did it get dirty. Some of our best family trips and memories were in that van - it was totally worth it.
HandMadeMarmelade@reddit
Yeah the driving slowly thing is annoying me lol
Jxckolantern@reddit
The value of money is lost on most people nowadays. Spend 60k on a car and within 20 minutes theyre in the mcdonalds drivethru smoking a cigarette.
Blows me away.
Keep doing you, if people / friends dont respect you, why are they around you?
Civil-happiness-2000@reddit
Some people are making conversation..maybe they are just interested in you and you aren't easy to talk to and a car is easy conversation?
Educational_Panic78@reddit
I’m finicky about what I like in a vehicle so when I’m ready to buy one I’ll patiently wait until I find what I want, then I’ll keep it for many years. Once I have one I really like, I just enjoy keeping it meticulously ridiculously clean and well maintained. I have a 26 year old GMC Yukon that looks better than a lot of people’s 2-3 year old cars they’re not even done paying off.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Yeah same here. Only reason I was looking to buy my current car was because my 2010 was starting to rust under the rear doors, wanted it gone before that really took off.
Took me just under a year to find my current car. Looked every day for about 15 minutes. Looked at maybe a dozen cars and said nah it’s just not right. I limited myself to 2 makes, 2 trims, and 3 colors I would be ok with.
I know too many people who buy a new truck or car and say “I hate the color”
Turbosporto@reddit
Do you really have suede seats? Tell me the make and model please
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
It’s a fake suede, but you have to clean and care for them the same way. Ford Fusion sport
Turbosporto@reddit
I had a fusion. I think 2016 titanium it was pretty slick. Traded it in on 2010 f150. Honestly I wish I kept my cars a little cleaner. We do keep my wife’s 428i pretty clean though.
I used to drive A LOT and every now and then I would clean out the car. I called it doing archeology. Ah memories!!
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Nice! When you’re driving a lot it’s hard to keep it clean at times I get it. Luckily after moving my commute went form 20k miles a year to about 4k so I only spend 30 minutes in my car a day, so it stays clean
Educational_Panic78@reddit
I had a moment of weakness and compromised on color one time because the car had the 6 speed manual I wanted. Then the color bugged the shit out of me every day for 7 years until I got something else. I learned my lesson.
jmartin2683@reddit
Seems like you probably care about it way too much
blacktickle@reddit
Why do you care what people say lol
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
I don’t necessarily care, just upsets me that I don’t make fun of people who DONT take care of their stuff so don’t make fun of me lol
blacktickle@reddit
I hear ya but yeah like seriously who gives a shit what they say, regardless of what you say to others… also that’s a really high number of comments you have gotten from people lol are they all from different people?? Very strange
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
A lot of them came from my girlfriend’s parents. They’re kinda odd, but they like me. Her whole family is so God damned smart and it felt like they were trying to belittle some of what I said (which they asked about
blacktickle@reddit
Ooohhhh now it’s all making sense lol yeah I can see why you’d be annoyed now! I’m sorry they sound a little insufferable lol
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Her mom has a masters and sort of acts a little pompous, never afraid to give her input about anything.
Her dad is honestly so funny, he seems dumb honestly but if I was ever going to a trivia night he’s my first call. Guy knows so much random shit
Turbosporto@reddit
Ask her why she couldn’t get her PhD
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Lmao no shot, I’m still working on my 2 year haha
Substantial_Rip_5486@reddit
There's properly taking care of your car and then there's this, they're not the same. Your car your rules but yeah you'll get some funny looks when you're that obsessive
eoan_an@reddit
You have passion, in a world that is so dead such a thing is no longer appropriate.
Enjoy your car!
Reejerey1@reddit
Honestly, I’d hate you. It’s one thing to care about your car, and another to be a jerk about it.
TheOneRickSanchez@reddit
Not driving the speed limit in the dark is pretty crazy imo. Do you have vision issues?
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
I’m learning this must be a regional thing. There’s are a shit ton of deer here, guy I know has hit 6 in the last 2 years. Literally everybody I work with has hit at least 1 in the last 5 years
Josh5459@reddit
i live in northern minnesota and my car has these really handy things called lights, they even have the option to get brighter if nobody is in front of me!
Turbosporto@reddit
I’ve seen handy little deer in MN too. Once…on Highway 2 east of Floodwood I saw a very tall deer slowly crossing the highway. Only when I got close enough I realized it was a wolf. So fucking tall I actually pulled over to get a better look at it but lobo wasn’t gonna wait for me to catch up.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Good try. Those things leap out of the brush on the shoulder in an instant, it’s not about seeing them, it’s them not seeing you
M100Pilot@reddit
I highly recommend and infrared camera in your car. It's built-in to mine, but you can buy them that mount on the windshield like a radar detector. You can see every warm body lurking in the trees.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
That’s actually pretty sweet I’ll have to YouTube that
M100Pilot@reddit
Here's a real-world example of how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2CgMPrXtUU
Key_Speed_3710@reddit
Sounds like you need to invest in some decent lights
TheOneRickSanchez@reddit
Damn. No you're completely right, I just wasn't thinking of those types of roads when I responded. In my region roads like that are rare.
often_forgotten1@reddit
“Why don’t you drive the speed limit in the dark? Why do you have to drive so slow?”
I knew this was going to be somebody that can't drive
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
It was from somebody who has hit 6 deer in the last 2 years
NickFurious82@reddit
Those that don't live in deer country don't realize the terror of driving in deer country.
I hit one 20 years ago and I still get weirded out when I drive through that section of road.
Turbosporto@reddit
My Dad scooped one up with his saab into his windshield. Totaled
Key_Speed_3710@reddit
Get a bullbar
often_forgotten1@reddit
Uh, at that point he's just hunting with a car
mordolycka@reddit
LMFAO
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
I actually respect the hell out of the guy. He works his ass off and makes like $120k a year before overtime. He says he rather buy beater after beater before driving slower lol
AffectionateRock176@reddit
You sound obnoxious dude if people really say all of those things to you you’re prob going a little overboard
Stock-Inspector4704@reddit
Fast fashion has crawled its way into many industries. Actually, taking care of your stuff in a way that will make it last for generations isn't normal anymore
SuperheatCapacitor@reddit
Total agree. I work in service in HVAC and it blows my mind. Places won’t sign a reasonable maintenance contract, then their units last 15-20 years instead of 30. Now they are spending more money to replace a system than if they just had their maintenance. I imagine cars are the same. All these people would take one marshmallow now instead of two marshmallows in ten minutes if we evaluate them on Stanford Marshmallow Experiment standards
Stock-Inspector4704@reddit
Yeah, you imagine correctly, its the same for everything. Maintenance is key for long life. So um, you offering marshmallows or are you just here to give the rest of us sweet tooth cravings?
Stock-Inspector4704@reddit
GIVE ME MY MARSHMALLOWSSS!
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Lots of people act like taking care of an object is beneath them, like they couldn’t be bothered to waste their time or efforts
REBELimgs@reddit
I think this goes both ways. Some people are obsessive. I eat in my car but I also clean it. Some people go far in either direction.
Misterndastood@reddit
Same here my interior looks brand new. I detail it every week. I eat in it and don't do anything particular to keep it clean, just wash it by hand and detail every sunday.
BearvsShad@reddit
Cars are typically the second most expensive thing they own besides their house. Why would you not want to take care of that?
Emmmpro@reddit
Though if my anecdotal experiences are saying anything, people who takes shit care of their cars usually takes shit care of their house too
OkComplaint6736@reddit
A man who doesn't clean his shoes probably doesn't clean his ass, either.
Jack_Bogul@reddit
Thats me
nebu1999@reddit
Because it's not their car, or if it's their car, they didn't pay for it.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Exactly!
Stock-Inspector4704@reddit
Then they complain when it goes to shit. You do you. That car will take as much care of you as you do to it
Argylius@reddit
This makes me sad
Stock-Inspector4704@reddit
I'm sad too
skyHawk3613@reddit
What kind of car do you drive?
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Ford Fusion Sport
sl33pytesla@reddit
That’s why people ask you stupid questions
darklogic85@reddit
I just asked the same question in another reply and saw that you already responded here. That makes sense that you take care of it, and I would too. That's a pretty cool, and uncommon car. It's basically the SHO of the Fusion line.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
It’s an awesome car. Can outrun a stock charger or challenger from a dead stop I’ve seen dozens of times on YouTube haha.
My old man has a SHO, I basically got the mini version of it
Realistic_Award7721@reddit
The slamming the car door is the one for me
poopinion@reddit
You don't drive the speed limit in the dark? I've never heard of that before.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Wait actually? Maybe it’s regional. Tons of deer here
Misterndastood@reddit
Yeah totally. I didn't understand at first but yeah that's a valid reason.
Bfife22@reddit
The same way I don’t perfectly take care of my cookware the same way a chef would, and just buy a set from Target or wherever without researching it. Different priorities.
Upset-Masterpiece218@reddit
Now I need to know what kind of car it is
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Nothing crazy like I said. Ford Fusion Sport. Nice looking, and fun car. It’s not much but it’s mine
Upset-Masterpiece218@reddit
Well now I am curious why it took you a year to find one
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
They only made about 11,000, so finding one withing 3 hours of me, with a clean carfax and low mileage was a chore
Upset-Masterpiece218@reddit
Well that's fair. Had no clue they were that rare
Joancontre@reddit
Not to sound like an dick, but what kind of car is it?
Timsmomshardsalami@reddit
Cringe
Comfortable-Will231@reddit
You’re confused
For example, there’s a difference between treating your homes carpet floor like normal. You avoid bringing red wine there, but you might drop a few crumbs on it that’ll be vacuumed up. Maybe you wear shoes on it but not all the time. Etc. maybe you spilled some water on it and use a paper towel to clean it up. It’s a regular carpet that lasts 7-10 years.
Then there’s people who ABUSE their carpets. Dogs, cats, children rough housing. Shoes and muddy boots worn all the time. The wear and tear is accelerated. Lots of stains. Lots of carpet pulling up from the ground.
Then there’s neurotic people like you. Trying to make carpet last 25+ years. Like it’s never been used. This is zero traffic. Zero shoes. Mayyyyybe used a handful of times each year with socks on only. Vacuumed on schedule every other week in perfect lines. Special treatment sprays and powders used to refresh the carpet fibers. 2 strategically placed air purifiers in the room to lower the dust on the carpets. Humidity set perfectly with both a dehumidifier and a humidifier.
No-Part-6248@reddit
Uhm get life ,, when you die they bury you under six feet of dirt ,,speak to a therapist not normal to be obsessed with a hunk of metal
prairie-man@reddit
Preach !
you're among friends now. let it all out, and get it out of your system.
hell, I've purchased cars 2500 miles away - flew out and drove it home.
don't let them get under your skin - do what makes you happy.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Nice to meet someone like minded!
prairie-man@reddit
you are far from alone.
Thanks for your post. Compared to you - apparently, I'm blessed, because.... while I exhibit behavior that is contained in all of the questions asked by people YOU know... I am surrounded by car-people who think the same way as you and I.
you need new friends. lol I'm kidding (maybe).
What we need for this post going forward - are clever smartass responses to the questions in your original post.
I'll start.
“Why can’t I eat in your car?” answer: why can't I poop on your front porch ?
keithrc@reddit
If you can't tell the difference between food and poop, please don't ever invite me to dinner.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Haha no kidding it’s nice to meet some like minded people. Luckily I get my car care brain from my old man.
And no, greasy french fry hands all over my car and knobs and seats? I’d rather they DID poop on my front door
willmaineskier@reddit
I’ve been driving my car for 10 years and 219k miles and I still park at the end of the lot (also for more exercise) and do not eat anything messy in the car. Mc Donald’s or similar is eaten in the restaurant.
BSCA@reddit
In that situation, what do you do about temporary plates? I've done it but not super long distances.
prairie-man@reddit
good question. The answer it depends. for the 2003 BMW 525iT: purchased in Portland from a Toyota dealership as a new car tradein. Thee dealer put a temporary paper plate on it for the drive back to OKC. For the 1988 BMW M3 and BMW 633CSi purchased in California several years apart - California plates stay with the vehicle. Drove them back to Wichita KS, then nailed the Cali plates on the garage wall. For the M5 purchased in TX - seller let me drive home on the plate it already had. For the chevy truck purchased in Alabama - drove home to Indiana with a plate removed from one of my vehicles. For each and every example, I had paperwork with me, proving the vehicle was insured in my name, and the title, bill of sale, etc.
Southtxranching@reddit
I shoot for a million miles from all my daily working trucks, usually reach at least half of that.
Chile_Chowdah@reddit
If you drive below the speed limit no matter what time of day, you're a fuckin asshole.
Intelligent-Pass4089@reddit
Totally relating. I ran into tiktok video some time ago that speaks to my soul summarizing that car is more than JUST a car.
https://www.tiktok.com/@altparts/video/7485402150848171306?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7478338709240202774
Some people just do not get it. Others get it so deep.
Nutz4hotwheels@reddit
People are just lazy and don’t want to put effort into caring for things.
drcigg@reddit
Those are the same people that always have car problems or get new vehicles because they don't maintain them. They hear a noise or are warned of something failing yet they continue to drive it. My dad was a mechanic for 45 years and this was a daily occurrence in the shop. The amount of people that just don't do oil changes is insane. Cars would be towed in with a broken tie rod or Axel. And of course they were warned by my dad this needs to be replaced soon. But they kept driving on it and in the end it cost them more money with the tow.
Your car will be paid off and they will still be making payments.
Unlucky_Reception_30@reddit
Depends on the car. If you're doing this for a cool or unique car that's not super common, I get it.
If you're doing this for a Kia, those are disposable, and I understand people's frustration with you
teleskier97@reddit
Let’s see…because I bought this baby new….in 2009 and it’s been paid off longer than any of my friends have ever even owned a car. Still looks good for living in upstate NY its whole life and only being garaged about 1/3 of the time. Starts every time and id feel comfortable driving her to California.
My response to that is “I buy it, pay it off and drive it as far as she’ll go”. I don’t generally get any negative comments…possibly cuz I often end up doing routine maintenance for their cars like oil, brakes, coolant. I’m the guy they go to when they don’t know what’s wrong with it. Mechanic charging you $1,500 for brakes all around? Nah, here’s what to pick up at auto one for about $350. Bring it over and I’ll put them on while you’re grilling me a nice steak dinner.
Mr_Slippery@reddit
Yeah, I was with you up until not being willing to drive the speed limit in the dark. Proper car care is one thing, driving like a grandparent is another.
RKEPhoto@reddit
Driving slow <> taking care of one's car. Driving too slow is just as likely to cause an accident as driving too fast.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
I still burn the carbon off don’t worry
HandMadeMarmelade@reddit
You're making other drivers angry for no reason. If you're that nervous, maybe you shouldn't drive.
laccro@reddit
Unfortunately we live in America and that’s not an option - my wife is very nervous driving, which is honestly reasonable with how dangerous it is. But it’s the only option. We live in a walkable area but there are still many necessities that are inaccessible by anything but a car
We lived in Europe for a few years and didn’t drive a single time. But in the US, what else can she do? Not have a job or social life?
switchblade_sal@reddit
It absolutely will. Driving 5-10 mph under the speed limit can and will cause an accident especially on the highway. It’s not about the speed it’s about being unpredictable to other drivers.
switchblade_sal@reddit
All of these make sense except driving under the speed limit at night. You should just drive the speed limit bc driving slower than that is an unpredictable behavior as far as other drivers are concerned and being as predictable as possible and following general traffic rules is surest way to protect yourself and other drivers.
A quick anecdote, I was driving on a highway with a 70 mph speed limit and an old man was doing about 50 in the left lane. I was doing about 75 so if was doing the speed limit I rationally expected to slowly gain on him when in reality I ended up closing on him so much faster than I expected that I had to swerve to avoid rear ending him and almost spun out and ended up in the median or worse.
Driving under the speed limit is only safer in the sense that you have less kinetic energy but far less safe when considering other drivers.
mowerman5@reddit
I clean my car every day washed and waxed all the time it makes me happy and proud
Background_Guess_742@reddit
A lot of people nowadays are just completely uneducated when it comes to cars. I've met people who literally don't know anything about cars except that they drive it and put gas in it. They could have completely bald tires and literally have no idea what that means if someone told them.
NuminousNewfoundland@reddit
You spent a year finding a Ford Fusion, or did you recently get a new car? Because I can’t imagine taking that long to find a good example of something that common if you were using all of the tools available for car shopping.
Also, I’ve driven 300,000 miles in my lifetime, many of them for work. I still drive the speed limit at night. Either your eyes need to get checked, your headlights/tires/brakes are trash, or you’re being unnecessarily cautious. Modern cars are quite over-engineered to handle speed limit conditions if you’re keeping your distance properly from other cars, and truly know how to handle your vehicle. If people did it just fine before ABS, TCS, and ASC were a thing, I think you can manage. After all, driving too slow also makes you a hazard on the road.
Most things there I would agree with, but for some of these you’re walking on eggshells with your car in a way that ends up being counterproductive to the reasons you’re doing so
mynameisranger1@reddit
Making my car look great is very satisfying work for me. I clean things that the car washes don’t touch. Then I get to admire my hard work for a couple of days before the next dust storm. It’s definitely not for everyone.
-t-h-e---g-@reddit
As a driver of a 50 year old Plymouth, I feel this,
“Why are you always working on that old car?”
Because it’s called preventative maintenance, something you should learn about seeing as you are pre-diabetic and are on your 3rd car before 20.
This is something we were all taught in the 7th grade shop class, if you take care of your shit, life is nice, if you don’t, the shop teacher will tell you you’re a dumbass and you’ll get a chunk of bandsaw to the face.
Aloha-Eh@reddit
I do run my car through the car wash. Then I wipe it down, and vacuum, then clean under the hood, then wipe the wheels and done.
I honestly don't care what anyone else thinks. They can treat their own vehicle any way they want, they have fuck-all to say about me or my vehicles.
Josh5459@reddit
hey more power to u but i hope u arent using the touch washes, if ur going through all that other effort then why r u scratching the fuck out of ur paint yaknow. not saying u are just hoping u arent
Josh5459@reddit
wait why dont u use the window wiper’s at the gas station?
Josh5459@reddit
also what year is your car that you let it warm up for a few minutes? wait for the rpms to drop below 1k at idle and cruising around town until ur at operating temp is actually better. unless u have a classic then u do u bro i definitely get it
Shroomboy79@reddit
Cuz they don’t get it bro. Both my cars are older than I am and I’ve seriously requested to have somebody beat the piss out of my Honda at my funeral and then bury me in it. Take care of your car because you love it not because other people do. Let em question away if they want to and just tell em you love your car. Somebody gets it
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Amen brother. I hope somebody truly honors that wish of yours
Shroomboy79@reddit
I really do to. I will have that car till the end of my life wether it’s rusted out or not
ktmrider119z@reddit
You forgot the cardinal sin. Dont touch or lean on painted parts that arent handles!!
Drives me absolutely up a fucking wall when someone leans on a painted surface of my car then acts like im weird for telling them not to. "Oh ktmrider is suuuuuuper protective of his car" well yeah, its the most expensive thing i own besides my damn house and i want to take care of it. Then they start talking about how it depreciates and its not worth anything anyway. Yeah, it aint worth much, but it's mine, i like looking at it, and scratches/dings are annoying to me.
Blockade10040@reddit
Fuck em
Robie_John@reddit
Dude, it is just a car.
abstracted_plateau@reddit
I can't remember the last time the windshield washers at the gas station were clean.
edwardothegreatest@reddit
What’s wrong with gas station squeegees?
Cammoffitt@reddit
I assume OP doesn’t want it to scratch their windows, when they are damaged sometimes the metal can poke through and scratch their windows shit out of your windows, also they hold all the dirt, depending on the buildup it can be like taking sand paper to the glass, it sounds like they probably wash their car often enough to never use one anyway.
Strange-Term-4168@reddit
Weird fr. Its just a car. Relax a little
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Just a car lol
For 99% of people that’s the most or second most expensive thing they own
Strange-Term-4168@reddit
That’s sad lol
Cammoffitt@reddit
Because we live in a throw away society where people are too stupid to bother learning about how to take care of things and then too stupid to learn how to fix it themselves so they just get a new one.
Disturbed_Bard@reddit
I was with you till the driving slow part.
Get your eyes checked
Jesterhead89@reddit
It's weird for them because they don't have any concept of taking the slightest care of theirs. Simple as.
itisntmyrealname@reddit
just tell them they can drive their own cars if they have such an issue with how you treat yours. people are kinda dumb and you can’t really do anything about it.
slowwolfcat@reddit
Why do you have to drive so slow?
motstilreg@reddit
Lol! I hear you friend. Yes, I took forever to find the perfect specimen of the exact thing I wanted. Yes, I would like it to stay perfect forever. Yes, I will be very sad if something happens to it.
SliC3dTuRd@reddit
Most people don’t take care of their stuff. I get asked these questions too. I love having a nice ride and sacrifice to keep it that way 😂
lolnicememebroseph@reddit
You sound like a lot of fun
TR1771N@reddit
Do people actually ask you this shit?
PollutionOld9327@reddit
They have no respect
darklogic85@reddit
Yeah, I take care of my car too. It's a significant investment and makes sense to maintain it well and reduce the amount of wear and tear and damage it incurs.
Just curious, what kind of car do you have? Having to drive 3 hours to get it makes me think that it's something less common. I've driven to other states to buy cars, and it's usually just because I can't find one of the model and trim I want, in the condition I want, any closer. Sometimes you have to drive a bit further to get exactly what you want.
HeatherDarling24@reddit
I was just saying today that once I get my new one that I will be buying myself, without help, and paying for without help, that I'm going to invest in liquid glass for the outside. I'm going to find and get a vehicle I want and not just one I can afford. So I'm definitely going to put in the extra effort, like you, to take care of it. And...how often are they buying vehicles? Probably more often than you. Pay them no attention. Some just can't appreciate things that others of us work for and take care of because they didn't have too.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Nice! I hope it goes well for you. I bought my first car 9 years ago, and most recent maybe half a year ago
Mean_Farmer4616@reddit
It depends on the car. What do you drive. If you're doing this to a Kia Rio, then yeah wtf. If you have something that's more than just a disposable car then I can agree with everything except for driving slow in the dark.
mordolycka@reddit
Driving under the speed limit in the dark is insane, i'm sorry (unless you are on a country road with dense forest on other side, worried about an animal darting out). The rest of it is very valid, and the questions are asked because the average person does not take care of their car whatsoever.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Country roads with tons of deer
HandMadeMarmelade@reddit
Country roads that aren't dirt roads but have so many deer that you have to drive under the speed limit?
Huh.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Found the city guy
mordolycka@reddit
Yeah that makes total sense.
op3l@reddit
Sounds pretty pedantic to be honest.
Prestigious-Dig-3507@reddit
There's taking care then there's over the top . Which category do you think your in . avoid driving down a dirt road. That's weird. . Do yourself a huge favour never buy a black car trying to keep that clean will break you. Had black once was glad to see that gone.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Had a black car never really got that dirty, not like white lol I’ll never own white.
I wouldn’t say avoiding a dirt road is bad, always full of potholes and shit around here but maybe I’m crazy
HandMadeMarmelade@reddit
White cars hide dirt remarkably well, though.
Prestigious-Dig-3507@reddit
Not really much point owning a car if you can't use ..not saying abuse it . But if your not driving down a dirt road cause car will get dirty. Mmm maybe you have a problem
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Not just dirt, gravel leaves scratches, potholes can cause worse than a flat tire
FerociousSmile@reddit
A number of those questions are eyebrow raising. And not towards the person asking. It gives me the impression you might be really frustrating to be around while driving (either as a passenger or another car on the road).
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
lol alright
Dunoh2828@reddit
Everyone who knows me, knows to respect my cars. No earring in the car, ect.
Never had an issue or complaint. Just depends who you surround yourself with.
toefungi@reddit
This post is so bizarre to me, OP must talk about his car non stop to get this many questions about why he does these things.
He has to just be repeating that he drove 3 hours to get his car until someone asks him about it, so he can explain why and then make this post.
When I have told people I bought my car from the other side of the country no one looks at me crazy and asks why, they all understand it was a specific model I wanted that wouldn't be available nearby, without me needing to explain that in detail, what kind of people don't get that?
No one questions why I change my own oil, do my own work, they know that I am a car guy and like to do those things.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
I sort of phrased this post like they’re upset or mad at me, usually it’s more confused or slightly annoyed
AMZ88@reddit
To people like that, driving is seen a chore and the car means as much to them as a toaster.
GOOSEBOY78@reddit
Because they arent car people.
Car people know the sound of the engine makes when you get the up shift/down shift just right.
Or how you sound deadend the whole interior so that the sounds you spent good money on sounds like you spent 1000s more.
STERFRY333@reddit
"why don't you get something newer?"
*death stares back at them*
congteddymix@reddit
“Why don’t you use the window washers at the gas station?”
“ We really have to go around that dirt road?” “Why do you clean the engine (just under the hood in general) that’s so pointless you can’t see it?”
Ok not to nitpick but there is a fine line between taking care of your vehicle and being insane about keeping it looking like brand new. Especially detailing the engine compartment, if anything I am pro not cleaning it so you don’t damage important electronics or get water in the engine, a little dirt on the engine is not going to hurt anything(I mean if the engine is full of gunk then you have an oil leak that needs to be fixed, cleaning the engine bay after a fix from an oil leak is not a bad idea).
But even refusing to use the window clean at the gas pump(if it’s damaged or something again different story) is just insane, and not going down a dirt road cause your worried about a stone chip? I have a saying for this, your letting the vehicle own you, again nothing wrong with taking as best of care of it as you can but those three quote questions you posted right there tell me that your letting the vehicle own you.
If you get a stone chip then get some touch up paint and touch it up as soon as you notice it, a perfectly functional window cleaner is not going to hurt anything.
OWN THE VEHICLE, DON’T LET IT OWN YOU.
Ps drive slower at night is kind of a dick move also if your in heavier traffic.
Draco-REX@reddit
For most people, a car is another appliance. So they will treat it the same. It will assume to work forever until it doesn't. Only clean the outside so it looks good for guests/strangers.
throwaway007676@reddit
People have no respect for their stuff. They just get another one.
Any-Article-9264@reddit
I looked for 6 years finding the 240sx I liked. I just like cars, thankfully my wife is understanding, but yeah, some people don’t appreciate stuff we do. For them it might be computers. Ask them why they clean the inside of their computer since they can’t see it next time lol then maybe it will click for them
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
That’s a good point, and a funny response lol
Double-Efficiency538@reddit
I get it. “We” get it. They never will.
Vaeevictisss@reddit
Why don't you use the window washers at the gas station? Ugh, cause i don't want fucking e coli or brain eating amoebas or some shit all over my car.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
I’ve seen people pour the last of a soda or coffee in there before like they either are a jackass or don’t know it’s not for that. Just seeing that once is enough to change you
KittiesRule1968@reddit
I finally had to give up my 2003 Forester XS daily driver at 509,000 miles after an engine compartment fire. Pissed me off because I was trying to keep it for the rest of my life. I put money into good quality oil, filter, trans fluid and trans filters (both of them) all oem quality or better. I put all but the first 6 miles on that car and I got so many miles from it because of "going hog wild fixing that ridiculous car" whilst friends and family members have owned 3 or 4 cars in the time I've owned this one. My previous car was a 1994 Saturn SW1 that had 496,000 miles, sold only because it was finally time for an engine rebuild and replacement of all of the hvac and sensors required with the company just gone out of business.
Recent_Permit2653@reddit
I think it’s weird to people not only that you maintain what you have, but that it CAN be maintained. I don’t think folks realize that when the U.S. was coming up in the world, we still patched clothes, maintained cars, etc.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Buy new is why so many people are struggling tbh, take care of what you have
Past-Apartment-8455@reddit
I would rather be driving my MX-5 than washing it. And I didn't get it to drive slow
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
By drive slow I mean like just commuting and being careful, not when you get a nice open stretch with no one around lol
Overall_Meat_6500@reddit
When you take care of things, they tend to be worth a hell of a lot more when you decide to sell them.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Just sold my 2010 with 200k miles for 3500 because it was spotless besides the rust starting to come in
skinisblackmetallic@reddit
What kind of dipshits are you hanging with?
Rastaman1761@reddit
You realise that most people don't have that kinda mindset. Like other comments, to them it's just a means to get around.
I've always driven older vehicles and treated them almost as if they were brand new. Didn't abuse them, hand washed more often than not, and did a lot of preventive maintenance. Because of that, I've only had one that kept giving issues, and that was because the previous owner(s) didn't take care of it at all. Newest vehicle I've owned is my current, bought it at 6 years old. Still have it 5 years later and it's still going strong. Usual wear and tear, and a few original parts failing (thermostat, alternator, front wheel bearing) but it still runs strong because I take care of it.
Ok-Anteater-384@reddit
Good job, highly recommend your ideals
9Randolph@reddit
Though I broadly agree with all the "people don't care" comments, I recommend offering folks a little bit of grace. They might just not know. Most people aren't ever taught how to maintain a vehicle, so cut 'em some slack and take it as an opportunity to educate them.
As an example, my kids thought I was picky for detailing the engine. Then I explained that cleaning is preventative maintenance and a great way to find problems early. Once they understood why I did it they were totally onboard and wanted to help.
Slave_to_the_Pull@reddit
This is reflective of people's attitudes toward vehicles: "As long as it takes me from point A to point B I don't care."
Which is fair, but they don't treat their automobile like the expensive and valuable possession that it is.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
Yeah your point is valid. Cars cost a lot of money, and protecting it makes it last in cases years longer. More bang for your buck
DisastrousFootJob@reddit
I mean it's a pretty simple answer really. They just don't care about theirs that much.
Everything you listed has a counter that makes their lives easier. I agree with almost everything you listed but I can see why they would think it's pointless to do all this extra stuff. The biggest one being hand washing your car, I hand wash mine bi weekly but damn it would be so much easier to just drive it through the auto wash.
ChopCow420@reddit
I have a 2003 Dodge Grand caravan with 250k miles on it, and I am still asking mechanics about trying to fix shit on it. They all think I'm absolutely nuts.
E2A6S@reddit (OP)
That was my first car! Engine failed at 300k, was a total POS haha. Props to you