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This month I am 57 years old. Started repairing my own vehicles 2 years ago and have acquired many tools in the process. Need to decide whether to keep investing in tools to repair or take that money and save for a new car that does not need repairs. My age is the issue. Presently, it is becoming more and more difficult for me to lean over an engine bay and slide under a vehicle. How many more years will I be able to spin my own wrenches for stuff like brakes, cv axles, hubs and bearings, exhaust system repairs, valve cover gaskets, transmission fluids, rear main seals, etc? I do not have a lift.
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I remember this 90 year old man that used to work on his own car all of the time. I guess as long as your a physically capable. As far as getting into the career, I’d advise not.
My father in law still does engine overhauls, all sorts of repairs and maintenance on his cars as well as my wifes car. I let him because he wants to, makes him feel useful.
He’ll be 75 next march.
First, I’m 67 years old and am starting to feel the pains of aging. I’m not in really bad shape as I do go fishing on my boat and have a travel trailer for trips but it is starting to take it’s toll. On the plus side, I can still fit through the hatch of the boat!
Lately I’ve been acquiring more power tools to help with the aging process. I really love my battery drill/screw driver combination and really baby my 1/2″ impact wrench! My last acquisition was a battery powered circle saw. Also love my small battery screwdriver for the small jobs.
As far as wrenching on cars, I’ve limited my time to brake jobs, oil changes, spark plugs (but not on my van, that engine cover is a witch) and tire rotations which is soon to be handed over to paid help.
This is an age-old question. Not sure what that means but it felt right. Listen, if you’re feeling pain or knots or discomfort of anykind on your best day doing an oil change, it’s time to move on and buy a new car. The joy and reward of completing an automotive task crumbles in comparison to your long-term health. Listen to your body and do what it speaks.
I’ll be 52 in December and have been working on cars since I was 13. I don’t do it as a profession, just a hobby, but I enjoy the work. Depending on the job and tools at hand, the repairs could be physically easy or hard. I do feel the aches and pains, but usually not any worse that if I went to a gym to workout.
Lately, I have been having medical issues with ear pain and headaches to where I don’t feel much like working on the cars, so I have on these car related web sights trying to remain motivated.
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