On this week’s episode of Grease the Wheels, we explore the idea that not many jobs have gotten harder over the past 110 years. We find ourselves in a spot where were getting paid less but doing and having to know a lot more in order to successfully do our jobs as mechanics. Early on, knowing how to fix cars was necessary in order to own a car, but the cars have gotten a lot better over the past 110 years. However, this degree of difficulty compounded when there are more brands, new systems, and things that the government makes mandatory such as engine computers and rear view cameras. Now we know that the basics don’t change because you cant really change the laws of physics, but the sheer volume of additional features even on cheap basic cars have made the job significantly harder for mechanics across the board. Despite all of this, the pay has not increased commensurate with the amount of knowledge required to do the job. This is only going to get worse as electric cars become more mainstream, but the fact remains the same: If you’re a technician you need to increase your skill level and making yourself more valuable. Because when your current boss won’t give you a proper raise, you can give yourself one- by greasing the wheels.
Also Uncle Jimmy conceptualizes backup cameras on Ford Pinto’s- so you can watch what’s going to cause your car to burst into flames in 1080p, and discusses the anti-theft properties of the three-on-the-tree manual transmission.
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