Are You Ready for Some Hot Rod Home Schooling? Class is in Session!

For many of us, our hobby has helped us get through all this crazy “social distancing” stuff. Our garage has become an even more important oasis of happiness than before. At certain times, it may have even become a hideout from kids who are home from school ALL. DAY. LONG.

But should it be?

We’d argue now’s the perfect time to share your passion for cars with the next generation…or at least teach them valuable DIY automotive tricks. So, if you were running a sort of home school auto shop for beginners, what are some of the first things you’d teach?

We asked that question via Summit Racing’s Facebook page, and fans helped us put together a curriculum for our #HotRodHomeSchool class. We’ll be sharing the top six lessons over the coming days, but we did want to share some of the initial comments below:

“Basic tools and how to use them and put them away when done…when taking something apart, take pics with phone and put small parts in plastic bags and label them…take time to work out problem and have patience and not throw tools or parts.” — James L.

“Nowadays learning to use a multimeter is critical.
Learning to find out where to get information online or in manuals is also a good lesson. — Mike E.

“How to take your time and not get frustrated when things don’t come a part easily. Also how to cleanup your tools and the shop when you’re done for the day.” — Sean P.

“1) How to use tools. 2) How to take care of your tools (they will take care of you!). 3) Patience with will and determination to problem solve.
— Tod T.

First 3 things:

1. race cars run on money.
2. pick a career that will allow you to afford race cars.
3. don’t be afraid to ask questions — Kevin O.

“How to handle a wrench 🔧, turn a screwdriver without stripping the head on a screw, when and where to use pliers, before any job under the hood.” — Baudelio J.

“Getting tools, putting tools away and grease points and fluids changing.” — Tristan K.

“Not to tighten bolts so tight they break.” — Phil H.

“My dad taught me to do an oil change check my brakes and the most essential of all car maintenance- fluids. Its actually scary how many people don’t know where or how to check water oil and tranny fluid levels.” — Cassie N.

“Patience.” — Robert S.

“The first 3 jobs an aspiring gear head should learn are :
1) how to change a flat tire.
2) how to change oil and check fluid levels.
3) how to drive and park ( including racing ).” — Scott B.

“For starters…1. What, where, and how tools work.
2. How to check oil.
3. Top off windshield fluid.
4. Check air pressure in tires.” — Paul S.

“Regular maintenance:
How to do brakes.
How to check fluids.
How to change a tire.” — Brian H.

“I like to turn them loose taking apart junk, just basic bolt turning, and a few scraped knuckles.” — Dennis D.

“How to do a good wash.” — Andrew M.