I raised two sons. The oldest was exactly like you; he had untold opportunities to learn basic mechanical repair & maintenance. He would just find any excuse not to do it. He had access to a car I owned during his high school/college years, with the stipulation that he maintained it properly. When it stopped running, of course he came to me, and it was obvious that it had been neglected. So I told him that I would fix it, but he had to help. It was a big job which required that the engine be removed. Of course, he found every excuse not to help, and when he did, he was less than enthusiastic about learning. After I fixed it, he was all enthusiastic about getting "his" car back. I never let him drive it again.
My youngest son, completely different story. He bought his first vehicle before he was licensed to drive. An old truck that needed repairs to make it safe and reliable. We fixed brakes, steering & suspension components, etc. Fixed electrical gremlins. I showed him how to fix a leaking intake manifold. I still can picture him sitting on the inner fender wrenching away. He drove that old truck through high school. One of the few high schools, BTW, that still offers auto tech classes. He took two years of that and excelled at it.
A tale of two sons, with the same opportunities to learn, with two completely different outcomes. Guess which brother asks the other to fix his stuff?
BTW, is your name Kyle?
